CNA938 Rewind

14 people have been arrested over an alleged phantom worker scheme, with investigators looking into fraudulent CPF contributions and inflated foreign worker quotas. On this edition of TalkBack, Daniel Martin asks the question: Who’s hiring ‘phantom workers’ and would you accept CPF payments for free? He's joined by Singapore employment lawyer Jennifer Chih from Nair, Jen and Tan LLC.

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Guest: Lee Sue Ann, Economist, UOB

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GIC’s returns are down a third straight year to a six-year low in FY2025/2026. That’s according to the sovereign wealth fund’s latest annual report, released on Friday (24 July). Daniel Martin discusses further with Louise Loo, Head of Asia Economics, Oxford Economics.

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Concerns about workplace support may be stopping some Singaporeans from registering as potential marrow donors. Cheryl Goh speaks with Charles Loh, CEO of the Bone Marrow Donor Programme, and Edwin Wan, Managing Director of Bertschi Singapore; to look at the misconceptions surrounding donation, why employers are being encouraged to step in, and how one donor’s experience reshaped the way he leads and supports his employees.

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Food Republic has reopened at Jewel Changi Airport with a refreshed look inspired by a 1970s hawker street. Cheryl Goh speaks with Andy Kiu, General Manager, Food Atrium, and Eddie Lim, 2nd Generation Owner, Lixin Fishball Noodles to find out how the space blends nostalgia, heritage recipes and modern dining expectations, while bringing together a strong line-up of Michelin Bib Gourmand brands for travellers and locals alike.

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Gen Z workers are often criticised for lacking motivation or loyalty, but are they simply responding to a workplace that has changed? Cheryl Goh looks at what younger employees value, why job stability may no longer hold the same appeal, and how managers can build trust, accountability and engagement with Ho Pei Ning, producer of CNA’s Work It podcast.

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With energy issues taking center stage under the newly rebranded ministry, Singapore is restructuring its high-level cabinet strategy to handle rising industrial demands. Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing unpack whether this shift signals a leap toward nuclear and regional grids, or if businesses and consumers will end up paying the price for the nation's energy-hungry future with Dr Alvin Chew, Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University (NTU). 

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On today's (24 July) markets analysis on Open For Business, Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing speak with Santosh Rao, Head of Research and Partner, Manhattan Venture Partners 
 

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As Singapore moves to boost its air traffic control workforce by 40% with sweet sign-on perks, we ask what is driving this sudden high-flying hiring spree. Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing examine the training bottlenecks, career trajectories, and whether hefty bonuses can successfully keep our aviation hubs cleared for takeoff with Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Aerospace Lead, Frost & Sullivan 

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Most of us think of rest as something we earn after a productive day, a busy week or a long stretch of hard work. But what if rest isn't a reward at the end of the day, but something we need throughout it? In a culture that often celebrates being busy, Cheryl Goh speaks with Hazel Yap, Founder, A Good Rest to unpack the mindset shift people need around rest.

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The confidence to speak openly can begin with the conversations children have at home. Cheryl Goh speaks with Iris Ong, founder of The Voice House to look at how listening, screen habits and everyday family interactions shape whether children feel safe expressing themselves, and what parents can do to build trust and stronger communication over time. 

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Hakka heritage finds a new home at VivoCity, with comforting classics, traditional steamed dishes and a bubbling claypot creation featuring pig blood curd. Cheryl Goh speaks with Chak Ka Fong, Director of Hakka Yu Singapore to find out how the restaurant is introducing diners to the wider flavours, ingredients and cooking traditions of Hakka cuisine.

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Guest: Aaron Chew, Investment Counselor, Citigold Private Client, Citibank Singapore

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At least 20 furniture stores in the Tan Boon Liat Building have expressed interest in moving collectively to a new location if the S$950 million en bloc deal goes through. Daniel Martin speaks with Esmaeil Molazadeh, Honorary Secretary of the Singapore Furniture Association. 

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Singapore is placing greater emphasis on energy, with the Ministry of Trade and Industry set to become the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry from October. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said energy will be a national challenge for the nation. Daniel Martin speaks with Dr Victor Nian, Founding Co-Chairman of the Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources.

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With the South China Sea, Strait of Hormuz and US-China ties taking the spotlight at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, what role does Singapore play in such regional forums? Daniel Martin speaks with Dr Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor of Political Science at the National University of Singapore.

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In ‘Culture Club’ Melanie Oliveiro introduces Taledrops – a Singaporean all-female alternative prog rock band.  The 5-piece will reminisce how a secondary school project brought them together. Taledrops will also discuss the stories behind their songs including “Kafka”, “Surrender” and their new single "Bad Day, Darling?” which addresses insecurities and self-doubt.

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In ‘Made in SG’ Melanie Oliveiro finds out more about the 7th edition of An Extraordinary Celebration, one of Singapore's largest inclusive performing arts events. Creative director and respected entertainer Najip Ali, along with team lead Eunice Seah, will describe how the concert will bring together close to 400 performers from mainstream and special education schools.

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In ‘Culture Club’, Melanie Oliveiro profiles the Landmark Books title “Peranakan Folk Songs and Rhymes” by Matthew Lloyd Tan. It’s a book of Baba and Nonya gems featuring cherished lullabies, nursery rhymes and folk songs passed down through generations. Alvin Oon from Peranakan Sayang will talk about the new songs he composed and performs.

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In ‘Made in SG’, Melanie Oliveiro learns more about The Jedi Chess Academy, which teaches chess through storytelling. Founder Jedidiah Huang talks about his academy’s unique approach to chess education using his media industry experience. Coach Natasha Chia explains how her lessons help children develop confidence, resilience and other life skills.

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Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announces a new cabinet line-up of new generation and experienced leaders to steer Singapore through immediate challenges and take the country forward. Plus Six first-term MPs promoted in one move, two to full minister. Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing examine the immediate priorities for the new position holders with Dr Elvin Ong, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, NUS.

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From train breakdowns to bus routes that test your patience, public transportation keeps the nation moving—but not without a few bumps along the way. Transport analysts weigh in on commuter pain points as we ask listeners for the one major change they’d make to transit tomorrow. Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing speak with Associate Professor (Practice) Victor Kwan, SUSS, Terence Fan, Assistant Professor in Strategy and Entrepreneurship, SMU and commuter Namreena Samtani

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On today's (23 July) markets analysis on Open For Business, Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing speak with Brian Mulberry, Chief Market Strategist at Zacks Investment Management in Chicago 

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As financial regulators weigh lower tax rates for fund managers to ward off competition from Hong Kong, ordinary citizens are left asking where the trickledown effect lands. Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing unpack whether these corporate concessions actually boost local jobs and public coffers, or simply pad elite wallets with Amy Ang, Singapore Head of Tax, Ernst & Young Solutions 

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Singapore has unveiled a new lineup of cabinet ministers and political officeholders. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has called the changes ‘balanced’ – blending a new generation of leaders, anchored by an experienced core team. Daniel Martin speaks with Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at the Singapore Management University, and former Nominated Member of Parliament.

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Guest: Dan Chang, Trading Representative, Phillip Securities

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Singapore’s best-known furniture hub faces an uncertain future following the S$950 million en bloc sale of Tan Boon Liat Building. Can anywhere else replace its unique furniture cluster? Daniel Martin speaks with Chris Choo, Associate Branch District Director at Propnex.

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Online scams have evolved into a vast transnational criminal economy, costing victims across the Asia-Pacific up to US$114 billion last year. The United Nations says losses have more than tripled since 2023, driven largely by sophisticated investment frauds. Daniel Martin speaks with Asha Hemrajani, Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University. 

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Shikar marks its fifth year with a six-course anniversary menu that brings together India’s bustling streets, coastal flavours, royal traditions and culinary heritage. Cheryl Goh finds out how modern techniques come together in a dining experience shaped by detail and a sense of occasion with Celebrity Chef Jolly, Culinary Director, Shikar and GupShup, Singapore.

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EV adoption is accelerating in Singapore, but many older condominiums were not built with charging infrastructure in mind. Cheryl Goh looks at the costs, MCST considerations and property value questions behind retrofitting legacy estates for an electric future with Lai Yuan Weng and Sathiyamoorty Nagarajan, Founders, MNL Solutions. 

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Ben Poh began his career as a police officer. But when he began noticing the same young people committing the same offences, he got curious about the social and family factors that contributed to their behaviour, and wondered if he could play a part in their rehabilitation. Today, Ben is a probation officer and manager with the Ministry of Social and Family Development. He shares the lessons he's learned about rehabilitation, growth, and the importance of family, through the cases he's managed.

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India's exam paper leak crisis has spiralled into a major political showdown, with mounting calls for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign. Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing examine what's driving the student protests, the government's response, and what the unrest means for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government with Dr Pradeep Taneja, Senior Lecturer in Asian Politics, University of Melbourne

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Iran has shut the Strait of Hormuz and The Houthis have just declared a blockade of Bab al-Mandeb.  Two of the world’s most critical shipping chokepoints — squeezed at the same time. Saudi Arabia’s workaround, routing oil through the Red Sea, may now be closing off too.  Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing take an in-depth look at the compounding economic risks and assess how markets are pricing in rerouted supply chains, soaring freight premiums, and broader inflation risks with Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics and International Studies at the University of San Francisco

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On today's (22 July) markets analysis on Open For Business, Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing speak with Raj Singh, Multi-Asset Portfolio Manager, Principal Asset Management

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Andrea Heng and Poh Kok Ing evaluate the real substance behind Hong Kong's primary market rebound, from secondary "A-to-H" listings to AI valuation risks, and explore whether retail investors are being exposed to due diligence blind spots amidst accelerated listing timelines with Brandon Ho, Head of Investment Advisory, Arta Finance

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Packed trains, irregular bus waiting times, inconsiderate commuters and carriages that feel too warm. They’re among the top concerns highlighted in the latest Public Transport Council survey. Daniel Martin speaks with Professor Raymond Ong, transport analyst and Deputy Head of Research in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the National University of Singapore. 

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The Singapore Pools app was never meant to work overseas. So how did this loophole happen, and can more be done on the back-end to prevent future occurrences? Daniel Martin finds out more from Associate Professor Goh Weihan from the Infocomm Technology Cluster, SIT.

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Guest: You Weiren, Senior Portfolio Manager, FSM Global

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With the closure of Metro’s branches in Causeway Point and Paragon, is the era of the one-stop department store giving way to a different kind of retail? Daniel Martin finds out more from Associate Professor Lau Kong Cheen, Head of Marketing Programme, Singapore University of Social Sciences, School of Business.

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Foura brings longevity-inspired dining, movement and community experiences together through four pillars of wellbeing: physical, mental, emotional and relational health. Cheryl Goh speaks with Elwin Tan, Business Development and Science Director and Co-Founder of Foura, and Benjamin Aryanto, Marketing Director and Co-Founder of Foura to find out how science shapes its menu, why shared experiences matter, and what a more connected approach to wellness could look like in Singapore.

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