Eugene Tan, Singapore Management University

11 November 2024
The Big Story: What verdict can we expect from Pritam Singh’s trial?
Last Friday, the defence wrapped up its case in the Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh's trial without calling new witnesses. Mr Singh’s case will be heard in court again on Feb 17, 2025, when Deputy Principal District Judge Luke Tan is expected to give his verdict.
Mr Singh is embroiled in controversy stemming from former Workers’ Party MP Raeesah Khan’s lies to parliament in August and October 2021 about accompanying a rape victim to a police station. He faces two charges for giving false evidence under oath during parliamentary committee hearings held in December that year.
So what went down so far during the 13-day trial? What can we make of it? And what verdict can we expect?
On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University (SMU), to find out more.

Download this podcast.

Listen To His Previous Podcasts:

4 October 2024
Morning Shot: Iswaran 1-year jail sentence - How might Singapore’s landmark case rock public service and the PAP at the next General Election?
Singapore’s former transport minister S Iswaran has been sentenced to 12 months in jail, after he was convicted of five charges, including obtaining gifts worth over S$400,000 over seven years, from two businessmen he considered his friends, as well as for obstructing justice.
The sentencing comes more than a year after details of the probe by the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau first came to light, and 10 months after Iswaran was first charged in court.
On this episode of Morning Shot, Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law from the Yong Pung How School of Law at Singapore Management University analyses the implications of this case on the public service, as well as the PAP.
Presented by: Emaad Akhtar & Audrey Siek
Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)
Photo credits: ST/Gavin Foo

Download this podcast.

19 August 2024
Morning Shot: “Your dreams inspire my actions.” Highlights of Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s Maiden National Day Rally
A “major reset” in Singapore’s policies and attitudes - that’s how Lawrence Wong described his maiden National Day Rally speech since taking office as Singapore’s Prime Minister three months ago.
Among the key initiatives - a financial aid scheme targeted at providing support for retrenched workers, and an extra 10 weeks of shared leave for parents of newborns. More grants for lower-income couples and community care apartments for seniors are also in the works, and singles will be included in a scheme that gives priority to people applying for new public flats near their parents.
On this episode of Morning Shot, Former Nominated Member of Parliament, Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law from the Yong Pung How School of Law at Singapore Management University shares his insights of PM Wong's first National Day Rally speech.
Presented by: Audrey Siek & Emaad Akhtar
Produced & Edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)
Photo credits: ST/ Jason Quah & Singapore’s Ministry of Digital Development and Information

Download this podcast.

12 July 2024
Weekly Wrap: Why is NTUC designated a ‘politically significant person’?
This week, the Ministry of Home Affairs said it intends to designate the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC) as a politically significant person under the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act (FICA). Why now? What are the implications for Singapore’s labour movement and its members? Singapore Management University’s Associate Professor of Law, Eugene Tan shares his views.

Download this podcast.

16 May 2024
Morning Shot: A new dawn for Singapore; what challenges lie ahead for PM Lawrence Wong and his 4G team?
Singapore witnessed a moment of history on the evening of May 15 when Lawrence Wong was sworn in as the nation's fourth prime minister, taking over from Lee Hsien Loong.
During his highly-anticipated speech at the Istana, he reiterated that his mission as prime minister was clear: To continue defying the odds and to sustain the miracle of Singapore.
So how will PM Wong and his 4G team navigate the challenges of the present and future? What kind of governance shifts are necessary to consider?
On this episode of Morning Shot, Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Yong Pung How School of Law, Singapore Management University, shares his insights.
Presented by: Emaad Akhtar
Produced by: Yeo Kai Ting
Photo credit: Straits Times

Download this podcast.

19 March 2024
Viewpoint: WP chief at no real risk of losing seat in Parliament, opines SMU law don
Leader of the Opposition and Workers’ Party (WP) chief Pritam Singh was charged on March 19 with two counts of lying to a parliamentary committee, two years after the police opened investigations into his conduct before the Committee of Privileges. What are the implications of these charges? Does the latest development put Mr Singh's political career in peril? Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan at the Singapore Management University shares his viewpoints.

Download this podcast.

18 January 2024
Viewpoint: Iswaran's alleged graft case could drag out for some time
Former transport minister S. Iswaran maintains his innocence amid the corruption case against him after he was handed 27 charges. These include two charges of corruption, for allegedly receiving more than S$384,000 worth of flights, hotel stays, tickets to shows, musicals and English Premier League matches, as well as Singapore Grand Prix tickets from property tycoon Ong Beng Seng. Singapore Management University's Associate Professor of Law Eugene Tan shares his viewpoints on the case.

Download this podcast.

2 January 2024
Morning Shot: Size need not mean destiny, Prof Eugene Tan on building a 4G leadership legacy
Singapore may just be a little red dot but it stands tall among giants on the international stage on many fronts. But what earned us that seat at the table?
On this episode of Morning Shot, Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law from the Yung Pung How School of Law at Singapore Management University shares his insights on Singapore's imminent political leadership transition.
Presented by: Emaad Akhtar
Produced and edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

Download this podcast.

7 November 2023
Breakfast Special: What will Singapore's 4th Generation leadership transition look like?
Singapore’s third political leadership transition is set to take place, between now and the People's Action Party's 70th birthday - Nov 21st next year.
With a clearer timeline of what’s set to go down in Singapore’s history books, on this episode of Breakfast Special - former Nominated Member of Parliament Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University discusses the legacy that PM Lee Hsien Loong has left for his successor DPM Lawrence Wong, and the key challenges facing the 4G team as they take over the reins.
Presented by: Ryan Huang & Emaad Akhtar
Produced and edited by: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

Download this podcast.

23 August 2023
Morning Shot: Journey to Istana - On the Campaign Trail
With the Singapore Presidential Election 2023 now underway - Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at the Singapore Management University & Former Nominated Member of Parliament shares his analysis of the three candidates’ track records, campaign symbols, as well as what voters might be looking out from them.
Presented by: Lynlee Foo
This podcast is produced and edited by Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

Download this podcast.

3 August 2023
Breakfast Special: A deeper look at Singapore's political landscape as the ruling PAP seeks to rebuild trust after a string of controversies
Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at SMU & Former Nominated Member of Parliament analyses the current state of politics in Singapore, coming on the back of Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s ministerial statement and parliamentary discussions following a recent spate of incidents involving local politicians.
Presented by: Lynlee Foo & Ryan Huang
This podcast is produced and edited by Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

Download this podcast.

14 July 2023
Weekly Wrap Up: CPIB probe involving Iswaran, is this a huge blow to our government?
Transport Minister S Iswaran is assisting the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) with an investigation into a case uncovered by the agency. These investigations invoke doubts about Singapore's incorruptibility. Moreover, Mr Iswaran's involvement would make the PAP need to reassess his role in the upcoming election as the MP of West Coast GRC.
We speak to Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University more about this.

Download this podcast.

16 June 2023
Weekly Wrap Up: Uncovering the buzz surrounding SG presidential hopeful, George Goh
A battle of CV’s? On what basis are we looking at to elect our next president? Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Mr George Goh look like the two most promising candidates for the upcoming election.
However, without a savvy media team Mr Goh would have trouble putting his name forward and ensuring eligibility for running. Moreover, should we keep an eye on ‘hopefuls’ such as former secondary school teacher Seng Soon Kia as potential contenders?
We speak to Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University more about this.

Download this podcast.

11 April 2023
Morning Shot: How can Singapore enhance its social compact and avoid the crutch mentality?
The Singapore Parliament has recovened, with President Halimah Yacob stressing on the importance of broadening meritocracy to combat social stratification.
Former Nominated Member of Parliament, Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University gave us a deep dive into the workings behind enhancing our social compact and what the government needs to set on its sails as it navigates through the second half of its term.

[Contact Us]
Presenter: Lynlee Foo
Producer: Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

Download this podcast.

28 March 2023
Morning Shot: When will the baton be passed to the next Prime Minister-in-waiting?
Singapore’s Parliament is currently taking a customary mid-term break for two weeks. The prorogue marks the mid-point of the Government’s current term.
Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University and Former Nominated Member of Parliament shares his take on whether a cabinet reshuffle is on the cards as the Government reviews its priorities and direction.

Download this podcast.

7 February 2023
Morning Shot: Setting the stage for smoother election processes
Singaporeans living abroad might soon be able to vote via mail in future elections, if proposed changes to two sets of electoral laws are passed.
Also among the proposed changes to the Presidential Elections (Amendment) Bill and the Parliamentary Elections (Amendment) Bill that were tabled in Parliament on Monday - are updates to election advertising laws.
Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University puts into perspective why these changes are important and how they will shift the needle in easing future elections.
Produced and edited by Yeo Kai Ting (ykaiting@sph.com.sg)

Download this podcast.

30 December 2022
Weekly Wrap Up: Biggest local headlines in 2022
2022 has been an interesting year for Singapore. Relaxation of mask-wearing measures, parliament repealing Section 377A and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong chosen to succeed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong for the top job.
Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University discusses these headlines and more.

Download this podcast.

9 December 2022
Weekly Wrap Up: Lawyer and MP Christopher de Souza found guilty of professional misconduct, what happens now?
Lawyer and MP Christopher de Souza was found guilty of professional misconduct by a disciplinary tribunal. So what happens now? How will this affect his political future?
Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University shares his views.

Download this podcast.

11 November 2022
Weekly Wrap Up: Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill, can more be done?
Laws to tackle online harms will kick in in 2023 after Parliament passed an Online Safety (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill on Wednesday. It was debated in Parliament in the past week and expected to create a new part in the Broadcasting Act to regulate “Online Communication Services”, specifically social media services.
Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University shares more.

Download this podcast.

7 October 2022
Weekly Wrap Up: Parliament highlights - Singapore’s future generation in focus
Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University discusses with us the recent Parliament conversations, from MOE's plans to increase manpower funding for SPED schools and MCI proposing an Online Safety Bill that will require social media services to put in place additional safeguards for children

Download the podcast.

26 August 2022
Weekly Wrap Up: NDR 2022 - Moving forward as a nation
National Day Rally 2022 introduced many progressive policies and measures but how are we as a nation moving forward, be it from Covid-19 and keeping up with times? Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University helps us digest the details of these announcements.

Download the podcast.

20 May 2022
Weekly Wrap Up: Schooling calls for 'national dialogue' on NS, what good can it do?
MINDEF has been making efforts over the years to support athletes who compete at the highest level. Joseph schooling's long term deferment is an example of that. This type of measure is very rare and was unheard of 20 years ago. However, can more be done?

We speak to Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University who gives us his opinions and insights into the situation.

Download the podcast.

8 October 2021
Weekly Wrap Up: Things we need to know about FICA
Singapore’s Parliament passed the Foreign Interference (Countermeasures) Act, or Fica last Monday. It aims to tackle foreign meddling in domestic politics conducted through hostile information campaigns and the use of local proxies. But what does FICA really do? The Breakfast Huddle's Elliott Danker and Bharati Jagdish get Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University to help us understand this.

Download the podcast.

14 September 2021
In The Spotlight: How will President Biden's vaccine mandate impact US workers?
President Biden announced new vaccine mandates which apply to more than 100 million workers, to spur more to get the Covid-19 shot. On Prime Time, Timothy Go and Rachel Kelly speak to Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University who shares more on how this will impact US workers, gives his analysis on the US' vaccine diplomacy, and how new data might effect Biden's booster shot plan.

Download the podcast.

6 July 2021
Why It Matters: Additional Covid-19 support measures for companies, workers, to cost $1.2 billion
Recently, new Finance Minister Lawrence Wong announced that small- and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) will continue to receive help to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic as part of additional support measures. Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University discusses the motivation behind the move to specifically help SMEs and if certain sectors have been neglected from getting help this time around.

Download the podcast.

9 April 2021
Who will be Singapore's next PM with DPM Heng stepping aside?
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat has decided to step aside as leader of the PAP’s fourth-generation team, citing the long-term and profound challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, his age, and the demands of the top job. Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, SMU shares his analysis on who the possible candidates to succeed Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong could be.

Download the podcast.

12 March 2021
Weekly Wrap Up: S'pore youth ISA detention, IATA Travel Pass & The digital skills gap
On the Weekly Wrap Up, Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University gives his analysis on some of the biggest headlines of the week including; The Budget 2021 debates, a 20-year-old man detained under the Internal Security Act, Singapore Airlines to test the IATA Travel Pass and the government calling on those with expertise to volunteer to help close the digital skills gap.

Download the podcast.

29 January 2021
Weekly Wrap up : How much is the S'pore teen ISA case a wake up call on 'rabbit hole' of far-right ideology?
Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University shares his thoughts on the news a 16 year old plotted to attack Muslims at two mosques here in Singapore, and whether this is a wake up call on the 'rabbit hole' of far-right ideology on the internet.

Download the podcast.

18 December 2020
Weekly Wrap-up: 18 December 2020
Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at SMU gives an analysis of the new segregated travel lane ‘Connect@Singapore’, US and China's tech giants expansion plans in Singapore, indicators of a pickup in labour market activity and more.

Download the podcast.

20 November 2020
Weekly Wrap-up: DBS Job Sharing Scheme, SG-HK Bubble & Hawker Culture
On the Weekly Wrap-up, Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at SMU gives his analysis on some of the top headlines from this week including; DBS announcing its job-sharing scheme, the upcoming first Singapore airlines flight to Hong Kong within the travel bubble and what it might mean for Singapore if hawker culture is added to the Unesco cultural heritage list.

Download the podcast.

23 October 2020
Weekly Wrap-up: SG Phase 3, Going Green & US Election Preview
On the Weekly Wrap-up, Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University breaks down some of the biggest headlines from the last few days including; the announcement Singapore might progress to Phase 3 by the end of the year, sustainability practices in the upcoming Tengah project, and a preview of the final US Presidential debate.

Download the podcast.

9 October 2020
Weekly Roundup: SG Parliament wrap-up and President Trump's economy
Parliament has been in session with some positive signs on moving into Phrase 3, and even talk of negotiations on travel bubbles for general tourists. Plus, US President Donald Trump caused panic and confusion on the stock market after claiming he was to halt stimulus talks until after the election, before later backtracking. Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University gives his analysis on the biggest headlines from the week.

Download the podcast.

18 August 2020
DPM Heng announces $8 billion more in Covid-19 measures, but will this be enough?
According to Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, a scaled-back version of the Jobs Support Scheme will continue to help workers, and $8 billion more will be spent to save jobs, create new ones and seize new growth opportunities. Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University breaks down the latest support measures, and gives his analysis on whether this will be enough.

Download the podcast.

1 July 2020
GE 2020: Post Nomination Day
Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University gives an analysis on the surprises we saw on GE 2020's Nomination Day and what campaigning will be like for this special election due to Covid-19.

Download the podcast.

27 May 2020
Analysis of The Fortitude Budget and what it means for Singaporeans
The Fortitude budget’s main focus was to protect every worker and try to preserve jobs in the midst of this crisis. Together with the earlier Unity, Resilience, and Solidarity Budgets, the Government is dedicating $93 billion, which is nearly 20 percent of GDP. Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University gives his analysis of how the Fortitude budget and what it means for Singaporeans.

Download the podcast

7 April 2020
New Solidarity Budget to help Singapore tide through 'circuit-breaker' period
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat, the primary aim of the Solidarity Budget is to take further steps to save jobs and protect the livelihoods of our people during this temporary period of heightened measures. Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, Singapore Management University gives an analysis on how comprehensive the budget is and if there are there still gaps that can be filled.

Download the podcast

13 September 2019
What changes in electoral boundaries could mean for your constituency
Electoral boundaries could change, with news last week that the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee - or EBRC - has been set up. What does that mean for your constituency? Joining us to discuss this is Associate Professor of Law at the Singapore Management University, Eugene Tan.

Download the podcast.

23 Apr 2019
Cabinet Reshuffle: Heng Swee Keat To Become DPM
It’s a move observers say cements the finance minister’s standing as Singapore’s next prime minister. Meanwhile, the two existing deputy prime ministers - Teo Chee Hean and Tharman Shanmugaratnam - will relinquish their roles to become senior ministers. Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at the Singapore Management University, shares his insights on what these appointments mean and whether he’d expected more changes in the reshuffle.

Download the podcast.

19 Feb 2019
Social & Political Observations of Budget 2019
Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law, SMU shares his thoughts on Budget 2019 and whether enough is being done to support both younger and older generations of Singaporeans.

Download the podcast.

20 Aug 2018
NDR 2018: Good News For HDB Homeowners?
SMU’s Eugene Tan, ZACD’s Nicholas Mak and UOB’s Francis Tan break down the latest housing schemes.

Download the podcast.

7 Aug 2018
Opposition Parties Joining Forces
Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University tells us more about the challenges and opportunities of the opposition parties banding together, is this also an influence from across the border?

Download the podcast.

23 Apr 2018
Cabinet Reshuffle With Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at SMU
According to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle will involve almost all the Government ministries, but not all ministers will move.

Analysts and Singaporeans alike have been watching for signs to see which office holders will be moved or promoted.

Money FM 89.3 speaks to Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at SMU, to find out how this would affect Singaporeans and if the move is something we should be concerned about.

Download the podcast.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's unveiling of the new cabinet lineup looks to be one of the most significant cabinet reshuffles in recent times, and is a closely-watched one. Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University, helps us to make sense of all the changes.

Download the podcast.

22 Feb 2018
Associate Professor of Law From SMU, Eugene Tan
Budget 2018 was recently announced and we had Associate Professor of Law from SMU - Eugene Tan in the studio with Elliott Danker & Yasmin Jonkers from The Breakfast Huddle to delve deeper into the social aspects of it.

What is his view on wealth taxes? Has the government done enough to help the lower/middle income families especially after the tax hike announcement? Does he miss being an MP?

Download the podcast.