Let's Talk, Singapore

Lions are the apex predators of the African savanna, or what ecologists call - a keystone species. They play the critical role of managing large herbivore populations of impalas, zebras, buffalos, and even elephants and giraffes. In a balanced ecosystem, the number of herbivores needs to be kept in check because if you have too many herbivores, vegetation will be overgrazed and habitats will inevitably degrade. As an umbrella species, lions also help maintain a healthy and resilient herbivore population and regulate disease transmissions because they typically hunt and kill those that may be afflicted with parasites, disease or are feeble from a hereditary defect. Without lions, disease spread is more likely across species, and vast savanna grassland ecosystems would disintegrate into dysfunctional, barren landscapes impacting all other species, including humans.  However, African lion populations are declining - due in large part to habitat loss due to development and human-wildlife conflict. With humans now living closer to predators like lions, having mitigation measures to reduce that conflict is growing in importance as these predators also pose a threat to the local communities and their livestock. On this episode of Climate Connections, Dr Jess Isden, Coexistence Coordinator, WildCRU - who is working very closely with the local communities through the Trans-Kalahari Predator Programme - shares her insights on how effective human-lion conflict mitigation strategies in Botswana, Africa, can contribute to sustainable development. Feature produced and edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Voiced by: Audrey Siek Photo credits: Yeo Kai Ting Music credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributors, Hayashi Yu, Makooto 

Han Zhong Liang, Investment Strategist, Chief Investment Office, Group Wealth Management, Standard Chartered Bank discusses how the overhang from France's snap elections is weighing on markets, and how European stocks fit into his overall approach. Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang

The 700-foot-wide section of the Patapsco River where the Dali slammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge is open for business.  Following the incident, the clean-up operation took more than 2,000 people working for nearly 11 weeks. Temporary channels were opened to vessel traffic, though none of them were as deep nor as wide as the Federal Channel. Prior to the incident, the Port of Baltimore was essential to the regional economy and the national supply chain, and the I-695 corridor, of which the Francis Scott Key Bridge was a part, provided a vital connection for people and goods traveling along the East Coast. Over 30,000 vehicles crossed the bridge daily. On this episode of Morning Shot, Dr Gregory DeYong, Associate Professor of Operations Management, Southern Illinois University shares his insights on the scale of restoration needed in terms of operations and logistics. Presented by: Audrey Siek & Ryan Huang Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Photo credits: Associated Press

Downsizing + Flexible Work Arrangement equals office shakeup? Singapore's office spaces are undergoing a transformation. Co-working spaces are emerging as a solution. But what do employees REALLY want in a workspace? We speak with Shirlene Sim, Vice President and Head of JustCo Singapore to explore the future of work in Singapore! Presented by Audrey Siek This podcast is produced and edited by Anthea Ng (nganthea@sph.com.sg) She produces Mind Your Business, Biz-How-To and Breakfast Special segments on the Breakfast Show. Do contact her for topics: C-Suite, SME, Startups, Healthtech, Sustainability, Property, Intergenerational Family Business, Industry Outlook, Fintech and trending businesses in town.

On 20th June every year - as designated by the UN as World Refugee Day - the world celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. In line with this year's theme, "Solidarity with Refugees", the World Health Organisation is putting emphasis on the importance of building inclusive health systems and ensuring equitable care for refugees worldwide.  UNHCR estimates that by mid-2023, over 110 million individuals worldwide were forcibly displaced, with 40% being children. 75% of these displaced individuals are hosted in low- and middle-income countries. Maryam Srour, Field Communications Manager at Médecins Sans Frontières in Lebanon shares first-hand insights on what she sees on-the-ground, immediate concerns that need to be tackled and challenges behind lending a helping hand to the refugee crisis. Presented by: Audrey Siek Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Photo credits: Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders

Have you ever seen someone drop a piece of food, pick it straight back up, invoke the '5-second rule', and then eat it? Well, doctors say bacteria doesn't need any time to get to it, so... don't do it!  Audrey and Ryan discuss other health myths you may believe in: does sleeping with your hair wet actually cause colds? Does cracking your joints cause arthritis? Find out! Presented by Audrey Siek and Ryan Huang Edited and Produced by Audrey Siek Music and photo credits: Pixabay & its talented community of contributors 

Vasu Menon, Managing Director, Investment Strategy, OCBC Bank, discusses whether investors should be worried about the volatility in European markets amid EU-China trade tensions and snap elections in France. He also explores if it's too late for investors to jump onboard Nvidia which has broken new highs and is now the most valuable company in the world by market capitalization. Produced/Presented: Ryan Huang

David Martin, Founder & Chief Investment Officer, Martin Fund Management LP shares his insights on whether the exuberance in the markets surrounding tech stocks is a cause for concern and the likelihood of seeing a 'bubble burst' in terms of where valuations are and how far they've come to date. Presented by: Ryan Huang Producer: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)  Graphics credits: pixabay & its talented community of contributors 

Ties between China and Australia are on the mend. This comes as Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hold candid talks as part of Premier Li’s four-day visit to Australia. Premier Li is the most senior Beijing official to visit the country in seven years.  During those talks, Prime Minister Albanese had stressed the importance of promoting regional balance while China announced that it would include Australia in its visa waiver programme. China has also offered new pandas to Australia as part of efforts to repair the relationship. On this episode of Morning Shot, Dr Lim Tai Wei, Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, NUS East Asian Institute shares his insights on the key shifts as the two countries put differences aside and work on a slew of collaborations on the economic front. Presented by: Audrey Siek Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg) Photo credits: Embassy of People's Republic of China in Papua New Guinea

Imagine a Singapore where fresh, locally-grown food flourishes despite limited land space. This ambitious vision is fueled by the "30 by 30" goal – producing 30% of the nation's nutritional needs locally by 2030. But this goal demands innovation. We look at urban farming & high-tech solutions with how NTUC's WSQ Urban Agronomist Course equips future farmers, partnering with Netatech's expertise for a sustainable food future. Here's the insightful conversation with David Tan, founder and CEO, Netatech & Tay Ee Learn, Chief Sector Skills Officer, NTUC LearningHub. Presented by Audrey Siek This podcast is produced and edited by Anthea Ng (nganthea@sph.com.sg) She produces Mind Your Business, Biz-How-To and Breakfast Special segments on the Breakfast Show. Do contact her for topics: C-Suite, SME, Startups, Health-tech, Sustainability, Property, Intergenerational Family Business, Industry Outlook, Fintech and trending businesses in town.