Plan B

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725 episodes · showing the newest 200

#882: SIA’s Design Overhaul: Is the Backlash Justified?

Nov 13, 2026 39 min

You’ve probably seen the pictures of Singapore Airlines’ (SIA) new cabin design, and netizens aren’t exactly impressed. From comparisons to “Scoot Plus” to complaints that the colours look dull and have lost SIA’s signature identity, the backlash has been hard to miss. But is the outrage really about the design, or does it reflect how much national pride Singaporeans place in SIA? In this episode, Darren, Dzar and Rahman unpack the backlash and ask whether Singaporeans are right to be protective of the brand.

#881: Deregistered Vehicles: How Are They Still Slipping Through the Cracks?

Nov 8, 2026 32 min

A vehicle that is supposed to have been scrapped or exported, but is still being driven on Singapore roads. How does this happen, and what are the risks? The recent fatal Tampines accident has brought renewed attention to the dangers of deregistered vehicles, especially when they are driven without valid insurance. In this episode, Darren, Dzar and Rahman speak to Adam (not his real name), a former offender who served time for vehicle-related offences and once drove a deregistered motorcycle for two years. After the Tampines accident, he felt compelled to come forward and share his experience, hoping others would think twice before doing the same. Together, they unpack how these vehicles slip through the cracks, the consequences for other road users and whether more can be done to prevent such practices.

#880: Who Gets to Decide for You When You Can't?

Nov 5, 2026 33 min

An accident or illness can leave you unable to make important decisions for yourself, sometimes without warning. If that happens, who would you trust to make decisions on your behalf? A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) lets you appoint someone you trust to act for you if you lose mental capacity, helping to protect your interests when you can no longer speak for yourself. Hafiz Noorahman, a member of the Islamic Legacy Planning Workgroup, joins Darren and Rahman to unpack why having an LPA matters, how to choose the right person, and why it’s worth putting things in place sooner rather than later. From navigating family expectations to the risks of leaving it too late, what can you do today to give yourself and your loved ones greater peace of mind? Ready to take the first step? Find out more about making an LPA at go.gov.sg/PlanMyLPA.

#879 : “Haze Again: Who's Pointing Fingers at Whom?”

Oct 23, 2026 31 min

The haze is back, and so is the familiar frustration over why, after all these years, so little seems to have changed. But as Singapore sends notices to companies under its transboundary haze laws, Indonesia’s apparent change of position over accepting help to fight the fires has added another layer of tension. In this episode, Darren and Rahman unpack what’s behind this year’s prolonged haze, from slash-and-burn practices and corporate accountability to the limits of Singapore’s reach beyond its borders. With some Indonesian voices also calling on Singapore and Malaysia to take a hard look at companies headquartered in their countries, who’s really responsible — and how do we hold the right people accountable without putting our relationship with a neighbour at risk?

#878: “Man Up”, “Suck It Up”: Are We Failing Men?

Oct 16, 2026 36 min

“Man up.” “Suck it up.” “Toughen up.” For many men, these are words they’ve heard growing up: messages that can make it harder to talk openly about emotions and vulnerability. But Danny Loong, co-founder of Timbre and MenToo, an initiative encouraging conversations around men’s mental health, wants to challenge that mindset. To him, vulnerability isn’t a weakness or something to be ashamed of - it takes courage. He also believes the expectations placed on men can add to the pressures they face. So, what does it really mean to “be a man”? Hear Danny’s take on toxic masculinity, vulnerability and why he believes society could learn to be more forgiving. International Men’s Day Saturday 14 November 10am to 1pm Murdoch University Singapore For more information of MenToo, go to www.amicus.asia for more information.

#877: Retirement: Future Me’s Problem?

Oct 16, 2026 25 min

Retirement planning is easy to put off. There’s always something more urgent: house, kids, ageing parents, business, bills. Before you know it, “later” keeps getting pushed further away. Darren, Dzar and Rahman unpack the realities of planning for retirement, from “I’ll think about it when I earn more” to “I don’t have spare cash.” They also put CPF’s Retirement Payout Planner to the test and explore what small steps they can take today. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Start with where you are, explore your options and decide what comes next. Find out more at cpf.gov.sg/EasierWithCPFPlanB And if this conversation got you thinking, CPF’s Ready for Life Festival is happening across three weekends: 📍 16–18 Oct — Compass One 📍 30 Oct–1 Nov — Suntec City 📍 20–22 Nov — Northpoint City #EasierWithCPF

#876: “Every School Is A Good School” But Are They Shaping Singaporeans Differently?

Oct 8, 2026 39 min

“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 shape more than just grades, from the people we meet and the way we speak, to how others see us. With more foreign students entering Singapore’s elite schools and questions around national identity growing, what does this mean for the future of Singapore’s “elite”?

#875: Does The World Get China Wrong?

Oct 2, 2026 45 min

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 culture to its politics and place in the world. And with Singapore caught between an increasingly assertive China and its longstanding ties with the US, how does China see us, and where does it see this relationship going?

PLAN B #874: Are We Heading For World War 3?

Sep 25, 2026 39 min

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 full-scale World War 3 may not be here yet, he argues that proxy wars are already being fought, and that recognising this is not fearmongering, as some have claimed. So how close are we to a wider global conflict, especially as we’re in the Trump era, where the rules-based order no longer seems to be adhered to?

PLAN B #873: Are Singapore’s Ministers Worth the Higher Pay?

Sep 11, 2026 46 min

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 are determined. PM Lawrence Wong has also raised concerns about getting more Singaporeans, including those from the private sector, to enter politics. So while the pay hike may be hard to swallow, perhaps the bigger question is: do we get what we pay for, especially if higher salaries can indeed attract more capable people into government?

#872: What Makes A Singaporean, Truly?

Sep 6, 2026 32 min

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”, particularly those with Indian-sounding names. Against a backdrop of several viral incidents and online debates surrounding CECA and the Indian community in Singapore, the hostility has raised questions about how nationality itself becomes something people feel entitled to question. So, what can actually be done? We might have a solution, but it could be controversial.

#871 Malaysia’s Politics Are Changing. Here’s Why Singapore Should Care

Sep 3, 2026 36 min

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 Singapore-Malaysia ties more important than ever, what could these changes mean for us across the Causeway? With the Johor-Singapore RTS Link and growing cross-border business activity bringing the two countries even closer, should Singapore businesses be paying closer attention to what happens next?

PLAN B #870: Are Singles Left Out By This Year’s NDR?

Aug 28, 2026 26 min

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, singles may wonder where they fit in. If colleagues with children get more leave, for instance, will their single colleagues be expected to pick up the slack, even when they have commitments of their own? So, if you’re single, do you feel left out by this year’s NDR measures?

PLAN B #869: Could a Youth Grant Change the Game for Young Entrepreneurs?

Aug 21, 2026 28 min

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 into business, should there be a dedicated grant to support young entrepreneurs? And would Luqmaan and Haikkel’s journey have looked different if such support existed when they were starting out? We sit down with the duo to find out.

PLAN B #868: AI Will Make Us More Efficient But At What Cost?

Aug 17, 2026 41 min

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 also moving to get students ready for an AI-driven future, with AI education being introduced in schools. But here’s the question: as AI makes work faster and more efficient, are we also creating a future where some jobs disappear, and some people get left behind?

#867 Singapore is 61. But are we still the same Singapore?

Aug 16, 2026 39 min

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 beyond the state itself. As Singapore becomes more diverse and our ideas of success continue to evolve, are we witnessing the maturation of our national identity? Is being Singaporean something the state builds for us, or something we, as its people, shape for ourselves?

PLAN B #866: Less Babies, More BTOs… Something Doesn’t Add Up.

Aug 11, 2026 43 min

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 with Singapore’s declining birth rate, who exactly are these homes being built for? That question sparks a heated debate between Darren and Rahman, with the conversation expanding into immigration, foreign talent, and whether younger Singaporeans are even interested in the traditional rat race anymore. Are we building for today’s Singapore or tomorrow’s?

PLAN B #865: Did Singapore Overreact With the Massive Attack Ban?

Aug 7, 2026 20 min

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 warning could have sufficed. Others say that in an era of foreign influence campaigns, the Government had little room to take chances. So where should the line be? When artists push sensitive topics on stage, how should governments respond?

PLAN B #864: Co-Living for Youths: Great Idea, Wrong Price?

Jul 31, 2026 51 min

$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 exist on the open market. Some have also questioned whether strangers living together could create more problems than opportunities. At a time when young people are finding their own communities online and offline, will this concept actually work?

PLAN B #863: Faishal’s Resignation: A Pity for the Malay-Muslim Community?

Jul 24, 2026 26 min

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 overwhelming reaction, particularly within the Malay-Muslim community, has been one of shock and disappointment. For many, Faishal’s resignation marks the loss of a leader who had shown genuine commitment and dedication to the community, despite the lapse in judgment that ultimately led to his exit.

PLAN B #862: Singapore Has Free Speech, But It Isn’t the Same Everywhere

Jul 17, 2026 30 min

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 defence called “Reynolds Privilege”, which protects journalists who publish defamatory material if it is considered “responsible journalism” in the public interest. However, Singapore’s High Court ruled that this defence does not apply here. So when we talk about “free speech”, are we all talking about the same thing, or viewing it through different legal and cultural lenses?

PLAN B #861: Can Hate Comments Actually Help Your Business? Ministry of Spud Thinks So

Jul 10, 2026 33 min

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 blunt replies to commenters. His response? The criticism doesn’t bother him, in fact, he says he may even enjoy it because “at least they’re talking about me.” In this episode, we explore how social media has become the secret ingredient behind MOS’ success, and uncover the real story behind the closure of Tomaz.

#860: Harta, Amanah dan Warisan

Jul 6, 2026 1 hr 7 min

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 keluarga pula yang hancur.

#859 Behind The Glamour: The brutal reality of the legal sector

Jun 26, 2026 35 min

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, demanding clients and constant pressure can quickly drain the passion that first drew them to the profession. While steps are being taken to reduce attrition, is the industry prepared to confront toxic work mindsets and rethink the structures that continue to push lawyers to the brink.

#858 Singapore’s Bureaucracy vs Art: Can Creativity Survive?

Jun 20, 2026 21 min

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 the transport operator had been involved in the artwork’s removal. But beyond the controversy lies a bigger question: in a society known for its strict regulations, bureaucracy, and cautious approach to public spaces, can creativity truly thrive, or is Singapore’s art scene constantly fighting for room to exist?

#857 Are Run Clubs the New Social Media Status Symbol?

Jun 16, 2026 25 min

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 scene, he shares his perspective on how the community has evolved, and whether the boom is truly about health and fitness, or increasingly shaped by social media and the desire for online validation.

#856 Are We Witnessing a New Form of Racism?

Jun 12, 2026 23 min

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 nation with its own identity. As online narratives become more divisive and anti-Indian sentiments spread across social media, a question emerges: Is this what modern racism looks like?

#855 Is Performing the Azan in Secular Spaces Wrong?

Jun 6, 2026 24 min

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 religious conversion. While the backlash affected him, messages of support have kept him going. Yet behind the controversy lies a deeper story: Syazwan’s personal connection to Pulau Ubin and its disappearing heritage.

#854 Local SMEs vs Sam Heedy’s BrandTok

May 25, 2026 55 min

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 outspoken clients involved. While a few eventually recovered their money through the Small Claims Tribunal, why are they still determined to keep speaking out about Heedy?

#853 He’s Still a Student… But Teaching Kids for Free

May 15, 2026 29 min

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 challenges, from securing government grants to helping children whose parents may not have the bandwidth to focus on their education. With graduation and full-time work approaching, can Sufi continue balancing it all?

#852 The Lawyer Fighting Singapore’s Hardest Battles

May 8, 2026 31 min

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 anti-death penalty group Transformative Justice Collective. While some causes attract widespread public support, others remain deeply unpopular. So how does Derek continue fighting for issues that can often feel like an uphill battle?

#851 From Quitting Law to Selling Singapore’s First Olive Oil

May 1, 2026 31 min

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 her family farm affected by the Middle East conflict, rising costs and supply challenges are now part of the journey. Can the business hold up long-term, and does she have a backup plan?

#850 Are Pokémon Cards The Next Big Investment?

Apr 24, 2026 25 min

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 $20K–$30K. But after the rise and fall of trends like Labubu and Bearbrick, will Pokémon cards last? Syamil shares his backup plan.

#849 Can Trading Replace Your Salary?

Apr 17, 2026 33 min

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 stress responsible trading, starting with not buying into flashy lifestyles online. They explain why in this episode, which they describe as a public service.

#848 Can You Think Yourself Into Being a Millionaire?

Apr 9, 2026 37 min

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 for an abundance mindset: growing your income, building multiple streams, and thinking bigger. But in reality, is that possible when some families are still counting dollar to dollar?

#847 Is ‘Healthier Eating’ Just Not Practical Anymore?

Apr 2, 2026 36 min

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 practices aren’t practical in modern society. In response, Dr Siva says change should start from the ground up, with the government educating hawkers and even subsidising healthier food options. Is this something you see happening in the future?

#846 Fuel Prices Rising: Time To Suck It Up?

Mar 27, 2026 38 min

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, Darren argues Singaporeans should just deal with it, saying we’re still in a better position and well-prepared. So, could Singapore ever face such drastic energy measures, and if it does, would you be ready to bear the cost?

#845 Is this the beginning of higher petrol prices?

Mar 19, 2026 30 min

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 Hormuz, a key global oil route. Some believe things may stabilise after the US midterm elections in November, but that’s still months away. Back home in Singapore, leaders have said we have reserves for “rainy days”, so the question is, why does it feel like we’re the ones footing the bill right now?

#844 : The Real Cost of Skipping Your LPA

Mar 12, 2026 28 min

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 thousands of dollars to appoint a deputy. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Applications using LPA Form 1 is now free for all Singapore citizens. Begin at go.gov.sg/planmylpa.

#843 The hidden costs of running a bazaar stall

Mar 9, 2026 29 min

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 stand in the heat all day. Add to that the uncertainty of not knowing which stalls will be next to them, and it’s clear that running a bazaar stall comes with its own challenges.

#842 Is the Iran conflict political or religious?

Mar 6, 2026 25 min

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 solidarity, it raises a bigger question: could distant wars deepen divisions in multicultural societies like Singapore?

#841 Will Ramadan bazaars disappear?

Feb 27, 2026 33 min

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 to Indonesia for more affordable baju and bites. It may feel like the bazaar scene is fading but maybe the true spirit of Ramadan isn’t about where we spend but where we find community, especially at a time when falling marriage rates hint at a wider sense of social disconnection.

840: Why “Standing Still” Is the Most Dangerous Career Move

Feb 19, 2026 31 min

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 the gym. You won’t get a six-pack instantly, but you have to start somewhere to see results. --- Start your upskilling journey today: https://www.myskillsfuture.gov.sg/content/portal/en/index.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic-video&utm_campaign=project-real-talk&utm_term=yt&utm_content=real-talk-planb-mysf Not sure where to start? Use the RIASEC Profiling Tool to find the right career path based on your personality: https://www.myskillsfuture.gov.sg/content/portal/en/assessment/landing.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic-video&utm_campaign=project-real-talk&utm_term=yt&utm_content=real-talk-planb-rs

#839 Is Singapore all glass and no soul?

Feb 5, 2026 34 min

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 mermaid. And no, that’s not some wild conspiracy theory. In this ep, he joins us to debunk myths and prove that Singapore’s cultural depth runs far deeper than we think.

#838 Young, Hungry, and in Business: Running F&B at 20

Jan 30, 2026 31 min

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 this episode, they share how they balance studies with running a business, and unpack the harsh realities of the F&B industry, from soaring rents to financial pressures. (01:55) Welcome founders of Berjaya Western! (08:18) Challenges of running a F&B business (14:33) Balancing school, life, and work (17:50) Bestsellers at Berjaya Western (25:20) Is the school supportive of their careers? (27:20) Future of Berjaya Western

#837 Landlords Killing Businesses?

Jan 23, 2026 45 min

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 halal Chinese eatery Deanna’s Kitchen about their fears for the future, and to Vernon Lim of the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises to unpack what’s driving landlords’ decisions. The answers may surprise you. (00:58) Say hello to Vernon Lim! (02:18) Founders of Deanna’s Kitchen (05:30) Growing trend of businesses closing down (10:33) Explaining landlord’s decisions (17:25) Should the government step in? (30:00) Competition with China-owned businesses (34:15) “Running a business based on passion is a privilege”

#836 End Of A Political Era ?

Jan 22, 2026 31 min

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) Darren’s Show (05:45) Should the LO role be given a framework? (07:55) Reading comments (21:15) What should our stand be on this? (25:30) Syed Harun’s Response

#835 Is China buying up Singapore?

Jan 15, 2026 27 min

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 continues unchecked, are we looking at an economic takeover similar to what’s happened in places like Jeju and London? (04:33) Review of Ministers’ Salaries (10:00) Rise of Chinese businesses (16:35) US’ interest in Greenland (19:00) Iran Protest

#834 Could Singapore Be Next?

Jan 9, 2026 33 min

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 small states like Singapore more vulnerable than we think? (00:50) Dzar’s holiday (05:27) US’ intervention in Venezuela (10:00) Responses from other countries (15:26) Malays as providing “windows for the Chinese”? (23:30) Changing attitudes among Gen Z

#833 The unexpected MUIS link behind the name Sugar Mama Lah

Jan 1, 2026 28 min

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 live streaming to unconventional marketing, and drops a surprising truth: many kunafa desserts in Singapore use colouring that isn’t halal-certified. (02:05) What is assorted tiramisu? (04:50) Home-based to storefront (11:35) Challenges of being halal-certified (20:45) Importance of live streaming (22:55) Meaning behind Sugar Mama Lah