Yah Lah But

Donald Low, Professor of Practice at the HKUST Institute for Public Policy, is back to unpack the recent debate around COEs involving SM Lee Hsien Loong and WP’s Jamus Lim, as well as comments by Acting Minister for Transport Jeffrey Siow. Plus: Singapore’s rent crisis is boiling over, with tenants frustrated by landlords’ rising expectations. Are landlords really the villains - or is there more to the story?Check out Prof Donald Low:The Price of Zero: China's policy missteps during and after COVIDDonald’s Book recommendations: ⁠Capitalism and its Critics, John CassidyThe Undercover Economist, Tim Harford⁠⁠The Economic Naturalist: In Search of Explanations for Everyday Enigmas, Robert H. FrankFolkloryIf you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help you create a personal podcast for a loved one. Get started at Folklory.com(00:00) Folklory(01:03) Intro(02:06) Discussion on GE2025(05:41) COE System Analysis(12:08) Economics of Private Vehicle Ownership(21:19) Comparison with Hong Kong(27:44) Parking Challenges(29:25) Institutional Rules and COE in Singapore(36:42) Economics of Scarce Resources(44:07) Institutional Change and Empathy in Economics(45:38) Institutions and Urban Planning(54:47) Sustainability and Resource Management(58:56) Economic Thoughts of Singapore's Leadership(01:00:29) US Trade Policies and Impact(01:02:15) Globalisation and Economic Shifts(01:11:53) Hong Kong vs Singapore Living Conditions(01:20:06) Economic Education and Resources(01:27:32) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingTerence: World Aquatics Championships - Singapore 2025Haresh: Nike Training Club: WellnessDonald Low: The White Lotus Season 3 | Official TrailerSign up for "Your Little Bit" - our weekly newsletterGet a weekly roundup of our One Shiok Things & first dibs on our latest launches!Click here to sign up!Comment on this episode!Reddit | TelegramFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok | Instagram | FacebookMics and Headphones from @shureEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung announced that MOH is working with MOH to list etomidate as an illegal drug after one-third of vapes seized were found to contain it. Is this the best solution? Elsewhere, Astronomer CEO Andy Byron resigns after getting caught cheating with his HR Head, Kristin Cabot, on camera at a Coldplay Concert in Boston. We unpack the ethics, memes, and whether Coldplay is really to blame. Our Sponsor – CloserStill MediaAttend eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia, happening 8-9 Oct at MBSGet your free tickets hereJoin our Reddit AMA on Tue, 22 July at 4pm SGTHappening on our YLB Subreddit(00:00) eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia(01:06) Intro(11:22) Kpod Vapes to be Listed as Illegal Drug(38:26) Astronomer CEO Resigns After Coldplay Controversy(53:53) One Shiok Comment(58:06) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingHaresh: Kingsman: The Golden Circle | Official TrailerTerence: Singapore Stories: Pathways and Detours in ArtSign up for "Your Little Bit" - our weekly newsletterGet a weekly roundup of our One Shiok Things & first dibs on our latest launches!Click here to sign up!Comment on this episode!Reddit | TelegramFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok | Instagram | FacebookKpod Vapes to be Listed as Illegal DrugSingapore working to list etomidate as illegal drug; one-third of vapes seized found to contain itWhat we can do to fight the insidious threat of ‘zombie vapes’Over 2,500 vaping reports in first half of 2025; HSA to launch online reporting formAlleged Kpod peddler filmed trying to flee raid in Bishan charged with 6 offences2 weeks’ jail for man caught smuggling over 1,800 vapes and pods into SingaporeAstronomer CEO Resigns After Coldplay ControversyAstronomer CEO Andy Byron resigns after Coldplay 'kiss cam' controversyChris Martin branded 'messy' as he makes more drama after Astronomer CEO affair scandalMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

What happens when your art pokes too close to the truth? In this episode, Sonny Liew, Eisner-winning cartoonist of The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye, joins us to reflect on 10 years of his landmark graphic novel, and how it almost got banned. We dive into his new project on capitalism, the cultural contradictions of Singapore, and why his latest collectible action figures featuring Lee Kuan Yew, Goh Keng Swee and S Rajaratnam, are quietly subversive.Our Sponsor – CloserStill MediaAttend eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia, happening 8-9 Oct at MBSGet your free tickets hereCheck Out Sonny Liew’s Work!Sonny on InstagramSonny’s WebsiteSonny’s PatreonFind his books hereCartoonist Sonny Liew turns Singapore's pioneer leaders into vintage toy figures for art exhibition(00:00) eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia(01:11) Intro(03:08) Sonny's Journey to Cartooning(05:05) The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye(09:27) Singapore's Comic History(10:51) Art and Controversy(20:10) International Reception and Success(27:47) Delving Into Capitalism(31:16) Creative Process and Inspiration(35:54) Challenges of Working in Singapore(53:43) Introduction to Art as Processing(54:40) Creating Action Figurines(56:43) PAPxPA: Performance Art Theme(59:54) Narrative Battles and Art Intentions(01:03:34) Reflections on Artistic Motivation(01:06:55) Developing New Creative Works(01:09:03) The Role of Social Media and Audience Engagement(01:13:32) Exploring Past Projects and Collaborations(01:15:25) Distribution Challenges and Future Aspirations(01:17:15) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingTerence: Master: the allegations against Neil GaimanHaresh: How the smartest founders are winning in AISonny: Reuther: A Daughter Strikes - Elisabeth R. DickmeyerSign up for "Your Little Bit" - our weekly newsletterGet a weekly roundup of our One Shiok Things & first dibs on our latest launches!Click here to sign up!Comment on this episode!Reddit | TelegramFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok | IG | FBMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Is Singapore ready for more open political discourse - or are we still too scared to "cross the line"? We sit down with Associate Professor Walid Abdullah, political scientist, author, and host of the “Teh Tarik with Walid” podcast. We cover his latest book on Palestine, the rise of podcasting in Singapore’s political scene, and why Prof Walid thinks every politician should want to be Prime Minister. Plus, we get candid about cancel culture and whether he’ll run in GE2030.Our Sponsor – CloserStill MediaAttend eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia, happening 8-9 Oct at MBSGet your free tickets here!Check Out Prof Walid’s Work!Click here to get his new book on PalestineFollow Prof Walid on Facebook & Instagram(00:00) eCommerce Expo | DMexco Asia(01:09) Intro(06:57) Impact of Political Podcasting(10:12) Navigating Political Boundaries(15:33) Challenges and Biases in Political Interviews(25:38) Podcasts in Elections and Media Landscape(28:23) Constituency Issues(31:40) Walid's Book About the Gaza Conflict(33:24) Understanding Foreign Conflicts(43:49) Mainstream Media Bias(47:28) Activism and Civic Spaces(52:30) Future of Singapore's Policy(57:44) Future of Smaller Political Parties(58:36) Worker's Party and PSP Discussion(01:02:15) The Ambition of Politicians(01:15:06) Personal Reflection on Future Political Career(01:20:00) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingProf Walid: Breaking Points PodcastTerence: How Science Can Fix the Media LandscapeHaresh: Zohran Mamdani won most votes of a candidate NYC primary historySign up for "Your Little Bit" - our weekly newsletterGet a weekly roundup of our One Shiok Things & first dibs on our latest launches!Click here to sign up!Comment on this episode!Reddit | TelegramFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok | IG | FBMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Singapore comedian Fadzri Rashid opens up about moving to Malaysia, why artists feel the need to leave Singapore to grow, and how chasing authenticity is harder than ever. We discuss NFT regrets, the grind of stand-up comedy and what it really means to hold up a mirror to Singapore’s society that’s chasing perfection.UndoAge｜Globally Trusted Supplements, Direct-from-Source Value ✅ Certified Nutritional Solutions 📦 Direct Manufacturer Pricing 🌍 Global Supply Assurance Check them out at undoage.comGet Tickets to Fadzri’s ShowClick here to get your tickets for his show on Sat, 2 Aug 2025Find Fadzri on Instagram & TikTok(00:00) UndoAge(01:49) Intro(02:26) Fazri's Stand-Up Comedy Journey(03:37) NFT and Crypto Craze(08:11) Podcasting and Cultural Identity(14:36) Relocation to Malaysia(18:47) Reflections on Singapore Culture(26:22) Family and Decision(38:23) Stand-Up Comedy Challenges(42:49) Identity and Authenticity(45:01) Comedic Process(52:25) Singapore's Contradictions(53:21) Cultural Identity and Purpose(55:52) Stand-Up Comedy as Identity(01:02:51) Reflection and Advice(01:03:47) Fadzri's Upcoming Comedy Special(01:07:55) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingTerence: Cozy camping with my wife and dogHaresh: Q&A: Conan’s Advice On Taking Risks Before You’re ReadyFadzri: Artists Who Destroyed Their Careers in SecondsSign up for "Your Little Bit" - our weekly newsletterGet a weekly roundup of our One Shiok Things & first dibs on our latest launches!Click here to sign up!Comment on this episode!Reddit | Telegram Follow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok | IG | FBMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Trump’s nominee for US Ambassador to Singapore, Dr. Anjani Sinha, struggled at his Senate hearing, prompting questions about his credentials, timing, and political optics. Though Bilahari Kausikan & Calvin Cheng feel a lot more positive. Meanwhile, campus finance clubs at Singapore’s universities are as brutal as they are prestigious, with sky-high stress and razor-thin acceptance rates. Sign up for "Your Little Bit" - our weekly newsletterGet a weekly roundup of our One Shiok Things & first dibs on our latest launches!Click here to sign up!Nominate a Senior over 60 for Words of Wisdom!We’ll be recording 60 Folklories with 60 Singaporeans above 60 yrs as part of our “Words of Wisdom” Project for SG60You can check out the first wave of recordings on the same siteHelp us keep these stories alive by nominating your loved ones!(00:00) Words of Wisdom(00:48) Intro(07:37) Trump’s Pick for Ambassador to SG Gets Grilled(36:33) SG Uni Students Stressed by Finance Clubs(57:50) One Shiok Comment(59:25) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingHaresh: AI Interviews Westeros ResidentsTerence: Was Phantasmagoria Too Much?Comment on this episode!Reddit | TelegramFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok | IG | FBTrump’s Pick for Ambassador to SG Gets GrilledTrump’s ambassador nominee to Singapore Anjani Sinha has a rough day at Senate hearingCommentary: Who is Anji Sinha? Trump’s ambassador pick for Singapore is a mystery, but the timing speaks volumesWho is Tammy Duckworth, the US senator who excoriated Donald Trump's nominee for ambassador to Singapore?Bilahari Kausikan, Calvin Cheng say Trump pick for S'pore Ambassador could do well thanks to personal relationshipUni Students Stressed by Finance ClubsInside Singapore’s cutthroat campus finance clubs where 10% get in and stress runs highSingapore’s future bankers vie for coveted spots at university finance clubsMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Six golf courses across Singapore will not have their leases renewed, with two sites to be converted into a new public course - sparking backlash from country club members. Meanwhile, over 160 offence notices have been issued since new anti-nuisance rules were introduced on buses and trains.Sign up for "Your Little Bit" - our weekly newsletterGet a weekly roundup of our One Shiok Things & first dibs on our latest launches!Click here to sign up!FolkloryIf you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help you create a personal podcast for a loved one. Get started at Folklory.com(00:00) Folklory(01:03) Intro(04:04) 6 Golf Courses to Be Closed in SG(27:19) Over 160 Anti-Nuisance Offences on Public Transport(43:08) One Shiok Comment(45:15) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingHaresh: Reggie Watts: NPR Music Tiny Desk ConcertTerence: I'm biking 450 miles on a solar powered bikeComment on this episode!Reddit | TelegramFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok | IG | FB6 Golf Courses to Be Closed in SGNo lease renewal for six golf courses; two sites to be turned into public golf courseFewer courses, higher stakes: What golf’s shrinking footprint means for Singapore’s players and clubs'People will just give up hope about playing this sport': Golf community laments impending closure of coursesOver 160 Anti-Nuisance Offences on Public TransportOver 160 offence notices issued since anti-nuisance signs put up on public transportPublic bus commuters must follow new 'conditions of carriage' or risk being asked to alightMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Tan Cheng Bock and Hazel Poa have stepped down from the Progress Singapore Party’s top leadership, triggering a “renewal plan” ahead of GE2025. What does this mean for PSP’s identity and future? Meanwhile, in Sengkang, a man caught his wife naked in a car with another man - and got injured when the car sped off.Our Sponsor – CloserStill MediaAttend eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia, happening 8-9 Oct at MBSClick here to get your free tickets! (00:00) eCommerce Expo | DMEXCO Asia(00:55) Intro(04:41) Tan Cheng Bock & Hazel Poa Step Down from PSP(22:58) Naked Couple Caught in Sengkang Car Park(41:11) One Shiok Comment(44:51) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingHaresh: Matt Damon Roasts Andrew Schulz’s New Netflix SpecialTerence: Surviving a Night on Pulau Ubin: Camping, Fishing, CookingSign up for "Your Little Bit" - our weekly newsletterGet a weekly roundup of our One Shiok Things & first dibs on our latest launches!Click here to sign up! Comment on this episode!Reddit | TelegramFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok | Instagram | FacebookTan Cheng Bock & Hazel Poa Step Down from PSPTan Cheng Bock, Hazel Poa step down from PSP leadership; party launches ‘renewal plan’Tan Cheng Bock and Hazel Poa step down from PSP’s top decision-making bodyNaked Couple Caught in Sengkang Car ParkMan catches wife naked with another man in car at Sengkang car park, gets hit when car driven off'I knew I cannot face this man': Man allegedly caught nude with woman by her husband in Sengkang car parkMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

PAP called out Pritam Singh for remarks he made on a Malaysian podcast, accusing him of crossing a line by airing political views overseas. WP fired back, saying PAP is “opposing for the sake of opposing.” Elsewhere, new Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing floated the idea of a live firing experience for regular Singaporeans, so they can get “a slice of NS.”Nominate a Senior over 60 for Words of Wisdom!We’ll be recording 60 Folklories with 60 Singaporeans above 60 yrs as part of our “Words of Wisdom” Project for SG60You can check out the first wave of recordings on the same siteHelp us keep these stories alive by nominating your loved ones!(00:00) Words of Wisdom(00:50) Intro(04:14) PAP Slams Pritam For Interview on M’sian Podcast(34:46) Chan Chun Sing’s Idea for NS Live Firing(48:18) One Shiok Comment(50:34) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingHaresh: I Walked From Singapore To KL In 9 DaysTerence: Trainwreck: The Cult of American ApparelComment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/FB: https://www.facebook.com/yahlahbutpodPAP Slams Pritam For Interview on M’sian PodcastPAP questions Pritam’s interview with Malaysian podcast, WP says PAP opposing for the sake of opposingWhat is Pritam Singh up to? - Petir SGPAP Statement: Politics should stop at the water’s edge - People's Action PartyWP’s StatementChan Chun Sing’s Idea for NS Live FiringArmy exploring building new live firing complex to let regular S'poreans experience 'a slice of NS': Chan Chun SingMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

From July 1, 2025, cyclists in Singapore may face fines or jail time for riding on pedestrian-only paths - but is this fair, especially with minimal enforcement on pedestrians and PMD users? Elsewhere, Certis Cisco was embroiled in controversy after telling their officers on sick leave to stay home or share their live location. They removed the order after pressure from the union, but has the trust been eroded?Our Sponsor – Building and Construction Authority!If you want to find out more about a possible career in the Built Environment sector, check out https://www.buildsg.gov.sgSign Up for “Your Little Bit”, Our Weekly NewsletterWhere we’ll round up all our Shiok Things from the week prior, with insider info about cool stuff we’re launching (we’ve got something coming next week!)Sign up at https://www.yahlahbut.com!(00:00) We interviewed an architect!(00:44) Intro(09:27) Cyclists Face Possible Jail Time(28:35) Certis Cisco Reverses Sick Leave Policy After Backlash(42:30) One Shiok Comment/ThingOne Shiok ThingHaresh: How a GRAB rider lives in a 1.4MILLION Villa earning SIX-FIGURESTerence: First-Time Stealth Camping in Fraser’s Hill Malaysia with My Land Cruiser – Am I ready for this?Comment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/FB: https://www.facebook.com/yahlahbutpodCyclists Face Possible Jail TimeCyclists face fines, jail for riding on pedestrian-only paths as enforcement begins on July 1Unfair to ban us from pedestrian-only paths, say cyclists as LTA starts enforcement on Jul 1Certis Cisco Reverses Sick Leave Policy After BacklashCertis agrees to stop requiring officers on sick leave to share 'live' location when not at home: Union partnerCertis Cisco requires officers to remain at home when on MC & share live location if otherwise, or face disciplinary actionCertis sick leave policy to address abuse may erode employer-employee trust: ExpertsMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak