Listen "#646 ft. Koh Buck Song - Country Brand Ambassador on the Singapore Identity, Soft Power & What Makes Us Unique"
Episode Synopsis
Koh Buck Song, poet, writer, and country brand advisor, has helped shape how the world sees Singapore. He joins us to unpack the essence of what it means to be Singaporean and how we see ourselves. We also discuss how our shared identity as Singaporeans makes us unique. We explore why multiculturalism is our secret sauce, how hawker centres are more than food courts, and what we’re missing when it comes to soul and identity.Our Sponsor - Singapore International Foundation (SIF)This episode was done in partnership with SIF, who brings communities together to share skills, ideas, and solutions to the global challenges of today.As Singapore marks SG60, SIF also celebrates our nation’s rich multicultural heritage, unity and diversity that continues to shape who we are.If you want to find out more about SIF and the work they do, follow them at @siforg (https://www.instagram.com/siforg)(00:00) A Message From SIF(00:55) Intro(01:27) What Is A Country Brand Ambassador?(03:13) SG50 to SG60 Transition(18:42) Cultural Soft Power(19:19) SG's Orchid Diplomacy(22:35) Multiculturalism as Singapore's X Factor(27:25) Brand Identity vs. Reality(34:02) Cultural Investments and Future of Singapore(35:50) Power Dynamics(36:45) Cultural Export and Singapore Brandin(38:41) The Role of Food in Singapore's Identity(41:30) Hard Power vs. Soft Power(54:22) Singapore's National Symbols and Identity(59:13) Singlish as Part of Singapore's Brand(01:06:08) One Shiok ThingOne Shiok ThingWomen's Premier League All-Stars vs Brisbane Roar Match HighlightsScott Parker discusses key decision that has inspired Burnley's promotion bid amid tense Championship battleA Man on the Inside | Official TrailerComment on this episode!Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/YahLahBut/Telegram: https://t.me/YahLahButPodcastFollow us on our socials for the latest newsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yahlahbutIG: https://www.instagram.com/yahlahbut/FB: https://www.facebook.com/yahlahbutpodMics and Headphones from @shureChairs from @ergotunechairEdited and mixed by Tristen Yeak
More episodes of the podcast Yah Lah But
#739: Ong Beng Seng Keeps PR Status Despite Conviction & Indian Tourist Has Meltdown in McDonalds
12/11/2025
#738: Edwin Tong Slams Pritam Singh’s Remark on CNA & Backlash for Bill Gates’ Climate Memo
10/11/2025
#736: 38 Oxley Rd to Become National Monument & Pritam vs Indranee on Noor Deros “Gatecrash”
05/11/2025
#735: ACS Alumni Angered by Association to Scam Syndicate & Cash Rewards for Catching Rats
03/11/2025
#734: Backlash for Twelve Cupcakes’ Abrupt Closure & SM Lee Urges Immigrants Not To Flaunt Wealth
31/10/2025
#733 ft. K Shanmugam: The Debate Around His Ministerial Statement on Race & Religion in Politics
29/10/2025
#732: PM Wong Felt Pain Dropping People For GE & Chendol Stall Owner Fires Back at TikTok Critic
27/10/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.