PODCAST · news
Plan B
by News Beat
🎙️ Plan B Media — Where conversations that matter come alive.Join us on the Plan B Podcast as we break down the week’s biggest news, ask the hard questions, and spark real talk that goes beyond headlines.Follow our conversations on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and Telegram (@planb.sg) , or dive deeper at www.planb.sg.🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@planbmediasg
Episodes
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#876: “Every School Is A Good School” But Are They Shaping Singaporeans Differently?
“Every school is a good school.” We’ve heard it countless times but is every school really the same? According to NTU’s Asst Prof Luke Lu, whose new book explores the experiences of elite students in Singapore, every school may be good, but they are certainly different. And those differences can...
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#875: Does The World Get China Wrong?
As China’s influence on the world stage grows, is China still misunderstood, even by fellow Asian countries like Singapore? Who better to unpack this than Yuanpu Huang, aka Yuan, the man behind Yuan Unpacks China, a platform that aims to help the world better understand China, from its people and...
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PLAN B #874: Are We Heading For World War 3?
He served in the US Marines, became a CIA case officer, and later ran for the US House of Representatives. Now, Adam Dunigan joins us to unpack the geopolitical tensions reshaping the world, from China’s rise as a global power to the growing rivalry between major nations. While Dunigan says a...
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PLAN B #873: Are Singapore’s Ministers Worth the Higher Pay?
At a time when companies are freezing hiring and wage growth remains a concern, news that ministers are getting a pay increase is bound to raise eyebrows. But is it necessarily unjustified? It’s the first adjustment in 15 years, and Singapore has long been transparent about how political salaries...
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#872: What Makes A Singaporean, Truly?
What exactly makes someone Singaporean? It’s a question that has resurfaced in recent years, but came sharply into focus after news broke of Singaporeans missing in the Nepal-Tibet floods. While many expressed concern, some were quick to question whether the victims were “really Singaporean”,...
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#871 Malaysia’s Politics Are Changing. Here’s Why Singapore Should Care
With Malaysia’s elections on the horizon, we’re bringing back a guest (and a requested one) who knows Malaysian politics inside out: Dr Nawab. From the rise of the conservative “green wave” to the resurgence of Barisan Nasional, Malaysia’s political landscape is shifting. And with...
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PLAN B #870: Are Singles Left Out By This Year’s NDR?
The biggest takeaway from this year’s National Day Rally? The Government appears to have hit the panic button on Singapore’s declining total fertility rate (TFR), rolling out more measures to support families. While parents may welcome perks such as more childcare leave and lower childcare costs,...
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PLAN B #869: Could a Youth Grant Change the Game for Young Entrepreneurs?
You’ve probably seen their shops around Singapore, and maybe even tried their viral candies. We’re bringing back Luqmaan and Haikkel from The SGFR Store, this time to talk about youth entrepreneurship in Singapore. With the Government’s recent SG Youth Plan and more young people taking the leap...
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PLAN B #868: AI Will Make Us More Efficient But At What Cost?
You’ve probably seen Koocester’s TikToks interviewing people with seriously nice cars. But there’s more to the brand than supercars. In our latest interview, he unveils a new side of his business centred around AI. With businesses increasingly turning to AI to streamline their work, Singapore is...
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#867 Singapore is 61. But are we still the same Singapore?
Our national identity was once built around survival: economic growth, security and simply making it as a young nation. But six decades later, perhaps survival isn’t enough. As Darren puts it, “a nation without a state, a state without a nation”, history and identity can forge something that goes...
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PLAN B #866: Less Babies, More BTOs… Something Doesn’t Add Up.
One of the biggest topics covered in Parliament this week was the planned clearing of Maju Forest and Gillman Barracks to make way for future BTOs. While many Singaporeans were disappointed after months of campaigning to save these sites, others argue that more housing is urgently needed. But…
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PLAN B #865: Did Singapore Overreact With the Massive Attack Ban?
Massive Attack’s ban from Singapore over their pro-Palestine concert actions has made international headlines, and once again, Singapore is being painted as the villain. But is it that simple? As foreign artists, they may not have fully understood Singapore’s laws, and some argue a fine or…
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PLAN B #864: Co-Living for Youths: Great Idea, Wrong Price?
$1,800. That’s the starting price of Singapore’s newly announced co-living units for youths aged 21 to 35. Designed to encourage independence and help young people build new communities, the initiative has already sparked criticism over its hefty price tag, especially when cheaper alternatives...
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PLAN B #863: Faishal’s Resignation: A Pity for the Malay-Muslim Community?
This week, one story dominated the headlines: Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim’s resignation. After Min. K. Shanmugam described Faishal’s messages to a female member of the public as “objectively inappropriate and questionable”, many were left asking what exactly was said. Yet beyond the questions, the...
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PLAN B #862: Singapore Has Free Speech, But It Isn’t the Same Everywhere
With Bloomberg and its reporter ordered to pay $230,000 each to Ministers K. Shanmugam and Tan See Leng, it’s worth asking: what does “free speech” actually mean in Singapore? While many Singaporeans consume Western media, free speech doesn’t work the same way here. Bloomberg relied on a UK legal...
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PLAN B #861: Can Hate Comments Actually Help Your Business? Ministry of Spud Thinks So
ou’ve probably seen Ministry of Spud’s loaded potatoes all over your feed, and the long queues that come with them. For founders Khalil and Nana, going viral has fuelled the brand’s rapid rise. But for Khalil, the online fame has also come with criticism, with some branding him a “bully” over his...
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#860: Harta, Amanah dan Warisan
Faraid selalu jadi punca pergaduhan dalam keluarga. Ramai fokus pada siapa dapat lebih atau kurang, tapi jarang kita fikir tentang amanah yang datang bersama setiap bahagian. Harta pusaka bukan milik kita selamanya. Jangan sampai harta yang ditinggalkan menjadi sebab hubungan adik-beradik dan...
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#859 Behind The Glamour: The brutal reality of the legal sector
Singapore’s legal profession is confronting a difficult question: why are so many lawyers choosing to leave? A recent study has renewed attention on the pressures faced within the industry and for young lawyers, the transition into working life can be overwhelming. Hostile work environments,...
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#858 Singapore’s Bureaucracy vs Art: Can Creativity Survive?
When Marcus’ PowerJet artwork outside an MRT station was reported to the police and subsequently whitewashed, the internet rallied behind him almost instantly. Much of the outrage was directed at the alleged “Karen” who complained, while others criticised SMRT, with some netizens speculating that...
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#857 Are Run Clubs the New Social Media Status Symbol?
You’ve probably noticed the surge of running groups across Singapore’s central districts in recent months. But long before it became the latest fitness trend, runners like Izuan were already building communities around the sport. Widely regarded as one of the OGs of the Malay-Muslim running…
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#856 Are We Witnessing a New Form of Racism?
A growing number of alleged China-originated videos targeting Singapore’s Indian community have drawn criticism from MPs, including Edwin Tong. Some see Singapore as culturally aligned with China because of its Chinese-majority population. But Singapore has long defined itself as a multicultural...
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#855 Is Performing the Azan in Secular Spaces Wrong?
When Nor Syazwan Abdul Majid performed the azan during his Malay Kampung Heritage Tour on Pulau Ubin, he never expected it would lead to a complaint and national headlines. The incident sparked a wave of criticism online, with some accusing him of “inciting religious tensions” or promoting...
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#854 Local SMEs vs Sam Heedy’s BrandTok
For the past week, marketing agency BrandTok has been making headlines, and not for the right reasons. Multiple SMEs have come forward accusing founder Sam Heedy of failing to deliver promised services, producing poor-quality work and going unresponsive. Today, we sat down with some of the most...
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#853 He’s Still a Student… But Teaching Kids for Free
24-year-old NTU student Sufi believes underprivileged students deserve equal access to education. That belief led him to found BrightGuides, a free tuition programme in partnership with the Muslimin Trust Fund Association for lower-income students. But beyond teaching, the work comes with...
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#852 The Lawyer Fighting Singapore’s Hardest Battles
Singapore recently saw a record turnout at the Labour Day rally at Hong Lim Park, with more than 1,500 people in attendance. Among those present was Derek Wong, best known as the lawyer who represented the trio fined over the Istana procession. Beyond the courtroom, however, Derek is also part of...
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#851 From Quitting Law to Selling Singapore’s First Olive Oil
Law is one of Singapore’s most prestigious professions, so walking away to launch a start-up is bound to turn heads, especially when it’s the country’s first olive oil brand. That’s the path Alia Ballout took, drawing on her Lebanese roots to bring her family’s olive oil to Singapore. But with…
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#850 Are Pokémon Cards The Next Big Investment?
Remember when Logan Paul made headlines selling a Pikachu card for US$16.5 million? It put the spotlight on the booming world of Pokémon card collecting, and now, Singapore has its own player in the game: Syamil from @Konbiniripz. We got a close-up of his collection, with some cards valued at...
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#849 Can Trading Replace Your Salary?
Everyone wants a flexible lifestyle with big financial upside, and trading is often seen as the shortcut. But from the outside, it can sometimes feel uncomfortably close to gambling without the right discipline. That’s why Zhar and Hairul from the trading education agency Top Tier Institute…
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#848 Can You Think Yourself Into Being a Millionaire?
With ministers warning of rising living costs amid the Middle East conflict, many are bracing to tighten their spending. But what if there’s another approach? Enter Lily Khai, a ‘Wealth Architect’ who’s gone viral for her money mindset teachings. Instead of focusing on cutting back, she advocates...
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#847 Is ‘Healthier Eating’ Just Not Practical Anymore?
Processed vs natural foods have long been debated, but is eating healthy really realistic today? We spoke to Dr Siva, better known by his IG handle @meditherapie, a strong advocate for healing through better nutrition. His views, however, sparked pushback from Darren, who argues that such…
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#846 Fuel Prices Rising: Time To Suck It Up?
Fuel prices are rising and supply is tightening across the region, with governments in Thailand introducing energy-saving measures and the Philippines declaring an energy emergency, fuelling concerns of a deeper crisis. While Dzar warns this could signal another spike in the cost of living…
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#845 Is this the beginning of higher petrol prices?
Oil prices keep climbing, and it’s hitting wallets hard. In fact, Rahman says his petrol jumped from $2.60 to $3.40 per litre, which works out to nearly a $100 increase per tank. The surge comes amid the ongoing US–Israel conflict with Iran, with Tehran tightening control over the Strait of…
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#844 : The Real Cost of Skipping Your LPA
Some avoid legacy planning because they do not see the urgency. But the cost of not planning is high. Minister of State for Social and Family Development Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim says failing to make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can leave families facing lengthy court processes and paying...
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#843 The hidden costs of running a bazaar stall
Many people notice high prices and smaller portions at Ramadan bazaars, but there’s more to the story. Syafiq from Ashes Burnnit, known for its charcoal buns, explains that it’s not just rental costs, vendors may also need to pay double or triple wages during Ramadan to get workers willing to…
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#842 Is the Iran conflict political or religious?
The strikes on Iran may be driven by politics, but many people are asking if religion is also shaping the conflict. Some Sunni Muslims have even debated whether they should support Iran, and many say the answer is yes. Whether this comes from anti-US and anti-Israel sentiment or a sense of Muslim...
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#841 Will Ramadan bazaars disappear?
Ramadan Kareem! Breaking fast at the bazaar is a beloved tradition but if you’ve taken a walk lately, you might notice thinner crowds and stalls spaced further apart. Even as spending power in the Malay-Muslim community has grown, rising food prices are pushing some to look across the border or…
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840: Why “Standing Still” Is the Most Dangerous Career Move
Description: Everyone talks about upskilling, but is it really as scary as it sounds? Skills Ambassador Dr. Ramesh explains why staying comfortable in your job is actually a trap. He also shares the harsh truth: Upskilling isn't a magic pill that gets you a promotion overnight. It’s like going to...
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#839 Is Singapore all glass and no soul?
With modern skyscrapers dominating Singapore’s skyline, some question whether the city lacks cultural depth but heritage activist and historian Sarafian Salleh says that couldn’t be further from the truth. Just look at Kampong Glam, once known as Seduyong by the indigenous Orang Laut, meaning...
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#838 Young, Hungry, and in Business: Running F&B at 20
With F&B outlets shutting down left and right, starting a food business sounds risky, especially if you’re only 20 and still in school. Yet that’s exactly what the founders of Berjaya Western did. And perhaps it’s no surprise, considering they first ventured into entrepreneurship at just 16. In...
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#837 Landlords Killing Businesses?
Every other week, another beloved local business shuts its doors, and the reason is almost always the same: rising rents. As closures mount, some say the vacuum is being filled by foreign players, particularly from China. To understand what’s really happening, we speak to the founders of popular...
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#836 End Of A Political Era ?
It's this week's biggest political story: Pritam Singh is no longer Leader of the Opposition. With so many twists and turns, the latest question on everyone's minds is: should the LO role be constitutionalized? The Darren Aadam Mak show asked this question. We read out the comments (00:33)…
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#835 Is China buying up Singapore?
As local businesses in Singapore get squeezed by rising rents, many are shutting their doors, and increasingly, what replaces them are Chinese-owned businesses. In neighbourhoods like Kampong Glam, the surge has sparked concerns over the erosion of local heritage and culture. If this trend...
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#834 Could Singapore Be Next?
Just days into 2026, global headlines have been dominated by the US’ capture of Venezuela’s then-president, Nicolás Maduro. As Singapore said it is “gravely concerned” by the situation, the episode has raised uneasy questions closer to home. In an era of intensifying great-power rivalry, are…
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#833 The unexpected MUIS link behind the name Sugar Mama Lah
What better way to wrap up the year than with something sweet? In this episode, we sit down with Darren, co-founder of Sugar Mama Lah, the halal tiramisu brand that went from a home-based hustle to a full-fledged storefront. Darren opens up about the “thick skin” mindset behind his success, from...
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#832 "Everything oso cannot, car parade also cannot, boring sia."
A viral TikTok shows LTA and Traffic Police cracking down on a car meet at Decathlon Kallang, and while many cheered the enforcement, others say it’s exactly why Singapore’s car culture is dying. Compared to places like Japan, where modified cars are celebrated, Singapore feels far more...
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#831 Bondi Beach shooting: Conspiracies take over online
A devastating tragedy struck Bondi Beach in Sydney when two gunmen killed at least 15 people during a Jewish celebration. While many netizens expressed sympathy and grief, the aftermath quickly spiralled into controversy. From antisemitic and Islamophobic rhetoric to claims of a ‘false flag’...
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#830 Sgeans flock to Japan but is Africa the new place to go?
Everyone’s travelling this year-end, especially to Japan, where the yen has plunged to about ¥120 for S$1. But while Singaporeans are chasing cheap flights and exchange rates, PM Wong is on the move for a different reason. His recent trip to South Africa and the announcement of Singapore’s 1st…
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#829 Using Pain for Purpose: Is Simonboy’s New Charity a Tribute or a Tactic?
When influencer Simonboy launched the Forever Megan Charity in honour of his late daughter, some called it heartfelt while others called it clout. And leading the charge was the OG uncancellable content creator herself, Xiaxue. Her takedown earned her a cease and desist letter, and she’s firing...
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#828 Are jobseekers able to keep up with a job market that is changing so quickly?
The job market is changing rapidly, and jobseekers are facing challenges like finding stability, balancing personal commitments, and adapting to AI. At Plan B, our hosts share insights from both employers and jobseekers on their shifting expectations. With programmes mentioned in this year’s...
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#827 How ‘clean’ is Singapore, really?
This week, headlines swirled around Ong Beng Seng keeping his PR status, a move that’s raised plenty of eyebrows. In a country where one's PR status can be revoked for criminal convictions, ICA’s decision to issue only a warning has sparked questions about Singapore’s “clean and fair” legal…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
🎙️ Plan B Media — Where conversations that matter come alive.Join us on the Plan B Podcast as we break down the week’s biggest news, ask the hard questions, and spark real talk that goes beyond headlines.Follow our conversations on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and Telegram (@planb.sg) , or dive deeper at www.planb.sg.🎥 Watch full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@planbmediasg
HOSTED BY
News Beat
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🎙️ Plan B Media — Where conversations that matter come alive.Join us on the Plan B Podcast as we break down the week’s biggest news, ask the hard questions, and spark real talk that goes beyond headlines.Follow our conversations on Instagram, Threads, Facebook and Telegram (@planb.sg) , or dive...
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