
Hosted by CNA · EN
Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang unpack Singapore news. Listen in as they take a deep dive into hot button issues that matter so that you are always in the know.

More Singaporean fathers are leaving the workforce to become stay-at-home dads and take on more caregiving responsibilities. Amid concerns about lower household income, slower career progression and higher cost of living, is this a realistic choice for most families? How should couples decide who stays home and who goes to work? In this week’s Deep Dive, Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Eugene Lim and Ryan Kong, two stay-at-home dads on the challenges and rewards of their decisions and what advice they would give to other dads who are thinking of making the switch. Are you an avid listener of the Deep Dive podcast? Share your thoughts on what you enjoy, how we can improve, what you would like to see in future episodes and stand to win a S$50 Grab voucher: channelnewsasia.com/cna-podcasts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A complaint led to the removal of power washing artist Marcus Pang’s street artwork on a pavement outside Mountbatten MRT station, sparking a debate on who gets to decide how shared spaces should be used in Singapore. Why do Singaporeans prefer to turn to authorities to resolve disagreements instead of talking to one another first? In this week’s Deep Dive, Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang speak with Pang, the street artist and assistant professor George Wong from the Singapore Management University on Singaporeans’ attitudes towards public spaces, social norms and navigating social differences. Are you an avid listener of the Deep Dive podcast? Share your thoughts on what you enjoy, how we can improve, what you would like to see in future episodes and stand to win a S$50 Grab voucher: channelnewsasia.com/cna-podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From 2027, all tertiary and ITE students will be taught AI skills relevant to their courses. But AI is already transforming classrooms and workplaces today, even as educators and employers scramble to keep pace. How can today's graduates stand out and prove they're AI-ready? Steven Chia speaks with Nanyang Technological University lecturer Ian Tan and university student Susan Khoo to discuss the gaps, expectations and opportunities in the AI era. Are you an avid listener of the Deep Dive podcast? Share your thoughts on what you enjoy, how we can improve, what you would like to see in future episodes and stand to win a S$50 Grab voucher: channelnewsasia.com/cna-podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent survey by the Institute of Policy Studies found a growing acceptance of Singlish among Singaporeans, with many viewing it as an important part of national identity that is worth preserving. But like any living language, Singlish is constantly evolving, shaped by new generations and changing ways of speaking. Does this signal a shift in what it means to be Singaporean? Steven Chia speaks with associate professor Tan Ying Ying from Nanyang Technological University and Dr Melvin Tay from the Institute of Policy Studies about how Singlish has changed over the years, and why change may not be something to fear. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three online retailers were recently flagged for using misleading marketing tactics known as “dark patterns” such as fake countdown timers or low-stock alerts designed to create a sense of urgency among shoppers. But when these nudges cross the line to become unethical or even fraudulent, how do we maintain a safe shopping environment? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Professor Sharon Ng from the Nanyang Business School and Liew Sai Ming from Behavioural Insights Team to discuss the psychology behind shopping habits and the challenges in outmaneuvering these rapidly evolving marketing tactics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's falling fertility rate is now framed as a national problem to solve. But for a growing number of couples, having children simply isn’t part of their plans. How have our attitudes towards parenthood changed and what does the rise of the "dual income, no kids" or DINK lifestyle say about the country's future? In this week’s Deep Dive, Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang speak with Alisa Chopard, a 39-year-old who has chosen not to have children, and 31-year-old Alicia Lim, who hopes to start a family soon, to unpack the pressures surrounding couples in Singapore today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the conflict in the Middle East drags on, Singapore along with the rest of the world, is feeling the strain: rising oil prices, disrupted supply chains and deepening uncertainty. Singapore has long prided itself on being principled, following the rules of the global order. But in a changing new world, how long can a small nation hold that line? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang speak with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim on why this issue poses an existential challenge for a maritime nation like Singapore and what’s being done to keep our waters open and running smoothly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Relationships are being redefined with AI chatbots on the rise. These digital companions are always available, always agreeable - but at what cost? And with the younger generation growing up as AI natives, how will this affect their ability to communicate and form relationships with another human? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Associate Professor Swapna Verma from the Institute of Mental Health and Associate Professor Jennifer Ang from the Singapore University of Social Sciences to unpack the pros and cons of forming close connections with our AI companions. WHERE TO SEEK HELP If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, please consider reaching out to one of the helplines below. Youthline: +65 6436 6612 (call), 8533 9460 (text) and over email at hello [at] youthline.sg (hello[at]youthline[dot]sg). Youthline provides free mental health support to youth via phone, email or a live chat service. It runs from 9am to midnight daily. Calls outside of operating hours are redirected to Samaritans of Singapore or the Singapore Civil Defence Force for emergency medical services. Samaritans of Singapore: 1767 (call), 9151 1767 (WhatsApp text) and over email at pat [at] sos.org.sg (pat[at]sos[dot]org[dot]sg). Samaritans of Singapore provides round-the-clock confidential emotional support for individuals in crisis, thinking about or affected by suicide. The call and text-based services are operational 24 hours a day, every day of the week. National Mindline: 1771 (call), 6669 1771 (WhatsApp) and through online webchat on the http://mindline.sg/fsmh website. This is a round-the-clock confidential national-level helpline. Beyond immediate counselling, those who require more support can be directed to the appropriate care and resources. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Employees in Singapore are prioritising work-life balance over pay and benefits, and younger workers are switching careers fast. With attitudes toward work shifting, how can companies and workers close the expectation gap? In a post-COVID world shaped by AI, the challenge is clear: how do we maximise talent, find meaningful jobs while staying competitive? In this week’s Deep Dive, Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with recruiter Lee Shulin from Aslant Legal and Edwin Tan from the Institute for Adult Learning to explore why expecting a 1990s-era commitment from workers is no longer possible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A restaurant recently faced a barrage of negative reviews which affected its Google rating. It sparked a conversation on how we leave and read online reviews. Are we too quick to criticise from behind our screens? And as consumers, are we able to tell the difference between thoughtful feedback and unfair criticisms? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Dr Elmie Nekmat from the National University of Singapore and online food reviewer Leong Yong Xin aka @foodbaby.sg, to unpack what it means to give and recognise an authentic review in a noisy digital space.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.