Best CNA Digital News Podcasts (2025)

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Is there a space and noise solution for the pickleball boom? 22:07

Play Pause

4d ago22:07

22:07

Pickleball is catching on fast in Singapore, but complaints over noise and space are growing just as quickly. In land-scarce Singapore, how much room is there for a new sport? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak to Ganesh Ramalingam, founder of the Pickleball Social Crew and Assistant Professor Tan Shin Bin from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public P…

1
Licensing live shows and navigating comedy in Singapore 19:43

1h ago19:43

19:43

US comedian Sammy Obeid says his show in Singapore was cancelled because of censorship. Authorities say it was because of a late licence application. How does arts entertainment licensing really work, especially for unscripted formats like stand-up comedy? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak with local veteran entertainer Kumar and Heazry Salim, c…

1
How to have real conversations with young people about vaping 28:05

4d ago28:05

28:05

With authorities cracking down on vaping and drug-laced Kpods, parents are struggling to have conversations with children who may think that vaping is not a big deal. How can families navigate this when young people are coping with message fatigue and peer pressure? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards get insights from Cherie Tseng, a mother of three, a…

1
Goodbye from us 2:10

12d ago2:10

2:10

We're drawing the curtains on one of our OG podcast shows. But don't cry just yet. We'll still be talking about all things climate on our other CNA podcasts to help you make sense of this changing world. Tell us which episode you liked best in the comments or email us at cnapodcasts [at] mediacorp.com.sg. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf…

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A fork in the road moment for climate change? 28:37

13d ago28:37

28:37

The climate challenge may seem insurmountable at times. So, it’s important to look at what is needed but also where we’ve come from. Jack Board and Liling Tan do a planetary health check, and talk through some positive stories, warning signs and personal tips to help the Earth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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How to parent when screens are everywhere? 31:20

15d ago31:20

31:20

In his National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called on parents to be more mindful about their children's screen use and online behaviour. But with no clear playbook for parents on how to raise kids to thrive in an age of AI, how can the government and society step in to help? Steven Chia speaks with Minister for Digital Developmen…

1
What does BlueSG’s pause mean for car-sharing in Singapore? 25:20

1M ago25:20

25:20

BlueSG’s abrupt decision to suspend its car-sharing service has surprised both customers and industry experts. What does this mean for Singapore’s car-lite ambitions? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak with GetGo co-founder Toh Ting Feng and Dr Samuel Chng from the Singapore University of Technology and Design. See omnystudio.com/listener for pri…

1
Tackling Thailand’s air pollution crisis 19:22

20d ago19:22

19:22

Southeast Asian parliamentarians are voicing urgent concerns about Thailand’s air pollution problems. Can regional mechanisms solve a long-entrenched issue that’s linked to health concerns for millions of people? Jack Board speaks with Nitipon Piwmow and Arlene Brosas from the ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights. See omnystudio.com/listener for…

1
What will it take to revitalise Singapore's nightlife? 22:47

1M ago22:47

22:47

With extended liquor hours and plans to allow new nightlife venues, authorities are trying to inject more life into the city’s after-dark scene around the Boat Quay, Upper Circular Road and Clarke Quay areas. But with rising costs and customers who want experiences and not just alcoholic drinks on their nights out, will these initiatives be enough …

1
Urban invaders - how global warming fuels the rat boom 15:03

27d ago15:03

15:03

The combination of rising temperatures, dense living and a lack of green spaces means rat populations in our cities are growing. Jack Board and Liling Tan uncover the risks and solutions to the pests beneath our feet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By CNA

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AI and terrorism: What safeguards should be in place to stop self-radicalised youths? 24:58

2M ago24:58

24:58

A recent Internal Security Department report warns of an increasing risk in extremist ideologies in Singapore, with AI now as a powerful enabler. How is AI changing the radicalisation process and what can be done to combat this? Steven Chia sits down with Kenneth Yeo from the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies and Associate Professor Razw…

1
Chilling truths: Why the world can’t live without air-conditioning 14:59

1M ago14:59

14:59

As the world heats up, the need to cool down is ever increasing. Places that never needed air-conditioning are now seeing growing requirements for it. Jack Board and Liling Tan discuss the plea to turn on our machines. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By CNA

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As scammers adapt and evolve, how can technology keep up? 30:36

2M ago30:36

30:36

Singaporeans lost a record S$1.1 billion to scams in 2024 - with a majority of victims under the age of 50. As scammers get smarter and more sophisticated, can technology keep up or will it always be one step behind? In this week’s Deep Dive, Li Hongyi and Hygin Prasad Fernandez from Open Government Products talk to Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards a…

1
Can India and Bangladesh renegotiate a future for the Ganges? 13:38

2M ago13:38

13:38

The future of the Ganges river is in question. As a key water-sharing treaty between India and Bangladesh nears its expiry, Jack Board and Liling Tan discuss the critical negotiations over a river system increasingly impacted by climate change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By CNA

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Will going underground and climate change cause more sinkholes? 19:08

2M ago19:08

19:08

When footage of a woman and her car plunging into a sinkhole on Tanjong Katong Road went viral, it raised questions on whether Singapore is susceptible to more sinkholes. With underground construction expanding and climate change reshaping our environment, what are engineers doing to keep our ground stable? Otelli Edwards speaks to David Ng at the …

1
Big waves and boat sinkings: How climate change is making the seas more dangerous 25:19

2M ago25:19

25:19

The recent deadly sinking of a Bali ferry has illuminated how extreme and unpredictable weather - driven by climate change – is making the region’s seas more dangerous to traverse. Jack Board and Liling Tan chat with correspondent Nivell Rayda in Jakarta. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Silent expectations and fatal outcomes: The suicide risk men face 21:03

2M ago21:03

21:03

Singapore reported 314 suicides in 2024, with the sharpest increase among adults aged 30 to 39. Nearly two-thirds were men. What pressures do these groups face? And what are the warning signs? Otelli Edwards and Steven Chia speak with Dr Jared Ng, a psychiatrist and the former chief of emergency and crisis care at the Institute of Mental Health, an…

1
More elderly Singaporeans are living alone – should we be concerned? 26:00

2M ago26:00

26:00

The number of elderly Singaporeans living alone has doubled in the past decade. With Singapore on the cusp of becoming a “super-aged” society, the numbers will only climb further. While support systems exist, are they enough when an elderly person needs urgent medical help or even just someone to talk to? Steven Chia speaks with Karen Wee, executiv…

1
What Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ means for clean energy transition 22:11

2M ago22:11

22:11

US President Donald Trump’s new sprawling bill will make a major dent on the country’s clean energy industries. Jack Board and Liling Tan get the lowdown on what it means and whether the ripple effects could extend around the world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By CNA

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Certis sick leave policy raises tough questions on employer-employee trust 20:16

2M ago20:16

20:16

Certis came under scrutiny recently for a controversial policy requiring officers on medical leave to share their “live” location if they were not at home. While the company has since rolled back the mandate, the debate over workplace sick leave policies continues. How far should companies go to prevent abuse of the system and where does trust fit …

1
Can our world heritage sites survive climate change? 17:48

3M ago17:48

17:48

Nearly three quarters of humanity's most iconic sites and landscapes are under threat from water-related hazards. Jack Board and Liling Tan discuss whether these special places can be saved from climate change. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By CNA

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Students using AI: Cheating or smarter learning? 29:18

3M ago29:18

29:18

The Nanyang Technological University (NTU) recently accused three students of academic fraud, saying that they used generative AI tools in their assignments. What are the limitations around AI use, when does it cross the line and is it time to rethink the way assignments are designed and assessed? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak with Associate…

1
What happens to Singapore’s gas supplies in times of war? 21:21

3M ago21:21

21:21

Singapore is heavily reliant on imported natural gas for its electricity needs. With recent tensions in the Middle East throwing shockwaves into energy markets and supply routes, is the country and broader region prepared? Jack Board and Liling Tan chat with the Singapore LNG Corporation CEO Leong Wei Hung. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i…

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Great Eastern suspends Mount Elizabeth pre-authorisation - time to relook how health insurance is managed? 25:24

3M ago25:24

25:24

When insurer Great Eastern suspended pre-authorisation for admission to Mount Elizabeth hospitals, it raised questions about the way health insurance is managed in Singapore. With increased medical bills and insurance premiums, who is paying for what and where are the gaps? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak with Associate Professor Jeremy Lim of…

1
Meat and maize: How eating more meat is driving big environmental impacts 25:09

3M ago25:09

25:09

Meat demand in Asia continues to soar. But the chicken and pork on your plate comes at a cost for both the farmers who produce animal feed and the forests of northern Thailand and beyond. Jack Board and Liling Tan discuss the impact of our insatiable appetite for meat. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Jetstar Asia closure: Are the days of cheap fares over? 20:27

3M ago20:27

20:27

Jetstar Asia will cease operations on Jul 31, a move unsurprising to experts because the low-cost carrier was struggling to turn a profit in a tough aviation market. Otelli Edwards speaks to Shukor Yusof from aviation consultancy Endau Analytics and Dr Nitin Pangarkar from NUS Business School to find out what the future holds. See omnystudio.com/li…

1
Climate geoengineering: Planet savers or madcap experiments? 23:19

3M ago23:19

23:19

Money and resources are increasingly being invested in climate geoengineering. Jack Board and Liling Tan debate the science and sense of manipulating the climate to counter global warming. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By CNA

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Is Singapore's electric vehicle infrastructure catching up with demand? 24:33

3M ago24:33

24:33

Electric vehicle sales hit a new high in the first three months of 2025, accounting for 40 per cent of total car registrations. Yet concerns about charging networks and capacity remain. Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak with transport economist Walter Theseira and Stephanie Tan, CEO of EV-Electric Charging. See omnystudio.com/listener for privac…

1
Record temperatures, extreme rain incoming this summer 16:35

3M ago16:35

16:35

The upcoming northern hemisphere summer is set to break more heat records. From holidays, to workers and crops - the searing temperatures are going to have consequences, as Jack Board and Liling Tan discuss. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By CNA

1
Calling 995? You may be rerouted to the NurseFirst helpline instead – here’s how it works 17:33

4M ago17:33

17:33

Non-life-threatening 995 calls will be directed to NurseFirst, a triage helpline, under a six-month nationwide trial aimed at easing the burden on emergency services. How exactly does it work, and will the public adapt? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards find out from Col Dr David Pflug, chief medical officer of the Singapore Civil Defence Force and Dr…

1
Mining in the deep blue 16:54

4M ago16:54

16:54

US President Donald Trump wants to mine the seafloor. And while the industry has its supporters, scientists say hunting for precious minerals underwater could be highly damaging to the ocean. Jack Board and Liling Tan dive into the topic, ahead of the UN Ocean Conference. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Have rising commercial rents reached a tipping point? 25:10

4M ago25:10

25:10

Amid rising rents and growing competition, some Singapore businesses are closing down or relocating to cheaper premises. A local bakery in Siglap recently announced on social media it was moving out after its rent was increased by 57 per cent. Are commercial rent hikes spiralling out of control, or is this simply market forces at work? Steven Chia …

1
Climate cost of conflict 19:11

4M ago19:11

19:11

Climate change and conflict are increasingly fuelling one another, leaving lasting environmental impact across war-struck regions of the world. CNA’s Jack Board and Liling Tan discuss the latest research covering an overlooked factor in today’s hot zones. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Cabinet reshuffle: No big surprises but key moves to align the ministries under PM Wong’s 4G team 19:36

4M ago19:36

19:36

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong unveiled his Cabinet and one surprise was the lack of a second deputy prime minister. Instead, the new Cabinet includes three coordinating ministers. What does that signal? And will there be more changes to come? Steven Chia speaks to independent political observer Dr Felix Tan and Dr Elvin Ong of the National Universit…

1
Battle lines in the water crisis 13:29

4M ago13:29

13:29

The Indus River is at the centre of a simmering conflict between India and Pakistan, neighbours who share the flow of the river. It’s another example of water being central to rising tensions. Jack Board and Liling Tan discuss how the power of water can be weaponised by countries. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
GE2025: Are independent candidates a new force to be reckoned with? 21:01

4M ago21:01

21:01

For the first time in 53 years, an independent candidate received more than 35 per cent of vote share, performing better than some smaller opposition parties. Jeremy Tan, who ran in Mountbatten SMC, and Darryl Lo who contested in Radin Mas SMC, join Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards to talk about lessons learnt from their campaigning and their future …

1
What's holding investors back from green projects? 17:20

4M ago17:20

17:20

Angrier planet, messier times. What's keeping green investors cautious, and how can countries brace better? Jack Board and Liling Tan find answers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By CNA

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Passports for sale: Climate-vulnerable nations take unconventional steps for survival 13:03

5M ago13:03

13:03

Island nations battling extreme weather and rising seas are offering citizenship in exchange for climate financing. They get money to relocate, reinforce and redevelop, while investors get visa-free passports. Jack Board and Liling Tan discuss survival and sovereignty in the face of global warming. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio…

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GE2025 results: A closer look at the strong PAP mandate and the opposition strategy 23:22

5M ago23:22

23:22

Voters gave the People's Action Party and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong a clear mandate in GE2025. What accounted for the result and why couldn't the opposition parties make good on gains from the last election? Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak to Associate Professor Eugene Tan from the Singapore Management University and Dr Reuben Ng from the L…

1
WP's Jasper Kuan on the 3-hour chat with former chief Low Thia Khiang that convinced him to run for GE2025 20:09

5M ago20:09

20:09

East Coast GRC candidate for the Workers’ Party Jasper Kuan admits this may not be the right “season” for him to jump into politics because of his three young children. But he tells Steven Chia how a three-hour conversation with Low Thia Khiang changed his mind and why as a former Gifted Education Programme teacher, he believes the education system…

1
GE2025: PAP’s Elysa Chen on being 'kicked into politics' and overcoming imposter syndrome 18:12

5M ago18:12

18:12

Politics was never part of Elysa Chen’s plan, who used to think of the PAP as “paternalistic” and “out of touch”. But one tea session with the PAP led to another, and now, the party’s new face is standing in GE2025. She tells Steven Chia on the Deep Dive podcast why contesting in Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC feels like a “homecoming”. See omnystudio.com/li…

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GE2025: PSP's Stephanie Tan on making the leap from homemaker to political candidate 17:25

5M ago17:25

17:25

After years of being a lawyer, Stephanie Tan became a stay-at-home mum to care for her two daughters. She has used her experience in law to help the Progress Singapore Party (PSP) with their parliamentary work over the last two years. Now a first-time candidate contesting Pioneer SMC, Stephanie tells Otelli Edwards how party chairman Dr Tan Cheng B…

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GE2025: PAP's Jasmin Lau on saying 'yes' to politics but staying true to herself 20:44

5M ago20:44

20:44

PAP new face Jasmin Lau, who is contesting in Ang Mo Kio GRC, went from government scholar to rising up the ranks in the civil service. She tells Otelli Edwards on this special series of the Deep Dive podcast how she copes with self-doubt and why she said yes to entering politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
GE2025: WP's Ong Lue Ping on stepping down from senior leadership at work to join the opposition 20:10

5M ago20:10

20:10

When he decided to be actively involved as a Workers’ Party candidate, Dr Ong Lue Ping, a senior principal child psychologist, decided to move out of a director position at the Institute of Mental Health. The WP candidate for Tampines GRC tells Steven Chia why staying could present a conflict of interest and what prompted him to join the opposition…

1
GE2025: PAP's Dinesh Vasu Dash on how a pivotal turning point in his career led him to politics 20:02

5M ago20:02

20:02

He took a significant pay cut and declined a private sector job to join the Health Ministry to fight the pandemic. Now Dinesh Vasu Dash is running on the PAP ticket as the new face contesting in East Coast GRC in what he describes as a journey with "too many points of twists and turns". He tells Otelli Edwards on this special series of the Deep Div…

1
GE2025: Breaking down Nomination Day and its surprises 23:22

5M ago23:22

23:22

A last minute move to a brand new GRC, a rare walkover and a four-cornered fight. Steven Chia speaks to SMU Law professor Eugene Tan and Dr Reuben Ng from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy to get some perspective on the state of play of GE2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
Green hydrogen: Future game changer or false hope? 26:16

5M ago26:16

26:16

Green hydrogen has been touted as a promising solution to cleaning up transport, shipping and aviation. But this clean technology has run into multiple hurdles. Jack Board and Lilling Tan chat with Alex Tancock, the CEO of InterContinental Energy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By CNA

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The dangers of victim-blaming in sexual assault cases 23:33

5M ago23:33

23:33

The former vice-president of the Law Society Chia Boon Teck resigned after he was heavily criticised for his comments about a rape victim. Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards speak to Mark Yeo, director at Fortress Law Corporation and Sugidha Nithiananthan, director of advocacy and research at AWARE, about the dangers of victim-blaming. See omnystudio.c…

1
The ‘White Lotus’ effect is redefining the way we travel, but is it sustainable? 14:02

6M ago14:02

14:02

Ever fallen in love with a film's location set and booked a holiday there? You're in good company. "Set-jetting" travel is on the rise, thanks in part to the White Lotus effect that saw bookings surge for destinations featured in the popular HBO series. This week on Climate Conversations, Jack Board and Liling Tan weigh the economic gains of set-je…

1
How will Trump’s tariffs affect jobs, wages and prices in Singapore? 33:00

6M ago33:00

33:00

The sweeping Trump tariffs are a signal that a new world order is taking shape and one that may affect wages and jobs in Singapore. Education Minister Chan Chun Sing tells Steven Chia and Otelli Edwards what the government plans to do and why he doesn't lose sleep over things he cannot control. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…