Glenn van Zutphen on Saturday Mornings with Neil Humphreys

On the International News Review... Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys welcome Bloomberg NewsEditor Joanna Ossinger to unpack the headlines dominating Asia. We begin in Hong Kong, where tragedy has struck with the death toll rising to over 130 after the devastating Tai Po fire. Officials now admit fire alarms were not working properly, raising urgent questions about safety standards and accountability. Next, we turn to Thailand, where “once in 300 years” rainfall has triggered catastrophic floods across Southeast Asia. Joanna explains the scale of the disaster and its implications for climate resilience in the region. Closer to home, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s remarks on the China-Japan spat over Taiwan have sparked a wave of online barbs and spin from Chinese netizens. We explore what this reaction reveals about regional sensitivities and Singapore’s longstanding diplomatic stance. And finally, a bizarre story from Bangkok: temple staff were stunned when a woman, believed dead, began moving inside her coffin moments before cremation.

We spotlight the newly refreshed Peranakan Museum and its special exhibition Peacock Power: Beauty and Symbolism Across Cultures.Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys welcome Noorashikin Zulkifli, Deputy Director and Principal Curator for Islamic & Peranakan collections at ACM, and Diane Chee, lead curator of the exhibition. After nearly four years of renovation, the Peranakan Museum reopens with brand-new permanent galleries exploring Peranakan identity through “Origins,” “Home,” and “Style.” Noora shares how the museum now integrates contemporary art, fashion, and design alongside historical treasures, offering visitors a richer, more dynamic view of Peranakan culture. Diane introduces Peacock Power, which traces the bird’s enduring symbolism of beauty, power, and divinity across Asia. Featuring over 100 works from the National Collection and private lenders—including textiles, ceramics, and ritual objects—the exhibition highlights how the peacock motif travelled across cultures, becoming a shared artistic language. Interactive experiences, holograms, and curator-led tours further enrich the visitor journey.

Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys welcome Michael Goh, President of StarDream Cruises, to discuss how the company achieved a double win at the Travel Weekly Asia 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards—being named Best Cruise Line – Asia and Best Cruise Line – Entertainment. Since 2022, StarDream Cruises has consistently raised the bar in hospitality, earning accolades for cuisine, entertainment, and regional excellence. Michael shares the secrets behind this success: a blend of deep-rooted Asian heritage, world-class service, and innovative entertainment that continues to delight guests across the region. We explore how StarDream stays ahead in a competitive industry, from expanding itineraries across Southeast Asia and Japan to offering unique embarkation options from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong. Michael also gives us a glimpse into what’s next for 2026, including new routes, enhanced onboard experiences, and the evolving role of cruising in Asia’s tourism landscape.

Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys talk to Soh Rui Yong on the phone from Tokyo where he set a new Singapore 10,000m national record of  30min 33.29sec on Saturday while running at the Nittaidai Challenge. He first broke the 10,000m record 11.5 years ago by running 31:15.  Talking to Singapore’s five-time national marathon champion, Rui Yong, is preparing for an unprecedented test of endurance at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon next weekend. For the first time, the half-marathon and full-marathon will be held on separate days—December 6 and 7—and Rui Yong is going to run both and aims to win both. Fresh off his 2024 national marathon title, Soh is aiming for a historic double victory while keeping his eyes firmly on the 10,000m gold medal at the upcoming SEA Games in Thailand. With the athletics competition scheduled just days after the marathon weekend, his decision raises eyebrows: is this a daring strategy or sheer madness? Rui Yong shares his mindset, training approach, and why this double-up challenge is also a stepping stone toward a future in ultramarathons like South Africa’s Two Oceans (56km) and Comrades Marathon (88km). At 35, he’s redefining what it means to push limits, balancing ambition with resilience.

During our Saturday Mornings Sit-Down Conversation Part 1 “Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys celebrate a landmark moment in Singapore’s hospitality scene with Jesmine Hall, Director of Commercial Marketing at Raffles Hotel Singapore. The iconic “Grande Dame” has achieved a rare double success—becoming the first and only hotel in Singapore to be awarded the prestigious Three Keys distinction by the MICHELIN Guide, and securing the No. 5 spot in The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2025. Jesmine shares how Raffles earned these accolades, the rigorous criteria behind them, and why they matter in a crowded global tourism landscape. We explore what makes Raffles unique—from its architecture and legendary customer service to its ability to blend heritage with modern luxury. Jesmine also offers a glimpse into Raffles’ plans for 2026, and how the hotel continues to stay relevant while honouring its 138-year legacy.

This week “Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys spotlight the Her World Woman of the Year 2025 awards, celebrating two remarkable women whose influence has shaped Singapore’s cultural and social landscape. Joining us are Elizabeth Lee, Editor-in-Chief of Her World, and Sadhana Rai, Chief Representation Officer at Pro Bono SG, who was named Her World Young Woman Achiever 2025. Sadhana is recognised for her tireless work in social justice, leading initiatives like the Criminal Legal Aid Scheme and ensuring equitable access to legal support for vulnerable communities. Her advocacy closes systemic gaps and defends those society often overlooks. We also honour Anastasia Tjendri-Liew, Founder and Managing Director of Bengawan Solo, who clinched the Her World Woman of the Year 2025 title. A pioneer in preserving heritage through food, she transformed a home-based baking business into a cultural icon with over 40 outlets, while championing education and entrepreneurship.

In our Singapore Home Brew segment “Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys shine a spotlight on the Museum of U & Me, a special SG60 pop-up museum at the National Museum of Singapore’s Lawn. Running from 9 October to 14 December, the exhibition invites visitors to journey through Singapore’s story told not by grand monuments, but by everyday objects donated and loaned by Singaporeans themselves. Joining us are John Tung, Independent Curator in charge of the National Heritage Board project, and Cecilia Gaspar, a donor whose grandfather, Dioscoro Asinas San Gaspar, once played alongside a young Louis Soliano and many others. Together, they share how personal artefacts—like a retro Setron television, a brick from Alexandra Brickworks, or even Princess Diana’s measurements by designer Benny Ong—become powerful touchpoints of national memory. With interactive digital displays, 3D-printed artefacts, and thematic sections spanning food, labour, leisure, and national development, the Museum of U & Me is designed as an accessible “first-touch” experience for all. Admission is free, making it the perfect way to connect with Singapore’s living heritage.

This week, “Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen sits down with Tshering Tobgay, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bhutan in the Capital Thimpu, for a special conversation on Bhutan’s evolving role in the world. As the nation celebrates 50 years of its pioneering Gross National Happiness philosophy, we explore how this unique framework continues to shape policy, wellbeing, and sustainable development in a rapidly changing global landscape. Prime Minister Tobgay also shares insights into the Bhutan Global Peace and Prayer Festival 2025, a landmark event that brings together leaders, communities, and spiritual traditions to reaffirm Bhutan’s commitment to peace and compassion. We discuss the country’s bold vision for the future through the creation of the Gelephu Mindfulness City—a groundbreaking initiative designed to integrate sustainability, spirituality, and innovation into urban living.

📻 This week “Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys sit down Steve Okun, CEO of APAC Advisors, to break down the headlines shaping global conversations. First, we look at President Trump’s one-time ally calling it quits, while a former foe seemingly becomes a friend. Also, explosive remarks calling a Democrat video to U.S. troops “seditious behaviour, punishable by death.” What does this rhetoric mean for America’s political climate and its global standing? Next, tensions flare in Northeast Asia as China and Japan clash over security and influence; the deeper dynamics behind this scuffle and what it signals for regional stability. Closer to home, we examine the kerfuffle over a Singapore Minister's locker room comments after Singapore's Asian Cup qualification victory in Hong Kong.

In The International News Review, Steve Okun tells host Neil Humphreys why the latest Epstein files will be damaging for President Donald Trump, who’s already facing pushback from Brits unhappy with the US President’s attempt to sue the BBC. Across the Causeway, Malaysians are frustrated with the fine print of their US trade deal. And back in Singapore, Steve and Neil are in agreement that the Ariana Grande attacker deserves to be punished for his dangerous prank at the Wicked For Good premiere at Sentosa.