SGExplained
By Rovik Robert, Elliot Tan and Charmian Tan
SGExplainedJul 15, 2021
Season 5 Review
We can't believe we're finally here but 21 episodes later and it's time to wrap up Season 5 of SGExplained. This is a full banter episode as Charmian, Elliot and Rovik look back on their favourite episodes of the season and discuss some of the fresher elements in the show, including our new co-host Mian. We also look forward to what the series' future could look like and when we will be returning. Tune in now, and send in your feedback to let us know your thoughts as well!
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Peranakan Culture
You can't talk about Singapore without talking about the Peranakans - a sub-community with a heritage associated with being Straits-born amidst a time of heavy immigration. Elliot, a Peranakan himself, shares his stories of growing up with some exposure to the culture and how he stays in touch with it. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Learning about the first Peranakans and how their ancestors came to Singapore (note: there are some traces of slavery as well)
- Exploring the various aspects of Peranakan culture including food, arts and marriage customs
- Adding to your list of Peranakan restaurants to check out in Singapore
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
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Singapore's Stance on Pornography
Honestly, this episode could do with more innuendo, but you can get it up with the SGExplainers for the next 40 minutes as we explore Singapore's relationship with the wild world of pornography. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Diving deep into the regulations on exactly what you can and cannot do with regards to porn in Singapore
- Getting clarity on whether you have a future creating OnlyFans content from Singapore
- Learning more about some of the prominent adult video actors and actresses that have roots in Singapore
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
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People with Intellectual Disabilities in Singapore
In partnership with MINDS MYG, this episode introduces the important People with Intellectual Disabilities (PWID) community in Singapore. We hear from Jessica (not her real name), a caregiver and volunteer about her experience directly, and as you can imagine from previous SGExplained episodes, this gets inspirational very quickly. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Getting a more specific definition of what Intellectual Disabilities entail
- Debunk myths about PWIDs e.g. whether autism and intellectual disability are the same
- Learn about how caregivers can also practice self-care as they support PWIDs
You can volunteer by signing up on the MINDS MYG homepage here.
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Images used in Cover Image and Marketing Collateral are provided courtesy of MINDS MYG.
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The Communist Threat
It is impossible to look back at Singapore's history without dealing with its confrontation with the Communist threat. In this episode, we take an objective look at this decisive chapter in our national narrative and how it has come to shape our sense of nationhood. Specifically, look forward to:
- Understanding why the Chinese population in Singapore were so vulnerable to Communist influence
- Learning about the political infighting within the PAP that eventually caused the schism to form Barisan Socialis
- Getting the play-by-play on Operation Coldstore, one of the most controversial episodes in our past
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
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Singapore's Stance on Drugs
There has been a slew of news announcements lately on Singapore's stance on drugs, especially as some of our neighbours choose to liberalise their policies on substances such as marijuana. We take a look at why Singapore has been insistent on its position on drugs and how we have enacted laws to dissuade offenders. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Learning more about Singapore's Opium and Heroin epidemics and how we clamped down against them
- Getting familiar with the Misuse of Drugs Act
- Discovering preventative campaigns, including some controversial ones, that have helped to keep Singapore drug-free
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
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Talking about LGBTQIA+ Issues
As a spiritual sequel to our Section 377A episode, and in recognition of the announced repeal of the section in the penal code, the SGExplained team chats with Gabriel Yeong of Young Out Here, a youth support group for the LGBTQIA+ community in Singapore! We discuss what the upcoming repeal means for the community as well as broader societal issues that continue to be top-of-mind for fellow Singaporeans. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Learning about the evolution of spaces for those in the LGBTQIA+ community to come together
- Hearing about the impact of the upcoming repeal on various generations in the community
- Setting sights on what could come next after the "re-norming"
If you would like to get in touch with Young Out Here, you can do so at young.out.here@gmail.com
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Cover Photo from Jnzl's Photos
Sources:
- For Singapore’s LGBTQ+ Activists, Repealing Section 377A Is Only the First Step
- Section 377A: repeal of Singapore’s gay sex law no guarantee of LGBTQ rights progress
- NDR 2022: Singapore to repeal Section 377A, amend Constitution to protect definition of marriage
- LGBTQ community unlikely to 'seek same-sex marriage or to redefine families', should 377A be repealed
- Dear Singapore, The ‘Family VS LGBT’ Narrative Needs To Stop
100th Episode Special: Our Shared Values
Thank you for being on this amazing journey with us to reach 100 episodes on SGExplained!! It's a big deal for us, and if you are a Day One listener, please let us know so that we can reach out to you and invite you to our show for a chat! For this episode, we go back to the origins of why the show was even started: to explore the Singapore identity and what defines us. Foundational to this is Our Shared Values, a series of five values that have played an outsized role in defining a lot of our institutions. In this episode, we:
- Trace the origins of the shared values and interrogate their intentions
- Unpack each of the values and ponder their relevance to today's society
- Compare the series of values with current polling and sentiments on what makes us Singaporean
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
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Mid-Autumn Festival
If you love mooncakes as much as we do, you will love this episode. The SGExplainers trace the origins of the Mid-Autumn festival and the practices we repeat every year in Singapore. Join us as we discover:
- What our neighbours in the region celebrate during the same season
- Why the Mid-Autumn festival makes reference to a rabbit frequently
- What are some of the upcoming mooncake flavours to pre-order
Also, tune into the new Rice & Rise podcast produced by 1UPMedia now!
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
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The Singapore Zoo
We may have memories of the Singapore Zoo when we were children, but did you know that the overall Mandai Wildlife Group has been staying relevant through its sustainability and conservation efforts? Join us this episode as we:
- Explore the history of the Zoo, including some of its unfortunate accidents
- Trace the various unique exhibits in the main zoo
- Forecast some of the key upcoming developments in the Zoo that we can enjoy
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Intro Music: From Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
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Lim Bo Seng
You may have read about him during your Social Studies class, but as with most historical characters, you may have just scratched the surface of the legend Lim Bo Seng. Join us as we do a character deep-dive into the war hero and learn about some of the critical episodes in his life. In this episode, look forward to:
- Learning about Lim Bo Seng's early childhood and adult life before the war, and how he pivoted to his wartime role
- Hearing about Lim Bo Seng's wife and children and the sacrifices they too had to make
- Understanding the impact Lim Bo Seng has had on generations after him, especially with his memorial in place
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
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The MRT System
Getting from place to place in Singapore is convenient only because of our great public transportation, including our beloved MRT system! In this episode, the crew share laughs and develop an appreciation for our subway system, with tons of factoids in between. Look forward to:
- Tracing the story of the subway-that-almost-never-was
- Learning about some of our MRT's mascots, including Captain SMRT
- Getting excited for new MRT stations that may open up in your neighbourhood!
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
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Dating in Singapore: Part Two
Charmian and Rovik revisit the topic of dating in Singapore, tracking what's changed four years after the first part was published. We invite Zhi Qun Liu from Kopi Dates, an experience-focused dating platform, to share some of the trends he sees running the platform. Rovik also contributes perspectives from The Hidden Good's Dating for Good programme. In this episode, look forward to:
- Learn why dating apps are no longer working for many Singaporean singles
- Appreciate what Singaporean youth are looking for in partners these days
- Get an exclusive promo code for 30% off your first Kopi Date experience when you use the promo code SGEXPLAINED as you register online! The offer ends on 31 July and is valid for first-time members only. Promo code must be entered prior to completing the registration form. Offer is non-transferable. Offer cannot be used alongside other discounts or promotions.
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Visiting Johor Bahru
Now that borders have reopened, Singaporeans have been flocking to Malaysia, specifically to Johor Bahru across the border. In this episode, we reflect on the relationship these two cities share! Look forward to:
- Learning how many people cross the border each day
- Unpacking the economic features of the Singapore-Johor Bahru relationship
- Adding to your list of places to visit in Singapore
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Relations between Singapore and Malaysia continue to thrive
- Commentary: The former Malaysian workers in Singapore caught in limbo in Johor
- 'I don't want to commute anymore': Some Malaysian workers settle in Singapore even as land border reopens
- Major projects in Iskandar Malaysia
- Malaysia's relations with Singapore
Potong Ice Cream
These skinny ice creams on a stick may be slowly dying out but we keep them alive in our latest podcast episode! From pulut hitam to durian to red bean, we go on a journey of flavours to honour one of our favourite desserts in Singapore. In this episode, you can:
- Learn about the inspiration behind the Potong Ice Cream
- Follow the manufacturing process for the iconic skinny treat
- Discover the reasons behind the potential loss of this heritage delicacy
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
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Planning for Death
We're looking at the full life cycle this season, and so it only makes sense that we look at what happens in Singapore when you die! Zach Leung, Associate Director at PFPA, comes onto our show to shine some light on what happens after we pass on, especially to our assets and our loved ones. In this episode, you will:
- Learn about the difference between "estate", "trust", and "will", especially in a Singapore context
- Hear about the different ways your estate can be broken up if you do not plan ahead
- Get advice on how to overcome some of the common stigmas your loved ones may have about estate planning
Contact Zach at zachary-leung@pfp-fa.com if you want to discuss your own estate planning needs with him.
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
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Tiger Beer
You've probably heard the phrase "It's Tiger Time" while you were growing up in Singapore. Tiger Beer is one of Singapore's most valuable brands and a globally recognised beverage, renowned for its bold campaigns and its reliable flavours. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Learn about the history of Tiger Beer, including its involvement in World War Two
- Follow some of Tiger Beer's major brand campaigns and its influence on society
- Compare the iconic brand with other emerging local beer producers such as Sunbird Brewing and Archipelago Brewery
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
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Taxi Drivers
Who can deny that taxi drivers are Singapore's master storytellers? We get the extremely cool opportunity to talk to Uncle Ben, the father of a close friend of Rovik's, who also happens to be a night-shift taxi driver about his storied life on the roads. In this episode, you will:
- Learn about how many taxi and private hire drivers there are actually in Singapore
- Hear Uncle Ben's take on the necessary ingredients to be a good taxi driver (and it doesn't include a large bladder)
- Feel for some of the stories shared, whether it's hilarious encounters or his unfortunate mishaps
We also bumble up our quiz this episode - so apologies to listeners for that! We're human too!
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Taxis of Singapore
- Taxi Statistics 2021
- 6 surprising facts about driving a taxi in Singapore as told by a taxi driver himself
- How To Become A Taxi Driver In Singapore?
- Rent with Us - STRIDES
- Vocational Driving Licenses for Taxi Drivers
Beauty Standards in Singapore
How far would Singaporeans go to look "beautiful"? We speak to Dr Matthew Yap of Myeongdong Medical & Aesthetics about the trends he witnesses in his clinic and his own experience as an aesthetician! In this episode, you will:
- Learn about beauty standards past and present in Singapore
- Get familiar with the different types of treatments Singaporeans are going for
- Contemplate whether cosmetic surgery and aesthetic treatments truly deserve the stigma they have
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
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The Orang Laut
The Orang Laut are thought to be one of the first inhabitants of the islands that now make up Singapore, but why do so few people know about them? We chat with Firdaus Sani, founder of Orang Laut SG which is a community sustaining the stories of this lineage, to get the real scoop. In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Learning about how the Orang Laut were politically significant in pre-colonial times
- Hearing directly from Firdaus about how life was like on Pulau Semakau, the island where most of the Orang Laut lived
- Understanding what is at stake for the Orang Laut community in fighting to protect their island traditions
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Pictures courtesy of Orang Laut SG
Sources:
- Orang Laut SG
- A taste of what life was like on Pulau Semakau captured through photographs and food
- Meet the family spearheading the culinary revival of Orang Laut cuisine
- Orang Laut Infopedia
- The Orang Laut of Singapore
Giving Birth in Singapore
We are back with Season 5 and as always, we keep it spicy with a whole episode on giving birth in Singapore. But first, we introduce our new co-host, Charmian Tan - media personality and highly sought after spin instructor who is joining the crew to explore the Singapore Identity!
In this episode, you can look forward to:
- Learning about cultural superstitions on birthing practices
- Tracing the evolution of KK Women's and Children's Hospital in Singapore (there's a buffalo shed involved)
- Calculating the current day costs of giving birth in Singapore
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
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Special Episode: SingLit
This episode is brought to you by National Library Board’s One Story, which is a National Reading Movement initiative to make Singapore short stories – originally written in Tamil, Malay, Chinese, or English – available in other languages. The project aims to bring these stories to more readers beyond the language communities that they were originally written for.
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We're taking a break from our break to share with you a special episode on Singapore Literature! Following up on our Poetry and Theatre episodes, this time we look at the world of Fiction in Singapore! Specifically, you can:
- Learn about Singapore's first modern English novel
- Hear about some of our more controversial writers and how they found a place in Singapore culture
- Get familiar with the One Story initiative and how it uses literature to bridge across cultures
Stay tuned for Season 5, coming very soon with lots of exciting new features planned, including a new co-host!
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Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Singapore Literature - Wikipedia
- If We Dream Too Long - Wikipedia
- Gopal Baratham - NLB Infopedia
Season 4 Review
Another 20 episodes down and we've reached the end of Season 4! Elliot and Rovik reflect on the journey, covering the edgier theme of the season, starting from our Channel News Asia feature on Secret Societies and ending full circle with our episode on Ah Bengs and Ah Lians, bolstered by episodes on Prostitution, Snakes and Prison (among others) along the way. We chat about our favourite episodes, our recommendations on under-rated topics and we give a sneak peek into Season 5 (we are recruiting!). Tune in to end off Season 4 with us.
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Ah Bengs & Ah Lians
The Australians have their bogans, the British have their chavs and here in Singapore, we have the Ah Bengs and Ah Lians. What makes up this oft caricatured subculture? We chat with content creator Jeremiah Chen from Tropic Monsters TV about what inspires his hilarious sketches on these characters and learn more about how it adds to our Singaporean identity. In the spirit of the content, some expletives are used. Get listening to:
- Understand the evolution of the Ah Beng/Ah Lian caricature over the years
- Hear from the experts (yes there's an actual scholarly paper written) on how Ah Bengs and Ah Lians tell us more about society
- Join Jeremiah, Elliot and Rovik as they explore how there is an Ah Beng and Ah Lian in every one of us
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Ah Beng and Ah Lian - KunKun
- The Ah Beng subculture as a case study of Malaysian Chinese Identity Formation (Kay, Edo, 2015)
- Ah Beng - Wikipeda
Ghost Stories Part 2
Our first Ghosts in Singapore episode all the way back in Season 1 was a hit with you so we've come back with Part 2 of the Ghost Story collection - hopefully your Halloween is enriched by Elliot and Rovik narrating some of the spookiest tales on the web. In this episode, we look at the stories of:
- The Bukit Timah Monkey Man and the trail he has left behind
- The wailing lady of Spooner Road Estate
- The ghosts and ghouls of the various schools in Singapore
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Some people in S'pore believe they've seen the Bukit Timah Monkey Man - Mothership
- The Most Haunted Estate in Singapore - Spooner Road
- Haunted Nee Soon Camp - Hungzai
- 11 Singapore Girls’ School Ghost Stories Told By Former Students and Teachers - Zula
Heritage Food - Ingredients and Dishes
Pamelia Chia from Singapore Noodles comes onto our show this episode to discuss Heritage Food with us. It is a topic that is novel and complicated only because Singapore is an immigrant nation and we are starting to see a new wave of food evolution with influences from Japanese and European styles. In this lively conversation, we:
- Discuss what exactly constitutes heritage food in a rapidly changing food environment
- Go through iconic heritage ingredients such as Pangi and the Roselle Leaf, and get hungry over heritage dishes such as Nasi Ulam and Gulai Nenas
- Envision what it will take to preserve heritage food in the future
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Pangi - NParks
- The heritage foods at risk of disappearing in Singapore - Jetstar
- A recipe for nasi ulam, a Malay herb rice salad - The Straits Times
- Meet the family spearheading the culinary revival of Orang Laut cuisine - Prestige Online
The Prison System - Road to Rehabilitation
Keeping to our season's theme of focusing on the edgier sides of Singapore, we look at our prison system where those who have fallen through the cracks or gone astray have to serve their time. It is also an opportunity for them to be rehabilitated and to get a chance to reintegrate back into society as contributing members. Of course, these are easier said than done and we look at the structures and processes in place that govern how inmates make their way back to the Singaporean core. Join us this episode as we:
- Trace the roots of our prison system back to the British days
- Hear about an actual prisoner's experience in Changi Prison
- Unpack the Rehabilitation Framework to see how we can all play a role in the effort
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Singapore Prison Service - NLB infopedia
- My life experience in Changi Prison (Cluster B) - Sammyboy Forum
- Rehabilitation Process - Singapore Prison Services
- Yellow Ribbon Singapore
Sikhism in Singapore
Sikhs are known as a minority within a minority in Singapore, and yet they have an outsized influence on our identity in Singapore. Join us as we chat with Shaun Sarabjeet Singh, President of the Young Sikh Association, to learn about the history of the Sikh community in Singapore as well as how it integrates into the wider community. In this episode, we:
- Trace the story of Maharaj Singh, the alleged first Sikh in Singapore who was also a political prisoner
- Explore the institutions and practices of modern-day Sikhs, including why Tahu Sambal has a special place in their hearts
- Learn about what life is like balancing staying true to one's culture while adapting as a minority culture in Singapore
We're very grateful for Shaun's personal stories in this episode as well. You can find out more about the Young Sikh Association, which aims to empower young Sikhs and enhance mutual understanding among people of different ethnic groups, at this link.
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Celebrating the journey of Sikhs in Singapore - The Tribune
- Sikhism in Singapore - Wikipedia
- Sikh - Wikipedia
- Bhai Maharaj Singh: The man, the legend - The Tribune
- Sikhs.org.sg
Holland Village - Charm of the Town
Katong is to Elliot what Holland Village is to Rovik - a comfortable yet exciting neighbourhood where there are lifestyle options and great food. Join us for our next neighbourhood deep dive as we explore the peculiarities of this part of Singapore including:
- Debating whether the town is named Holland Village because of random-man Hugh Holland or because there was a notable Dutch population there
- Understanding the dynamics between Chip Bee Gardens and its tenants since all the properties are actually owned by the Singapore Land Authority
- Hypothesising what the impact of the upcoming One Holland Village will have on the charm of the area
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Visit Singapore
- Chip Bee residents unhappy with cap on lease periods - The Straits Times
- Holland Village Singapore
- Mixed-use development One Holland Village to include homes, retail, offices and community spaces - The Straits Times
The Merlion - From Logo to National Symbol
Singaporeans have a mixed set of feelings when it comes to the Merlion - on one hand, it is an increasingly globally recognised icon and a major tourist attraction, and on the other hand, it is a reminder that one of Singapore's biggest symbols comes not from a mythos but from a logo design. Join us this episode as Elliot and Rovik spend this short episode exploring the tale of the Merlion including:
- Learning about the history of the Merlion as a logo for a government body
- Following the Merlion's courageous move to its current location at Merlion Park
- Tracking the other Merlions around the world, including a guardian deity version in Hokkaido
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- STB-owned Assets - Merlion Symbol - Singapore Tourism Board
- The Monstrous Merlion: In the Original Sense - Public Art
- 5 things about the Merlion that you probably did not know - Goody Feed
- Sentosa Merlion to make way for new $90m themed linkway as part of Sentosa-Brani masterplan - The Straits Times
- Merlion - Wikipedia
Skate Culture
Here's another fringe culture you don't really think about when you consider Singapore but Skate Culture has endured its own challenges to find its place in our cultural tapestry. Hear Elliot reminisce his days picking up the skill and get a peek into a strong community-driven sport. In this episode, we
- Learn about the skateboarding ban of 1978 and the impact on the culture in Singapore
- Explore some of the prominent skateparks in Singapore
- Take a look at how community is a foundation for the sport in Singapore.
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You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Skateboard ban: Minister defends decision - New Nation, 1978
- 11 Best Skateparks In Singapore To Land Your Skateboarding & Inline Skating Tricks, With Pro Tips - The Smart Local
- Lion City Skaters
The Financial Hub Story
What's going on at Marina Bay Financial Centre and why is Singapore home to so many "Finance Bros and Brodettes"? In this episode, we're excited to have Reggie Koh from The Financial Coconut Podcast as a guest to chat with us about what really makes Singapore a Finance Hub! We make the jargon simplified so you don't have to wonder what asset management or currency internationalisation means! Tune in to:
- Learn about how Singapore had the right ingredients for being a finance hub from its pre-colonial days
- Explore the key pillars of our financial system here in Singapore
- Get a sneak peek at what Family Offices and Fintech mean for the future of our financial scene
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- The World's Leading Financial Cities - Investopedia
- Singapore’s Transformation into a Global Financial Hub - LKYSPP
- Singapore’s policy of non-internationalisation of the Singapore dollar and the Asian dollar market - Ong Chong Tee
- Is Singapore nudging ahead of Hong Kong as Asia’s preferred financial hub? - Vistra
- Forum: Singapore must protect its reputation as top global financial hub - The Straits Times
Yishun, The Fabled North
What's going on in Yishun? As part of our neighbourhood exploration series, SGExplained takes a deeper look at why Yishun has gotten a reputation as the place where "weird things happen" in Singapore. We find out there may be more hype than substance going on here. Join us in this short episode as we look at:
- Funny adventures that have occurred in Yishun including the rise of Lord Voldermort
- Heartwarming developments including Singapore's first dementia-friendly town
- Perspectives and analysis on how Yishun got its reputation.
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Yishun New Town - NLB infopedia
- Yishun Thug Life: 2 men playing with stun gun outside Northpoint arrested - Mothership.sg
- Yishun residents getting harassed for money through letters from "Lord Voldemort" - Mothership.sg
- Hundreds of 'mystery bugs' swarmed into Yishun unit, samples now catalogued in natural history museum - Mothership.sg
- People in Yishun Park seen waiting for durians to fall from trees - Mothership.sg
- Yishun hair salon allegedly charged 'half-balding' elderly man S$4,799 for treatment package - Mothership.sg
- Why do some people make fun of Yishun? - The Straits Times
- Yishun residents to get new integrated development with swimming pools, hawker centre; to be completed in 2027 - The Straits Times
Nasi Lemak - Parcel Delight
You can identify the iconic Nasi Lemak, both by its aromatic coconut scent as well as its unique pyramid-shaped banana leaf packaging. Just coconut rice, sambal chilli and ikan bilis in a parcel, this delightful dish is a big part of Singapore food culture! Join us in this episode as we:
- Learn about the hilarious alleged origin story of the name Nasi Le, Mak
- Compare Singaporean and Malaysian versions of the dish
- Go through some of the main competitors in the Singapore scene!
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay;
Sources:
- Nasi Lemak - NLB Infopedia
- Nasi Lemak - Wikipedia
- Nasi Lemak - Roots.gov.sg
- Is nasi lemak from Malaysia or Singapore – and how did it get its name? - SCMP
- History of Nasi Lemak - Johor Kaki
- 15 Nasi Lemak Stalls In Singapore To Try When You Need Comfort Food - SethLui.com
The Theatre Scene
Plays, musicals and immersive theatre can all be powerful ways to engage audiences, tell stories and change narratives, and in Singapore, we've strived to build such cultural capital through our theatre scene. Join us and THREE special guests from the scene to discuss various aspects of Singapore theatre, including its evolution from traditional forms, its interaction with the Singapore identity and its resilience despite censorship, capital constraints and COVID-19. Our three guests today include:
- Euginia Tan, who is a Singaporean writer who writes poetry, creative non-fiction and plays. Her play-writing credits include Tuition (Twenty Something Theatre Festival), Modest Travels (produced by Tan Kheng Hua for Uniqlo) and Fortunes (The Necessary Stage, Playwrights’ Cove).
- A Yagnya is a collaborative theatre-maker and Japanese translator. Yagnya’s playwrighting credits include Between 5 Cows and the Deep Blue Sea...(read at Esplanade’s Raga 2020), The Oven Storyஅவன் கதை (3Pumpkins, 2020), Hi, Can You Hear Me? (Playwrights’ Cove 2020), and subTITLED 1.0 (Bridging the Gap Collective, 2021).
- Isaac Lim is a wheelchair-using, bilingual writer and performer. He writes plays, reviews and ad copies. His recent works include Between Consciousness (2016), Understudy (2016) and I am Mei (2019).
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Sources and References:
- Bangsawan - Roots.sg
- Teater Ekamatra
- Click through the history of Singapore theatre with digital archive The Repository - The Straits Times
- Singapore Theatre in the 1970s - Centre42
- Kuo Pao Kun - NLB infopedia
- Elangovan - NLB infopedia
- National Theatre - NLB infopedia
- The Necessary Stage
Intro Music: Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music: Nielizas from Pixabay; Img: Pangdemonium/FB
Operation Tiderace & The Japanese Surrender
World War 2 was a dark chapter in Singapore's history and so when the Japanese eventually surrendered, spirits were high amongst the residents. But did you know that there was a probability that the Japanese in Singapore would refuse to surrender despite the Emperor's announcement? Operation Tiderace was the Allied Forces' plan to secure Singapore and claim it back for the British. Check out this action-packed episode to learn about:
- the original Operation Zipper that was meant to execute an airstrike on the Japanese in Singapore
- the variety of ways the Japanese tried to escape humiliation in defeat, including a depressing sake party
- the pompous official ceremony that the Allied Forces conducted for the Japanese to sign their instruments of surrender
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Sources:
- Operation Tiderace - Wikipedia
- The real Japanese surrender - The Sunday Times
Intro Music by Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music by Nielizas from Pixabay
SPCA & Animal Welfare
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is Singapore's first registered animal welfare organisation and an institution for animal rights advocacy in Singapore. We were privileged to have Dr Jaipal, Executive Director of the SPCA, on our show to explore the evolution of the organisation and some of the major issues it's made a stand for. In this episode, we
- appreciated the grounds-up origins and heritage of the SPCA
- discussed the nuances of animal rights advocacy, especially when it has to do with legislation
- discovered the lesser-known dark secrets of purchasing bred animals and why adoption is preferable
If you're interested to learn more about the SPCA, check out their Youth Animal Welfare Symposium 2021 on 31 July 2021 (Saturday) from 09:00 – 16:00.
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Intro Music by Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music by Nielizas from Pixabay
Sources:
- History - SPCA
- Don't call me animal lover: SPCA's executive director Jaipal Singh Gill - The Straits Times
- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals - NLB Infopedia
- There’s No Better Friend. Adopt A Dog - SPCA
The Foster System
Did you know that there's a community of foster parents in Singapore who contribute as a labour of love to provide safe and nurturing homes for vulnerable children? Frankly, Elliot and Rovik were not very aware before this recording of this incredibly coordinated and involved ecosystem of social workers, policy planners, and families who go the distance to ensure no children are disadvantaged because of unfortunate circumstances. We're especially privileged to have Hannah from TSA Gracehaven Fostering, and Shikin, a foster mother, as guests to share their experiences as well!. In this episode, we:
- Understand who is eligible to be Foster Parents
- Follow the journey it takes for a child to be placed in a foster parents' home
- Discuss the ways regular Singaporeans can support the Foster System
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent or would like to find out more about fostering, The Salvation Army’s Gracehaven Fostering will be conducting their next tea session on 18 Sep 2021, Saturday from 10 am to 12 pm. Please feel free to call 8833 8173 or email them at Eugene.Chan@smm.salvationarmy.org to sign up for the tea session.
Sources:
- Foster Care: How Do I Become a Foster Parent in Singapore? - Singapore Legal Advice
- About the Children in Care Service - MSF
- Epworth Foster Care - Epworth Community Services
- 'He deserves a lot of love from us': Fostering a child with special needs - CNA
- 'Many other kids need a home': Son's words spur couple on to foster 10 children in 15 years - The Straits Times
- “Every Child Deserves To Be Loved”: Fostering A Child With Mild Autism - PSD Challenge
- Foster parenting is very different from adopting, and this foster care officer wants you to know it - Mothership
Intro Music by Wataboi from Pixabay; Outro Music by Nielizas from Pixabay
Wet Markets
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Nothing can match an experience through Singapore's wet markets - the washed floors allowing you to slide through the corridors between your fresh vegetable grocer and your mutton butcher. It's an authentic market experience where communities gather and where you build relationships with the people who handle your food. Join Elliot and Rovik as they reflect on what makes wet markets great, including:
- What distinguishes wet markets from supermarkets
- How some of our more iconic wet markets (like Tekka and Geylang Serai) have stood the test of time
- Why we can't take wet markets for granted
Sources:
- Community Heritage Series: Wet Markets - NHB
- The best wet markets in Singapore - TimeOut
- Pasar: What makes Singapore’s wet markets unique? - The Kontinentalist
Snakes of Singapore
Biodiversity is important to any country, and in Singapore, we need to talk about our snakes. We're not talking about those folks who gossip behind our backs - this is about the reptiles that are hidden in our parks and wetlands, and are surprisingly not out to harm you! In this episode, we're privileged to have Sankar from the Herpetological Society of Singapore to share his own snake-spotting stories and to bust some myths about these creatures. He calls them cute a couple of times so you know he loves snakes. In this episode, we
- Learn about the main types of snakes in Singapore
- Hear some fascinating stories on snake fights
- Discuss what to do if you do encounter a snake in Singapore (Pro-tip: don't call pest control)
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Sources:
- World Snake Day Special – #AskHSS - HerpSoc SG
- 7 Most Common Types of Snakes in Singapore - GreenCare
- Animal Advisories: Snakes - NParks
- Slithering in plain sight: Recent snake sightings in Singapore - The Straits Times
- Epidemiology of snakebites from a general hospital in Singapore: a 5-year retrospective review (2004-2008) (Hock, 2010)
- Snake Bites: Symptoms and Treatments - HealthxChange.sg
Durian - Scourge or Specialty?
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The durian, native to Singapore and Southeast Asia, is known as the King of Fruits. Yet, it has a mixed reputation in Singapore, with some chasing down the best harvests while others abstain from it religiously. Elliot and Rovik explore the complexity of the Durian, including:
- how the British, with the exception of an influential Sir Stamford Raffles, actually celebrated the durian
- what the Durio Singaporensis (or Singapore Durian) is and why it's not in the same bucket as the Mao Shan Wang type
- whether you can actually have durians and alcohol together.
Sources:
- Durian - NLB infopedia
- The Stinky King: A social and cultural history of the durian, Andrea Montanari (2011)
- Fruit: Why is Durian always sold from roadside stalls? - Quora
- Malaysian durian traders turn to online sales to overcome coronavirus curbs - The Straits Times
- Durians, are they good for me? - Mt Alvernia Hospital
The Chewing Gum Ban
Singapore is known internationally for a couple of things and the Chewing Gum ban is high on the list. In this short episode, Elliot and Rovik follow the rather hilarious journey of how chewing gum got banned in Singapore as well as how a certain US company managed to get some gum back on the books. You may get stuck on this one (pun intended!)
This episode covers:
- why chewing gum was actually tolerated for a while before the iconic ban
- how our MRT system triggered our country's leaders enough to outlaw the gum
- what it took to bring dental and therapeutic gum back on the table
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
Sources:
- Singapore - Chewing Gum Facts
- Why Singapore banned chewing gum - BBC
- At Long Last, Gum Is Legal in Singapore, But There Are Strings - WSJ
- HDB asks shops to stop selling gum - Singapore Monitor
- Problems of social behaviour must be tackled by community - Singapore Monitor
- Imagining Life Before Chewing Gum Ban In Singapore - CNA
Prostitution
Clean, green, and safe don't seem to match with the presence of a prostitution scene in Singapore but you'll be surprised to find out that prostitution has been around in Singapore since its early days. Check out our season premiere to learn about:
- the Ah Kus, Karayuki-sans, and Pipa girls who were different types of sex workers
- the various strategies employed by the governments to stamp out or control prostitution
- how sex work has evolved in Singapore and why there is a "hierarchy" of sex workers
You'll see Singapore like you never have before. Also, SUBSCRIBE to our Substack to get bonus content right in your email - Click Here!
This episode does touch on topics of sexual exploitation, trafficking and drug abuse. If you or someone you know needs support, do check out the following resources:
Sources:
- Prostitution in Singapore - Facts and Details
- The Brothels of Colonial Singapore - Newzzit
- Laws on Prostitution in Singapore - IRB Law
- Selling Sex in Singapore: The Development, Expansion, and Policing of Prostitution in an International Entrepôt (Herzog, 2017)
- Ah Ku and Karayuki-San: Prostitution in Singapore 1870–1940 (James Francis Warren, 2003)
- The Sex Sector: the Economic and Social Bases of Prostitution in Southeast Asia (Nagaraj and Yahya, 1998)
Special Episode: Secret Societies
We're known as a crime-free country but have you heard about the history of Secret Societies in Singapore, one of the lesser-known phenomenon of our country's dark underbelly. Hear stories and facts about gangsters and thugs that you'd be surprised about including:
- the fact that secret societies were actually multi-racial (in proper Singaporean fashion)
- how coolies became part of the "pig trade", getting caught in vicious cycles of opium and prostitution
- the tale of Pulau Senang, a penal settlement similar to Alcatraz, where the Singapore government tried to reform secret society members through hard work
This special episode is an accompaniment to the Channel News Asia production "Into The Vault" where you find more content on this topic, including interviews with former secret society members and experts on related topics.
Sources:
- The Murder of Inspector Popejoy by Little Cockroach - Newspaper SG
- How Secret Societies formed in Singapore - Mothership
- Central Police Station (demolished) - Roots.gov.sg
- A Forgotten Past – ‘Prison on Fire’ at Pulau Senang - Remember Singapore
- Chinese Secret Societies - Facebook Page
- Secret Societies in Singapore - Wikipedia
Season 3 Review
Once again, for both our loyal listeners as well as those looking to navigate the season, join Elliot and Rovik as they reminisce on all 20 episodes for this season. We pick our favorite episodes, the most underrated one to recommend, and start to tease both future episodes in Season 4 as well as an upcoming Channel News Asia documentary! Keep in touch during this break and DM us if you have ideas for future ideas, guests, or partnership opportunities! We love our community!
The Tattoo Scene - Fringe or Mainstream?
We always enjoy the episodes where we look at the "fringe" of Singapore culture, but are tattoos too mainstream here to even be fringe anymore? We chat with Tattoo Artist Beverly Ann Koh (bev.bot on IG) about her experience in the industry and how Singapore has moved to be more inclusive of tattoos. We explore the history of tattoos with gangs, recent trends in tattoos (have you heard of hyper-realism?) as well as some of the industry dynamics here. These are some of our favourite types of conversations so we hope you enjoy it them too!
Sources:
- History of Tattoo Culture in Singapore - Dina Jitendra
- Singapore Ink Show
Tangs - Cornerstone of Orchard Road
If you've shopped in Singapore, you've probably been to Tangs - but did you know that the mall was one of the first retail shopping outlets in Orchard? Back when the area near Tangs was mostly cemetery grounds, CK Tang had the vision to convert the area to a shopping destination. Discover why he had such courage and learn about how he evolved his brand from being the Tin Truck Man to being the Curio King. We don't shy away from controversy so you'll get to hear stories of kidnapping and organ trading in the Tang family as well - just to help us remember that everyone is human.
We're also coming up to the end of our season so if you have feedback, ideas, or suggestions for Season 4, do reach out to our Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to get in touch with us. We'd love to hear from you!
Sources:
An Outlook on Ageing
Ageing is a scary topic but it has shaped much of Singapore's landscape in the last few decades. We're privileged to have an advocate and opinion leader, Dr Farhan Alami, come into the virtual studio to share her insights on how ageing and dementia affect not just the elderly but also their families and loved ones. Learn about the statistics surrounding ageing and some of the issues specific to Singapore we try to tackle. We also learn about our uniquely Singaporean approach to ageing and dementia, covering buzzwords such as "Ageing in Place" and "Kampung for all Ages" which we try to unpack. Elliot and Rovik finish the show with a much richer perspective than when they started and they invite you on that same journey.
This episode was produced in partnership with @Geriatrician.Sg, Dr Farhan Alami's platform to engage people of all ages on the topics surrounding ageing as well as tips and strategies for families and loved ones to help promote active and healthy ageing. You can find her on both Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/geriatrican.sg/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/geriatrician.sg/).
Sources:
- Statista Data on Ageing
- Commentary: It is high time for a Ministry on Ageing Issues - CNA
- Common health conditions associated with ageing - WHO
- Dementia in Singapore - ADA
- Successful Ageing in Singapore: Urban Implications in a High-density City - Debbie Loo, 2017
- Care Where You Are - Lien Foundation
- Dementia Friendly Communities - Agency for Integrated Care
Prata - The Future is Bright
Picking back up on our food series, we look at the fabled past of Roti Prata, the dish that was gifted to us by the Indian immigrants back in the day. Find out what goes into preparing the dish, including the artistic form needed to stretch the dough, and then get into the debate on whether roti canai (from Malaysia) or roti prata is better. We also look at the numerous variations of prata (including roti milo??) and of course, Elliot and Rovik leave you with some recommendations of where to look for some of the best prata in Singapore. If you want to add a recommendation to the list, send us a message on our socials!
Sources:
Singtel & Our Early Telecom Days
If you're reading this, you're probably doing so on the internet and maybe even on your phone. The fact that we have access to telecom and mobile services in Singapore has a lot to owe to Singtel's past, as once our national telecom provider and the largest contributor of infrastructure. Journey with us as we trace how Singtel survived the removal of its monopoly and how it evolved to be one of Singapore's best-known brands. We even explore major controversies such as the Bukit Panjang Fire and even the Xiaxue scandal. All this and more in our latest episode!
Sources: