[Post 825] Why The US Wants To Stop China-Linked Shopping Apps Like Shein, Temu | Insight | Full Episode

Summary

With the ban on TikTok in the US imminent, are Chinese-linked e-commerce platforms next? The Biden administration is cracking down on de minimis shipments, closing a loophole that allows packages under $800 to avoid import duties and border scrutiny. Observers say this targets Chinese-linked companies, in particular Temu and Shein. 

But this is just one of the measures that could curb Chinese shopping apps. The US government is also investigating allegations of data collection and forced labour. Meanwhile, environmentalists say that Chinese shopping apps are responsible for waste and emissions. China, however, argues that these are just further moves by Washington to enact unfair trade protections, aimed at limiting the growth of Chinese companies. Is the US-China trade war gunning for online shopping apps?

[Post 824] Suzhou Industrial Park At 30 | CNA Correspondent | Full Episode

Summary

30 years ago, China and Singapore shook hands on an industrial park that would become a game-changer. Suzhou Industrial Park is a technology powerhouse with a magnetic pull for young talent, so much so that it has been ranked the top economic and technology zone in China for eight consecutive years. 

CNA Correspondent takes a deep dive into the zone’s sizzling innovation scene, the standard of living there that keeps workers happy and the surprising ways this park is boosting the economies of both China and Singapore. 

[Post 823] Where Is Hainanese Chicken Chop (Sometimes With Baked Beans) Really From? | Deep Dive

Summary

So what’s the deal with Hainanese chicken chop? The Deep Dive team is pretty sure that they do not exist on Hainan Island. Even though Vic and Thet are still stuck on Christmas Island, their investigation must go on. The duo enlists the help of their awkward intern and trusty editor. 

As the Singapore team go on a Hainanese chicken chop spree, they discover the origins of Hainanese chicken chop in Singapore through chats with chefs and a Hainanese history buff. But more importantly, the Singapore team presses on to answer Vic’s burning question: Why the heck are baked beans a side dish in Hainanese chicken chop? 

[Post 822] Eating 31 Plates Of Fried Rice In 1 Week To Check This Fried Rice Chain's Outlet Ratings | Deep Dive

Summary

Curious about the rapid expansion of a particular fried rice chain, Thet and Vic decide to investigate the challenges of franchising a business. They speak to a franchise trainer, who shares the challenges of setting up a franchise in Singapore. This leads Thet and Vic to wonder - Is the standard across the multiple fried rice outlets consistent? Are online reviews a good representation of the taste, quality and service of a store? 

To put their theory to the test, they get a food taster to try out 31 plates of fried rice within a week. 

[Post 496] How Budget Stores Can Afford To Sell Snacks So Much Cheaper Than Supermarkets | Deep Dive

Summary

Intrigued by the low prices at budget stores like Valu$, Thet and Vic investigate if there is any difference in taste and quality between budget store food products and their supermarket counterparts. 

Food samples are sent to a lab and a ‘legitimate’ test taste is done by the Deep Dive team. To figure out how the budget prices came to be, the investigative duo speak to Radha Export, the company behind the import of some of these budget products. 

[Post 495] Hawker Sells Cheap Healthy Food To Feed Her Neighbourhood's Needy | On the Red Dot - Secret Heroes

Summary

In the face of rising costs from the GST hike and inflation, Hani Isnin-Racine remains committed to her mission, running a $2.50 hawker stall in the Jalan Kukoh neighbourhood. She provides affordable meals to elderly residents and those in one-room rental flats, even if it means running her business at a loss at times.

[Poat 494] Where To Get Higher Yield For Your Cash As Interest Rates Start Going Down | Money Mind | Interest

Summary

Where to get the best returns for your cash, as interest rates trend downwards. We look at the pros and cons of the different options.