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Asian Insider

Synopsis: Every Friday, get our distinct take on global issues with an Asian perspective, with ST’s globally-based correspondents. Produced and edited by: Fa'izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.
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1 Nov, 2024
S2E6: What lies beneath: Chongqing’s subterranean world
Its warren of underground bunkers and tunnels, which sheltered the city’s residents during the heavy bombing of the Second Sino-Japanese war, are turned into lifestyle destinations today. Synopsis: The Straits Times chats with ST’s global correspondents about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises. Chongqing bears a grim wartime history. As China’s wartime capital which Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang government decamped to in 1937, it was heavily bombed during the Second Sino-Japanese war. Bunkers - some 16,000 - were built into the city’s hills and mountains, sheltering terrified residents as the bombs rained down. Some eight decades on, the Chongqing government has given these underground shelters a new lease of life.  In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks to China correspondent Aw Cheng Wei about what it is like to be in those bunkers today, and why Chongqing is approaching its wartime past differently from other Chinese cities. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:39 Bookshops, car washes and mahjong sessions 2:51 A real coming to terms with its history?  8:24 Making the most of one’s past  14:04 The Straits Times sets up shop in Chongqing Read Aw Cheng Wei’s article here: https://str.sg/w2Esn  Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) Edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Lynda Hong Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7   ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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1 Nov, 2024
S2E6: What lies beneath: Chongqing’s subterranean world
Its warren of underground bunkers and tunnels, which sheltered the city’s residents during the heavy bombing of the Second Sino-Japanese war, are turned into lifestyle destinations today. Synopsis: The Straits Times chats with ST’s global correspondents about life as it goes on, amid the screaming headlines and bubbling crises. Chongqing bears a grim wartime history. As China’s wartime capital which Chiang Kai-shek’s Kuomintang government decamped to in 1937, it was heavily bombed during the Second Sino-Japanese war. Bunkers - some 16,000 - were built into the city’s hills and mountains, sheltering terrified residents as the bombs rained down. Some eight decades on, the Chongqing government has given these underground shelters a new lease of life.  In this episode, ST’s foreign editor Li Xueying speaks to China correspondent Aw Cheng Wei about what it is like to be in those bunkers today, and why Chongqing is approaching its wartime past differently from other Chinese cities. Highlights (click/tap above): 0:39 Bookshops, car washes and mahjong sessions 2:51 A real coming to terms with its history?  8:24 Making the most of one’s past  14:04 The Straits Times sets up shop in Chongqing Read Aw Cheng Wei’s article here: https://str.sg/w2Esn  Read Li Xueying’s articles: https://str.sg/iqmR Follow Li Xueying on LinkedIn: https://str.sg/ip4x Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters  Host: Li Xueying (xueying@sph.com.sg) Edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Lynda Hong Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7   ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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30 Oct, 2024
S2E5: What next after Japan's political earthquake?
Political upheaval in Japan as its snap elections see the ruling party lose its majority, reshaping its ties with the US and Asia.  Synopsis: Join The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the Asian continent. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Tobias Harris, founder of political risk consultancy Japan Foresight on the fallout from the stunning electoral reverses suffered by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba following his decision to hold snap polls. They discuss what the results, which saw the long-governing Liberal Democratic Party and allied party Komeito lose their parliamentary majority, mean for Japan, its alliance with the US, and its ties with wider Asia. Tobias and Ravi also discuss how the results could impact on fiscal policy, and whether the government would now be forced to go in for further fiscal expansion. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:36 Japan’s political ‘earthquake’ 4:33 Anger, frustration in Japan  7:50 Domestic priorities to be a focus  8:33 Japan’s foreign policy 17:55 Fiscal discipline will be difficult 21:17 A modernised LDP Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Read Ravi's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Follow Ravi on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Lynda Hong Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB  Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX  --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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30 Oct, 2024
S2E5: What next after Japan's political earthquake?
Political upheaval in Japan as its snap elections see the ruling party lose its majority, reshaping its ties with the US and Asia.  Synopsis: Join The Straits Times’ senior columnist Ravi Velloor, as he distils his experience from four decades of covering the Asian continent. In this episode, Ravi speaks with Tobias Harris, founder of political risk consultancy Japan Foresight on the fallout from the stunning electoral reverses suffered by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba following his decision to hold snap polls. They discuss what the results, which saw the long-governing Liberal Democratic Party and allied party Komeito lose their parliamentary majority, mean for Japan, its alliance with the US, and its ties with wider Asia. Tobias and Ravi also discuss how the results could impact on fiscal policy, and whether the government would now be forced to go in for further fiscal expansion. Highlights (click/tap above): 1:36 Japan’s political ‘earthquake’ 4:33 Anger, frustration in Japan  7:50 Domestic priorities to be a focus  8:33 Japan’s foreign policy 17:55 Fiscal discipline will be difficult 21:17 A modernised LDP Host: Ravi Velloor (velloor@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Lynda Hong Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7  Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8  Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX  Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Ravi Velloor's columns: https://str.sg/3xRP Ravi Velloor on X: https://twitter.com/RaviVelloor Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7  ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts  ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB  Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX  --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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25 Oct, 2024
S2E4: Concern over potential post-election instability in the US
Unless one candidate wins swing states decisively, a quick settlement is unlikely in America’s cliffhanger election. Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests. The United States’ presidential election, which polls show is currently in a statistical tie, is unlikely to be settled quickly unless one candidate decisively wins enough swing states - which remains a possibility.  Short of that however, both parties have armies of lawyers ready to file challenges to the result - with resolution potentially taking a long time, and concerns over instability in the interim.  While a Kamala Harris presidency would bring a degree of continuity to foreign policy - and possibly some push back against Israel’s conduct - a Donald Trump presidency would have echoes of his first term, in which he bristled against the traditional post World War II international order, bringing up issues even with American allies such as NATO. A second term would bring more transactionalism and disruption even as some countries would like to see him back in power. He has also claimed that he will end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours.  From the eye of the gathering storm in an increasingly severely polarised America, senior journalist, author and veteran foreign correspondent Steven Herman, Chief National Correspondent of Voice of America, shares his views with Asian Insider host Nirmal Ghosh.  Highlights (click/tap above):  2:17 The implications from the elections on foreign policies 5:05 Global perceptions of America and how some are eager to see Donald Trump return 6:33 Potential for political instability and the possibility of a long unresolved election 11:16 The public sentiment and political polarization of the elections 15:03 How Trump and Harris are looking at reaching out to younger audience through podcasts Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7   ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX   --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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25 Oct, 2024
S2E4: Concern over potential post-election instability in the US
Unless one candidate wins swing states decisively, a quick settlement is unlikely in America’s cliffhanger election. Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests. The United States’ presidential election, which polls show is currently in a statistical tie, is unlikely to be settled quickly unless one candidate decisively wins enough swing states - which remains a possibility.  Short of that however, both parties have armies of lawyers ready to file challenges to the result - with resolution potentially taking a long time, and concerns over instability in the interim.  While a Kamala Harris presidency would bring a degree of continuity to foreign policy - and possibly some push back against Israel’s conduct - a Donald Trump presidency would have echoes of his first term, in which he bristled against the traditional post World War II international order, bringing up issues even with American allies such as NATO. A second term would bring more transactionalism and disruption even as some countries would like to see him back in power. He has also claimed that he will end the Russia-Ukraine war in 24 hours.  From the eye of the gathering storm in an increasingly severely polarised America, senior journalist, author and veteran foreign correspondent Steven Herman, Chief National Correspondent of Voice of America, shares his views with Asian Insider host Nirmal Ghosh.  Highlights (click/tap above):  2:17 The implications from the elections on foreign policies 5:05 Global perceptions of America and how some are eager to see Donald Trump return 6:33 Potential for political instability and the possibility of a long unresolved election 11:16 The public sentiment and political polarization of the elections 15:03 How Trump and Harris are looking at reaching out to younger audience through podcasts Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7   ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX   --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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23 Oct, 2024
S1E1: 10,000 miles in Trump country
Navigating the US election scene - from Trump's rise to economic worries and the shifting tides of masculinity in politics. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ assistant foreign editor Clement Tan catches up with US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar to share her insights into the US presidential elections on Nov 5, 2024. Clement Tan speaks with Bhagyashree Garekar, ST’s US bureau chief, about her experiences covering the US elections. They discuss the changes in American society, the rise of Trump, and the impact of inflation concerns on voter sentiment. In this episode, Bhagya shares memorable encounters from her travels across the US, highlighting the political landscape and the growing diversity in the population. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of masculinity in politics and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election results. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:51 Memorable encounters on the campaign trail 8:23 Changes in infrastructure and American society 12:33 The rise of Trump and white nationalism 16:41 Masculinity and political identity 18:57 Economic concerns and election predictions Follow Clement Tan on X: https://str.sg/uErS  Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Clement Tan (clemtan@sph.com.sg) & Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg)  Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Lynda Hong Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7   ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB    Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX   --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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23 Oct, 2024
S1E1: 10,000 miles in Trump country
Navigating the US election scene - from Trump's rise to economic worries and the shifting tides of masculinity in politics. Synopsis: The Straits Times’ assistant foreign editor Clement Tan catches up with US bureau chief Bhagyashree Garekar to share her insights into the US presidential elections on Nov 5, 2024. Clement Tan speaks with Bhagyashree Garekar, ST’s US bureau chief, about her experiences covering the US elections. They discuss the changes in American society, the rise of Trump, and the impact of inflation concerns on voter sentiment. In this episode, Bhagya shares memorable encounters from her travels across the US, highlighting the political landscape and the growing diversity in the population. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of masculinity in politics and the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election results. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:51 Memorable encounters on the campaign trail 8:23 Changes in infrastructure and American society 12:33 The rise of Trump and white nationalism 16:41 Masculinity and political identity 18:57 Economic concerns and election predictions Follow Clement Tan on X: https://str.sg/uErS  Read Clement Tan's articles: https://str.sg/Ep62  Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Clement Tan (clemtan@sph.com.sg) & Bhagyashree Garekar (bhagya@sph.com.sg)  Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Lynda Hong Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7   ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB    Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX   --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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18 Oct, 2024
S2E2: How will Singapore fare under a Harris or Trump 2.0 US administration?
US trade policy and US-China competition concerns are high on the minds of South-east Asia observers. Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests. Hardening strategic competition with China will remain front and centre of the foreign policy focus of the next US Administration in Washington DC. But while Asian countries have a mixed response to this superpower competition, most seek to stay on the right side of the United States and off the wrong side of China.  Ahead of the US presidential elections on Nov 5, South-east Asia would foresee more continuity under a Kamala Harris Administration, with the Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF, launched in 2022 by the Joe Biden Administration) continuing - while a second Donald Trump regime’s approach would be more bilateral, with Washington’s relations with individual countries shaped by factors such as trade deficits.  Within the broader context of US-China competition though, South-east Asian countries would be looking for more clarity from Washington on distinctions between trade and investment and economic issues, and national security concerns, as host Nirmal Ghosh finds out in this episode. His guests are: Dr Satu Limaye, director of the East West Centre in Washington DC, creator of the Asia Matters for America initiative, and founding editor of the Asia Pacific Bulletin. Singapore-based APAC Advisors CEO Steven Okun served in the Clinton administration and is a veteran of numerous Democratic presidential campaigns. Highlights (click/tap above):  4:57 Directionally, the US-China relationship is going to be more tense… regardless of who wins on Nov 5 9:12 More fundamental understanding of the fragmented multi-polar and deconstructing international order  13:14 South-east Asia has been masterful at internationalising the search for autonomy; what could happen if there were to be a Trump 2.0 Administration?  16:02 How will Singapore fare? Why it will be very difficult for businesses and investors to do business or to invest if what's allowed today is not allowed tomorrow - for national security concerns 21:48 US-Asia relations: Why the threads of continuity are likely to overcome the threads of discontinuity Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7   ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB   Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX   --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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18 Oct, 2024
S2E2: How will Singapore fare under a Harris or Trump 2.0 US administration?
US trade policy and US-China competition concerns are high on the minds of South-east Asia observers. Synopsis: The Straits Times' global contributor Nirmal Ghosh shines a light on Asian perspectives of global and Asian issues with expert guests. Hardening strategic competition with China will remain front and centre of the foreign policy focus of the next US Administration in Washington DC. But while Asian countries have a mixed response to this superpower competition, most seek to stay on the right side of the United States and off the wrong side of China.  Ahead of the US presidential elections on Nov 5, South-east Asia would foresee more continuity under a Kamala Harris Administration, with the Indo Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF, launched in 2022 by the Joe Biden Administration) continuing - while a second Donald Trump regime’s approach would be more bilateral, with Washington’s relations with individual countries shaped by factors such as trade deficits.  Within the broader context of US-China competition though, South-east Asian countries would be looking for more clarity from Washington on distinctions between trade and investment and economic issues, and national security concerns, as host Nirmal Ghosh finds out in this episode. His guests are: Dr Satu Limaye, director of the East West Centre in Washington DC, creator of the Asia Matters for America initiative, and founding editor of the Asia Pacific Bulletin. Singapore-based APAC Advisors CEO Steven Okun served in the Clinton administration and is a veteran of numerous Democratic presidential campaigns. Highlights (click/tap above):  4:57 Directionally, the US-China relationship is going to be more tense… regardless of who wins on Nov 5 9:12 More fundamental understanding of the fragmented multi-polar and deconstructing international order  13:14 South-east Asia has been masterful at internationalising the search for autonomy; what could happen if there were to be a Trump 2.0 Administration?  16:02 How will Singapore fare? Why it will be very difficult for businesses and investors to do business or to invest if what's allowed today is not allowed tomorrow - for national security concerns 21:48 US-Asia relations: Why the threads of continuity are likely to overcome the threads of discontinuity Follow Nirmal Ghosh on X: https://str.sg/JD7r Read Nirmal Ghosh's articles: https://str.sg/JbxG Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Nirmal Ghosh (nirmal@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7   ST Podcast website: http://str.sg/stpodcasts   ST Podcasts YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa  --- Get The Straits Times' app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB   Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX   --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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