Green Pulse Podcast: How we can beat the heat in Singapore
At our Green Pulse Podcast recorded in front of a live audience, we discuss the need for awareness about the growing risks from Singapore's steamy temperatures.
Synopsis: Every first and third Tuesday of the month, The Straits Times analyses the beat of the changing environment, from biodiversity conservation to climate change.
As the mercury rises, so does the need for awareness about the growing risks from Singapore's steamy temperatures.
From left: Guest speakers Assoc Prof Jason Kai Wei Lee from NUS' Heat Resilience and Performance Centre and director of MOM's Occupational Safety and Health Division Jaime Lim, hosted by Audrey Tan, ST's Green Pulse Podcast hosts.
PHOTO: Ariffin Jamar
Even if you're not aware, we're all affected by rising temperatures, especially when combined with Singapore's high humidity.
Heat is changing our behaviour and many of us actively avoid being exposed to it by limiting our time outdoors. But that can reduce our true potential by curbing exercise and access to fresh air and by spending more time in front phones and televisions, harming our vision – and even reducing vitamin D intake.
But for those who work outside, they have fewer choices. And those without regular access to air-conditioning are also at increasing risk.
Fortunately, much is being done to help people and educate them on the growing threat from rising temperatures caused by climate change and hotter urban environments.
And for this special episode of the Green Pulse podcast, co-hosts Audrey Tan and David Fogarty speak with a dynamic duo who have helped shape Singapore's response to heat.
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They are Associate Professor Jason Lee, director of the Heat Resilience and Performance Centre at National University of Singapore and Ms Jaime Lim, a director at the Occupational Safety and Health Division at the Ministry of Manpower.
This episode was recorded and filmed on Aug 12 at The Fashion Pulpit in Jalan Besar, in front of an intimate live audience of about 95 people.
It was the fourth ST Podcast Live! session celebrating 180 years of The Straits Times in 2025, with two more events planned for the rest of the year.
The fourth ST Podcast Live session is part of a series of events to celebrate 180 years of The Straits Times.
PHOTO: Ariffin Jamar
Guest speaker Assoc Prof Jason Kai Wei Lee networking with attendees.
PHOTO: Ernest Luis
Highlights of conversation (click/tap above):
1:30 Despite the sharp spike in temperatures, do people think high heat is still not a concern?
8:35 The Ministry of Manpower has an acclimatisation programme for newly arrived outdoor workers. How does this programme work?
12:05 How the government and scientists work together to create heat policies.
17:50 What have been the reactions from businesses to MOM's heat protection advisories and policies?
25:25 Much has been done but what other aspects of heat risk need more attention?
More on NUS' Heat Resilience & Performance Centre (HRPC):
https://str.sg/Byiw
MOM's heat stress measures for outdoor work:
https://str.sg/5j9K
Resources for workplaces and workers:
https://str.sg/Hup2
More on Meteorological Service Singapore:
https://str.sg/5WrT
Follow Audrey Tan on LinkedIn:
https://str.sg/848W
Read her articles:
https://str.sg/JLM2
Follow David Fogarty on LinkedIn:
https://str.sg/jcvy
Read his articles:
https://str.sg/JLMu
Hosts: Audrey Tan (
audreyt@sph.com.sg ) & David Fogarty (
dfogarty@sph.com.sg )
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: Ernest Luis & Lynda Hong
Follow Green Pulse Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel:
https://str.sg/JWaf
Apple Podcasts:
https://str.sg/JWaY
Spotify:
https://str.sg/JWag
Feedback to:
podcast@sph.com.sg
SPH Awedio app:
https://www.awedio.sg
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Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:
https://str.sg/wvz7
ST Podcast website:
http://str.sg/stpodcasts
The Usual Place YouTube:
https://str.sg/4Vwsa
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https://str.sg/icyB
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