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Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
All in the family: What keeps these next-gen F&B owners cooking
The Usual Place Podcast All in the family: What keeps these next-gen F&B owners cooking For those running businesses in the food and beverage (F&B) scene, 2024 hit a record that wasn't quite comforting. Synopsis: The Usual Place host Natasha Ann Zachariah hunts for new perspectives on issues that matter to young people. The industry saw 3,047 F&B closures – an almost-20-year record high. However, over 3,790 new eateries opened, though there are often reports of many owners grappling with rising rental rates and food costs. While it looks like it's getting more difficult to survive in the F&B game, there is a group of young business owners who have a reason to stay the course, which is to carry on their family legacy. On this episode of The Usual Place podcast, the spotlight is on next-generation F&B owners who grew up helping out in their family's restaurant. Now, they've stepped up, not just to keep things running, but to evolve and future-proof what their parents and grandparents built, even as the industry gets tougher by the day. I sit down with Mr Ernest Ting, 34, director at Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant, and Ms Maria Didih, 37, head of operations at Hjh Maimunah, to talk about what's it like to take over their family businesses. Next-generation F&B owners Ernest Ting of Swee Choon Tim Sum Restaurant and Maria Didih of Hjh Maimunah share what led them to the family business and evolving consumer expectations. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Beyond preserving the legacy and reputation of brands that are well-known and loved in Singapore, these younger owners are keen to make their mark with their own ideas. For Ernest, a third-generation owner of a handmade dim sum business that was opened by his grandparents in 1962, that means taking a fresh approach to menu offerings and expanding the business. Maria, a second-generation owner who runs the restaurant that makes kampung-style Malay dishes, sauces, and pastes business with her sisters, says it's about 'being creative and keeping up with the times', instead of solely banking on an established name. We talked about their expectations and reservations about joining a family business, and the realities of sustaining a food business, given that many in the industry have closed amid rising costs such as rent. As Ernest puts it: 'It's not the easiest to do. I think it's getting even harder. I always tell new people who want to start F&B to 'think twice'.' Highlights (click/tap above): 1:34 What these next-generation of F&B owners think about the high number of business closures 4:36 'Singaporeans really know how to eat, so our food better be of decent quality,' says Ernest 5:21 Social media may misrepresent the life – and stresses – of an F&B owner 8:22 Why did Maria and Ernest say yes to joining the family business? 11:27 Reservations about joining a business that has a strong legacy and reputation 14:11 Why did Ernest's uncle choose him to run Swee Choon? 16:03 Getting the older generation of owners and staff excited about their creative ideas 21:10 'We're all custodians of Singapore's food heritage,' says Ernest 26:32 What's it like working with family every day? 32:28 Words of advice from the older generation on how to run the family business 34:30 A 'compulsory thing': Maria on how social media changed the way they do business 36:00 What if the next generation doesn't want to take over the business? Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@ Read Natasha's articles: Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: Filmed by Studio65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai, Eden Soh and Natasha Liew ST Podcasts' executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube: Feedback to: podcast@ --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: ST Podcasts website: ST Podcasts YouTube: --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: Google Play: Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
What PM Wong's Cabinet reshuffle means
SMU law professor Eugene Tan and BowerGroupAsia's managing director Nydia Ngiow discusses the Cabinet reshuffle in this episode of The Usual Place. The Usual Place Podcast What PM Wong's new Cabinet line-up signals for succession The votes are in, the general election is over, and a new Parliament is taking shape. The last piece of the GE2025 chapter was unveiled on May 21: Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's Cabinet line-up, which had a few surprises including just one deputy prime minister (DPM) position and a bumper crop of seven newly-elected MPs taking on political office. In this episode of The Usual Place Podcast, I unpack the post-GE2025 Cabinet line-up with Singapore Management University law don Eugene Tan and Ms Nydia Ngiow, the managing director of strategic advisory firm BowerGroupAsia. (From left) SMU law professor Eugene Tan and BowerGroupAsia's managing director Nydia Ngiow speak with Natasha Ann Zachariah - correspondent and The Usual Place Podcast host - about the Cabinet reshuffle. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY For Prof Tan, not having a second DPM was a surprise move, and he noted that PM Wong is 'breaking that particular trend'. He pointed out that Mr Chan Chun Sing, who will be Defence Minister and Coordinating Minister for Public Services, and Mr Ong Ye Kung, who will continue on as Health Minister and take on the role of Coordinating Minister for Social Policies, are both front runners for the DPM position, given that they are part of PM Wong's core team of senior leaders. However, Prof Tan pointed out, 'the field may not be limited to them'. As the new government gets to work, other potential candidates may eventually stand out. 'I think nothing is cast in stone. There is certainly no inevitability from being coordinating minister to DPM.' Going into the next term of government, Ms Ngiow said the much-talked about 4G leadership renewal is in place. Given the publicity and talk around the new faces during the general election, she added: 'We can expect that the public will definitely scrutinise this Parliament and Cabinet a bit more closely. All eyes will be on how the 4G leaders will then be helping to lead and guide the younger generations moving forward.' Highlights (click/tap above): 1:21 Was it a safe reshuffle, or were there surprises in PM Wong's new Cabinet? 3:03 One thing about the line-up that stood out for Prof Tan and Ms Ngiow 4:18 'Breaking the trend' when it comes to having two DPMs - and who could step up by the mid-term 7:46 Are Ministers Ong Ye Kung and Chan Chun Sing the front runners for the DPM spot? 10:11 On moving National Development Minister Desmond Lee to the Ministry of Education 11:20 A 'bigger canvas' at the Ministry of National Development: Prof Tan on Mr Chee Hong Tat's move 13:42 The task force at the Ministry of Trade and Industry 17:51 What does the post of Acting Minister mean? 19:48 The mix of new faces in the Cabinet 22:48 A bumper crop of people with 'political office-holder potential' sets the scene for leadership renewal: Prof Tan 24:46 Not getting a promotion in this Cabinet isn't necessarily a negative thing 27:22 Different people bring their own strengths, says Ms Ngiow on those who have stayed in their roles 28:56 On Dr Faishal Ibrahim's appointment as Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs 31:22 Will we see labour chief Ng Chee Meng back in government at a later time? 35:21 People want to see what the PAP backbenchers can do; must show that they are relevant, says Prof Tan 37:17 With the 4G renewal complete, it's time to look at the next generation of leaders 40:50 Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong's role in this Government Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@ Read Natasha's articles: Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: Filmed by ST Video: Joel Chng, Rubeen Raj and Marc Justin De Souza Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh ST Podcasts' executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube: Feedback to: podcast@ --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: ST Podcasts website: ST Podcasts YouTube: --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: Google Play: Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
15-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Online shaming, public blow-ups: Have we forgotten how to talk civilly without labels or rage?
In this episode, we explore why it's so hard to unpack difficult topics without getting angry, rude, or shutting down. The Usual Place Podcast Online shaming, public blow-ups: Have we forgotten how to talk civilly without labels or rage? Imagine this scenario : You're on a bus or MRT ride to work when a fellow passenger starts blasting TikTok videos on the phone . What would you do? A. 'Tsk' the person silently and shoot the death glare, while messaging angrily in your friend group chat about annoying commuters. B. Say out loud that this person should know better and use earphones, then stew silently in anger. C. Tell this person to turn off the audio to avoid disturbing others who want a peaceful ride If you selected A or B (or both), welcome to the club. I will confess: I'm not confrontational, but I do get annoyed when people break acceptable social rules and cues that seem obvious to me. If you chose C, kudos on confronting a stranger, but how would you have done it? Would your tone have been angry and accusatory, or would you have kept your cool and made a polite request? Would you have sounded irritated without meaning to, or would you have backed off if the person had pulled out the phone to record you? Whether it's inconsiderate commuters, vaccine debates, or matters about race, we now have to navigate more difficult conversations. And more people seem on edge – both online and offline. So how can we have a discussion about issues that matter in society, without blowing up or checking out? I sat down with Ms Audrey Low, founder of leadership consultancy Designing Trust, and Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin, cultural change strategist and founder of Common Ground Civic Centre and Consultancy, to unpack Singaporeans' seemingly short fuses, public shaming and mob justice, and explore how we can respond more constructively. Ms Audrey Low (left), founder of leadership consultancy Designing Trust and an ICF-PCC performance coach; and Ms Kuik Shiao-Yin, cultural change strategist and founder of Common Ground Civic Centre and Consultancy, drop in at The Usual Place podcast to talk about having better conversations. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY We also talked about why labelling people as 'woke' or 'social justice warriors' can shut down discussions even before they start. As Shiao-Yin, a former Nominated Member of Parliament, put it: 'When you do that, that tells me that you are not that interested in understanding the other person's perspectives. You are not even interested in treating the other person as a person. You just want to put an identity on the other person.' On why we get so outraged when others break what we think are obvious social cues, Audrey pointed to the expectations we place on people , especially around what they should or shouldn't do . The co-host and producer of The Curious Co. podcast suggested reframing our language. 'What about changing 'shouldn't' to 'maybe they could do something differently?', which is a lot more generative than 'you should not' or 'you should know better'.' Highlights (click/tap above): 1:28 What does a culture strategist do, and what is an International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach (ICF-PCC)? 3:14 Are Singaporeans an angry lot? 5:35 Conflicts arising from conversations in the comment sections 6:50 The psyche of trolls and why people drop rude comments 10:09 What do cavalier, unkind comments say about those who post them? 12:41 Audrey challenges the instinct to say what people should or shouldn't do 14:37 Why filming confrontations for content may not be the best thing 18:33 Why discussions about racial issues get heated? 21:30 How to have a productive conversation online on dicey issues 24:50 Using labels like 'woke' and 'social justice warrior' can shut down conversations 28:27 Shiao-Yin believes that getting angry can be a good thing – in certain situations 31:32 What does it mean to make an 'appropriate request'? 37:38 How to be open to perspectives that you don't agree with 39:12 Shiao-Yin's 10-min 'Hard- t o-Heart' conversation tool for difficult issues 42:41 Try to find similarities with the person you disagree with, suggests Audrey Host: Natasha Ann Zachariah (natashaz@ Read Natasha's articles: Follow Natasha on her IG account and DM her your thoughts on this topic: Follow Natasha on LinkedIn: Filmed by Studio 65 Edited by ST Podcast producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh The Usual Place producers: Teo Tong Kai and Eden Soh ST Podcasts' executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow The Usual Place Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops: Channel: Apple Podcasts: Spotify: YouTube: Feedback to: podcast@ --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: ST Podcasts website: ST Podcasts YouTube: --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: Google Play: Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: Trailing candidates, squeezing into rallies - covering the campaign as young journalists
The Usual Place looks back at the election hustings. The Usual Place Podcast GE2025: Trailing candidates, squeezing into rallies - covering the campaign as young journalists Follow our live coverage here. My guests today are two journalists and a video journalist at The Straits Times, who have been tracking the pre-election buzz for weeks. Beyond witnessing the election unfold up close through their work, Wong Yang and Christie Chiu, along with their video colleague Isabelle Kumar, are also experiencing it from a personal angle – as first-time voters. What have their own Gen Z friends been saying to them about similar experiences? They tell me how they followed candidates for an entire day, were recognised and faced challenges while filming. Join us at noon on May 1 as they share behind-the-scenes stories and describe how it feels to cover – and vote in – their first general election. The Usual Place – a podcast by The Straits Times – has moved from a weekly show to a half-hour daily live stream at noon from April 24 till May 1, the day before Cooling-off Day. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
GE2025: WP's Sengkang team on going from new faces to first-term MPs, and the journey so far
Are we seeing WP fielding their strongest slate of candidates in recent years? The Usual Place Podcast GE2025: WP's Sengkang team on going from new faces to first-term MPs, and the journey so far Follow our live coverage here. As first-term MPs, they had to navigate both constituency work and team dynamics after winning Sengkang GRC in GE2020 with 52.13 per cent of the vote – the biggest upset of the election then. The WP took 60,136 votes, while the PAP got 55,214 votes. Since then, have there been any growing pains, and how has their working relationship evolved ? How do they split roles in the team? Meet Ms He Ting Ru, 41 ; Associate Professor Jamus Lim, 49; and Mr Louis Chua, 37, who are contesting Sengkang GRC again – this time with newcomer Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Malik, 36. They are up against the PAP team led by Dr Lam Pin Min. At noon on April 30, I will sit down with the WP team to find out how they feel about winning Sengkang in the last election, and what they're learning so far during campaigning for GE2025 . The Usual Place – a podcast by The Straits Times – has moved from a weekly show to a half-hour daily live stream at noon from April 24 till May 1, the day before Cooling-off Day. Watch the video above at noon to catch the interview. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
