Shows
Words of Wisdom, by Folklory#40 - Sim Bee Lim, BusinessmanSim Bee Lim reflects on a lifelong business career marked by resilience, trust, and responsibility. He stresses the importance of teamwork, open communication, and maintaining strong social bonds with family and friends for personal fulfillment and sustainable success.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“You can only be successful if you have a team of people who are like minded, have the same objective and work towards the same objective together.” “You should treat each other equally, and if possible develop a consensus on whatever issues.” “Trust is important, but also faith, because the other party must have this fe...2025-06-1833 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#39 - Daisie Yip, EducatorDaisie Yip shares her lifelong passion for teaching and education, emphasizing the importance of love, patience, and sincerity. She reflects on building lasting relationships with students and colleagues, nurturing values, and fostering unity and harmony in society.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“Teaching is not really a profession. It’s more like, a calling.” “If you love them and if they love you in return, that relationship is, it will drive you.” “It’s the quality of the relationship, and it’s through my subject area that I believe I can share my values and inspire my values.” “I hav...2025-06-1823 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#38 - Chan Kah Kee, Marketing ConsultantKC Chan shares his lifelong commitment to learning and adaptability, emphasizing the importance of passion over money. He encourages young people to build strong support networks, stay curious, and embrace holistic thinking to navigate career and life challenges with resilience.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“Lifelong learning must be number one.” “You must first be able to identify your passion or... the thing which means I want to be a consultant.”“Spend more time physically with friends and relatives and family member. That will be more advisable.” “Relationship is all about trust, love.” “Don't talk action. Also, actions speak l...2025-06-1825 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#37 - Roslan Jantan, Sports CoachRoslan Jantan reflects on a lifelong passion for coaching, including his work with children with disabilities. He highlights responsibility, sincerity, and the importance of nurturing confidence and human values in others, emphasizing the joy and motivation found in serving the community.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“Love means simple responsibility.” “You must remember you are free. You always see someone, the creator.” “Sincere, you must trust in sincere. You’ll be able to create.” “Don’t do anything thinking that you need something in return.” “More people, more human values will come out.”Find out more about the "Words of Wis...2025-06-1823 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#36 - Paul Supramaniam, LawyerPaul Supramaniam shares a distinguished legal career spanning continents, underscored by values of integrity, resilience, and service to community and country. He highlights family legacy, dedication to national service, and the need for courage and innovation for future generations.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“I was born in the UK when my father was doing a special program to to help with, working out new modalities for the eradication of tuberculosis.” “I was lucky enough to grow up in a family where we had these very strong family values of love, of family and love of nation...2025-06-1839 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#35 - Lawrence Yeo, Banker & CounselorLawrence Yeo shares his transition from a decades-long banking career to counselling. He reflects on the value of lifelong learning, humility, and compassion. He emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships, managing stress, and fostering community connection to avoid isolation.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“I think the important thing is a willingness to learn.” “You must be honest to not be like, I went even, at one time at a great mercy for me.” “Spend more time physically with friends and relatives and family member. That will be more advisable.” “There is no such thing as a hopeless per...2025-06-1833 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#34 - Nur Hamidy, BankerNur Hamidy reflects on a long banking career, emphasizing the value of a positive attitude, integrity, and strong relationships. He shares practical advice on friendship, adaptability, and love, encouraging younger generations to nurture connections genuinely and stay grounded.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“My advice is that be the best you can be. Do your the honors.” “Get along with everyone. What would the people get within you looking but would be everybody’s looking for you.” “I have a positive attitude and I am quite liberal in getting along with everybody.” “You must be honest to not be like, I w...2025-06-1820 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#33 - Dick Yip, TeacherDick Yip shares his journey from early education in Singapore to a lifelong career in teaching. He emphasizes resilience, leadership, and dedication to students, highlighting the importance of commitment, community, and nurturing strong relationships in personal and professional life.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“When Lee Kuan Yew made a call, I was reading the papers. I heard him criticizing the teachers of the time, saying that they are soft.” “I was very active scout and did a lot of things, a lot of activities.” “I told my people, my boss at the Ministry of Health, that I would...2025-06-1831 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#32 - Salamah, Special Needs EducatorSalamah shares her journey into special needs education, emphasizing passion, patience, and the power of positive reinforcement. She highlights the importance of compassion, lifelong learning, and the need to foster inclusive communities for future generations.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“It was just written to me by luck. I consider it my luck to have met these children with special needs.” “Love is like something, like love passion for teaching. If you have love to teach them, you will be there.” “I feel like teachers are born to be teachers if you want to. With teachers, you have the...2025-06-1828 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#31 - Kelvin Tan, Arts EducatorKelvin Tan reflects on his journey as an arts educator and musician. He discusses his evolving identity, the importance of artistic expression, and fostering cultural consciousness. He encourages deeper self-awareness, authenticity, and nurturing meaningful connections beyond surface-level interactions.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“I think you have a self in you, but you also need to create it in some ways.” “Art is really not supposed to be this pretentious, upper middle class, kind of, luxury. You know, it’s for everybody.” “We tend to not like ourselves very much. Because we don’t like ourselves, we don’t really...2025-06-1836 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#30 - Sunny Tan, Flight AttendantSunny Tan reflects on his 37-year career with Singapore Airlines, sharing how kindness, sincerity, and dedication shaped his success. He discusses the importance of genuine care in service, lasting friendships, and balancing passion with perseverance in life and work.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“I think being nice is very important. So it just transcends into everything that you want to be nice, you want to be helpful.” “Whenever you encounter any problem you just have to put in your sincerity into that matter and try your best to, to resolve it.” “I have this particular fan who is m...2025-06-1830 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#29 - Aldon Chen, Real Estate DeveloperAldon Chen reflects on his life journey from Singapore to China, building a career in real estate amidst rapid change. He stresses the importance of trust, family support, forward thinking, and maintaining strong, sincere friendships to sustain both career and personal life.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“I will focus on forward looking places. So, ahead of the time, you know, see what is coming.” “You have to join the sunrise industry instead of sunset industry.” “Mutual trust, respect, differences are very important, and you have to be sincere.” “People treat you sincerely. Mostly, right? And also, I believe t...2025-06-1823 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#28 - Susheela Varghese, EducatorSusheela Abraham Varghese reflects on a 40+ year career in education spanning Singapore and the US. She shares insights on perseverance, balancing career and family, the value of lifelong learning, and the importance of kindness and connection in relationships.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“Life isn’t fair. Sometimes things will go our way, but that’s okay. You still have to carry on.” “Failure is always part of success. So learn to embrace it, learn from it, and then keep moving.” “Honestly, the thing about love, you cannot love others unless you love yourself at least.” “Commitment is the wor...2025-06-1837 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#27 - Joann Koh, Volunteer & Business OwnerJoann Koh shares her journey from manufacturing work to entrepreneurship and volunteering. She highlights the value of kindness, building lasting friendships, and staying connected. Her reflections encourage future generations to balance hard work with empathy and community service.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“I prefer to working in the manufacturing just very simple is fine working day.” “I become, what pioneer in this factory. And we work together very well because they lead the people and even the really big boss also very nice.” “I learn how to, manage the staff from my previous company.” “In the first year, w...2025-06-1825 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#26 - Catherine Low, EducatorCatherine Low reflects on a 30-year career in education, emphasizing patience, adaptability, and lifelong learning. She highlights the importance of balancing family and work, staying open to change, and cultivating meaningful relationships through empathy and communication.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“If you’re in this life, you need patience, you need to anticipate, and you need to change with times.” “I manage my expectations of what I can get from the job, and I find myself having to reframe my thinking every five years or so.” “Perseverance and precaution. Perseverance. Nothing can seem too easy or promises th...2025-06-1824 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#25 - Kelvin, NDP DirectorKelvin reflects on his decades shaping Singapore’s National Day Parade, emphasizing creativity, teamwork, and passion. He discusses love as a value that extends beyond family to community and country, and encourages compassion, resilience, and unity for future generations.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“I am 71 years old. I have gone through quite a bit. I perhaps considered as one of the people who are postwar bloomers.” “The parade itself was divided into two portions, one, the parade and ceremonial, which is usually the marching, and then the next one is usually the performances.” “What kept us going was t...2025-06-1832 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#24 - Wilson Chia, Business Owner & VolunteerWilson reflects on building a business grounded in integrity, the importance of family support, and the evolving nature of love and parenting. He shares values passed to his children and advice for young people navigating relationships and career choices.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“Running a business is not that easy... you need to be prepared for putting in your time, your life and your passion in building a business.” “By honoring what you have offered is something I will say any businessman has to undertake.” “Maintaining a friendly relationship is pretty important, by continual communication.” “When you get back...2025-06-1833 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#23 - Philip Chan, CounsellorPhilip Chan shares heartfelt reflections on marriage, parenting, friendship, and vocation. A former pastor turned counsellor, he speaks with compassion and realism about love as commitment, the illusion of perfect jobs, and the power of honest, lasting relationships.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“Love means to give yourself and to give yourself also entails sacrificing and, understanding that the rewards of love may not really be what we imagine.” “There is no perfect marriage, as we all know very well.” “It is very important that you need to be your true self in order to be able to buil...2025-06-1826 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#22 - Ernest Koh, Manufacturing EngineerErnest reflects on Singapore’s industrial rise through the lens of his own career in manufacturing. He offers candid, heartfelt advice on love, friendship, and sacrifice—urging future generations to live with empathy, responsibility, and soul.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“If I have to put it up in a few words, one of which top most of my mind would be sacrifice.” “Love means to give yourself and to give yourself also entails sacrificing and, understanding that the rewards of love may not really be what we imagine.” “Effort has to be put in to achieve that lon...2025-06-1828 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#21 - Jeffrey Liew, Window EntrepreneurJeffrey Liew, founder of Sapphire Windows, shares wisdom from his entrepreneurial journey and personal life. He reflects on hard work, responsibility, and the value of nurturing relationships across generations with sincerity and consistency.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes“Besides the passion, you must have very strong commitment. What you are going to do, when you go out to work with somebody else, you can always quit the job.” “But when you are starting a business in time, you will find that the people who are working for you or with you are your family and you cannot...2025-06-1833 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#20 - Lim Tau Hok, Marine EngineerLim Tau Hok spent over 50 years in the maritime industry, sharing his experiences as a seafarer and engineer. He discusses the importance of sincerity, trust, and adaptability in both work and personal relationships. He also shares how he built a strong family foundation through consistency, communication, and love.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"Sincerity builds trust. If you are sincere, people will trust you, whether in work or relationships.""Life must have balance—work, family, health, and spirituality. If one is missing, something will always feel incomplete.""We always made time for one-on-one dinners with our ch...2025-03-0324 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#19 - Teresa Boon, Finance ProfessionalTeresa Boon shares her reflections on a successful finance career and the importance of staying true to oneself. She talks about how she prioritized career growth, eventually finding balance in her later years through volunteerism. Her journey is one of resilience, authenticity, and the realization that true happiness comes from continuous learning and self-improvement.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"Do what you are passionate about. When you do things with passion, you can create a lot of things.""Always remain true to yourself. That’s the only way to live a good life.""Latch onto every op...2025-03-0339 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#18 - Tan Kim Lian, Mother and TeacherTan Kim Lian shares her journey of raising three daughters while also building a career as a teacher. She discusses the evolving role of educators, the importance of patience, and how teaching is much more than just transferring knowledge—it’s about shaping lives. She also reflects on the resilience required to balance work, family, and personal struggles.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"Teaching is no longer just about passion—it requires mental strength and the ability to self-manage.""Many students come to school not just to learn but to feel loved and supported.""We may not se...2025-03-0338 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#17 - Robin Lee, Food From The HeartRobin Lee discusses his transition from a corporate career to nonprofit work, dedicating his time to alleviating hunger in Singapore. He shares how his organization, Food From the Heart, works tirelessly to provide food to those in need while also reducing food waste. His reflections highlight the power of giving back and how fulfillment in life comes from service to others.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"The joy is in giving, not receiving. By giving, you experience a return that is not measurable in monetary terms.""We do not feed people just for today; we do...2025-03-0329 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#16 - Patrick Chan, Taxi DriverPatrick Chan reflects on his decades as a taxi driver, where he encountered people from all walks of life. Through his many interactions, he learned the importance of patience, human connection, and avoiding unnecessary conflicts.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"Not much of a hiccup in my life compared to some others. I come across many kinds of people, and there are many grievances.""Try to avoid confrontation. Then you lead a normal life and you'll be happy. Once you get angry, you are not happy.""Stay healthy all the time. If you don’t take ca...2025-03-0307 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#15 - Khoo Seok Lin, Organisational Development and HRKhoo Seok Lin reflects on her career in economic development and HR, discussing the importance of adaptability, self-awareness, and maintaining a passion for learning. She emphasizes resilience in work, embracing change, and the impact of meaningful relationships.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king. We must dare to dream and never say die.""We need to be more disciplined and more self-aware. Sometimes we don’t even realize we are burning out.""Work is not just about earning. It is love made visible.""Live in a way th...2025-03-0330 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#14 - Kala Puspanathan, MotherKala Puspanathan shares her life experiences, focusing on resilience, gratitude, and community responsibility. She speaks about appreciating the struggles that built Singapore, being mindful of those less fortunate, and passing down values of empathy and hard work to future generations.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"Don’t take for granted what you have now. We have done very well, but it was built on hardship.""Those who have done well, please look over your shoulder and look after those who may not be doing so well.""More and more of us will face dementia and other ag...2025-03-0334 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#13 - Jenny Lee, HomemakerJenny Lee reflects on her 50-year marriage, emphasizing the importance of trust, communication, and mutual respect. She shares insights on family life, raising children, and how to support younger generations. Her reflections highlight the role of patience and understanding in relationships.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"The first love that he’s got to give is his wife, not his parents. That’s how a family stays strong.""Trust is very deep. If you look back too much, you will never move forward.""We should enjoy our own life. Wherever there is need, we always help out...2025-03-0314 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#12 - Dr Foo Check Woo, Researcher and LecturerDr. Foo Check Woo discusses the importance of lifelong learning, creativity, and innovation. Having worked in research and academia, he stresses the need for Singapore to move beyond process-oriented thinking and embrace imagination. He also reflects on the significance of forging new paths and staying adaptable.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"Einstein once said… imagination is greater than knowledge. Because knowledge is what is available already in the world. But imagination goes way beyond that.""We should start forging new ways of doing things rather than just following what everyone else is doing.""Singapore’s young must...2025-03-0339 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#11 - Dr Arun Ilancheran, Gynecologic OncologistDr. Arun Ilancheran shares his journey as a gynecologic oncologist and his deep commitment to medical education. He reflects on the sacrifices he made during his career, particularly in balancing work and family, and how he now prioritizes spending time with his grandchildren. He emphasizes the importance of integrity in medicine, lifelong learning, and giving back to society.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"The most important thing was, the teaching that kept me going.""Please give your years of experience and knowledge to other people.""I think the young people should have a good balance between look...2025-03-0327 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#10 - Victor Ng, VolunteerVictor discusses his passion for volunteerism and giving back. He shares how volunteering brings unexpected joys, builds lifelong friendships, and gives life deeper meaning.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"Volunteering is not about what you get—it’s about what you give.""Opportunities open up when you give without expecting anything in return.""Never be too busy to step outside your routine—life is bigger than your job.""Friendships are gifts—you just have to be open to receiving them.""You will never regret giving back to the world, but you may regret not starting sooner."Find o...2025-03-0325 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#9 - Sister Theresa, Catholic NunSister Theresa shares her lifelong dedication to service, emphasizing the importance of faith, human connection, and making time for relationships. She encourages young people to move beyond digital interactions and build real, meaningful friendships.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"Love is wanting the best for someone—not just saying ‘I love you.’""Leave your phone at home and meet people. Real relationships happen face to face.""We don’t find time—we make time for what matters.""Friendship is not about numbers, but about depth.""The best relationships are built on presence, not just words."Find out m...2025-03-0328 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#8 - Lau Ching, Civil ServantLau Ching reflects on growing up during Singapore’s transformation and how hardships shaped his resilience. He emphasizes holding onto core values, appreciating history, and keeping an open mind. He believes young people should expose themselves to different cultures and experiences to develop a well-rounded worldview.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"We must from very young have a very good understanding of what the world is about.""Learn very quickly what the world is about, have a global worldview, and so that you have more balance.""We are really a passenger through this life, whatever your re...2025-03-0340 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#7 - Kong Mun Wong, ChairmanKong Mun Kwong, an experienced leader and mediator, shares his philosophy on relationships, friendship, and career success. He highlights the importance of righteousness, loyalty, and tolerance in sustaining long-term connections. He believes that true friendship is rooted in shared values and that giving time is the most precious gift.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"Love will find its way—but character is what makes it last.""Tolerance is the key to any lasting relationship. Without it, nothing survives.""You must have principles in your pursuit of success—without them, success is meaningless.""The gift of time is t...2025-03-0336 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#6 - KumKum, TravellerKumkum shares deep reflections on love, friendship, and self-discovery. Having traveled extensively, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining genuine connections and being open to life’s unpredictability. She challenges the societal obsession with romantic love, advocating instead for a broader view of love that includes self-respect, community, and nature.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"A meaningful exchange with somebody that you meet here and there or an activity that you do that you engage with other people around something you're interested in or you offer help to somebody or they offer help to you. All those ar...2025-03-0331 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#5 - K Kesavapany, AmbassadorKesavapany reflects on his journey from humble beginnings in an estate to a distinguished career in diplomacy. He shares his experiences of navigating challenges, making bold career decisions, and the importance of self-confidence. His story highlights the significance of perseverance, adaptability, and the role of family support in achieving one’s goals.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"You have got to get your, do what you have to do, you know, and deliver.""You must have self-confidence. If you don’t have confidence in yourself, who's going to have confidence in you?""Life was quite comfortable. I wa...2025-03-0357 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#4 - Joyce Aw, Preschool EducatorJoyce shares her journey from the banking industry to early childhood education. She highlights the changing nature of childhood, the pressures on parents, and how teaching has changed over the years. She emphasizes the importance of relationships in education, parenting, and friendships.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"Maintaining relationships is very important, whether it's a marriage, friendship, or between school and parents.""Love means it's a very, I should say, emotional attachment.""Children today are very pampered, and parents are very controlling in that sense.""Mutual understanding is what keeps a relationship strong.""Actually, you don’t...2025-03-0330 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#3 - Desmond Lee, Beverage Industry ExecDesmond reflects on his career in corporate leadership and his journey as a devoted husband and father. He emphasizes the importance of relationships, communication, and the role of faith in guiding his decisions. His long-lasting marriage is a testament to commitment, understanding, and learning to resolve conflicts with patience.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"The value of relationships is most important. You will be happy, joyful, and peaceful.""We always tell our children that relationship is most important, whether as a couple or with friends.""We dialogue among ourselves as parents so that the children will...2025-03-0322 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#2 - Christina Teo, Angel InvestorChristina, an angel investor and former tech executive, shares her experiences of working abroad and eventually returning to Singapore. She emphasizes the value of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, embracing digital transformation, and continuously reinventing oneself. She also discusses the role of mentorship and why in-person connections matter more than social media.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"Anytime you have an overseas posting, please do take it. You can always come home.""I could care less about other people before, but now I see the fulfillment in giving back.""You can either let life ha...2025-03-0330 minWords of Wisdom, by Folklory#1 - Andrew Mah, Tennis CoachAndrew, a former military officer turned full-time tennis coach, reflects on the values of discipline, consistency, and adaptability that have shaped his life. He shares insights on how teaching has evolved and how sports is not just about physical ability but also mental preparation. He believes in building strong relationships with students and fostering resilience in young people.Five "Words of Wisdom" Quotes"Even up to today, what I've learned in the military in terms of discipline and being truthful in what you're going to do, stays.""It's a kind of a mental game also in...2025-03-0323 min
Yah Lah But#595 - StanChart Marathon Runner Dies & Geylang’s Dodgy Hair SalonsWe’re into the last month of the year and we start with the sad news that a participant of this year’s Standard Chartered Marathon passed away after completing the event. Few details have emerged, so we’re focusing more on the challenges of long-distance running (including Haresh’s own experience), from training to the actual run. Listen to your body, people! We also discuss a story about hair salons that offer massages beyond just the head, and YES, in this episode, we address our participation in last weekend’s Nas Summit, and the ensuing backlash from some folks onli...2024-12-021h 00Yah Lah But#592 - PAP Turns 70, Enters its Lawrence Wong Era & Even Hokkien Mee is AI NowThe ruling People’s Action Party turned 70, and has officially entered its Lawrence Wong era. At its ginormous biennial conference, our new PM formally took over as the party’s Secretary-General. Of course, we had to read between the lines and dissect his speech, as hype builds towards next year’s general election. Is that the oft-mentioned “fear-mongering” about the Opposition we’re hearing? And just how hard is it to recruit new blood? Speaking of which, an inventor-turned Hokkien Mee seller found it hard to recruit cooks, so he ordered a robot from Wuhan and programmed it to fry Hokkien...2024-11-2558 minYah Lah But#579 - Lee Hsien Yang: Political Refugee? & Trump ‘Works’ at McDonald’sSomehow, NINE years after Mr Lee Kuan Yew left us, we’re still talking about his former house at 38 Oxley Road. This time it’s because his daughter Dr Lee Wei Ling recently passed away, leaving the house vacant and reigniting the debate over its fate. We look at claims that her brother Lee Hsien Yang has been making about the house and Singapore in general while in self-exile and… is it just us, or is this becoming tiring? On the other side of the world, Donald Trump continues his last-ditch campaign for the US Presidency by doing a half-h...2024-10-231h 07Yah Lah But#575 - Spanish Couple Detained for Protesting Singaporean Ownership of Valencia FC & PM Wong Flies ScootThis episode we ask: when is a protest, a protest? A Spanish couple on their honeymoon here are providing a fascinating test case. They held up signs denouncing Singaporean Peter Lim’s ownership of football club Valencia, and were shocked when they were not allowed to leave the country. Even with our stringent rules, this feels like a stretch. Join us as we speculate on where the tipping point is, and why! Separately, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has been hailed for his humility after he was seen taking a budget airline after a work trip in Laos. But what ex...2024-10-141h 02Yah Lah But#533 - Ukrainian President Zelensky Calls Out China & New Raffles Statue Sparks Debate About ColonialismThis past weekend, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise appearance at the Shangri-La Dialogue, where he called on Asian countries to join an upcoming Swiss-led peace summit to discuss the terms needed to end the war. While he was applauded by many and even hailed for his “leadership” by Minister of Defence Ng Eng Hen, online commenters criticised the move to host him here. Why the mixed reception? Meanwhile, a new Raffles statue at Fort Canning ignited debate about attitudes towards our colonial past, with even Tommy Koh, Gwee Li Sui and Neil Humphreys wading into the discussion. Is t...2024-06-0356 minYah Lah But#532 - Migrant Worker in Loan Shark Case Leaves Singapore & SIA Passengers Lament New Safety MeasuresThis week, PM Wong waded into the case of the migrant worker who was fired for his involvement in a loan shark harassment case, when he wrote a letter to ICA and MOM about the issue. However, the appeal didn’t work, and the migrant worker, Mr Sharif, was forced to leave Singapore this morning. What was the entire fiasco really about? Elsewhere, passengers and crew of Singapore Airlines have come forward with gripes about SIA’s new safety measures after last week’s turbulence incident. Why are people already calling these new safety measures an “overreaction”?(00:00) A message f...2024-05-3155 minYah Lah But#531 - Hawker Prices Increasing at Slower Rate & NTU Student Activists “Protest” New Lab InitiativeA recent study by the Singapore Department of Statistics found that hawker food prices rose by 6.1% in 2023, the highest increase since 2008. The study also provoked the ire of KF Seetoh and other online commenters; why were people upset about it? Elsewhere, NTU student activists were up in arms about ExxonMobil’s involvement in a new lab initiative on their campus. Is this just another manifestation of the “wokeness” movement or do they have a point here?(00:00) A message from Folklory(02:08) Intro(11:21) Hawker Prices Increasing at Slower Rate(35:39) NTU Student Activists “Protest” New Lab Initiative(50:12...2024-05-281h 02Yah Lah But#519 - TikTok Ban is REAL & Business Slammed for Rude Message to RidersThis past week, the US President signed a bill that has been described effectively as a ban on social media app TikTok. What will the next 9-12 months entail for the Singapore-headquartered business, and should content creators start moving to other platforms? Closer to home, a home-based business got flak for leaving a series of rude messages to delivery riders outside their premises, with some consumers promising to boycott the business in response. Are people overreacting, or should businesses be more mindful of their words?Find us here!Our websiteYLB SubredditYLB TikTokYLB IGYLB YouTubeFolklory2024-04-261h 04Yah Lah But#518 - Shanmugam Rebuts “Sneering” From The Economist & Singaporean Workers Threatening to Quit if Forced to Return to Office?Last week, Law and Home Affairs Minister Shanmugam clapped back at British publication The Economist with a rebuttal of their article about Lawrence Wong succeeding Lee Hsien Loong as PM. His Facebook post drew many comparisons between the UK and Singapore, and so far has seen a mixed reaction from online commentators. What could have been the impetus behind the response to the “sneer”? Elsewhere, a survey revealed that 1 in 2 Singapore workers would quit their job if asked to be in the office more often. Is this just a strawberry generation mindset, or does it point to societal attitudes towa...2024-04-241h 05Yah Lah But#506 - WP’s Pritam Singh Charged with Lying & Debate About Singapore Work CultureOn Tuesday, WP chief Pritam Singh was charged with lying to Parliament over Raeesah Khan’s case from 2021. While he has pleaded not guilty, what is the political significance of these charges, especially in the lead up to the next General Elections? Elsewhere, a Reddit post ranting about work culture in Singapore has triggered a flurry of both supportive and dismissive comments. Why did this issue polarise online opinion?(00:00) A message from Folklory(01:05) Intro(04:17) WP’s Pritam Singh Charged with Lying(39:17) Debate About Singapore Work Culture(01:02:54) One Shiok Comment(01:05:21) One Shiok Thing2024-03-201h 09Yah Lah But#497 ft. Jacky Ng - Did MOE Really Need Lessons on Israel-Hamas? & Leong Mun Wai Steps Down as PSP ChiefThis week, we got comedian Jacky Ng in the studio to talk about his upcoming hour-long standup performance, and to contribute his thoughts on a couple of funny (OK, maybe not-SO-funny) topics. Concerns arose last week when it was revealed that schools have been teaching students about the conflict in Gaza via their Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons. The slides from the lessons were also heavily criticised for oversimplifying the issue. We went through the slides to see what MOE could have done better. Elsewhere, the PSP also announced that Leong Mun Wai would be stepping down as...2024-02-281h 17Yah Lah But#494 - Budget 2024: What the Media Missed Feat. Reggie From The Financial CoconutFor 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 YouTubeFolklor...2024-02-191h 24Yah Lah But#486 - Vizzio CEO’s Fake Degree Fallout & CDC Vouchers Used at Massage ParloursThe 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 me...2024-01-2956 minYah Lah But#485 - Chinese SG Teen Identifies as White Supremacist & Should We Use New Notes for CNY?A self-radicalized Chinese teenager was detained by the ISD for his white supremacist views. What caused this strange turn of events? Elsewhere, queues formed for new and fit-for-gifting notes for CNY; but why does this practice still persist?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!Chinese SG Teen Identifies as W...2024-01-261h 02Yah Lah But#443 ft. Ming Yue of The Ming Thing - Malaysia’s OG YouTuber Stand Ups in SingaporeOne half of Malaysia’s OG YouTubers The Ming Thing, Ming Yue, drops by the YLB studio on his way to performing 2 SOLD OUT stand up comedy shows in Singapore. Is The Ming Thing ever going back to YouTube? What existential crisis did he experience during the pandemic that led him to stand up comedy? Will he juggle a flaming canine as part of his next comedy routine?Find us here!YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IGYLB YouTubeOur SurveyHere’s the link to the survey: https://bit.ly/ylb-audienceIt’ll take you 2 mins max...2023-09-2955 minYah Lah But#442 - Huge WW2 Bomb Discovered in Singapore & What Is Our Place in the World?A WW2 relic was discovered in a construction site in Upper Bukit Timah, leading to a quickly-arranged on-site disposal of the 100kg bomb, and over 4,000 residents and shopkeepers vacating the area for one day. What was shocking about the blast? Elsewhere, a survey about our attitudes towards global uncertainty showed that Singaporeans might be a bit more pessimistic than expected. Our SurveyHere’s the link to the survey: https://bit.ly/ylb-audienceIt’ll take you 2 mins max, and it’ll help us find the best brands and partners for YLB Everyone who responds will get a promo...2023-09-2749 minYah Lah But#440 ft. Rishi Budhrani - Parliament Rejects Suspension of Iswaran as MP & Hasan Minhaj Backlash for EmbellishmentRishi is back as guest co-host, this time with Haresh while Terence is away. We dive into the latest Parliamentary sitting where MPs voted against the motion filed by NMP Hazel Poa to suspend MP Iswaran. This was after a 2+ hour debate in Parliament, but does the outcome make sense? Elsewhere, star comedian Hasan Minhaj is facing the heat after he admitted to embellishing the stories of discrimination, racism and threats he faced in his Netflix stand-up specials, as part of an expose by the New Yorker. But is he wrong to do that?Find us here!2023-09-211h 17Yah Lah But#439 ft. Ian Tan - Co-Founder of Ritual Gym, on The Problems of Fitness Trends & His Own Struggles with Physical & Mental HealthIan Tan and his co-founders at Ritual Gym revolutionised the fitness space in Singapore when they launched their trademark “20-minute workout sessions” back in 2012. Since then, they have expanded beyond Singapore, to locations as far as Spain and Brazil. Having been in the fitness space for so long, Ian is now keen to share his learnings as well as some very introspective thoughts about “healthspan” vs “lifespan”. And why he thinks there are serious problems with the current fitness space. Find us here!YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IGYLB YouTube Our SurveyHere’s the link to the s...2023-09-191h 33Yah Lah But#438 ft. Shanti Pereira - Singapore Sprint Queen on How Her Journey Will Inspire OthersIn the midst of a memorable season filled with broken records, SEA Games gold and being interviewed by Lawrence Wong, Singapore sprint queen Shanti Pereira makes a stop at the YLB studio to tell us what lessons non-athletes can take from her success, how “Modern Family” is part of her routine, and why her 2.4km timing might surprise you.Find us here!YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IGYLB YouTubeOur SurveyHere’s the link to the survey: https://bit.ly/ylb-audienceIt’ll take you 2 mins max, and it’ll help us find the best brands...2023-09-161h 07Yah Lah But#437 - Young Singaporeans “More Ready” for Non-Chinese PM & Plan B Podcast POFMA-edA YouGov survey conducted right after the recent Presidential Elections seemed to indicate a generational divide in society’s acceptance of a non-Chinese Prime Minister. We try to understand the survey results better and whether it’s a true reflection of ground sentiment. Elsewhere, the Plan B podcast was given a POFMA order over claims from one of its recent guests that he had hacked into MINDEF’s systems, among other claims. What responsibility does a podcast have for claims that a guest made?Our SurveyHere’s the link to the survey: https://bit.ly/ylb-audi...2023-09-141h 06Yah Lah But#394 - Prince Harry Attends King’s Coronation & Chickens at National Gallery Ruffles FeathersKing Charles’ coronation, a historic moment for the British monarchy, was the talk of the town this past weekend, but much of the attention was directed at Prince Harry and his demeanour at the ceremony. What stood out, and do people actually care about the royal family? Closer to home, people also scrutinized an exhibit at the National Gallery that featured live chickens, asking about the welfare of the animals involved. Does this exhibit run a-fowl of any ethical considerations?Find us here!YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IGYLB YouTubeFolkloryGet 30% off with code...2023-05-0852 minYah Lah But#393 - Breaking Down Lawrence Wong’s May Day Rally & Condo Bans Food Delivery RidersIN DPM Lawrence Wong’s May Day Rally, he spoke about how Singapore can prevail in a changing world, and also touched on the hot topic of rising housing prices. How did he fare in his first May Day Rally as PM-in-waiting? Elsewhere, some condos have banned or restricted access to delivery riders. Is this a trend that will continue even as deliveries become part and parcel of daily life?Find us here!YLB Subreddit YLB TikTok YLB IGYLB YouTubeFolkloryGet 30% off with code “MOTHERSDAY30” on Folklory.com!Order by 30 Apr to guarantee your Fol...2023-05-0456 minYah Lah But#392 - GP Tutor Brooke Lim Caught Plagiarising & Netflix Angers Egypt with Cleopatra DocumentaryThis past week, popular GP tutor Brooke Lim was revealed by an anonymous TikTok account to have plagiarised others’ content for a blogpost she wrote. This has led to an apology video, international news coverage, and a firestorm of vitriol directed at her. Why has this issue become such a big deal ? Elsewhere, Netflix has also drawn the ire of Egyptians, with the revelation that the historical figure Cleopatra will be played by a black actress in an upcoming Netflix documentary. Why the outrage?
Find us here!
YLB Subreddit
YLB TikTok
YLB IG
YLB YouTube
Folk...2023-04-281h 01Yah Lah But#391 - Fewest Nominated MP Candidates in 2 Decades & LGBT Party at Capitol Theatre CancelledLast week, only 30 names were put up for consideration for Nominated Member of Parliament (NMP) positions, the lowest number since 2001. Why are so few people applying for this prestigious parliamentary position? Elsewhere, a dispute between an LA party organiser and a Singapore venue management company has made international news, as the plug was pulled on an LGBT party that was scheduled for May at the Capitol Theatre. We break down the controversy, and discuss whether it was a clear-cut case of discrimination.
Find us here!
YLB Subreddit
YLB TikTok
YLB IG
YLB YouTube
Links for “She’...2023-04-2453 minYah Lah But#390 - Charles & Keith Girl Comes Clean & Engineer Ordered to Return Company Bonus After QuittingThis past week, the Charles & Keith girl had to post a video refuting the claims that she’s been less than honest about her family’s financial background. Why was it necessary? Elsewhere, a Singapore company sued an engineer who quit after getting his bonus, looking to claw the money back. While they ultimately won the case, we debate whether it’s fair for the company to resort to this legal action.
Find us here!
YLB Subreddit
YLB TikTok
YLB IG
YLB YouTube
Folklory
Get 30% off with code “MOTHERSDAY30” on Folklory.com!
Order by 30 Apr to guara...2023-04-2153 minYah Lah But#384 - Trump’s Criminal Charges Polarise America & Singaporeans Do the Right Thing With TraysThis week, Donald Trump was indicted in a Manhattan court with 34 felony charges in a historic move that has polarised the nation. We discuss the ramifications of the American justice system starting criminal proceedings against an ex-president. Closer to home, a survey has found that a higher percentage of Singapore residents now return their trays after finishing their meals at food centres, and not just because of the new fines that were implemented last year. Are we really becoming a more considerate society, or is there more to these numbers?
Find us here!
YLB Subreddit
YLB T...2023-04-051h 08Yah Lah But#364 - Parliament Debates Public Housing & LKY’s 100th Birth AnniversaryThe past 2 days of Parliament featured a heated debate about public housing, with PSP’s Leong Mun Wai putting forth 2 radical proposals that were ultimately rejected. Do any of his ideas have merit? In the same Parliamentary sessions, plans to celebrate LKY’s 100th birth anniversary were revealed, but is there a better way to commemorate the occasion?
Find us here!
YLB Subreddit
YLB TikTok
YLB IG
YLB YouTube
Just Try Only, our new weekly newsletter
Folklory
Get 20% off your Folklory with promo code “LOVE20”, at Folklory.com!
Parliament Debates Public Housing
PSP calls...2023-02-091h 16Yah Lah But#362 - Youtuber MrBeast cures blindness & Friendzoned man sues womanA few days ago, Youtube star MrBeast released a video that featured him paying for 1,000 cataract surgeries to help blind people see again. The video has gone viral and has been warmly received, but there are people calling him the “antichrist” for doing this. Why the divide? Closer to home, a court case in Singapore has garnered international attention because of its strange premise; a man sues a woman for friendzoning him. Is there any merit to this unprecedented legal action?
Find us here!
YLB Subreddit
YLB TikTok
YLB IG
YLB YouTube
Just Try Only, our new wee...2023-02-021h 06Yah Lah But#353 - A look back at 2022: Singapore’s Top 10 Trending Searches - Part 2Part 2 of our countdown of the most searched terms in Singapore for 2022! The #1 term is a puzzling one! To avoid spoilers, don’t check out the links in the description before listening to the podcast. Check out Part 1 for the complete roundup, and have a new year!
Find us here!
YLB Subreddit
YLB TikTok
YLB IG
YLB YouTube
Just Try Only, our new weekly newsletter
Folklory
Get 25% off any Folklory order with the promo code “HOHOHO25” at Folklory.com!
Valid till midnight on 31 Dec 2022 :)
Trending Searches in Singapore: #5 - #1
#5 - Australian Open and Novak...2022-12-301h 18Yah Lah But#352 - A look back at 2022: Singapore’s Top 10 Trending Searches - Part 1It’s almost becomes an annual tradition: the YLB end-of-year countdown of the most searched terms in Singapore for the year! We’re doing it in 2 parts this time, and in today’s ep, we cover #6-#10. To avoid spoilers, don’t check out the links in the description before listening to the podcast! This is Part 1, look out for Part 2 soon!
Find us here!
YLB Subreddit
YLB TikTok
YLB IG
YLB YouTube
Just Try Only, our new weekly newsletter
Folklory
Get 25% off any Folklory order with the promo code “HOHOHO25” at Folklory.com!
Valid till midn...2022-12-2858 minYah Lah But#351 - HDB investigates vacant BTO flats & Salt Bae invades pitch at World CupHDB announced that it will investigate and take action against homeowners who flout the Minimum Occupation Period rule for their BTO flats. This comes after some supposedly “vacant” BTO units were listed for sale on an online property site. Why the big hoo-hah over a practice that anecdotally has been happening for a while now? Elsewhere, FIFA will investigate how the restaurateur and influencer known as Salt Bae got access to the pitch after the World Cup final, and forced his way into the celebrations with the Argentina squad. Why are people feeling salty about a famous person celebrating a Wo...2022-12-231h 04Yah Lah But#345 - Pritam Singh lifts party whip on 377A & Balenciaga’s bondage bears scandalAt this week’s parliamentary debate on the repeal of Section 377A, the Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh lifted the party whip to allow Workers' Party MPs to vote freely on their conscience regarding the touchy subject. Reception to this action of his was mixed, with some calling it weak leadership, while others saying this is what democracy looks like. Who’s right? Elsewhere, Balenciaga has apologized for a series of bizarre campaign ads that featured images of children alongside “bondage bears”, court documents about a case involving child pornography, and a coffee table book with disturbing images of blood...2022-11-301h 08Yah Lah But#339 - Expat blasts ‘racist’ condo security guards & Ronaldo drops bombshell interviewA British expat recently took to social media to blast his condo security guards as “racist” for their differential treatment of his migrant worker colleagues who were invited to his place for a party. He even added that Singapore needs to “grow up”. We examine if there is merit to his complaints. Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo dropped a bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, in which he criticised Manchester United’s coaches, ex-players, senior management, and even the club facilities. What led to such an uncharacteristic outburst from one of the GOATs of football?
Find us here!
YLB Subreddit
...2022-11-171h 16
Yah Lah But#309 - Grab cuts grace waiting time for bookings & government solicits feedback on proposal for online safety in SGOn 18th July, Grab will officially cut the grace waiting time for ride-hailing bookings from 5min to 3min.This announcement stirred a lot of unhappiness among customers, but was cheered by drivers. Is this really the best way to address the pain points faced by Grab drivers? Also, the Government revealed their proposal to protect young social media users from harmful content. We weigh in on how successful we think their efforts will be.
Find us here!
YLB Subreddit
YLB TikTok
YLB YouTube
YLB IG
Folklory
Folklory | Celebrate someone special with messages from the...2022-07-161h 07
Yah Lah But#304 - Lawrence Wong unveils Forward Singapore exercise & Tour De Singapore cycling race announcedIn a recent speech, DPM Lawrence Wong unveiled the ‘Forward Singapore’ roadmap to review and refresh the country’s social compact by engaging Singaporeans through 6 pillars. We go through some of the details and what we think about this new exercise. Separately, it was announced that Singapore will host the first Tour de France criterium race in South-east Asia in October this year. We discuss whether this will lead to a deluge of spandex on Singapore roads.
Find us here!
YLB Subreddit
YLB TikTok
YLB YouTube
YLB IG
Folklory
Folklory.com | We create personal podcas...2022-06-301h 01
Yah Lah But#287 - Most workers still prefer flexible work arrangements & Netflix to display adsAccording to a recent IPS working paper, a majority of workers prefer to continue flexible work arrangements going forward, even as Singapore lifts its COVID restrictions. What will employers need to look out for in these results? Elsewhere, Netflix announced its first decline in subscribers, and at the same time also revealed that they will be launching an ad-supported tier of subscription. What does that mean for today’s paying customers? WIll we all be required to Netflix and chill over ads?
Folklory Mother's Day Giveaway
Post a photo of yourself and your mum on yo...2022-04-2658 min
Yah Lah But#256 - Actor-musician-funnyman James Kumar talks about MARS, Forrest Gump and why he loved CBStar of our MARS TV series, James Kumar drops by YLB to talk about how he started his career as a director but ended up in front of the camera, how Forrest Gump inspires him till today, and how he thrived during the COVID lockdowns. Oh, and did we mention what a riot he was on set? The one and only James Kumar!
You can catch our NEW TV series MARS POIYI SERNTHUTTOM starring James here (free to watch from 2nd February onwards): https://www.mewatch.sg/show/Mars-Poyi-Sernthuttom-206486
Find us here!
Our YLB S...2022-01-301h 40
Yah Lah But#255 - SG extends F1 race another SEVEN years & Dee Kosh says he’s not a pedophileOn Thursday, it was revealed that Singapore has renewed the contract to host the F1 race by another whopping 7 years, which is the longest extension since this night race was first incorporated in 2008. What does this say about our outlook on COVID in the coming few months? Also, Dee Kosh uploaded his first video since 2020, where he addressed the charges against him and wanted to "correct the falsehoods that have been circulated by the media". We examine how the public seems to be reacting to his video.
This episode is brought to you by Manscaped, who are...2022-01-281h 01
Yah Lah But#254 - Unvaxxed allowed to worship in groups of 5 & Peter Dinklage calls out Disney for “Snow White” remakeIt was recently announced that concessions would be made for unvaccinated worshippers to attend private worship in small groups of 5. This was due to appeals made by a couple of religious organizations in the last few weeks. Is this really a case of “double standards”? In Hollywood, “Game of Thrones” star Peter Dinklage called out Disney for their upcoming live-action remake of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarves”. But is it too early to be judging the product, even before it’s made?
Find us here!
Our YLB Subreddit for detailed show notes and mindblowing discussions
YLB's TikTok f...2022-01-2650 min
Yah Lah But#253 - Our first-ever LIVE podcast, where we talked through YOUR favourite Yah Lah But episodes in 2021!Welcome to our first ever LIVE podcast recording, which was recorded as part of Funny Fridays at the National Gallery! And for this momentous occasion, we decided to pay tribute to all the awesome listeners who have supported YLB all this while by looking back at the Top 5 episodes of 2021, based on YOUR listens! Was it Raeesah Khan, NOC or Xiaxue that lived rent-free in our brains this year? What hot topics were YOU dying to discuss? And what other shenanigans did we get up to during this live podcast?
Find us here!
Our YLB Subreddit...2022-01-2333 min
Yah Lah But#252 - President Halimah calls out employers for penalizing workers taking COVID leave & SG crowned “Most Instagrammable Place In The World”President Halimah Yacob posted on Facebook on 8th Jan about the recent case of a pest control technician who was jailed for potentially exposing the public to COVID-19 by refusing a swab test and returning to work. In the same post, she called out employers who have incentive policies that penalize workers when they take sick leave due to COVID-19. What can we expect to arise from the attention on this topic? Elsewhere, a global travel website listed SG as the “Most Instagrammable Place In The World” , ahead of other popular tourist destination like New York and Tokyo, Really meh...2022-01-1950 min
Yah Lah But#251 - Should OCBC be held responsible for phishing scams & Razer gets called out for misleading N95 mask claimsIn December 2021, around 469 OCBC customers were conned of a total of $8.5 million by an SMS phishing scam, leaving many bewildered victims stripped of their life savings overnight. Many customers have since come forward to question the bank’s response to the scam, asking if more could have been done to prevent this. Elsewhere, YouTuber Naomi Wu called out Razer for false advertising on the purported N95 certification of the Razer Zephyr mask product, which led to Razer amending their marketing materials. Is it an overreaction from the YouTuber?
Find us here!
Our YLB Subreddit for detailed sh...2022-01-171h 00
Yah Lah But#250 - Another ASK-ME-ANYTHING episode where we answer your BURNING questionsIt’s our 250th episode, and to commemorate the occasion we’ll answer the deepest and most exciting questions, as chosen by YOU! How we deal with rejection, how to start your own podcast, and the worst disagreements we’ve ever had - we answer these questions and many more in this loooooooong episode!
Our upcoming National Gallery event at the Light To Night Festival: ARTSPLAINING FT. MINISTRY OF FUNNY & ASSISTANT CURATOR JENNIFER K.Y. LAM - register here
Find us here!
Our YLB Subreddit for detailed show notes and mindblowing discussions
YLB's TikTok featur...2022-01-141h 43
Yah Lah But#249 - WHO now says boosters are not a viable strategy & Bentley driver tries to run down security officerWHO experts warned that repeating booster shots of the COVID vaccines is not a viable strategy going forward against emerging variants. In Singapore though, Minister of Health Ong Ye Kung recently said that we may need annual booster shots in the future. What should we make of this difference in messaging? Elsewhere, a Bentley driver draws the ire of the internet and even Minister Chan Chun Sing himself, by threatening to run over a security officer in order to force his way into Red Swastika School. Could he have done it any other way without going viral?
...2022-01-1250 min
Yah Lah But#248 - Djokovic wins Australian visa battle & Soh Rui Yong is beaten at 2.4km challengeSo after a protracted back and forth between Australian authorities and his legal team about his medical exemption from vaccination, tennis superstar and vaccine-hesitant Novak Djokovic has won the court battle to avoid deportation and to compete in the Australian Open. Why has this story divided opinion around the world? Elsewhere, Soh Rui Yong’s 2.4km challenge finally happened, and he actually didn’t win this time! Who were the winners and who gives a hoot about this event anyway?
Reminder: Help us know who's coming for our SOLD OUT live show on 21st Jan 2022 by sharing this...2022-01-101h 12
Yah Lah But#247 - Police combing through CCTV footage of Clarke Quay NYE revelers & actress Jacelyn Tay talks sex with her sonHELLO 2022! We can’t think of a better way to welcome the new year than by defying COVID restrictions, which is what a few hundred revelers did on NYE when they congregated as a group at Clarke Quay and improvised their own countdown party. The authorities have promised to comb CCTV footage to identify the culprits, but what exactly are they looking for? Elsewhere, actress Jacelyn Tay was ridiculed by Xiaxue and other online commentators after she publicly shared a conversation with her 10-year-old son about sex. We debate whether there was any harm done by her post.
...2022-01-071h 08
Yah Lah But#246 - A look back at 2021: Singapore’s Top 10 Trending News topicsSo this is 2021! In a look back at this crazy year, we deep dive into the Top 10 Trending News as collated by Google Trends. Some of these topics might be familiar as we covered them on our podcast, while others might surprise you, in a “WTF?” kind of way. We’re also doing a festive season giveaway of a Google Nest Hub courtesy of our friends at Google, so listen up to find out how to participate! And one last thing: for the first time ever, catch us at a YLB live show in 2022!
Find us here...2021-12-281h 41
Yah Lah But#245 - Tennis player Peng Shuai retracts sexual assault allegations in Zaobao interview & Loh Kean Yew is SG’s first badminton world championToday we discuss tennis and badminton, and how SG has made waves in both racquet sports in the last couple of days. First, the mysterious case of Peng Shuai that has captivated global media in the past month sees another major twist; this time, it’s SG’s very own Lianhe Zaobao which publishes the first video interview with the tennis star since her explosive posts alleging sexual assault first surfaced on Chinese social media. Why is everyone watching and dissecting this interview? Second, SG shuttler Loh Kean Yew made sporting history by winning the BWF World Championships 2021. We disc...2021-12-2056 min
Yah Lah But#244 - Photos of escaped Changi lions’ treatment provokes discussion & Ms Universe 2021 made to meow by host Steve Harvey2 lions broke free of their enclosures at Changi Airport this week and had to be tranquilized by a team from Mandai Wildlife Group. While they are currently safe and stable, photos surfaced of their less-than-ideal transit conditions, which raised questions about the lions’ origins and destination. Elsewhere, host Steve Harvey gets flak for asking Miss India to do an animal impersonation onstage during the Miss Universe 2021 contest, rather than asking her about her background in advocacy. Did Steve screw up again?
BTW, it's our 250th ep coming up so... ASK-ME-ANYTHING #3! It's time for YOUR QUESTIONS so please fir...2021-12-1848 min
Yah Lah But#243 - Pritam Singh testifies to Committee of Privileges & New Zealand to ban smoking for future generationsLeader of the Opposition Pritam Singh finally gave his side of the story in the Raeesah Khan saga to the Committee of Privileges, in a 9-hour grilling session fronted by Minister Edwin Tong. But how much closer are we to the truth after today? Elsewhere, New Zealand took a bold step toward a smoke-free future by making it progressively harder for young people to legally obtain cigarettes. Could this ever work in Singapore?
Find us here!
Our YLB Subreddit for detailed show notes and mindblowing discussions
YLB's TikTok featuring us dancing uwu
Our YLB Y...2021-12-1357 min
Yah Lah But#242 - Straw poll reveals SGeans “not confident” of their skills & Better.com CEO faces backlash for firing workers over ZoomAt a panel discussion on future skills featuring an appearance by Minister Chan Chun Sing, a straw poll showed that a majority of the attendees were only “slightly confident” that their skills would be relevant in a few years' time, while 19% expressed that they were “not confident”. How should we interpret this data point about the SG workforce? Elsewhere, the CEO of Better.com, Vishal Garg, has apologised for how he handled the layoffs of 900 employees at his company, which was done over a Zoom call. We discuss whether there really is a way to better execute layoffs.
...2021-12-0954 min
Yah Lah But#241 - Former MP Yaw Shin Leong says WP asked him to “stay silent” & will MOE allow teachers to be ”sugar babies”?In another twist in the Raeesah Khan saga, former MP Yaw Shin Leong came out on Facebook to dispute Pritam Singh’s account of events surrounding his expulsion from WP in 2012. Who’s telling the truth? Elsewhere, a Sugarbook user complained to the MOE about a teacher who allegedly advertised herself on the platform as a “sugar baby”, saying that teachers should be held to a “higher standard”. Is it wrong for an educator to moonlight as a “sugar baby”?
Find us here!
Our YLB Subreddit for detailed show notes and mindblowing discussions
YLB's TikTok featuring...2021-12-071h 00
Yah Lah But#240 - Raeesah Khan’s testimony opens can of worms for WP leaders & Grab’s share price tumbles after going publicOn Friday evening, an interim report featuring Raeesah Khan’s testimony was released by the Committee of Privileges, and it painted the Workers’ Party in a bad light. Most damning of all was that the WP leadership allegedly asked Khan to keep up her lie in Parliament. We dissect the report and her explosive testimony. Elsewhere, Grab finally listed on NASDAQ, making a billionaire out of founder Anthony Tan - at least momentarily, until the share price subsequently dipped more than 20%. What does this mean for Grab’s future?
Find us here!
Our YLB Subredd...2021-12-051h 16
Yah Lah But#239 - Workers’ Party MP Raeesah Khan resigns & Singapore crowned world’s second most expensive cityWorkers’ Party MP Raeesah Khan abruptly resigned from her position as an MP and from the party on Tuesday afternoon, just hours before she was due to face an internal disciplinary hearing. WP’s leaders came out with the details of what happened, and it turns out that they knew of Khan’s lies a lot earlier than the public. How did this happen? Also, Singapore tied with Paris in second place on The Economist’s list of most expensive cities in the world, only behind Tel Aviv. What should the average Singaporean make of this news?
Fin...2021-12-021h 07
Yah Lah But#238 - Are the vaccines effective against Omicron & MrBeast’s viral Squid Game video sparks discussionIn the past week, a new variant of COVID was identified in South Africa, and it was named the Omicron variant. The CEO of Moderna has said that the current vaccines are likely to be less effective against this variant, and several countries have shut their borders to prevent its spread. What about here in SG? Elsewhere, YouTuber MrBeast created a jaw-dropping real Squid Game competition and setup for his latest video, and like its source material, the video went crazy viral worldwide. However, is it really as big of a deal as many people are claiming?
2021-12-0154 min
Yah Lah But#237 - Actor and entrepreneur Andie Chen talks about acting, fatherhood and the future of the metaverseActor, father, entrepreneur, and now metaverse evangelist Andie Chen tells us about relocating during a pandemic, the differences between Singapore and Taiwan, and how the metaverse is going to take over!
Find us here!
Our YLB Subreddit for detailed show notes and mindblowing discussions!
YLB's own TikTok featuring 2 boom-llenials attempting to connect with Gen Z uwu
Our YLB YouTube channel to watch videos of all our guest interviews!
Our NEW YLB IG account run by our intern, Daras!
FOLKLORY - Thinking of what gifts to get this holiday season? Record a personalized podcast as...2021-11-262h 03
Yah Lah But#236 - Lawrence Wong discusses identity politics and tribalism & SG Army gets rid of 5BXIn a speech about “identity” at the Institute of Policy Studies, Finance Minister Lawrence Wong acknowledged the struggles of marginalised groups and assured them that they were all part of the “Singapore family”. Does this truly signal an upcoming change in the status quo? We break down his speech and Q&A. Also, the SG Army announced that the traditional 5BX, the bane of every soldier’s existence since the inception of NS, will soon be replaced by a more structured stretching regime. How will this affect the average soldier’s morning routine?
Find us here!
Our...2021-11-241h 04
Yah Lah But#235 - Violent COVID protests erupt across Europe & Pew survey reveals: what do SGeans find meaningful in life?Protests broke out across Europe over the past weekend, as Belgium, Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Denmark all saw demonstrations against the latest COVID restrictions meant to curb the “fourth wave” of the virus hitting Europe. We compare the situation in these countries with that of SG. Also, we discuss the results of a Pew Research Center study that surveyed what people in different countries find meaning in. The results for Singapore were quite surprising!
Find us here!
Our YLB Subreddit for detailed show notes and mindblowing discussions!
YLB's own TikTok featuring 2 boom-llenials attempting to con...2021-11-2256 min
Yah Lah But#234 - SG obesity rate balloons in 2020 & transgender actress named ‘Amanda Man‘ in latest Jack Neo movieBased on MOH's latest National Population Health Survey, which collected data from over 6,000 Singaporeans and PRs aged between 18 to 74, SG’s obesity rate has risen to the highest level since 2010. Is this really a surprise, given the COVID situation? Elsewhere, Jack Neo apologized for naming the character played by a transgender actress in his upcoming movie ‘Amanda Man’, and also announced that they will be changing the character’s name. Why the outrage?
Find us here!
Our YLB Subreddit for detailed show notes and mindblowing discussions!
YLB's own TikTok featuring 2 boom-llenials attempting to connect with Gen Z...2021-11-2056 min
Yah Lah But#233 - SG extending F1 contract & Shanmugam calls Amos Yee‘s supporters “hypocrites”Minister of Transport S Iswaran recently revealed that SG is in talks to continue hosting the F1 night race next year. Having only discussed this topic on YLB #165 in June, we revisit the debate of whether SG should move on from the F1 race. Elsewhere, Shanmugam wrote a Facebook post that called out the “hypocrisy” of media outlets and activists that had supported Amos Yee when he was convicted for wounding religious feelings in SG many years ago. Is there any merit to his call-out?
Love from our sponsor - FOLKLORY
Thinking of what gifts to g...2021-11-171h 21