Glenn van Zutphen on Saturday Mornings with Neil Humphreys

This week Saturday Mornings Show”host Glenn van Zutphen welcomes Nirmal Ghosh—author, independent writer, and former foreign correspondent—to discuss his latest poetry collection, The Weeds that Grow in Cemeteries. In this wide-ranging conversation, Nirmal reflects on the unique power of poetry compared to fiction, and why keeping alive the art of reading is essential not only for good writing but for cultivating empathy and imagination. Nature and ecology are recurring themes in his work, and Nirmal shares how nature writing helps us reconnect with the earth, reminding us not to take landscapes and ecosystems for granted. From there, the discussion expands to pressing regional issues: the devastating floods across Asia that highlight the urgent need for resilience and long-term climate adaptation, and the renewed tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, driven by historical grievances and political pressures. With poverty and instability persisting across parts of ASEAN, Nirmal warns of an “arc of chronic instability” in the region, even as Vietnam stands out as an exception.

This week Saturday Mornings Show”host Glenn van Zutphen welcomes Angela Mancini, Partner at Control Risks, joins us in studio to unpack three diverse stories shaping global conversations. We begin in Australia, where a proposed social media ban and a lawsuit involving Reddit highlight the growing tension between governments, platforms, and free expression. Angela explores what this means for digital governance and the risks businesses face in navigating online regulation. Next, we turn to RiskMap 2026, Control Risks’ annual forecast of global business risks. From the “new rules, no rules” world to the rise of activated societies, organized crime networks, the AI compute contest, and the normalization trap, Angela explains how these trends will impact companies and governments across Asia—including Cambodia—and what leaders should prioritize to stay resilient.

This week Saturday Mornings Show”host Glenn van Zutphen and guest co-host Steve Okun, CEO, APAC Advisors welcome Melinda Murphy, General Manager of the American Association of Singapore (AAS), to share an inspiring initiative marking a milestone year. In 2026, AAS celebrates the 90th George Washington Ball—one of Singapore’s longest-running galas—while also launching 90 Acts of Charity, a year-long campaign dedicated to community service. From supporting Singaporean families in need to uplifting local projects and performing small acts of kindness, these 90 acts embody the heart of AAS: service, generosity, and connection. The initiative also honors Singapore’s 60th anniversary, weaving together heritage and community in meaningful ways. Melinda highlights how the George Washington Ball, themed Singapore Splendor this year, continues to unite Americans, Singaporeans, and international friends for an evening of dining, music, auctions, and camaraderie. Beyond the glamour, proceeds sustain AAS’s programs that strengthen ties across cultures and support charitable causes.

This week Saturday Mornings Show”host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys  sit down with Rita Zahara, Co-founder and CEO of AMGD Global, best-selling author and former broadcaster, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Singapore’s Enabling Village—the pioneering inclusive community hub designed for disability inclusion. Marking this milestone, AMGD Superfood Restaurant launched a landmark arts-and-inclusion showcase that brings together heritage, food-technology, and disability employment under one roof. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong officiated the celebrations, underscoring Singapore’s commitment to scaling inclusive employment and strengthening community integration. The showcase features a 5-day Artist-in-Residence programme with Ika Sarkasi, son of Cultural Medallion icon Sarkasi Said, alongside works inspired by sculptor Mohammad Din Mohammad and humanitarian pioneer Che Zahara Noor Mohamed. Together, these tributes highlight powerful legacies of art, culture, and social impact. Rita also shares how AMGD Superfood has become Singapore’s first nutrition-forward, AI-enabled dining concept powered by persons with disabilities. With over 4,000 AI-designed meals and a mission to expand regionally, AMGD is redefining F&B innovation by blending healthy eating, tech, and heritage storytelling.

This week Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys we celebrate the amazing, record-breaking, Singaporean distance running star, Soh Rui Yong, who made history at the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2025 by clinching both the national half-marathon and marathon titles in back-to-back races. On December 6, Soh took the half-marathon crown in 1:14:58, and just a day later, he returned to the Padang to win the marathon in 2:46:23—his sixth consecutive national marathon title. The feat was far from easy. Soh recalls the toll of running over 63km in 24 hours, battling disrupted sleep and depleted energy levels. “I’m never doing that again,” he admitted after edging out compatriot Aaron Tan by just four seconds. Yet despite the exhaustion, Soh remains optimistic as he looks ahead to the SEA Games in Thailand, even as he faces uncertainty following an “abnormal” ECG result. We explore what this double victory means for his career, his resilience in the face of challenges, and his ambitions for the 10,000m gold medal and beyond. 

In our Singapore Home Brew segment Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys spotlight a pop culture phenomenon arriving on Singapore’s shores—the PAC-MAN Carnival 2025, Asia’s first and largest celebration of the iconic arcade game. Joining us in studio is Johnny Zhan, COO of Apex Infinite, the team behind this mega event at Sentosa. Running until 11 January 2026, the carnival promises nostalgia and excitement for audiences of all ages. Highlights include a life-sized PAC-MAN maze, a live challenge arena with giant screens, a retro arcade zone, exclusive merchandise, themed F&B experiences, and stage performances. It’s a full-scale immersive festival designed to bring families, gamers, and pop culture fans together in one vibrant space. Johnny shares how Apex Infinite brought this ambitious project to life, why PAC-MAN remains a timeless symbol of fun and creativity, and what visitors can expect from this unique blend of entertainment and community.

This week Saturday Mornings Show” host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys welcome Steve Okun, CEO of APAC Advisors to unpack four stories making waves across the globe. We begin in Washington, where U.S. Defense Chief Pete Hegseth’s remarks about ordering a second strike on a Caribbean vessel have reignited debates on military conduct and accountability. Next to Taipei, where the U.S. wants its workers to be trained for chip-making jobs... raising questions about economic cooperation, labour shortages, and geopolitical ties. Closer to home, newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, Dr. Anjani Sinha, has spoken about “building” Singapore’s role in America’s trade and investment strategy. Steve explores what this means for bilateral relations and regional stability. Finally, we look at FIFA’s controversial decision to award its first-ever Peace Prize to President Donald Trump, a move that has sparked global backlash and raised eyebrows about the intersection of sport, politics, and diplomacy.

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.