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CNA
08-05-2025
- Politics
- CNA
Commentary: What podcasts did – and didn't
HONG KONG: When Prime Minister Lawrence Wong appeared on Plan B in December 2024, it marked a quiet turning point in Singapore's political communication. In a free-flowing chat, he spoke about redefining success, minority inclusion, entrepreneurship and Singapore's humanitarian stance on Palestine. Weeks later, he joined The Daily Ketchup, reflecting on his journey into politics, how he became prime minister and his vision for Singapore's future, peppered with questions about his MBTI personality type, diet and even secret ministerial chat groups. By April – just days before the 2025 General Election – he appeared on Yah Lah But to discuss leadership, public trust and why Singapore needs 'radical change', even from within. Mr Wong's appearances weren't outliers. Politicians across the spectrum turned to long-form, conversational media to appear more relatable, candid and emotionally accessible. The visibility of these engagements led many to call GE2025 Singapore's first 'podcast election'. But what did that really mean? My father, now in his 80s and ever politically attuned, noted that this election was different. 'There's so much information now. YouTube, podcasts, all coming straight from the politicians,' he said. In earlier elections, most Singaporeans relied on the national media, WhatsApp messages, taxi drivers and coffee shop talk. That media landscape has certainly changed. BLENDING ANALYSIS WITH ACCESSIBILITY When I began researching political podcasts in 2024, the scene was still relatively small, outside of mainstream media. Established platforms like CNA's Deep Dive were already exploring political and policy issues in audio formats. But a handful of newer, independently produced channels – Teh Tarik with Walid and those mentioned earlier – were experimenting with a different tone and format: interviewing politicians across the spectrum, asking open-ended questions, and discussing politics in ways that felt both casual, less structured yet analytical. Since then, the ecosystem has expanded rapidly. In the United States, podcasts often amplify partisan divides, offering ideologically tailored content that mobilises like-minded listeners. In Australia, although party leaders actively engaged podcasts and TikTok during the recent campaign, expectations of a 'podcaster-led' election ultimately fell flat amid disengagement and geopolitical shocks. Singapore's politically engaged podcast scene is still young – especially compared to Australia's more mature ecosystem – but already remarkably varied, with a mix of indie creators, academics, influencers and institutional media producing content that blends analysis with accessibility. Platforms like Jo Teo's TikTok account (@suchabohr) and the YouTube series Red Dot Perspective also shaped the GE2025 media environment. Jo, an Oxford graduate student, drew attention for her sharp data-driven critiques of electoral boundaries, including a widely shared rebuttal of a well-known commentator. Her work was later cited by a constitutional law professor in a public lecture hosted by AcademiaSG. Red Dot Perspective delivered in-depth electoral analysis that often surpassed the anecdotal commentary of mainstream punditry. Though different in format from guest-driven podcasts, these channels reflect a growing appetite for accessible, evidence-based political discourse beyond party-aligned messaging. THE INFLUENCE OF PODCASTS Still, we should be cautious about overstating the electoral impact. Podcasts didn't decide GE2025. The People's Action Party retained a clear mandate. The Workers' Party held its ground but made no major breakthroughs. Smaller opposition parties – whose candidates also appeared on podcasts, often to great effect – did not win a single seat. Virality did not translate into votes. Yet their influence should not be dismissed. Podcasts have changed how many Singaporeans engage with politics. Unlike press statements or rallies, they offer politicians room to breathe, reflect and even be funny or vulnerable. This is no small feat in a system long associated with technocratic restraint and party discipline. They also pose a unique challenge, especially to ruling party politicians used to carefully prepared messaging delivered with minimal scrutiny. On podcasts, they may not face hostile questions, but the challenge is subtler and arguably harder: maintaining clarity and composure in a relaxed, often humorous, self-deprecating environment. Do too little, and you seem stiff. Try too hard, and you risk sounding artificial or condescending. EVOLVING CULTURE OF POLITICAL SPEECH Podcast listeners tend to be younger, more networked and more likely to share what they hear. Even if the direct audience is modest, secondary circulation through social media and private discussion can be significant. This suggests a growing role for podcasts in future elections, alongside a growing need for clearer standards. As podcasts become more embedded in political communication, greater attention must be paid to transparency, especially around sponsored content. This is particularly important in Singapore, where the lines between government messaging and partisan promotion are often blurred. If podcasts are to retain public trust, disclosures around affiliation and sponsorship should be standard practice. Electoral politics in Singapore still depends on ground engagement, local trust and a party's ability to deliver material benefits. Podcasts can support those efforts, but they can't replace them. Their value is cultural and atmospheric. In a society where political speech is often cautious, podcasts have created space for risk, laughter and – at their best – honest connection. That's not electoral revolution, but it's not nothing either. GE2025 wasn't decided by podcasts, but it may be remembered as the election where politicians spoke more freely, and voters began listening differently.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Metis Sponsors UPWARD - Huang Yulong: Shaping the Values of Our Time Through Art
HONG KONG, March 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Metis Global Group (Metis) has long been committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR), actively engaging in charitable healthcare initiatives and rural education development, striving to build a more compassionate and inclusive society. This year, Metis has further extended its influence into the realm of contemporary art, becoming a key sponsor of the UPWARD – Huang Yulong exhibition. In collaboration with Great Entertainment Group and the renowned gallery Ora-Ora, Metis aims to integrate art into everyday life, igniting fresh imagination and a vibrant creative energy. 20 Monumental Sculptures Transform the Urban Landscape into a Canvas UPWARD – Huang Yulong is a groundbreaking exhibition that fuses street culture with contemporary sculpture, presented from 12 to 31 March at the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park. Acclaimed artist Huang Yulong, known for his collaboration with international superstar Andy Lau on the Share the Love sculpture series, now presents 20 monumental sculptures. Centred around his signature hooded figure, these works serve as a powerful visual language, embodying themes of openness, diversity, community, and youth engagement. These sculptures, standing tall with their heads lifted towards the sky, symbolise a fearless attitude towards challenges and an embrace of hope. They embody the spirit of resilience and boundless possibility, values that align with Metis' philosophy. At Metis, we believe that innovation and breakthroughs are not only the driving forces behind corporate growth but also essential catalysts for social progress. Guided by this vision, we have expanded from Hong Kong to the Asia-Pacific region, actively contributing to charitable healthcare, rural education, and cultural development. By sponsoring this renowned exhibition, Metis invites the public to experience the energy of sculptures, to feel the pulse of the era, and be inspired to fearlessly explore their own journeys and pursue their aspirations. Corporate Engagement in Art: Expanding Cultural Influence for the Future Dr Cheung, Founder and Chairman of Metis, stated: "This sponsorship of a contemporary art exhibition is an extension of our CSR strategy. Art and business are both rooted in innovation and value creation. Through this sponsorship, we hope to support outstanding artists, foster more profound engagement with the public, and ensure the lasting influence of culture into the future." From healthcare and education to cultural development, Metis has remained steadfast in its commitment to giving back to society through meaningful action. By sponsoring UPWARD – Huang Yulong, we aim to inspire more enterprises to recognise the value of cultural assets and to see contemporary art as not just an artistic expression, but as a powerful catalyst for social innovation and shared values. Just as UPWARD – Huang Yulong captures the aspirations of our time through sculpture, Metis translates these values into action, working hand in hand with the art world to shape the spirit of our era and envision a better future. Through this sponsorship, we hope to set an example and encourage broader support for emerging industries and young creative talent, fostering a shared movement towards progress and leveraging art as a transformative force in defining the values of our time. About Metis Global Group Metis Global Group is a financial group that strives to provide unconventional trust and wealth management solutions to clients in Asia. As members of a well-established group, Metis Global (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Metis Global Limited, and Metis Global (Cook Islands) Limited offer trust solutions from jurisdictions that have well-developed trust protections which provide clients with comprehensive asset protection. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Metis Global Group
