Fuel prices are rising and supply is tightening across the region, with governments in Thailand introducing energy-saving measures and the Philippines declaring an energy emergency, fuelling concerns of a deeper crisis. While Dzar warns this could signal another spike in the cost of living, Darren argues Singaporeans should just deal with it, saying we’re still in a better position and well-prepared. So, could Singapore ever face such drastic energy measures, and if it does, would you be ready to bear the cost?

Oil prices keep climbing, and it’s hitting wallets hard. In fact, Rahman says his petrol jumped from $2.60 to $3.40 per litre, which works out to nearly a $100 increase per tank. The surge comes amid the ongoing US–Israel conflict with Iran, with Tehran tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. Some believe things may stabilise after the US midterm elections in November, but that’s still months away. Back home in Singapore, leaders have said we have reserves for “rainy days”, so the question is, why does it feel like we’re the ones footing the bill right now?

Some avoid legacy planning because they do not see the urgency. But the cost of not planning is high. Minister of State for Social and Family Development Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim says failing to make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can leave families facing lengthy court processes and paying thousands of dollars to appoint a deputy.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Applications using LPA Form 1 is now free for all Singapore citizens. Begin at go.gov.sg/planmylpa.

Many people notice high prices and smaller portions at Ramadan bazaars, but there’s more to the story. Syafiq from Ashes Burnnit, known for its charcoal buns, explains that it’s not just rental costs, vendors may also need to pay double or triple wages during Ramadan to get workers willing to stand in the heat all day. Add to that the uncertainty of not knowing which stalls will be next to them, and it’s clear that running a bazaar stall comes with its own challenges.

The strikes on Iran may be driven by politics, but many people are asking if religion is also shaping the conflict. Some Sunni Muslims have even debated whether they should support Iran, and many say the answer is yes. Whether this comes from anti-US and anti-Israel sentiment or a sense of Muslim solidarity, it raises a bigger question: could distant wars deepen divisions in multicultural societies like Singapore?

Ramadan Kareem! Breaking fast at the bazaar is a beloved tradition but if you’ve taken a walk lately, you might notice thinner crowds and stalls spaced further apart. Even as spending power in the Malay-Muslim community has grown, rising food prices are pushing some to look across the border or to Indonesia for more affordable baju and bites. It may feel like the bazaar scene is fading but maybe the true spirit of Ramadan isn’t about where we spend but where we find community, especially at a time when falling marriage rates hint at a wider sense of social disconnection.

Description:

Everyone talks about upskilling, but is it really as scary as it sounds?

Skills Ambassador Dr. Ramesh explains why staying comfortable in your job is actually a trap. He also shares the harsh truth: Upskilling isn't a magic pill that gets you a promotion overnight. It’s like going to the gym. You won’t get a six-pack instantly, but you have to start somewhere to see results.

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Start your upskilling journey today:

https://www.myskillsfuture.gov.sg/content/portal/en/index.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic-video&utm_campaign=project-real-talk&utm_term=yt&utm_content=real-talk-planb-mysf

Not sure where to start? Use the RIASEC Profiling Tool to find the right career path based on your personality:

https://www.myskillsfuture.gov.sg/content/portal/en/assessment/landing.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic-video&utm_campaign=project-real-talk&utm_term=yt&utm_content=real-talk-planb-rs

With modern skyscrapers dominating Singapore’s skyline, some question whether the city lacks cultural depth but heritage activist and historian Sarafian Salleh says that couldn’t be further from the truth. Just look at Kampong Glam, once known as Seduyong by the indigenous Orang Laut, meaning mermaid. And no, that’s not some wild conspiracy theory. In this ep, he joins us to debunk myths and prove that Singapore’s cultural depth runs far deeper than we think.

With F&B outlets shutting down left and right, starting a food business sounds risky, especially if you’re only 20 and still in school. Yet that’s exactly what the founders of Berjaya Western did. And perhaps it’s no surprise, considering they first ventured into entrepreneurship at just 16. In this episode, they share how they balance studies with running a business, and unpack the harsh realities of the F&B industry, from soaring rents to financial pressures.

(01:55) Welcome founders of Berjaya Western!

(08:18) Challenges of running a F&B business

(14:33) Balancing school, life, and work

(17:50) Bestsellers at Berjaya Western

(25:20) Is the school supportive of their careers?

(27:20) Future of Berjaya Western

Every other week, another beloved local business shuts its doors, and the reason is almost always the same: rising rents. As closures mount, some say the vacuum is being filled by foreign players, particularly from China. To understand what’s really happening, we speak to the founders of popular halal Chinese eatery Deanna’s Kitchen about their fears for the future, and to Vernon Lim of the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises to unpack what’s driving landlords’ decisions. The answers may surprise you.

(00:58) Say hello to Vernon Lim!

(02:18) Founders of Deanna’s Kitchen

(05:30) Growing trend of businesses closing down

(10:33) Explaining landlord’s decisions

(17:25) Should the government step in?

(30:00) Competition with China-owned businesses

(34:15) “Running a business based on passion is a privilege”

It's this week's biggest political story: Pritam Singh is no longer Leader of the Opposition. With so many twists and turns, the latest question on everyone's minds is: should the LO role be constitutionalized? The Darren Aadam Mak show asked this question. We read out the comments

(00:33) Darren’s Show

(05:45) Should the LO role be given a framework?

(07:55) Reading comments

(21:15) What should our stand be on this?

(25:30) Syed Harun’s Response