Skip to main content
Advertisement
Advertisement

CNA938 Rewind - Singapore’s hidden adults: Why some are withdrawing from society

More adults in Singapore are shutting themselves away from the outside world, sometimes for months, even years. Social service agencies say these so-called “hidden adults” can range from their 20s to well into their 40s, with triggers ranging from anxiety and depression to bullying, family pressures and a loss of purpose. Hairianto Diman and Justine Moss speak with Dr Geraldine Tan, Director, Principal Clinical and Counselling Psychologist, The Therapy Room, to unpack why some adults withdraw from society, what drives prolonged isolation, and how families can support them. 

Resume Pause 18 min

CNA938 Rewind - Stock take today: US debt hits record, Bond buybacks

On today's (20 August) markets analysis on Open For Business, Hairianto Diman and Justine Moss speak with Homin Lee, Senior Macro Strategist, Lombard Odier.

Resume Pause 14 mins

CNA938 Rewind - Meta trial: When does social media become addictive by design?

Meta is facing a landmark trial over allegations that Facebook and Instagram were deliberately designed to keep young users hooked. Hairianto Diman and Justine Moss examine where the line lies between creating an engaging product and engineering addiction, what responsibility platforms should bear for users' mental health, and what this case could mean for the future of social media. For that, they speak with Vincent Joralemon, Director, Life Sciences Law & Policy Center, Berkeley Law.

Resume Pause 12 mins

CNA938 Rewind - A Letter to Myself: "Don't let the pain decide who you become" — how art and her father's memory help Fariesha Lam overcome drug abuse

Fariesha Lam began sniffing glue at the age of nine and eventually progressed to methamphetamine in her teens. During her fourth incarceration, Fariesha discovered art, which opened new worlds of possibility and hope for her. Today, Fariesha is an artist and is enrolled in the diploma in fine arts programme at LaSalle College of the Arts. She uses her creative talent to aid others along in their journey of rehabilitation. Fariesha's artwork was showcased at the Yellow Ribbon Community Art Festival 2026.

Resume Pause 36 mins

CNA938 Rewind - A Letter to Myself: "You are good enough" — Jonathan Pang's journey from prison to law school — and a thriving aquarium business

Jonathan Pang was arrested for drug offences at 21 and served five years behind bars. Jonathan shares how he found the drive to ace his A Level exams in prison, and what motivated him to enrol in law school after his release. Jonathan, who's now 30, is in the midst of completing his law undergraduate degree at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (as of Aug 2026) — while running a thriving fish and aquarium business.

Resume Pause 35 mins