[Post 337] Johor Bahru's gridlock grind

Summary

In Johor Bahru, 2-hour commutes have become the norm for many locals, with roads in and around the city gridlocked during peak hours. And so better transport links - in the form of buses, ferries, light rail, trams, and maybe even a high-speed rail station - cannot come soon enough for long-suffering locals, and especially if the state wants to emulate China’s manufacturing and tech hub Shenzhen. 

[Post 336] Taylor Swift’s sold-out concert set to make Singapore’s whole economy Shimmer: Economist

Summary

Analysts are estimating millions in revenue to be generated across industries in Singapore from US pop superstar Taylor Swift’s sold-out Eras Tour. Countries that have hosted the concert are now basking in the afterglow of the phenomenon coined as Swiftonomics. Recent research estimates that the tour generated a US$5 billion economic boost to the US, bigger than the entire economy of some small nations. David Mann, Asia Pacific chief economist at Mastercard, discusses what the next week could mean for Singapore’s economy as Taylormania hits the nation.

[Post 335] CPF Special Account closure: How it will affect you | Money Talks podcast

Summary

The latest changes to the CPF scheme announced in Budget 2024 raised concerns about the potential impact on retirement planning – specifically, the closure of the CPF Special Account. How will these changes affect your nest egg? We speak to Alvin Chow, CEO of financial education platform Dr Wealth.

[Post 334] We Test How Effective Are Cheaper & Generic Medicines From Malaysia

Summary

Do you stock up on generic drugs when you travel to Malaysia? Or buy medication from online retailers that deliver to Singapore? In this #TalkingPoint experiment, we test the potency of such medicines to see if they are really effective. 

[Post 333] How Can Economical Rice Stalls Improve Confusing Price Lists?

Summary

In this digital extra, Talking Point producer Charmaine Tan takes on the challenge of redesigning the stall’s confusing price list, with tips from a marketing expert to make the menu more intuitive for customers. 

[Post 332] Paying $10 More For The Same Hair Cut: Are Lunar New Year Surcharges Fair? | Talking Point

Summary

Singaporeans have had to grapple with surcharges while they prepare for the Lunar New Year festivities. From haircuts, manicures, car servicing and even pet grooming – businesses are charging their clients an extra cost on top of their regular prices. But why are these surcharges starting so early and how do we determine what is a fair surcharge? That’s what host Steven Chia investigates in this episode of Talking Point. 

[Post 331] "Let Me Postpone Having A Child": Why Young Couples Aren't Making Babies - Part 2 | Love Delayed

Summary

Love-wary actor Aaron Mossadeg explores why young people from Singapore and Asia delay marriage and parenthood. In Singapore and Hong Kong, he meets couples struggling with housing issues and limited space, learning its impact on family formation. Aaron examines if better gender equality in parenting might encourage more children. His quest leads him to Sweden, known for progressive parental leave policies, where he encounters a 'Latte Papa,' a symbol of modern fatherhood.

Reflecting on his own doubts about lifelong marriage, Aaron visits South Korea to explore the youth's growing preference for cohabitation over traditional wedlock. Finally, Aaron confronts misconceptions about fertility, testing his sperm and questioning the effectiveness of IVF as a last resort. Delays in childbearing may hinder the aspiration for larger families, but he finds hope in the supportive role of grandparents. Aaron merges personal and cultural insights on modern Asian family life.