Talking Point 2018

With a fresh approach to tackling the issues of the day, Talking Point investigates a current issue or event, offering different perspectives to local stories and reveals how it all affects you.

Cast & Crew

Ep 1 Thu 19 Apr 2018 - Can I Get Rich Off Bitcoin?
23 mins

The dizzying price rise of Bitcoins in late 2017 got the attention of investors around the globe, including the most unlikely ones, in Singapore. Some have even made a living and killing, dealing in Bitcoin and other types of cryptocurrencies. In this week's Talking Point, we give you the low-down on the world of digital money, as host Khairudin Shaharom investigates, if you can get rich, off Bitcoin.

Ep 1 Thu 19 Apr 2018 - Can I Get Rich Off Bitcoin?

The dizzying price rise of Bitcoins in late 2017 got the attention of investors around the globe, including the most unlikely ones, in Singapore. Some have even made a living and killing, dealing in Bitcoin and other types of cryptocurrencies. In this week's Talking Point, we give you the low-down on the world of digital money, as host Khairudin Shaharom investigates, if you can get rich, off Bitcoin.

Ep 2 Thu 26 Apr 2018 - Remembering Inuka
23 mins

One of the most beloved icons at the Singapore Zoo gave its last breath on Wednesday (25/4). Inuka was the first polar bear to be born in the tropics 27 years ago. He was put down, due to prolonged ill health. Since his birth, he had captured the hearts and imagination of Singaporeans and foreign visitors alike. Join host Steven Chia as he gets exclusive behind-the-scene access, into Inuka's final days.

Ep 2 Thu 26 Apr 2018 - Remembering Inuka

One of the most beloved icons at the Singapore Zoo gave its last breath on Wednesday (25/4). Inuka was the first polar bear to be born in the tropics 27 years ago. He was put down, due to prolonged ill health. Since his birth, he had captured the hearts and imagination of Singaporeans and foreign visitors alike. Join host Steven Chia as he gets exclusive behind-the-scene access, into Inuka's final days.

Ep 3 Thu 3 May 2018 - Is My Phone Spying on Me?
23 mins

With Smart Phones doing everything from helping you to navigate, to searching for your favourite restaurant and getting you the best shopping deals... is your phone getting to know you a little too well? Voice controlled "intelligent assistants" like Apple's Siri and Google Assistant would deliver information upon hearing our voice. We use them to search for answers, set reminders, fix appointments. But do we really know when they're listening...

Ep 3 Thu 3 May 2018 - Is My Phone Spying on Me?

With Smart Phones doing everything from helping you to navigate, to searching for your favourite restaurant and getting you the best shopping deals... is your phone getting to know you a little too well? Voice controlled "intelligent assistants" like Apple's Siri and Google Assistant would deliver information upon hearing our voice. We use them to search for answers, set reminders, fix appointments. But do we really know when they're listening...

Ep 4 Thu 10 May 2018 - Is My Child Depressed?
23 mins

According to the World Health Organization, Singapore has one of the highest proportion of depressed people in Asia, and some of those suffering are children. Clinics treating six to 18 year-olds for mental illness, have reported hundreds of new patients each year. What would lead a child into the dark depths of depression? And how would you know if your child is depressed or simply acting out? Talking Point investigates.

Ep 4 Thu 10 May 2018 - Is My Child Depressed?

According to the World Health Organization, Singapore has one of the highest proportion of depressed people in Asia, and some of those suffering are children. Clinics treating six to 18 year-olds for mental illness, have reported hundreds of new patients each year. What would lead a child into the dark depths of depression? And how would you know if your child is depressed or simply acting out? Talking Point investigates.

Ep 5 Thu 17 May 2018 - Are PMDs Too Dangerous For Our Pathways?
22 mins

There were 30 accidents involving Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and pedestrians on public paths between January and September 2017, with more cases being reported this year. Some causing serious injury to pedestrians. With legal speed limits of between 15 and 25km/hr, are PMDs too fast and riders, too reckless? This week on Talking Point, we show you the damage that can happen when a PMD and human collide, and ask if speed limits should...

Ep 5 Thu 17 May 2018 - Are PMDs Too Dangerous For Our Pathways?

There were 30 accidents involving Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) and pedestrians on public paths between January and September 2017, with more cases being reported this year. Some causing serious injury to pedestrians. With legal speed limits of between 15 and 25km/hr, are PMDs too fast and riders, too reckless? This week on Talking Point, we show you the damage that can happen when a PMD and human collide, and ask if speed limits should...

Ep 6 Thu 24 May 2018 - Are My Child's Teeth Rotten?
22 mins

Singapore has a dental hygiene crisis - half of the city's pre-schoolers have tooth decay. How are dentists and pre-school teachers battling to save our children's teeth? This week, Talking Point sinks its teeth into what is causing the cavities in our kids' set of ivories.

Ep 6 Thu 24 May 2018 - Are My Child's Teeth Rotten?

Singapore has a dental hygiene crisis - half of the city's pre-schoolers have tooth decay. How are dentists and pre-school teachers battling to save our children's teeth? This week, Talking Point sinks its teeth into what is causing the cavities in our kids' set of ivories.

Ep 7 Thu 31 May 2018 - Am I At Risk Of Dementia?
22 mins

An estimated 1 in 10 Singaporeans over the age of 60 have Dementia. It’s a condition with no cure. But what’s more alarming, is that Dementia, once considered an “old person’s” disease, can happen to someone in their 30s! Join Talking Point host, Steven Chia, as he goes on a journey to uncover some startling truths about young-onset Dementia.

Ep 7 Thu 31 May 2018 - Am I At Risk Of Dementia?

An estimated 1 in 10 Singaporeans over the age of 60 have Dementia. It’s a condition with no cure. But what’s more alarming, is that Dementia, once considered an “old person’s” disease, can happen to someone in their 30s! Join Talking Point host, Steven Chia, as he goes on a journey to uncover some startling truths about young-onset Dementia.

Ep 8 Thu 7 Jun 2018 - Are We Too Reliant On Assessment Books?
23 mins

It's a multi-million dollar industry fuelled by parents who want to see their children ace exams. But do assessment books really help your child make the grade? This week on Talking Point, host Steven Chia examines our obsession with assessment books and discovers a troubling fact about industry standards.

Ep 8 Thu 7 Jun 2018 -  Are We Too Reliant On Assessment Books?

It's a multi-million dollar industry fuelled by parents who want to see their children ace exams. But do assessment books really help your child make the grade? This week on Talking Point, host Steven Chia examines our obsession with assessment books and discovers a troubling fact about industry standards.

Ep 9 Thu 14 Jun 2018 - Are You Duped By Fake Reviews?
22 mins

We turn to them whenever we make a purchase, plan for a holiday or deciding on which restaurant to book. Online customer reviews. Can they be trusted? This week on Talking Point, host Steven Chia uncovers an intricate network of recruitment agents, ghost writers and businesses, driving fake reviews online. Find out how you can separate an honest review from a bogus one.

Ep 9 Thu 14 Jun 2018 - Are You Duped By Fake Reviews?

We turn to them whenever we make a purchase, plan for a holiday or deciding on which restaurant to book. Online customer reviews. Can they be trusted? This week on Talking Point, host Steven Chia uncovers an intricate network of recruitment agents, ghost writers and businesses, driving fake reviews online. Find out how you can separate an honest review from a bogus one.

Ep 10 Thu 21 Jun 2018 - The Truth About Instalment Plans
23 mins

Instalment plans - attractive deal or a debt trap? This week, Talking Point investigates hire purchase agreements offered by some major retailers in Singapore, to reveal just how much you're paying for an electronic or home furnishing item. Does this form of credit work or will it lead you to spiraling debt?

Ep 10 Thu 21 Jun 2018 - The Truth About Instalment Plans

Instalment plans - attractive deal or a debt trap? This week, Talking Point investigates hire purchase agreements offered by some major retailers in Singapore, to reveal just how much you're paying for an electronic or home furnishing item. Does this form of credit work or will it lead you to spiraling debt?

Ep 12 Thu 19 Jul 2018 - Specials 2: Am I Overpaying For Utilities?
24 mins

Electricity tariffs reached the highest level in Q3 this year, since 2015. In July, water prices too, have gone up. 3 Singaporean families struggling with higher than usual bills go on a month-long challenge to change their habits. How far will they go to reduce their water and electricity usage at home? Join host Diana Ser, in a Talking Point Special, as she dishes out practical tips to help you save on your utilities bill.

Ep 12 Thu 19 Jul 2018 - Specials 2: Am I Overpaying For Utilities?

Electricity tariffs reached the highest level in Q3 this year, since 2015. In July, water prices too, have gone up. 3 Singaporean families struggling with higher than usual bills go on a month-long challenge to change their habits. How far will they go to reduce their water and electricity usage at home? Join host Diana Ser, in a Talking Point Special, as she dishes out practical tips to help you save on your utilities bill.

Ep 13 Thu 26 Jul 2018 - Why Is My Durian So Cheap?
24 mins

Prices of durians have plunged due to an oversupply glut from Malaysia, with some stalls in Singapore even giving away their durians for free this week! Talking Point travels to durian farms in Johor to find out whats causing this oversupply and if the durians you're getting at record low prices are really worth your money. Plus the latest on the cyberattack to our healthcare system. Why were your health records targeted, and what happens when...

Ep 13 Thu 26 Jul 2018 - Why Is My Durian So Cheap?

Prices of durians have plunged due to an oversupply glut from Malaysia, with some stalls in Singapore even giving away their durians for free this week! Talking Point travels to durian farms in Johor to find out whats causing this oversupply and if the durians you're getting at record low prices are really worth your money. Plus the latest on the cyberattack to our healthcare system. Why were your health records targeted, and what happens when...

Ep 14 Thu 2 Aug 2018 - Are You Being Watched?
22 mins

Sales of hidden cameras have been on the rise but so too their misuse. At least 5 men have been convicted so far this year, for filming unsuspecting women using hidden cameras in places such as toilets and changing rooms. This week, Talking Point host Diana Ser goes on a mission to uncover the secret dangers behind spy cameras and tells you how you can protect yourself.

Ep 14 Thu 2 Aug 2018 - Are You Being Watched?

Sales of hidden cameras have been on the rise but so too their misuse. At least 5 men have been convicted so far this year, for filming unsuspecting women using hidden cameras in places such as toilets and changing rooms. This week, Talking Point host Diana Ser goes on a mission to uncover the secret dangers behind spy cameras and tells you how you can protect yourself.

Ep 15 Thu 16 Aug 2018 - How Dangerous Are Our Truck Drivers?
24 mins

Heavy vehicles such as trucks, lorries and trailers make up just 5 per cent of total traffic on Singapore roads. Yet, they're involved in about a quarter of all fatal road accidents. What's causing these accidents and how can we make our roads safer? Talking Point's Diana Ser uncovers an alarming trend that is potentially putting our drivers and pedestrians at risk.

Ep 15 Thu 16 Aug 2018 - How Dangerous Are Our Truck Drivers?

Heavy vehicles such as trucks, lorries and trailers make up just 5 per cent of total traffic on Singapore roads. Yet, they're involved in about a quarter of all fatal road accidents. What's causing these accidents and how can we make our roads safer? Talking Point's Diana Ser uncovers an alarming trend that is potentially putting our drivers and pedestrians at risk.

Ep 16 Thu 23 Aug 2018 - What Happens After 99 Years?
23 mins

The 99-year lease on public housing is here to stay. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong reiterated this during his National Day Rally speech. But he's assured Singaporeans that they will be taken care of when their flat's lease expires and announced new programmes aimed at giving old flats, a fresh look. How will the new measures affect the value of aging HDB flats?

Ep 16 Thu 23 Aug 2018 - What Happens After 99 Years?

The 99-year lease on public housing is here to stay. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong reiterated this during his National Day Rally speech. But he's assured Singaporeans that they will be taken care of when their flat's lease expires and announced new programmes aimed at giving old flats, a fresh look. How will the new measures affect the value of aging HDB flats?

Ep 17 Thu 30 Aug 2018 - Are Women Losing Out?
22 mins

An online petition has been launched demanding equal CareShield Life premiums for both men and women. This follows the announcement that women will have to pay more in premiums for the compulsory national severe disability insurance scheme. From essential goods and services to healthcare - is it more expensive to be a woman in Singapore, compared to a man? Talking Point's Steven Chia and Diana Ser investigates.

Ep 17 Thu 30 Aug 2018 - Are Women Losing Out?

An online petition has been launched demanding equal CareShield Life premiums for both men and women. This follows the announcement that women will have to pay more in premiums for the compulsory national severe disability insurance scheme. From essential goods and services to healthcare - is it more expensive to be a woman in Singapore, compared to a man? Talking Point's Steven Chia and Diana Ser investigates.

Ep 18 Thu 6 Sep 2018 - Can HFMD Kill My Child?
24 mins

Two children in Malaysia have died from Hand, Food and Mouth disease. The first, a 17-month old from Penang. The deaths were traced to a virulent strain called EV-71. This same strain has infected a rising number of children in Singapore, as the weekly count of HFMD cases, climbs to a record high this year. What can we do to protect our children? And are we any closer to finding a cure? Join Steven Chia as he travels to Penang where the war a...

Ep 18 Thu 6 Sep 2018 - Can HFMD Kill My Child?

Two children in Malaysia have died from Hand, Food and Mouth disease. The first, a 17-month old from Penang. The deaths were traced to a virulent strain called EV-71. This same strain has infected a rising number of children in Singapore, as the weekly count of HFMD cases, climbs to a record high this year. What can we do to protect our children? And are we any closer to finding a cure? Join Steven Chia as he travels to Penang where the war a...

Ep 19 Thu 13 Sep 2018 - What Is the Best Fuel For Your Car?
22 mins

Regular, mid-range or premium - when it comes to fueling your car, which one do you choose? Some drivers may think, the higher the octane, the better it is for their car. But is it worth spending extra cash on premium fuel? Join Talking Point host Steven Chia as he puts the cheapest and most expensive petrol to the test. Find out which one gives your car better mileage and horse power.

Ep 19 Thu 13 Sep 2018 - What Is the Best Fuel For Your Car?

Regular, mid-range or premium - when it comes to fueling your car, which one do you choose? Some drivers may think, the higher the octane, the better it is for their car. But is it worth spending extra cash on premium fuel? Join Talking Point host Steven Chia as he puts the cheapest and most expensive petrol to the test. Find out which one gives your car better mileage and horse power.

Ep 20 Thu 19 Sep 18 - What Food Labels REALLY mean?
23 mins

No Added Sugar, Low Fat, Lite & Light – the list goes on. It's common for food labels to be prominently displayed on items sold in our supermarkets. But what do these labels really mean? This week, Talking Point host Daniel Martin hits the supermarket, and with the help of experts, break down the foods, revealing what's really inside, and tell you what the labels don't.

Ep 20 Thu 19 Sep 18 - What Food Labels REALLY  mean?

No Added Sugar, Low Fat, Lite & Light – the list goes on. It's common for food labels to be prominently displayed on items sold in our supermarkets. But what do these labels really mean? This week, Talking Point host Daniel Martin hits the supermarket, and with the help of experts, break down the foods, revealing what's really inside, and tell you what the labels don't.

Ep 21 Thu 27 Sep 2018 - Do Grades STILL Matter?
24 mins

It's that time of the year when almost the entire nation gears up for the pivotal Primary School Leaving Examination or PSLE. While a campaign is underway extolling the virtue of Life Beyond Grades, how much of it is resonating with parents and their children? From tuition classes for parents to emotional coaching for students and even employers offering PSLE Leave! Talking Point host Steven Chia uncovers the frenzy building up to exam week.

Ep 21 Thu 27 Sep 2018 - Do Grades STILL Matter?

It's that time of the year when almost the entire nation gears up for the pivotal Primary School Leaving Examination or PSLE. While a campaign is underway extolling the virtue of Life Beyond Grades, how much of it is resonating with parents and their children? From tuition classes for parents to emotional coaching for students and even employers offering PSLE Leave! Talking Point host Steven Chia uncovers the frenzy building up to exam week.

Ep 22 Thu 4 Oct 2018 - Is My Employer Watching Me?
24 mins

They take care of our children, our elderly, tend to our homes and they're also being closely watched doing so. A local study shows that 1 in 5 domestic workers in Singapore live with surveillance cameras installed in their work place. When does the monitoring cross the line? And is it legal for employers to record and upload footage captured on their home CCTVs? Talking Point investigates.

Ep 22 Thu 4 Oct 2018 - Is My Employer Watching Me?

They take care of our children, our elderly, tend to our homes and they're also being closely watched doing so. A local study shows that 1 in 5 domestic workers in Singapore live with surveillance cameras installed in their work place. When does the monitoring cross the line? And is it legal for employers to record and upload footage captured on their home CCTVs? Talking Point investigates.

Ep 23 Thu 11 Oct 2018 - Live Streaming: What Is My Child Watching?
24 mins

Forget Facebook Live or Instastories. There's a whole host of other Live Streaming apps that are trending among teenagers. This week, Talking Point host Brendon Fernandez delves into the world of live streaming to discover some unsavory practices among users. What are our children exposed to on these platforms and how do we protect them?

Ep 23 Thu 11 Oct 2018 - Live Streaming: What Is My Child Watching?

Forget Facebook Live or Instastories. There's a whole host of other Live Streaming apps that are trending among teenagers. This week, Talking Point host Brendon Fernandez delves into the world of live streaming to discover some unsavory practices among users. What are our children exposed to on these platforms and how do we protect them?

Ep 24 Thu 18 Oct 2018 - Have The Wheels Stopped Turning?
24 mins

More than a year since dockless bikes were introduced in Singapore, 3 of 8 operators have exited the scene, amid tough laws introduced to regulate the industry, and indiscriminate parking. What's been the impact on operators and commuters? Has the new regime made it less profitable to operate in Singapore and more inconvenient for users of shared bicycles?

Ep 24 Thu 18 Oct 2018 - Have The Wheels Stopped Turning?

More than a year since dockless bikes were introduced in Singapore, 3 of 8 operators have exited the scene, amid tough laws introduced to regulate the industry, and indiscriminate parking. What's been the impact on operators and commuters? Has the new regime made it less profitable to operate in Singapore and more inconvenient for users of shared bicycles?

Ep 25 Thu 25 Oct 2018 - Why Can’t We Find Pre-School Teachers?
24 mins

The hunt is on for some 3,000 suitable candidates to enter the pre-school sector by 2020. But it hasn't been easy finding the right people and getting those already in the industry to stay. Why is it so difficult to find pre-school teachers? And what does it take to be one? Talking Point uncovers the joys and trials of being an early childhood educator, through the eyes of host, Diana Ser, who spends about a week, immersed as a Teacher Assistant,

Ep 25 Thu 25 Oct 2018 - Why Can’t We Find Pre-School Teachers?

The hunt is on for some 3,000 suitable candidates to enter the pre-school sector by 2020. But it hasn't been easy finding the right people and getting those already in the industry to stay. Why is it so difficult to find pre-school teachers? And what does it take to be one? Talking Point uncovers the joys and trials of being an early childhood educator, through the eyes of host, Diana Ser, who spends about a week, immersed as a Teacher Assistant,

Additional Information

Premiered2018
Genrescurrent affairs, info-ed
Suitable For All Ages