Yah Lah But

In response to recent rumours of a Southeast-Asia exclusivity deal, STB and the Ministry of Community, Culture and Youth (MCCY) clarified that a grant had been provided to help bring Taylor Swift’s concert to Singapore, but did not confirm if the deal was indeed exclusive. Will this news cause bad blood with Swifties in our neighbouring countries? Elsewhere, the fallout over football star Messi’s no-show on the pitch in Hong Kong continues. Most recently, a pair of friendly matches in China featuring Argentina’s football team were cancelled, and Messi had to post another video on Weibo explaining his absence. Will this messy issue ever be resolved?Find us here!YLB SubredditYLB TikTokYLB IGYLB YouTubeOur Sponsor: OctaFx!This episode is brought to you by Octa:Get the OctaFX Trading app at https://bit.ly/YahLahBut_Octa and use promo code YAHLAHBUT to double your deposit!FolkloryOur slots for March are open! Order your Folklory by 29 Feb 2024, and you’ll receive your Folklory, guaranteed!Click here to chat with us on WhatsApp and we’ll get started on creating something meaningful for you &  your loved one!Did Taylor Swift and STB Strike Deal for Exclusivity?STB gave grant for Taylor Swift's Singapore concerts, other government bodies 'worked directly' with promoter AEGAirfares, hotel bookings surge in March 2024 as fans flock to S’pore for Taylor Swift showsSingapore sought exclusivity deal over Taylor Swift concerts in south-east Asia, Thai PM allegesS'pore govt clarifies Taylor Swift sponsor rumour, says it worked directly with organisers due to 'significant demand'Jewel Changi Airport to host Taylor Swift sing-along on 1 Mar that'll 'make the whole place shimmer'From Coldplay to Taylor Swift, Singapore’s Concert Dominance Explained | TIMEThe Economy (Taylor’s Version) | Washington PostTaylor Swift Is Making An Insane Amount Of Money Every Night On The Eras Tour | ForbesMessi’s China Backlash ContinuesLionel Messi defends HK absence as China backlash continuesBeijing has no plans to hold matches in which Lionel Messi will participate: local football association | Global TimesOne Shiok CommentComment by fujishibaMeme of Terence by MemediacorpsgOne Shiok ThingZuckerberg left hanging at UFCHow A24 took over HollywoodMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairDesk from @castlerysgEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

For the first “instalment” of the Forward SG social compact, DPM Lawrence Wong delivered Budget 2024, which leaned in on preparing workers for uncertain times ahead, and providing relief for those affected by ongoing retrenchments. In what’s becoming an annual tradition, we invited Reggie, boss of personal finance network The Financial Coconut (TFC) into our studio to help us read the tea leaves about the budget, and what the mainstream media missed.(00:00) A Message From Folklory(02:14) Intro(12:10) Budget 2024(01:11:58) One Shiok ThingFind us here!YLB Subreddit YLB TikTokYLB IGYLB YouTubeFolkloryOur slots for March are open! Order your Folklory by 29 Feb 2024, and you’ll receive your Folklory, guaranteed!Click here to chat with us on WhatsApp and we’ll get started on creating something meaningful for you &  your loved one!Intern with Us!We’re looking for kickass people to join our team, who are hungry and keen to work on some cool stuff with us. Here are the roles we’re looking for: Social Media InternBusiness Development InternProject Management InternOne Shiok ThingFULL SEGMENT — Rock and Reigns lay the SmackDown on the WWE Universe: SmackDown, Feb. 16, 2024Sora AINational Gallery SingaporeFind Reggie!WebsitePodcastReggie’s IGRedditMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairDesk from @castlerysgEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

This podcast discusses Leong Mun Wai being issued a POFMA for false info on a West Coast couple. PUB calls out Sterra for misleading ads on tap water. Also explores wax figure of Yip Pin Xiu and Mark Zuckerberg's review of Quest 3 vs. Vision Pro.

The police announced that they are looking into 2 events related to the Israel-Hamas war that took place in Singapore over the last couple of weeks, including a march to deliver letters to the Istana. In light of how the rest of the world is reacting to the Middle East conflict, were these events really out of line? Elsewhere, Singaporean actress Caitanya Tan is starring in the new Ubisoft video game, Skull and Bones, but rather than celebrating the fact, people have pounced on her character’s Singapore accent instead. Why the hate for Singlish?Find us here!YLB SubredditYLB TikTokYLB IGYLB YouTubeFolkloryIf 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.comPolice Investigate Events Related to Israel-Hamas WarPolice investigate 2 events related to Israel-Hamas war, warn against protesting at Singapore AirshowSPF | Media Reply For Events – Letters For Palestine: With Love, From Singapore, Steadfast For Palestine, And The Singapore Airshow 2024[2023] Police, NParks will reject applications to hold public events relating to Israel-Hamas war[2023] How Watermelon Became a Symbol of Palestinian SolidarityIsrael Aerospace Industries (IAI) at the Singapore AirshowUbisoft Video Game Features Singapore AccentClip of Singaporean Character in Skull and Bones GameplayCaitanya’s Video Explaining Her VoiceoverDefinition and Examples of AcrolectsOne Shiok CommentSubReddit Thread on SG ReservesComment by piercemcclane1965One Shiok ThingTed Lasso - Official TrailerLove Deadline | Official Trailer | NetflixMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairDesk from @castlerysgEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

This week, PM Lee and members of the Opposition were engaged in a marathon debate about Singapore’s reserves, with PSP putting forward a motion to use more of the national reserves for the needs of the current generation of Singaporeans. Who made the better points in the debate? Elsewhere, Mr Coconut is currently caught in a bitter dispute with an ex-employee, who alleged on social media that she was unfairly terminated by the company due to her pregnancy. Mr Coconut then published the results of their internal investigations, which included CCTV footage of the employee watching TV on the job, as well as other details about her work performance. Who’s in the wrong here?(00:00) Intro(05:27) Parliament Debates on Singapore’s Reserves(38:06) Mr Coconut Shows Receipts in Employee Dispute(58:05) One Shiok Comment(01:01:04) One Shiok ThingFind us here!YLB SubredditYLB TikTokYLB IGYLB YouTubeFolkloryIf 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.comParliament Debates on Singapore’s ReservesPSP's motion on reserves passes after PAP's amendments, WP & PSP rejects amended motionParliament votes for amended motion on national reserves, rejects PSP motion to review fiscal policiesOpposition MPs debate reserves accumulation and use: 6 key issues and the Govt’s responsePM Lee calls on opposition to be 'upfront' about stance on Singapore's reserves and take ideas to ballot boxMr Coconut Shows Receipts in Employee DisputeMr Coconut brings tea & receipts: Woman fired for reasons other than pregnancy, watched movie on phone at workMr Coconut employee alleges unfair dismissal due to pregnancy, company releases findings pointing to her poor performanceOne Shiok CommentComment by nyetkattReddit thread by TrueNeighborhood3540One Shiok ThingHigh Performance PodcastSteven Tyler, Slash, and Train “Dream On” at the Howard Stern Birthday Bash (2014)Mics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairDesk from @castlerysgEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

The 2023 suicide case of police officer Uvaraja Gopal and related discrimination allegations were addressed by Minister Shanmugam in Parliament this week, prompting a question by NCMP Leong Mun Wai about whether the case warranted a Committee of Inquiry. Does his point have any merit? Elsewhere, NTU announced that it will be imposing a fee on tourist groups coming to their campus in response to an influx of visitors in recent months. Will this really help to mitigate the issues of security, privacy and overcrowding?Find us here!YLB SubredditYLB TikTokYLB IGYLB YouTubeFolkloryIf 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.comDoes Police Officer Suicide Deserve InquiryPolice officer suicide: Workplace racism allegations in SPF will be investigated as disciplinary breaches, says Shanmugam - CNAInternal investigation, not inquiry committee, held for SPF officer's death to protect morale: ShanmugamCop who made discrimination allegations faced 3 investigations at time of death: Shanmugam | The Straits TimesSPF went to ‘considerable lengths’ to help late sergeant Uvaraja Gopal through health, family issues: Shanmugam - CNA[2007] Second reading speech on Inquiries Bill by DPM Prof S JayakumarNTU is Now a Tourist Attraction?NTU imposes fee on tourists amid influx to university campuses which students say is disrupting classes, crowding canteensOne Shiok CommentComment by VICSHAQComment by OriginalGoat1One Shiok ThingIce Cold: Murder, Coffee and Jessica Wongso | Official Trailer | NetflixMiley Cyrus at the Grammys 2024Mics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairDesk from @castlerysgEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Last week, a Singaporean businessman, Phillip Chan, became the first person to be designated a “politically significant person” under the recently implemented foreign interference law. Is this a valid use of this law? Elsewhere, Hong Kong football fans were left raging when Lionel Messi sat out of an exhibition match between Inter Miami and a local team due to injury. Is the fans’ anger valid?Find us here!YLB SubredditYLB TikTokYLB IGYLB YouTubeFolkloryIf 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.comForeign Interference Law Invoked Against BusinessmanSingaporean businessman the first person to be served 'notice of intended designation' under foreign interference lawWho is Philip Chan, the man against whom S’pore has invoked its foreign interference law?The case of Philip Chan: Beijing steps up efforts to co-opt diaspora to ‘tell the China story well’[Dec 2023] Anti-foreign interference law to come into full force on Dec 29 after provisions on local proxies take effect - TODAY[Sep 2022] Maruah, Think Centre criticise draft foreign interference law, raise concern about uncertainty over their activities - TODAYHong Kong Left Outraged by MessiMessi sits out Hong Kong friendly; government may cut support fundingTatler XFEST - Hong Kong Team vs Inter Miami CF | February 4, 2024Lionel Messi angers Hong Kong after sitting out matchOne Shiok CommentComment by KcplskyComment by kaliwalihabibiOne Shiok Thingthe thing no one will say about Apple Vision Pro - by Casey NeistatMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairDesk from @castlerysgEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

TikTok CEO Chew Shou Zi was grilled by US senators on his personal ties to China; one senator even asked pointedly about the status of his Singapore citizenship. Some decried the line of questioning as “racist”, but was it really? Elsewhere, the Singapore Repertory Theatre recently announced that it is changing its name to Singapore Theatre Company, to the consternation of some in the local theatre community. Was it just much ado about nothing, or is there more to this disquiet?(00:00) Intro(04:53) TikTok CEO’s Ties to China Questioned(28:19) Theatre Company’s New Name “Disrespectful”?(49:39) One Shiok Comment(52:53) One Shiok ThingFind us here!YLB Subreddit YLB TikTokYLB IGYLB YouTubeIntern with us!If you’re looking to do some kickass work, we’re looking for a super-intern to help us with project management and social media! If you’re keen, send us your CV at contact@ministroffunny.com and we’ll share more details!TikTok CEO’s Ties to China QuestionedCotton defends pressing TikTok CEO on ties to Chinese Communist PartyTikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew is Singaporean, not Chinese. Somebody please convince Senator Tom CottonAccusations, tears and rants: 5 takeaways from today’s tech CEO hearing | CNN BusinessVideo of Tom Cotton in Senate Judiciary Committee HearingKids aren’t safe on social media, lawmakers say. Tech CEOs are back in DC this week to pledge (again) that they’ll handle itTech CEOs told ‘you have blood on your hands’ at US Senate child safety hearing, International - THE BUSINESS TIMES[2017] Opinion | What Singapore is saying by expelling China hand Huang Jing[2020] How a Singaporean man went from NUS PhD student to working for Chinese intelligence in the US - CNATheatre Company’s New Name “Disrespectful”?‘No company can be Singapore Theatre Company’: SRT’s rebrand draws flak from theatre communitySingapore Repertory Theatre changes name to Singapore Theatre CompanyOne Shiok CommentComment by SnooDingos316Comments on TikTok video One Shiok ThingI'm A Virgo - Official TrailerJim Cornette on the Vince McMahon scandalMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairDesk from @castlerysgEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

Senior Minister of State for Communications and Information and for Health Dr Janil Puthucheary said that young LGBTQ people should “stand up for what you believe in” in Singapore instead of leaving the country, in response to a question from Pink Dot SG spokesperson Clement Tan at a conference. Why was this response not particularly well-received by online commentators? Elsewhere, some migrant workers were treated by a soup kitchen to free Coldplay concert tickets, which caused a few doubters to question the point of the action. Why the hate?Find us here!YLB Subreddit YLB TikTokYLB IGYLB YouTubeFolkloryIf 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.comanil Puthucheary Tells LGBTQ Youths to “Stay”‘Stay... stand up for what you believe in’: Janil Puthucheary tells LGBTQ youths thinking of leaving SingaporeProgram for IPS Event - Singapore Youth Perspectives 2024Women aged 21 to 49 more likely than male peers to accept being single, married without children: IPS pollYouths in Singapore more likely to report higher levels of social isolation and loneliness: IPS pollVideo of Q&A by Clement Tan with Dr JanilShould Migrant Workers Get Free Coldplay Tickets?#trending: S’pore migrant workers get free Coldplay concert tickets, but some question if they'd enjoy the showOne Shiok CommentComment by buziliangli6789Comment by SnooDingos316One Shiok ThingWet balls tested at the FIH #Hockey5s World CupTrue Detective - Season 1: TrailerMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairDesk from @castlerysgEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak

The fallout from the revelation of the CEO’s fake credentials at the AI startup Vizzio continues, with an interim CEO being appointed to take over. But who were the real victims in this web of half-truths and lies? Elsewhere, TODAY journalists uncovered that some massage parlours were accepting payments in CDC vouchers for “special services” of a sexual nature. Is this a big enough problem that will force authorities to clamp down on the use of CDC vouchers?Find us here!YLB SubredditYLB TikTokYLB IGYLB YouTubeFolkloryV-DAY Alert! If you’re looking for a meaningful gift, we’d love to help you create a personal podcast for that special someone. Get started at Folklory.comOrder by Wed, 31 Jan 2024 and get your Folklory by V-Day guaranteed!Vizzio CEO’s Fake Degree FalloutVizzio CEO’s fabricated credentials, inflated client list haunt start-upVizzio board backs CEO despite sham doctorate, Lee admits 'grave misjudgment'Kai-Fu Lee quit Vizzio's board days before founder's sham degree exposedVizzio founder, CEO steps down amid controversyWoman jailed for getting jobs with forged NTU degree, says she faced economic and parental pressureCDC Vouchers Used at Massage ParloursHappy spending? Some heartland massage parlours tout illicit services payable with CDC vouchersOne Shiok CommentComment by tropicalfish1117Comment by raveneneneOne Shiok ThingKorea Republic 3 - 3 MalaysiaWhy Ip Man's Insane Fight Scenes Feel So RealMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairDesk from @castlerysgEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak