[Post 1200] “I Just Eat And Study": Why Indian Students Are So Stressed Out | Insight | Full Episode

Summary

India is quietly joining countries like China and South Korea in having the most stressed-out students. Competition in Indian schools is increasingly intense. Demand for places in top universities far outstrip supply. 

As students aim for the best schools, many with notoriously low acceptance rates, a cottage industry of exam preparatory centres have emerged. Two-third of Indian students now take extra tuition after school for key exams. Meanwhile, mental health awareness and support remains low. The result? 8 in 10 Indian students say exams give them anxiety. More worryingly, student suicides have increased 64% between 2013 and 2022. 

How is academic stress impacting young Indians? And will the proposed changes to the National Education Policy help relieve the strain or turn up the pressure?

[Post 1199] War, Intrigue & Mysteries Of Goodwood Park Hotel! | Hidden Histories - Part 4/4

Summary

What secrets lie within the walls of Goodwood Park Hotel? In this episode, Reuben Dhanaraj uncovers the rich and hidden history of this iconic building. From its origins as a German club to its confiscation during World War I and its crucial role during the Japanese Occupation, Reuben reveals the untold stories behind the hotel’s changing fate. 

He follows the trail of a mysterious portrait tied to post-war intrigue, war crimes trials, and the shifting tides of history. As Reuben explores the hotel’s layers of history, he brings to light the forgotten moments and hidden remnants of a past that shaped Singapore’s legacy. 

[Post 1198] Power, Protests & Spies: Secrets Of Pasir Panjang Power Station! | Hidden Histories - Part 3/4

Summary

What secrets lie within the ruins of Singapore’s past? In this episode, Reuben Dhanaraj uncovers the turbulent history of the Pasir Panjang Power Station. Built under immense pressure to fuel the nation’s rapid growth, it became both a symbol of survival and a target in a political storm. From anti-colonial fervour, fears of communism, and rising racial tensions to foreign agents targeting the station to destabilise the country, Reuben discovers how workers at the station faced their baptism of fire – learning on the job while strikes and protests shook the foundation of this critical power source.

Reuben then journeys to the Shell Lubrication Plant in Woodlands, part of the first major industry to set roots in the area in 1963. He uncovers how Shell’s pioneering move set off a wave of new entrants, transforming the area from a quiet forest into an industrial powerhouse, paving the way for Singapore’s economic future. 

[Post 1197] Hidden Mysteries Of Singapore’s Iconic Landmarks | Hidden Histories - Part 2/4

Summary

What hidden histories lie within Singapore’s iconic landmarks? In this episode, Reuben Dhanaraj uncovers the secrets of the National Gallery Singapore, once the Supreme Court and City Hall. Behind its grand façade, hidden passageways and forgotten corridors lie stories of power, secrecy, and nation-building. From the exclusive chambers of the Chief Justice to the silent walls that witnessed Singapore’s first Prime Minister being sworn in, Reuben uncovers the untold moments that shaped the country. 

He then ventures to Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall, where mysterious symphonies were performed during the Japanese Occupation and a pivotal moment in history was broadcast for the first time. With the help of experts, Reuben reveals the dark, hidden pasts of these landmarks

[Post 1196] Singapore’s Abandoned Forts: Secrets Beneath | Hidden Histories - Part 1/4

Summary

What lies beneath Singapore’s polished exterior? Real estate entrepreneur and history enthusiast Reuben Dhanaraj ventures into the abandoned ruins of once-mighty military strongholds. At Sentosa’s highest peak, he uncovers the secrets of Fort Serapong, from hidden ammunition vaults to crumbling barracks that housed soldiers from the late 1800s through to Singapore’s independence and beyond.

In Dempsey Hill, Reuben traces the wartime past of Tanglin Barracks, where heroism and tragedy unfolded. Along the way, he meets experts and veterans who reveal the forgotten stories of these lost fortresses – silent witnesses to a nation’s defence and survival. 

[Post 1195] What should you do with a retrenchment payout? | Work It podcast

Summary

Some companies offer a “golden handshake” when they retrench their workers. Financial advisory manager Lily Fung, who got a high six-figure sum, shares with Tiffany Ang and Gerald Tan what she did with the money after she was laid off from her company of 20 years.

[Post 1194] Why Restaurant Chains Are Making A Comeback | CNBC Marathon

Summary

CNBC Marathon explores how different restaurant chains like Chili's, Wingstop, and McDonald's are attracting customers back into their stores.

Chili’s Grill and Bar is a casual dining chain that took America by storm in the early 2000s. From 2000-2008, its U.S. store count nearly doubled. But in the decade following the Great Recession, the nostalgic brand fell out of favor as sales grew stagnant and its store count declined. With the help of recent CEO, Kevin Hochman, parent company, Brinker International, has generated a record high $4.4 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2024. Watch the video to find out how the company has staged a comeback.

Wingstop is capitalizing on the American appetite for chicken and providing investors with strong, consistent growth. In the past five years, the company’s share price is up over 250%, and it has grown its store footprint to 2,352 restaurants worldwide. The chicken-wing chain has expanded its offerings and continued to grow brand awareness. Watch the video to find out how Wingstop became one of the hottest restaurant stocks of the year.

Fast food has become a luxury for many consumers who are constantly looking for deals and cheap meals. Many popular chains have noticed the pullback and have rolled out the return of value meals. These nostalgic menus offer select items for a cheap price and food chains hope it's a way to bring customers back and to spend on more items outside of the discounted food items.