CNA938 Rewind

The haze’s return to Singapore has led to people feeling hot from the heat, and bothered by the eye and throat irritation spells. For some, things aren’t helped by the need to commute to work amid these conditions. It’s hazy, would you rather be working from home during this period? Daniel Martin discusses further with CP Tham, Co-Founder and Human Capital Risk Consultant, Just HR. He’s also a chartered psychologist.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While some of us head to underground malls, MRT stations, and connectors to escape the haze, could the air quality in those places be worse? Daniel Martin finds out from Dr Bowen Du, Assistant Professor, Department of the Built Environment, College of Design and Engineering, NUS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Max Bondurri, Founder & CEO, SGMC CapitalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Air quality improved across Singapore on Wednesday (16 September). Daniel Martin looks at what’s driving the changes, and how everyday activities can affect the air quality inside our homes. He speaks with Professor Rajasekhar Balasubramanian from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, NUS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks with the two Executive Producers of the award-winning The Violinist, an animated Singapore feature film co-directed & created by filmmaker and animator Ervin Han. Justin Deimen and Leonard Lai discuss the main behind-the-scenes stories. Michael Lim from Animation Nation reviews the film and explains what it means to Singapore.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Packing for a holiday often means planning outfits for the weather, but skincare is usually treated as one routine for every destination. Cheryl Goh speaks with Prachi Saini, Founder of Singapore Girl to look at how changing climates, humidity and temperature can affect our skin and comfort, and why travel skincare may need to be more mindful of the environment we are moving through. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Viva Lavender brings modern tapas, wood-fired meats, steaks and wine together at its Lavender Street home. Cheryl Goh speaks with Bryan Ang, Restaurant Manager, Viva Lavender, and Colin Peh, Head Chef, Viva Lavender to find out how its team sources its meats, develops its European-Asian flavours and responds to changing expectations from diners. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the night’s biggest surprises to what separates good television from Emmy-worthy television, Hairianto Diman and Susan Ng unpack this year’s winners, whether the awards still reflect what audiences love, and how much an Emmy matters in the streaming era with Dr Nasya Bahfen, Senior Lecturer, Department of Politics Media and Philosophy, La Trobe University See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's (16 Sep) markets analysis on Open For Business, Hairianto Diman and Susan Ng speak with Jun Bei Liu, Founder and Lead Portfolio Manager, Ten CapSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Haze has returned to Singapore, putting the spotlight on how households can protect themselves from poorer air quality. Hairianto Diman and Susan Ng look at how effective air purifiers are against haze, what to consider when choosing HEPA filters, when filters need replacing and what you can do to improve indoor air quality without a purifier with Prof Liu Zheng, Professor, School of Materials Science & Engineering, and President's Chair in Materials Science and Engineering. They also get an update on the haze situation with Assistant Prof Wang Jingyu, National Institute of Education, NTU Singapore and Principal Investigator, Climate Transformation Programme, at the Earth Observatory of SingaporeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI leaders are calling for development to slow down over growing safety concerns, while US President Donald Trump argues the US cannot afford to fall behind China. Hairianto Diman and Susan Ng examine how real the risks are — and whether slowing AI down is even possible with Deepika Giri, Head of AI Research for IDC, Asia PacificSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Tan De Jun, Portfolio Manager, FSM Global.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 10,000 people were sent phishing messages using an SMS blaster operated from a car. Daniel Martin speaks to Matthias Yeo, CEO of Cyber X Center, about how the technology works, why the messages can look legitimate, and how you can spot them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With OBS’ third and largest campus now open on Coney Island, more students will get the chance to take part. Daniel Martin speaks to Esther Foong-Tan, Family Life Education Specialist and mother of two, about whether OBS should become a rite of passage for every student, or remain a choice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of the biggest names in AI are backing calls to slow the development of increasingly powerful systems. Daniel Martin speaks to Sean Duca, Founder and Principal of The Duca Group, about whether AI has advanced too far to slow down, what a slowdown would actually look like, and how we balance its potential benefits against the risks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MO BAR has launched its first house spirit, a tropical Old Tom-style gin created with local distillery Distillius. We go behind the bar with Kim Jung Hoo, Bar Manager at MO BAR, Mandarin Oriental, Singapore to out how mango, mandarin and osmanthus come together in the bottle, and how the gin takes shape across different their cocktail programme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A HYROX athlete's decision to finish – and win – a race despite suffering bowel incontinence has sparked debate over sporting grit, hygiene and responsibility to other competitors. Susan Ng asks where the line should be drawn between pushing through adversity and knowing when it's time to stop. For that, she speaks with Nicholas Fang, former sport administrator, national fencer and triathlete. He's also Managing Director at Novastella, a sports consultancy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The shutdown of True Fitness and True Yoga has left workers searching for new jobs and raised fresh questions about the pressures facing fitness operators in Singapore. Susan Ng finds out the support available for the employees and the challenges facing the fitness industry with Sean Tan, President, Singapore Fitness AllianceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's (15 Sep) markets analysis on Open For Business, Susan Ng speaks with Dina Ting, Head of Global Index Portfolio Management, Franklin TempletonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil markets face fresh pressure after attacks knocked out Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline, a key alternative to the Strait of Hormuz. With Brent and WTI crude above US$100 a barrel and fuel prices rising, Susan Ng examines how vulnerable global oil supplies are and what prolonged disruption could mean for Singapore and Asia with Jaime Brito, Executive Director, Refining and Oil Markets, Dow Jones Energy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Houthis’ latest advance is raising fresh concerns about regional security and global shipping. Daniel Martin speaks to Malminderjit Singh, Founder and Managing Director of Terra Corporate Affairs, about the shifting balance of power, the implications for Gulf states and what could happen next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRICS leaders wrapped up their summit in New Delhi with a show of unity despite divisions within the bloc. Daniel Martin speaks to Malminderjit Singh, Founder and Managing Director of Terra Corporate Affairs, about what brought its members together, where differences remain, and BRICS’ growing role in the global order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Thilan Wickramasinghe, Head of Research, Maybank Securities SingaporeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the closure of True Fitness and True Yoga in Singapore, Daniel Martin speaks with Debby Lim, Senior Partner at Dentons Rodyk and co-head of its Restructuring, Insolvency and Bankruptcy practice, about the considerations around giving customers advance warning when a business is facing closure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Youth Digital Pulse Report captures how young people experience social media and online harms. Daniel Martin speaks with Bryan Ong, Co-Head of Advocacy at the YouthTech Institute and Principal Investigator of the report, about what young people want from parents, schools and platforms, and what safeguards they believe could work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro speaks to the organisers & musicians involved in iNDiE PRiDE, a concert celebrating those who’ve shaped Singapore’s independent music scene. Organisers Denise Dolendo from The Substation and Lion City Rock / The Oddfellows’ Patrick Chng, as well as Francis Frightful from Opposition Party discuss this one-day event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hormonal changes, stress and lifestyle factors can all affect our skin, often with an impact that goes beyond appearance. Cheryl Goh speaks with Su-Mae Chia, Founder and CEO of B/Skin to explore the link between skin health and overall wellbeing, common misconceptions about skincare, and how busy adults can build simple, sustainable habits to support healthier skin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than US$60 trillion is expected to pass to millennials and Gen Z in the US by 2048. Cheryl Goh speaks with Melvin Deng, Chief Executive Officer, QCP Group to explore how younger investors could change investment decisions, whether digital assets will gain a greater place in family portfolios, and why regulation and custody remain important.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore rap pioneer and entertainer Sheikh Haikel reflects on his decades-long career, the milestones that shaped him and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Following his recent stage four colon cancer diagnosis, he also opens up about the overwhelming support he has received from fans, friends and fellow artists across the region in this interview with Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Middle East conflict dominated discussions at the BRICS summit in New Delhi over the weekend. But efforts to ease tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have hit another hurdle. A meeting between Iran and Gulf Arab states in Oman, scheduled for Monday, has now been postponed. Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman speak with Nader Hashemi, Associate Professor of Middle East and Islamic Politics, Georgetown University, for the latest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's (14 Sep) markets analysis on Open For Business, Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji speak with Christina Woon, Head of Core and Income Equities, Eastspring InvestmentsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media users are transforming selfies into 1980s-style portraits using generative AI. But behind every image is real computing infrastructure consuming electricity and water. Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji unpack how much energy AI image generation can use and why viral trends magnify the environmental impact with Ian Chew, Founder, Greenie WebSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Max Bondurri, Founder and CEO, SGMC CapitalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hundreds of luxury goods forfeited in Singapore’s $3 billion money laundering case have been up for auction and they’re just the first batch, with more auctions to follow through May next year.From designer handbags to fine jewellery and, later, luxury watches, perhaps all this has got you wondering whether there’s a bargain to be found. Daniel Martin discusses further with Jonathan Tee, Founder and CEO, Passions Auctions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A law that will giving the police powers to order service providers to share information and disable scam accounts was passed in Parliament on Wednesday (9 September). Daniel Martin finds out more from Alexander Woon, Lecturer, School of Law, SUSS, and Consultant, LVM Law Chambers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

StarHub’s 5G Wellness Festival returns to New Bahru for its biggest edition yet, with two days of creativity, movement and play. Cheryl Goh speaks with Toi Chia, Chief of People, Organisation and Communications at StarHub to find out what’s on this year and explore different ways to find a little more balance between life online and off. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

National canoeists Brandon Ooi and Soh Sze Ying have built a life together as teammates, partners and parents. Cheryl Goh speaks with them to find out how they balance elite sport, marriage and family life, and what their journey on and off the water reveals about teamwork, communication and resilience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cavern Restaurant at Mandai is marking its first anniversary with a refreshed menu and a new after-dark arrival experience. Cheryl Goh find out how Singapore’s first cave-themed restaurant brings together dramatic surroundings, contemporary Western cuisine with Asian flavours, and open-flame cooking for a dining experience built around adventure with Head Chef Sheng Lim, and Amanda Liman, Vice President of Business Development (Projects).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speaking up to the boss can feel risky, especially when no one else is saying anything. Cheryl Goh speaks with Nat Fetalvero, host of CNA’s Work It podcast to find out how employees can raise concerns constructively and how managers can make it safer for their teams to be honest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore remains an attractive target for terrorist elements, with conflicts in the Middle East adding to the threat and online self-radicalisation remaining a key concern. Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman speak with Dr Graham Ong-Webb, Adjunct Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, to unpack ISD's latest threat assessment, why youths are particularly vulnerable and why early intervention matters. He's also Senior Advisor, Geopolitical & Regulatory Risk, Asia Pacific at Kroll.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's (11 September) markets analysis on Open For Business, Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman speak with Mel Siew, Head of Asia Public Credit, Muzinich & Co.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASEAN's landmark Digital Economy Framework Agreement promises to make it easier for companies to trade, move data and operate digitally across Southeast Asia. But more than eight in 10 surveyed businesses either don't know about the pact or haven't assessed what it means for them. Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman speak with Bani Trehan, Managing Director, AI & Data at Accenture, to examine what's at stake and why companies may need to start preparing now. She’s also Vice Chair for the American Chambers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent Apple special event on Wednesday (9 September 2026) was dubbed the 'Surprise and Shine' event. Launch highlights included: iPhone Duo, iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watch Series 12, Apple Watch Ultra 4, and AirPods 5. It also marked John Ternus' debut keynote event as CEO. Daniel Martin discusses more with Bryan Ma, VP, Devices Research, International Data Corporation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest: Manish Saini, Investment Counselor, Citigold Private Client, Citibank SingaporeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The threat of terrorism to Singapore remains high, according to the Internal Security Department (ISD)’s annual Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report, which came out on Thursday (10 September). Daniel Martin breaks the findings down with Dr Kumar Ramakrishna, Professor of National Security Studies, Dean of S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies,and Research Adviser to International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research, NTU.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Natural skincare is becoming part of the wider wellness conversation, as consumers look for simple, mindful routines and products suited to Singapore’s hot, humid climate. Cheryl Goh looks at how homegrown brand Auolive is developing locally made skincare, and why caring for the skin can also be part of caring for overall wellbeing with Claire Au, founder of Auolive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI mistakes are one concern, but what happens when AI agents try to hide them? Cheryl Goh speaks with Neville Vincent, SVP & GM for Asia Pacific, Japan and China at Trellix, to look at new findings from an AI security breach, what coordinated agent attacks could mean for cybersecurity, and the risks consumers may face as AI becomes more deeply embedded in daily life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marymount Bakehouse is opening its second outlet at Upper Thomson with a wider sourdough-centred menu, from levain pies and handmade pastas to sourdough-crusted seabass and 15 rotating loaves. Cheryl Goh speaks with Jing Wen, Co-owner of Marymount Bakehouse to find out what diners can expect from the new space and its latest creations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UMNO's annual general assembly comes as the party looks to build on recent electoral gains and prepare for Malaysia's next general election. Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman speak with Afifah Ariffin, CNA's Senior Correspondent, to examine whether the party can remain a key partner in Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's unity government while exploring cooperation with PAS, and what its next move could mean for Malaysia's political landscape ahead of GE16.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As more Singaporeans come forward with accounts of being approached over the Nanning pyramid scheme in China, Elakeyaa Selvaraji and Hairianto Diman examine how trust, social pressure and persuasive recruitment tactics can draw people in. They also unpack the psychology behind the pitch, the warning signs people may overlook, and how families can help someone who is already deeply involved. For more, they speak with Dr Reuben Ng, Behavioural and Data Scientist, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, NUS, and Shashi Nathan, Joint Managing Partner & Head, Criminal Litigation Practice, Withers KhattarWong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.