Deep Dive

Karen Teo, Country Manager for Quess Singapore, and Dr. Issac Lim, an organizational sociologist, dive into the controversial return-to-office policies enforced by companies like Grab and Amazon. They discuss how these mandates challenge work-life balance and employee sentiment. The pair highlight the complexity of hybrid work models, exploring productivity shifts and generational differences in workforce expectations. They also address the potential hidden motives behind strict attendance policies and the importance of flexible arrangements in fostering an equitable workplace.

Up to 20,000 additional certificates of entitlement (COEs) will be progressively injected across all vehicle categories from February 2025. Why is the government making this move and will this bring COE premiums down? Steven Chia and Crispina Robert speak to Walter Theseira from the Singapore University of Social Sciences and Arthur Wong, managing director of ACM Automobiles. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicholas Mak, Chief Research Officer at Mogul.sg, and Professor Sing Tien Foo from NUS Business School dive into the surge of interest in Prime and Plus BTO flats. They highlight the impressive 35,600 applications, despite restrictions like a 10-year minimum occupancy period. The conversation explores how government strategies and the appeal of prime locations drive demand. They also touch on the complexities of clawbacks and market dynamics, revealing how pricing strategies impact both buyers and sellers in the evolving HDB landscape.

Cases of people falling seriously ill after eating contaminated food have been in the spotlight. Why does severe food poisoning happen and are caterers the only one to clean up their act? Steven Chia and Crispina Robert speak to Dr Richard Khaw, deputy director of the School of Applied Sciences at Nanyang Polytechnic and Chris Loh, creative director of Purple Sage and Rasel Catering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest edition of Miss Universe Singapore was made more inclusive, with a single mother and a transgender woman as contestants. But how relevant are beauty pageants? Steven Chia and Crispina Robert take a beauty deep dive with Angela Tay, managing director of ERM Singapore which organises Mrs Singapore World and Manhunt Singapore and Mrs Veronica Lee, this year's winner of Mrs Singapore World.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a recent viral video, a Qihua primary school student was seen being repeatedly attacked. The case is under police investigation but is bullying getting worse in Singapore? What are the causes and why are perpetrators filming their deeds? Steven Chia and Crispina Robert speak to Cheung Hoi Shan, assistant professor at the National Institute of Education, MOE master school counsellor Sean Ng and Beyond the Label ambassador Cindy Chu.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former transport minister S Iswaran was handed a one year sentence by Judge Vincent Hoong on five charges, including obtaining gifts as a public servant. Why did he get more than what the prosecution asked for? Head of criminal law at Quahe Woo and Palmer, Sunil Sudheesan, explains the rare move. Plus, Crispina Robert gets a firsthand account from senior journalist Koh Wan Ting who covered the court proceedings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ho Geok Choo, founder and CEO of Human Capital Singapore, joins Carole Ann, a multiple amputee working at ServLink Technology Resources, to discuss the Enabling Masterplan 2030. They tackle the pressing need for increased employment opportunities for people with disabilities, currently at 30%. They share personal stories illustrating the challenges in small businesses and the importance of tailored support. Financial incentives for employers and proactive communication are highlighted as key strategies for fostering a more inclusive workforce.

Bus and train fares in Singapore will go up by 10 cents per journey for adult commuters from Dec 28. How are public transport fees calculated and what is the role of government subsidies? Steven Chia and Crispina Robert get Assistant Professor Terence Fan from the Lee Kong Chian School of Business at the Singapore Management University, and Dr Raymond Ong, from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at NUS to explain.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Tuesday (Sep 10), Singapore passed the Platform Workers Bill, which legislates stronger protections for delivery riders, private-hire car and taxi drivers. Why was legislation needed and what does this mean for customers of platforms offering services like food delivery and transportation? Yeo Wan Ling, assistant secretary-general of NTUC and Associate Professor Walter Theseira from the Singapore University of Social Sciences speak to Crispina Robert.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.