PODCAST · news
Deep Dive
by CNA
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.
Episodes
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Do civil servants need tighter safeguards against misuse of confidential information?
Eight public officers have been referred to the police following a Public Service Division review of 191 officers’ property transactions near then-unannounced MRT stations. While this does not mean that wrongdoing has been established, the case raises questions about the use of confidential...
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Why is dental care so expensive in Singapore?
Is the cost of dental care stopping Singaporeans from going for preventive checks or getting timely treatment? With almost 80 per cent of dental care provided by the private sector, those who cannot afford private fees may face longer waits for subsidised care. Tiffany Ang and Steven Chia speak...
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Renovation red flags: What to know from start to finish
Ghosted by your interior designer, left with unfinished renovation work or stuck waiting for your furniture to be delivered? For some homeowners, creating their dream home can quickly turn into a costly nightmare. So, what can homeowners do to protect themselves from renovation woes? What red…
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North-South Corridor delay: Was it avoidable – and can businesses survive the impact?
Another delay to the construction of the North-South Corridor means two more years of dust, noise and disruption for affected residents, businesses and pedestrians. For an engineering project of this scale and complexity, are delays simply part of the process or could more have been done to…
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Do racist comments online really reflect what Singaporeans think?
Recent controversies over the Nepal-Tibet floods and the debate over Singapore Airlines’ investment into Air India have once again put Singaporeans’ attitudes towards race and immigration in the spotlight. Does this reflect growing racist views in society, or is social media amplifying the racism...
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Buying food from livestreamers: Can you trust what sellers claim?
A convincing livestreamer, thousands of reviews or professional-looking packaging may make an online food purchase feel safe to buy. But none of these can tell you whether the food itself is safe. With more of our shopping moving online, have we become better - or worse - at assessing the risks?...
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Roxy Square incident: Have the rules changed on patting a child's head?
A pat on a child's head by an elderly man at Roxy Square, which led to a shoving incident, has ignited debate about how a gesture can be seen as friendly affection by one person but viewed as an unwanted touch by another. As social norms shift, how should adults respond when they feel that...
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Will more childcare leave and cash move Singaporeans to have more kids?
This year’s National Day Rally brought welcome news for parents. From additional childcare leave and lower childcare centre costs to increased financial support under the new Singapore Child Support Package, the measures signal a push by the Government to provide families with more sustained...
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Will AI replace musicians, artists and filmmakers?
Two AI-generated local films released over the National Day weekend sparked an uproar, with viewers calling them "AI slop". But in the age of generative AI when music, films and images can be created in minutes, what happens to the creatives who have spent years perfecting their technical skills?...
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Should we be rewarded for doing what's good for us?
From getting Healthpoints for donating blood to being paid for reading, Singaporeans are increasingly being incentivised to do what's beneficial for themselves and society. But when the rewards stop, will the good behaviour stop too? And could all these incentives make us a more transactional...
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Why teenagers become self-radicalised - and the warning signs to look out for
The recent arrests of three self-radicalised teenagers under the Internal Security Act (ISA) have sent shockwaves through Singapore, with attacks in schools planned in two cases. What makes young people vulnerable to extremist ideologies? And what more can parents, schools and friends do as the...
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Why are Community Care Apartments struggling to attract older Singaporeans?
The government has lowered the minimum age to apply for Community Care Apartments from 65 to 55 and cut the cost of the basic service package to encourage more take-up. But will these changes meet the needs of a fast ageing society that still want their freedom and independence? In this week’s…
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Faishal Ibrahim’s resignation: How far should politicians be judged on their private conduct?
The resignation of former Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Associate Professor Faishal Ibrahim, after Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said his interactions with a woman fell short of standards expected of a political office holder, shocked many Singaporeans. What do these standards look like in...
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Can Singapore’s dialects survive or are they becoming history?
The release of Chinese film Dear You has reignited the debate over dialects in Singapore after the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) approved limited screenings of its Teochew original version. Has the time come to rethink Singapore's approach to dialects, or are they destined to fade...
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Beyond regular checks, should nursing home inspection results be made public?
As Singapore becomes a super-aged society, more families are facing the difficult decisions about long-term care. But after two nursing homes had their licences revoked over serious lapses in resident safety and care, how can families know which homes to trust? Beyond regular spot checks and...
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Chan Chun Sing on keeping Singapore safe in an unstable world: 'We are not at war but neither are we at peace'
Singapore's security is not just built on military spending and might. With the security landscape evolving and the nature of warfare changing, what does it take to strengthen the country's defence? How can the state deter potential threats without unnecessarily raising tensions? In this week’s...
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What Pritam Singh’s re-election means for the Workers’ Party
Pritam Singh has been re-elected as leader of the Workers' Party after surviving a resignation call at a special cadres conference and party elections on Sunday. While the results appear to draw a line under years of intense public scrutiny, does it also come with higher expectations of his...
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Is the stay-at-home dad becoming Singapore's new normal?
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...
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When street art meets public complaints: Who decides what's allowed?
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...
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Are educators, fresh graduates and employers aligned on AI?
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…
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Singlish is thriving, but it's also changing. What does that mean for Singaporean identity?
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...
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Flash sales and countdown timers keep you buying - can we outsmart these tactics?
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…
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Why some Singaporeans are saying no to having children
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…
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Singapore's 'red line' on Strait of Hormuz is about survival and sovereignty: Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim
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…
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AI companions and chatbots: Friend or foe?
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…
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Why are younger workers leaving stable careers just a few years in?
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...
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The good and the bad of online reviews - and how to read them
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…
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War on Iran: The hidden costs for Singapore - and best/worst case scenarios
Countries are feeling the ripple effects of the Middle East conflict, some bearing the brunt more than others. Are rising food and fuel prices only the tip of the iceberg? What is the hidden fallout we should be watching out for? Is there a silver lining for Singapore in this crisis? Steven Chia...
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Impact of some businesses moving out of Singapore - and what it means for jobs
Homegrown companies like Yeo's and Tiger Beer maker Asia Pacific Breweries Singapore are shifting their operations to neighbouring countries and some jobs will be cut as part of the move. What does this signal about Singapore’s competitiveness in the region and what other jobs do we want to…
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Beverage container return scheme: Will 10 cents change how we recycle?
With Singapore's beverage container return scheme (BCRS) now underway, the next few months will test how well consumers, retailers and producers adapt to the new refundable deposit system. Will a 10-cent refund be enough to change recycling habits, or will convenience and confusion get in the…
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Singapore's restaurant closures: Why is it closing time for some in the F&B scene?
Running a business in Singapore is no easy feat, especially in the fiercely competitive F&B scene. For every outlet that closes, another quickly steps in. But does this constant churn signal a thriving industry or does it point to a growing challenge for local entrepreneurs competing against...
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Raise kids who can use AI, not rely on it: Janil Puthucheary
AI is already transforming the classroom by reshaping the way students learn and teachers teach. But as AI becomes more powerful, how do we protect space for original thought and creative thinking? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Senior Minister of State for Education Janil Puthucheary…
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Singapore's fuel stockpile for electricity 'enough to last for months' in a crisis: Tan See Leng
The war in Iran has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, leaving nations scrambling to secure their oil and gas reserves. For Singapore - which generates 95% of its electricity using imported natural gas - the timing couldn't be more critical. In the race to become an AI hub, our power...
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Crow shooting and wildlife control: How can we co-exist better?
Crow shooting is set to resume after an increasing number of reported crow attacks, highlighting the ongoing tension between humans and wildlife. If Singapore wants to be a City in Nature, what needs to change so that people and animals can co-exist peacefully? Tiffany Ang and Steven Chia unpack...
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War on Iran: Trump's goals and what's at stake
The joint attack against Iran by the United States and Israel has sent shockwaves across the Middle East and the rest of the world. Why did they decide on military action and how is Iran going to respond? How could the war impact the global economy? Tiffany Ang speaks with Dr Jean-Loup Samaan…
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Supermarket plastic bag charge: Why public trust matters in Singapore's sustainability push
Where does your five-cent plastic bag charge actually go? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang unpack Singapore's supermarket carrier bag fee after reports that some retailers used the proceeds for business operations. Cheang Kok Chung from the Singapore Environment Council and Professor Lawrence Loh from...
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Budget 2026: ‘We are all at the starting line’ – Minister Jeffrey Siow on Singapore’s AI journey
This year’s Budget placed a strong emphasis on jobs and AI, with the government identifying key sectors to propel the economy forward. But can workers keep pace with the shifting dynamics? In this week’s Deep Dive, Acting Minister for Transport and Senior Minister of State for Finance Jeffrey…
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Budget 2026: The big push for AI and jobs in a changing world
Jobs and AI took centre stage in this year’s Budget, with the government committing significant resources to ensure no Singaporean is left behind. What are the concrete steps to propel Singapore forward and can they help build a truly “we first” society? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with...
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Budget 2026 wish-list: Job opportunities for fresh graduates and AI for everyone
Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong will deliver his speech for Budget 2026 on Feb 12, addressing key concerns from cost of living to remaining competitive in a tough labour market. In this week's Deep Dive episode, Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with final-year...
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Living next door to conflict: Finding a way out of neighbour disputes
Living in a high-density society like Singapore makes friction with neighbours almost unavoidable. But with more than 90,000 noise complaints reported in the past three years, it raises the question: Are we becoming bad neighbours or are we less tolerant now? What can we do when misunderstandings...
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Will the Workers’ Party take up PM Wong's offer to name new Leader of the Opposition?
Following Workers' Party chief Pritam Singh’s removal as the Leader of the Opposition, the nation now waits to see whether a new nominee will step into the role. In this week’s Deep Dive, Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with Associate Professor Eugene Tan from the Singapore Management...
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Why aren't more Singaporeans using their SkillsFuture credit?
Lack of time, too many courses to choose from and a difficult to navigate website – these are some of the reasons why Singaporeans are not using up their SkillsFuture credits to upskill. But with lifelong learning now a national push to keep workers relevant and employable, is there a “right” or...
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US seizure of Venezuela's president: What it means for smaller countries like Singapore
US military strikes on Venezuela and the dramatic seizure of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife have sparked international outrage and discussions about a new global order. Where does this leave countries like Singapore? In this Deep Dive episode, Tiffany Ang speaks with Professor Joseph Liow…
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Best of: Students using AI - cheating or smarter learning?
The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) accused three students of academic fraud this year, saying that they used generative AI tools in their assignments. What are the limitations around AI use, when does it cross the line and is it time to rethink the way assignments are designed and…
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Best of: Silent expectations and fatal outcomes - the suicide risk men face
Singapore reported 314 suicides in 2024, with the sharpest increase among adults aged 30 to 39. Nearly two-thirds were men. What pressures do these groups face? And what are the warning signs? Otelli Edwards and Steven Chia speak with Dr Jared Ng, a psychiatrist and the former chief of emergency...
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Best of: Have rising commercial rents reached a tipping point?
Amid rising rents and growing competition, some Singapore businesses are closing down or relocating to cheaper premises. A local bakery in Siglap announced on social media it was moving out after its rent was increased by 57 per cent. Are commercial rent hikes spiralling out of control, or is…
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Best of: More elderly Singaporeans are living alone – should we be concerned?
The number of elderly Singaporeans living alone has doubled in the past decade. With Singapore on the cusp of becoming a “super-aged” society, the numbers will only climb further. While support systems exist, are they enough when an elderly person needs urgent medical help or even just someone to...
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New Lions head coach Gavin Lee lays out national football plan
After Singapore beat Hong Kong to qualify for the Asian Cup, interim head coach Gavin Lee was handed the top job, with a mammoth task – to turn Singapore football around. He reveals how he's staking his 18-month contract on a bold strategy to strengthen the Lions. Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang…
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Should Singapore introduce penalties for companies that mishandle layoffs?
When local bakery chain Twelve Cupcakes abruptly announced that they were closing and going into liquidation, about 80 employees were suddenly left jobless. Can more be done to strengthen Singapore’s employment laws without hurting our competitive edge? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang sit down with...
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Primary 1 registration: Can we stop parents from gaming the system?
A mother was recently sentenced to jail for faking her home address to get her child into a primary school, raising the question - just how far will parents go to secure a spot in their school of choice and how can we tighten the process? Steven Chia and Tiffany Ang unpack the pressures some...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
CNA
CATEGORIES
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How many episodes does Deep Dive have?
Deep Dive currently has 200 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Deep Dive about?
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.
How often does Deep Dive release new episodes?
Deep Dive publishes regularly with 200 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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You can listen to Deep Dive on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Deep Dive?
Deep Dive is created and hosted by CNA.
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