Up for discussion this week: As we enter the worst recession on record, COVID-19 pushes Singapore to chart a new direction for a very different future. Our National Day celebrations took the pomp and pageantry to the heartlands and one unexpected star came through.  Also, planting crops and building wells, local volunteers in Indonesia take the lead in mitigating the yearly haze. And finally, Singapore’s first ‘car-free’ town is launched in Tengah. Joining Steve on this last episode are Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm and Avril Hong, presenter from Asia First that airs weekdays from 7-10am.

Good List/Bad List with Steve Lai

Singapore is not returning to a pre-COVID-19 world

Up for discussion this week:   Climate change is real and small countries like Bhutan and Singapore are taking a stand to be on the right side of history. Plus, suicide rates are on the rise, especially among those aged between 20-29 years old. Also, a last look at NDP 2020 this weekend as we count the ways this year’s will be a memorable one. And finally, do we go grey gracefully or do we do it kicking and screaming? Joining Steve this week are Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm and Avril Hong, presenter from Asia First that airs weekdays from 7-10am. Samaritans of Singapore operates a 24-hour hotline: 1800 221 4444, or you can email pat@sos.org.sg.  Institute of Mental Health’s Helpline: 6389 2222

Small countries like Singapore can go big on climate change

Up for discussion this week: The world’s busiest land border crossing flickers back to life as Singapore and Malaysia agree on terms for cross-border travel though daily commuters still have to wait a while longer. Meanwhile, gold hits a record high, which means confidence in the economy is at a record low? Also, the 1MDB saga is back in the spotlight as Malaysia’s former Prime Minister is found guilty in a corruption trial. Finally, making the best of a bad situation, the scaled down celebrations for Singapore’s National Day Parade can still be special. Joining Steve this week are Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm and Adam Bakhtiar, presenter of Asia First that airs weekdays from 7-10am.

The Johor-Singapore Causeway opens for business, slowly.

Up for discussion this week: The new normal of Phase 2 has hit some businesses in the Central Business District hard. Why do some adapt, while others are sinking? Meanwhile, the National Day ‘Singapore Together Pack’ has been getting good reviews for being practical and useful. Have you collected yours? The box jellyfish have been found in Singapore waters and they are deadly. Would you pee on a friend to help? Science says, please don’t. And finally, outcry over the sentencing of a university student who strangled his ex-girlfriend prompts a review of the penalty framework. Joining Steve this week are Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm  and Yasmin Jonkers, host of Asia First that airs weekdays from 6-10am on CNA938   

Phase 2 new normal: Why some businesses can’t be saved

Up for discussion this week: We take you behind the scenes on how polling night unfolded in the CNA newsroom as Singapore held its General Election in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Back to reality - the coronavirus pandemic shows no signs of going away anytime soon. We look around the region and beyond as countries struggle to maintain second and third waves. Finally, would the next Henry Golding please stand up? The new book from the Crazy Rich Asian author Kevin Kwan, is set to be made into a movie. Joining Steve this week are Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm and Steve Chia, host of current affairs show Talking Point on Channel 5.  

#GE2020: Thrills and spills of a live GE results show

Up for discussion this week: Singapore has moved into Phase 2 reopening with restaurants and malls filled with people out and about. We discuss the role of individual responsibility as the economy reopens. Election preparations ramp up as political parties hit the ground to garner support ahead of polls on July 10. And finally, we contemplate the future of travel as it goes “high-tech, and low-touch.” Joining Steve this week are Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10 to 11pm and Justine Moss, host of Asia First Weekend on CNA938 that airs on weekends from 7am to 8am.

Phase 2 reopening: Election campaigning begins

Up for discussion this week: Sounds of joy rang out in households when it was announced that Singapore will enter Phase 2 of reopening from its COVID-19 circuit breaker. But dark clouds remain – latest figures show an 11.8% GDP contraction in the second quarter and the worst jobs numbers in a decade. Plus, are social media vigilantes helpful or harmful in dealing with rule breakers? Joining Steve this week are Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm and Adam Bakhtiar, news presenter from Asia First that airs weekdays from 7-10am.

COVID-19: Phase 2 of reopening and Singaporeans rejoice

Up for discussion this week: PM Lee Hsien Loong in his national address said countries will fight over resources in a post pandemic world. What will it mean for trade-dependent Singapore, when other countries start thinking less “we” and more “me”? Singapore prepares for an election during COVID-19. Can we carry off a safe and orderly process, like the South Koreans did? And if you’ve got a travel itch you’d like to scratch, we’ve got some cold water to pour over you.   Joining Steve this week are Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm and Adam Bakhtiar, news presenter from Asia First that airs weekdays from 7-10am.

Can Singapore pull off a safe and orderly election during COVID-19?

Up for discussion this week…. Violent protests rage across the US, following the death of a black man under the knee of a white police officer. Racism, discrimination, and inequality discussions have come up here in Singapore too.   Singapore’s “circuit breaker” ends, but could we see a COVID-19 relapse like we’ve seen in other countries? And a 14-year-old Malaysian student lived on his own in Singapore for over two months so he wouldn’t miss school.  This week Steve is joined by Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm on CNA and Avril Hong, presenter from Asia First that airs weekdays from 7-10am

George Floyd’s death sparks riots in America and serious conversations in Singapore

Up for discussion this week: Singapore’s fourth budget to tackle the fallout from the coronavirus will inject another S$33 billion into the economy with the aim of creating jobs and helping the vulnerable. But how many businesses can survive the fallout from COVID-19? Tensions are rising in Hong Kong with a proposed National Security Law: Will we see a repeat of the violence from 2019? Plus, Hari Raya celebrations under an epidemic cloud – there are some silver linings. Joining Steve this week are Yasmin Yonkers, host of Asia First that airs weekdays from 6-10am on CNA938 and Dawn Tan, Host of Singapore Tonight that airs weekdays from 10-11pm on CNA. 

COVID-19 war chest: Will an additional S$33 billion stem job losses?

Up for discussion this week: Singapore has a blueprint on how to reopen the economy. It comes in three phases, has conditions and a long time line. Do you know what you can and cannot do? We have a chat with CNA’s Malaysia correspondent Melissa Goh who talks about Malaysia’s roller coaster politics. And, the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix may not be feasible without spectators, would it be missed if it were cancelled?   Joining Steve this week are Avril Hong, presenter from Asia First that airs weekdays from 7-10am, and Steve Chia, host of current affairs show Talking Point on Channel 5.

Goodbye circuit breaker, hello new normal?

Up for discussion this week: As countries start to ease up on COVID-19 restrictions, new cases flaring up across the world suggests this is not an easy open or shut issue. We discuss the pressures governments are under to balance public health with their free-falling economies.  Plus, working from home ... forever. Are we all in agreement this is a good thing? And finally, a sci-fi scenario in real life – how a robot dog is keeping us safe from the coronavirus. This week Steve is joined by Adam Bakhtiar, news presenter from Asia First which airs weekdays from 7-10am and Susan Ng, host of Weekend Life that airs Saturday and Sunday 11am-1pm. You can contact Steve at digitalnews@mediacorp.com.sg

The one about our impending freedom … but is it too soon?

Up for consideration this week: A bit of light at the end of the tunnel: Singapore to start gradually easing circuit breaker measures as COVID-19 community cases decline. Are you looking forward to a haircut? Food & Beverage businesses have been sliced, diced and deep fried by the coronavirus. Politics in a pandemic? The US President lashes out at China and the WHO as he battles against a crumbling economy and a looming election. And speaking of elections, Singapore passes legislation to give voters on stay-home and quarantine orders, medical leave to vote. Will Singapore go to the polls amidst a coronavirus outbreak? This week Steve is joined by Yasmin Yonkers, host of Asia First that airs weekdays from 6-10am, and Steve Chia, host of current affairs show Talking Point on Channel 5. You can get in touch with Steve at: digitalnews@mediacorp.com.sg

The one about easing circuit breaker measures

Up for consideration this week: The large, abrupt shock from COVID-19 rattles Singapore’s economy and the outlook is bleak but what can we do to survive this storm? Sharing is caring but it can land you in court, fined, and even jailed. We talk about the cost of crossing the line in sharing information during these times. As China emerges from the cloud of the coronavirus, Beijing bans 'uncivilised' behaviour to improve public hygiene. Finally, no spitting in public? And, the changing circuit breaker rules – there’s some confusion on what can and cannot be done. This week Steve is joined by Singapore Tonight host, Dawn Tan and podcast regular from CNA938, John Yip, host of the weekend edition of Singapore Today from 5pm-9pm. You can get in touch with Steve at: digitalnews@mediacorp.com.sg

The one about the looming recession and a ban on ‘uncivilised behaviour’

Good List/Bad List is an informal and (hopefully) informed look at the stories that are generating buzz in the CNA newsroom and across our platforms.  Join host Steve Lai as he leads a panel of news anchors through discussion, debate and disagreement; to determine what merits a place on Good List/Bad List. Host Steve Lai presents Asia Tonight at 8pm and Singapore Tonight at 10pm weekdays on CNA TV. Tweet him @SteveLaiCNA

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Good List/Bad List with Steve Lai

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