The Agenda: From Uniqlo Sweatpants to Birkenstock Clogs… Is Gen Z Taking the Art Out of Fashion?

The Agenda: From Uniqlo Sweatpants to Birkenstock Clogs… Is Gen Z Taking the Art Out of Fashion?

From Uniqlo sweatpants and Birkenstock clogs to oversized basics, Gen Z fashion has become instantly recognisable. While some see this shift towards comfort and practicality as a reflection of changing priorities, others argue that individuality and creativity are slowly being replaced by trends driven by social media. So, is Gen Z really taking the art out of fashion? Or are they simply redefining what fashion means today? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Mark, Founder and designer of Maroon Clothing, to explore how Gen Z is shaping Singapore's fashion culture, whether social media is diluting personal style, and what it will take to build a more creative fashion identity in Singapore. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Big Story: A new 12.5% US tariff hits Singapore... Should we be worried?

Singapore has been given a new 12.5 per cent US tariff over allegations linked to forced labour enforcement — a move that raises fresh questions for one of America's closest trading partners in Asia. Although some of Singapore's biggest exports remain exempt, the new tariffs will still affect a sizeable share of goods heading to the US. So what does this mean for businesses operating here? Can Singapore shield itself from the fallout? And as global trade becomes increasingly shaped by geopolitics, how should a small, open economy navigate the road ahead? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Dr Jayant Menon, Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

What's Trending: Is 'solopreneurship' the next 9-5?

On What's Trending, Hongbin Jeong, Nadiah Koh and Nazirul Asrar dive into the latest trend which sees more young people attempting their hand at being 'solopreneurs'. With the help of agentic AI, more countries are supporting and encouraging young people to start their own 1-man companies. From full autonomy to greater work-life balance, the life of a solo entrepreneur promises a stable income. But as with everything in life, there are downsides as well. So the trio discusses what's driving the rise of 'solopreneurship' and whether Singaporeans would jump on this bandwagon too. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Agenda: What happens when parenting doesn't end at 18 for Gen X parents?

For many Gen X parents, this is a stage of life where children have grown up, left home, and are building lives of their own. But the reality is different for a mother to an adult son with autism. While many of her peers are embracing empty nests and planning for retirement, her role as a parent continues every day. So how has her journey reshaped her views on parenthood, independence and the future? And what can we do to better support Gen X parents in her position? On The Agenda, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Sharon Lee, mother to her 29 year old son with autism, to find out more. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Big Story: PM Wong's Cabinet reshuffle - Are younger politicians ready for the spotlight?

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has unveiled his latest Cabinet reshuffle, describing it as the next step in Singapore's leadership renewal. The changes come after two unexpected resignations prompted an earlier-than-anticipated shake-up, with several younger office-holders and first-term MPs stepping into expanded roles, while experienced ministers take on new responsibilities. What do these appointments reveal about the pace of Singapore's leadership transition? Is the next generation of leaders being accelerated into key positions sooner than expected? And beyond the headline changes, what are the biggest shifts Singaporeans should be paying attention to? On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong unpacks the political significance of the reshuffle with Malminderjit Singh, Founder and Managing Director of Terra Corporate Affairs. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.