Hear. Here. Singapore. Episodes

March 13, 2024

Speak Solid Singlish - Taking MC

When you're ill, it's understandable to take a day off work after seeing a doctor who issues the necessary Medical Certificate, aka MC. But when you want a day off but haven't got the necessary annual leave allowance, it's a …

Episode page
March 5, 2024

Speak Solid Singlish - Sinkie

We learn about a unique Singaporean-to-Singaporean term, "Sinkie". It can be an identifier or a horrid insult, and has mysterious origins. Fear not - I have my mate Nasir to help explain this contentious word used To Singaporeans, For Singaporeans, …

Episode page
Feb. 27, 2024

Speak Solid English - No.1 Passport In the World

Founded as a port, Singapore has grown into a leading SE Asian hub for trade and travel and welcomes visitors for both business and pleasure. It's a two-way street, though: Singaporeans also LOVE to travel, and the Singapore Passport was …

Episode page
Feb. 19, 2024

Speak Solid Singlish - O$P$

Singaporeans love to abbreviate things, and illegal loansharks have popularised O$P$ - short for Owe Money, Pay Money. With credit companies popping up, getting your hands on quick cash no longer requires you get in bed with ...

Episode page
Feb. 13, 2024

Speak Solid Singlish - Last Bus Last Train

In Singapore, getting home at night means a hard stop with the last bus / last train: beyond that, you're paying top dollar to get your butt home. We get the inside dope on how to maximize your nights while …

Episode page
Feb. 6, 2024

Speak Solid Singlish - Heartland Housing

Public Housing in Singapore is awesome and has been a big part of Singapore's journey from kampung villages to First World status. Hang w Fai as he explains the ups and downs as well as recommendations on which HDB estate …

Episode page
Jan. 29, 2024

Speak Solid Singlish - Sleazey Does It

Having a good time in Singapore can be tricky - go to the wrong place, and you'll have a nice time, but not a great time. Learn about Siam Diu, the Thai-themed Discotheques, and how to chit-chat with the "servers"

Episode page
Jan. 22, 2024

819643 Till We Meet Again

Today, January 23rd 2024, marks a year since I lost my brother, Paul. He & his wife loved to travel, but because of his illness and the pandemic shutting borders, he never got to see Jewel at Changi Airport. So …

Episode page
Jan. 16, 2024

Speak Solid Singlish - Wayang at Work

Singlish is used everywhere in Singapore, including the work place. Office politics become toxic when someone starts to "wayang" - slang for Theatre or Acting - which means to skive off work! Shaiful Risan wrote this episode,...

Episode page
Jan. 9, 2024

Speak Solid Singlish - Lost in Translation

Don't embarrass yourself screwing up using Singlish words uttered in films and on the streets of the Little Red Dot! To the rescue is stand-up comedian Shaiful Risan takes us on a "transliteration on the go" as he explains the …

Episode page
Jan. 2, 2024

Speak Solid Singlish - Chope

Learn the secret of how to 'reserve' a seat in a hawker centre, food court, coffee shop with a 10 cent packet of tissues - The Art of the Chope!

Episode page
Dec. 26, 2023

Speak Solid Singlish - Cashless Society

The past meets the future as the Lion City moves towards a ca$hless society - digital payments are taking over, and our friend Roy waxes philosophically on the inevitability of progress against the loss of the chill out 90s vibe …

Episode page
Dec. 20, 2023

Speak Solid Singlish - A Fine City

A Fine City sounds like a tourism slogan, but it's also got a deadly double meaning: getting fined! Singapore loves its clean, graffiti-free streets, but hear from our new friend Zaki about how he was slapped with a most unfortunate …

Episode page
Dec. 5, 2023

Speak Solid English - Ordering Drinks Part 3 Beer!

Our 3rd drink ordering episode brings us back to Newton to get BEER!!!! Yes, we can't leave you without explaining the joys of getting a bottle of cold suds at a hawker centre to round off a lovely day. Our …

Episode page
Nov. 29, 2023

Speak Solid Singlish - Ordering Drinks Part 2 Pasar Malam

We take our thirsty selves to the Pasar Malam, the Malay Night Market, to teach you how to quench your thirst with drinks more colourful that a rainbow. When our posh Brit realizes he's lost his cheat sheet, how will …

Episode page
Nov. 21, 2023

Speak Solid English - Ordering Drinks Part 1

In this ep, we help you quench your thirst at a local hawker centre, where tea, locally known as teh, can be customized exactly to your taste buds. But will our posh Brit be able to use his drinks cheat …

Episode page
Nov. 14, 2023

Speak Solid Singlish - Swearing

Finally, the episode our Singlish expert has been waiting for - swearing! Blue language can be enormously colourful in Singlish, but will our stiff upper lip Brit let our loose-lipped local fire away with unchecked profanitie...

Episode page
Nov. 7, 2023

Speak Solid English - "NS"

In this episode of Speak Solid Singlish, we explore the mandatory 2-year national service for Singaporean males. Stand up straight, face forward, and let's accomplish the mission! My most excellent Singlish friend is Sebastian Sim, and it was written by …

Episode page
Oct. 31, 2023

Speak Solid Singlish - "Boleh"

In this ep of Speak Solid Singlish, we delve into how "bo" can be added as a prefix for many other words to create a sorry situation: "bo" means "no", which only leaves everyone even more desperate to have. Bo …

Episode page
Oct. 25, 2023

Speak Solid Singlish - "Shiok"

In this episode of Speak Solid Singlish, our topic is the no.1 Singaporean pastime - gluttony! Things get spicy before they explode with flavours, among other things... My Singlish friend is Sebastian Sim, and it was written by Jedidiah Huang. …

Episode page
Oct. 18, 2023

Speak Solid Singlish - Dating Part 3

The Speak Solid Singlish campaign presents the 3rd and final part of how to speak like a local when it comes to dating! Our faux romcom dating scenario reaches its climax, as the r'ship hits "ai stead mai" status! My …

Episode page
Oct. 10, 2023

Speak Solid Singlish - Dating Part 2

The Speak Solid Singlish campaign presents the 2nd part of how to speak like a local when it comes to dating! Our faux romcom dating scenario with "Su" now takes to the streets, to learn the lingo of love when …

Episode page
Oct. 4, 2023

Speak Solid Singlish - Dating Part 1

The Speak Solid Singlish campaign continues with a 3-part lesson on Dating! We present a faux romcom dating scenario with "Su", as she teaches the finer points of how the local language of love is spoken. My Singlish guest voice …

Episode page
Aug. 29, 2023

Speak Solid Singlish - "Siao"

Our 4-episode mini-series to help you Speak Solid Singlish concludes with "Siao" - the hokkien word for crazy. In Singlish, it's flexible - it can be a good kind of crazy, and it can be out-and-out bonkers mad! My Singlish …

Episode page