ACT #19 – What Do We Expect from School Canteens in Singapore?

Low TFR? Why these Singaporean millennial dads still have kids when not feeling 100% ready — #ACT22

Singapore’s birth rate has been falling for years. Policies have been introduced, incentives have been increased, and yet the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) continues to decline to worryingly low levels.But behind the numbers, there are still individuals and couples who choose to have children.In this episode, we speak with millennial dads at different stages of fatherhood. From those preparing for it to those already raising one or more children. Through their experiences, we explore a more human side of the issue: how people think about having kids, what readiness really means, and why some still decide to move forward even when they do not feel 100% ready.This is an attempt to explore and understand the challenges behind one of the most important life decisions, and what that might reveal about Singapore’s broader fertility challenge.Whether you are considering having children, already a parent, or simply trying to make sense of Singapore’s low TFR, this conversation offers a grounded perspective from those living through it.Topics covered:- Feeling “ready” to have kids, or deciding to go for it anyway - How fatherhood changes priorities and identity - Why some stop at one or two children - The gap between ideal family size and reality - Personal decisions within a low TFR environmentFeaturing Guests:Mark — father of one Ronald — father of two 🎙️ Hosted by Alastair & Guo Feng🎧 Also Consider This, a podcast for analytical, clearer thinking about life in Singapore, and how we can improve it.Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alsoconsiderthis.podcast

Low TFR? Singapore Lacks a Pro-Family Culture - #ACT21

Singapore’s total fertility rate (TFR) has fallen to historic lows, raising urgent questions about the country’s future. Despite decades of policies, incentives, and support schemes, birth rates remain stubbornly low — so what’s really going on? In this episode of Also Consider This, we break down the deeper drivers behind Singapore’s declining birth rate. Is it the cost of raising children, workplace pressures, and childcare constraints — or is there a larger cultural shift where marriage and parenthood are no longer seen as essential? We examine whether government incentives like baby bonuses and parental support are enough, or if the real issue lies in changing mindsets, priorities, and social norms. Drawing from historical policy signals, recent data, and international comparisons, this episode explores why TFR isn’t recovering — and what it might take to change that. Topics covered: * Why Singapore’s TFR remains below replacement levels * Policy vs culture: what’s actually driving low birth rates * Workplace pressures, childcare gaps, and cost concerns * The shift from “starting a family” to delaying parenthood * Why incentives alone may not be enough * What other countries have done differently 🎙️ Hosted by Alastair & Guo Feng🎧 Also Consider This, a podcast for analytical, clearer thinking bout life in Singapore, and how we can improve it.

We-First in a Sinkie-Pwn-Sinkie Society? — #ACT20

“What does ‘we-first’ actually mean in Singapore?” The phrase sounds right, but people hear very different things. Some think it’s civic responsibility. Others think it’s exclusionary. And in the absence of a shared definition, competitive instincts fill the gap. In this episode, we unpack the confusion around “we-first”, why debates about inclusion may be premature, and how sinkie-pwn-sinkie behaviour persists when norms are unclear. 🎙️ Hosted by Alastair & Guo Feng🎧 Also Consider This, a podcast for analytical, clearer thinking about life in Singapore, and how we can improve it. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alsoconsiderthis.podcastChapters00:00 – Introduction: What is a "We-First" Society?15:39 – How far are we from a we-first society? Are we really a sinkie-pwn-sinkie society?28:44 – How can we build a society we want, we-first or otherwise?42:36 – TIL: Why do your new shoes bite your heels?46:57 – TIL: Sony has stopped making blank blu-ray discs

ACT #19 – What Do We Expect from School Canteens in Singapore?

Why has school food in Singapore become so controversial? The backlash over school canteens points to deeper questions than taste or price. In this episode, we look at recent reactions to centrally prepared meals and hybrid canteen models, and why school food has become such an emotionally charged issue. We move beyond complaints about quality to ask a more fundamental question: what are school canteens actually for? 🎙️ Hosted by Alastair & Guo Feng 🎧 Also Consider This, a podcast for analytical, clearer thinking about life in Singapore, and how we can improve it. Picture Credit for Minna Sundberg. Purchase a copy of the image on a poster here: https://hivemill.com/products/stand-still-stay-silent-language-family-tree-poster Chapters00:00 – Introduction01:50 – Part 1: The problems with Singapore school canteens today12:38 – Part 2: What is the purpose of Singapore school canteens?52:51 – Part 3: What is our recommendation for school canteens?56:48 – TIL: Why do doors have sub-panels on them?01:00:04 – TIL: The roots of the Hungarian language

#ACT18 — Too Much Football? Why the Answer Isn’t Watching Less, It’s Choosing Better

There is more football than ever before, yet many fans are watching less of it. In this episode, Alastair and Guo Feng reflect on how packed calendars, expanding tournaments, and modern life have reshaped the way fans engage with football. Rather than blaming fatigue or apathy, they explore why being selective has become a reasonable, even necessary, response. This conversation is about attention, meaning, trade-offs, and why loving football does not always mean watching every match. Chapters Chapters00:00 – Intro: More football in 202601:10 – Expanded World Cup explained03:00 – Is there too much football?05:30 – Club vs international overload12:45 – Time zones and watching from Asia14:00 – Being selective as a fan22:30 – More matches, same stakes23:48 – Money talks in football27:14 – TIL: Why it’s called “Kapchai”30:03 – TIL: How to pronounce “Budapest”