S3E5: Has the Singapore dream become harder to reach? episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 24, 2026 · 21 MIN

S3E5: Has the Singapore dream become harder to reach?

from The Business Times Podcasts · host The Business Times

By many measures, Singapore continues to perform strongly economically. Yet some Singaporeans feel their personal aspirations are becoming more difficult to realise. In this episode of Lens on Singapore, Claressa Monteiro speaks with Professor Wei-Jun Jean Yeung, director of Social Sciences at A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (A*STAR IHDP), and Associate Professor Walter Theseira from the Singapore University of Social Sciences. From unpacking the idea of the broad middle class to examining falling birth rates, they explore the factors shaping perceptions of the Singapore Dream today. Highlights of the conversation:  01:49 Problems with the middle class concept 03:45 Shifting expectations of what success is 09:13 Singapore’s low fertility rate 15:33 The cause of rising financial pressures --- Now, we want to hear from you! Send us your questions, thoughts, story ideas, and feedback to [email protected]. We’ll look into it for future episodes. --- Written and presented by: Claressa Monteiro ([email protected]) With Professor Wei-Jun Jean Yeung, director of Social Sciences, A*STAR Institute for Human Development and Potential (A*STAR IHDP); and Walter Theseira, associate professor, Singapore University of Social Sciences Executive producer: Claressa Monteiro Producer: Nicole Teo Coordinating producer: Chai Pei Chieh Video production: Studio +65 A podcast by BT Podcasts, The Business Times, SPH Media --- Follow Lens On and rate us on: Channel: bt.sg/btlenson Amazon: bt.sg/lensam Apple Podcasts: bt.sg/lensap Spotify: bt.sg/lenssp YouTube Music: bt.sg/lensyt Website: bt.sg/lenson Do note: This podcast is meant to provide general information only. SPH Media accepts no liability for loss arising from any reliance on the podcast or use of third party’s products and services. Please consult professional advisors for independent advice.  Discover more BT podcast series: BT Money Hacks at: bt.sg/btmoneyhacks BT Correspondents at: bt.sg/btcobt BT Market Focus at: bt.sg/btmktfocus BT Podcasts at: bt.sg/podcastsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jun 24, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

S3E5: Has the Singapore dream become harder to reach?

0:00 21:40

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The Business Times Podcasts?

This episode is 21 minutes long.

When was this The Business Times Podcasts episode published?

This episode was published on June 24, 2026.

Can I download this The Business Times Podcasts episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!