Zat Astha, Author at RICE

I never knew I wanted to be a writer until I became a writer. Yes, sure, videos and TikTok are very 2021, but literature published online stays online forever. The evergreen-ness of that both fascinates and scares me.

24 Articles

A Malaysian and a Singaporean Discuss Rosmah Mansor, Tiaras, and Caramel Macchiato

A Malaysian and a Singaporean Discuss Rosmah Mansor, Tiaras, and Caramel Macchiato

Two news editors speak candidly on the fall of Rosmah and Najib, the husband-and-wife criminal duo whose crimes sound too heinous and absurd to be true.

by Zat Astha

September 7, 2022

Could We Have Helped Joseph Schooling Better Cope With His Circumstances?

Could We Have Helped Joseph Schooling Better Cope With His Circumstances?

On the back of a string of personal setbacks and a change in environment, perhaps Joseph Schooling’s misstep is not a consequence but a cry for help.

by Zat Astha

August 31, 2022

Government & Policy

Section 377A No More — a New Reality and Recovery Begins

Section 377A No More — a New Reality and Recovery Begins

Out with the old, in with the inclusive.

by Zat Astha

August 21, 2022

Sex & Gender

For These OG Attendees, Pink Dot Will Always Be Special — and Relevant

For These OG Attendees, Pink Dot Will Always Be Special — and Relevant

Three Singaporeans who were there at the first Pink Dot in 2009, walks us down memory lane and shares what the event means to them today, 13 years on.

by Zat Astha

June 17, 2022

Government & Policy

11 Years of Noise Terror: How One Man Holds a Hougang Block Hostage

11 Years of Noise Terror: How One Man Holds a Hougang Block Hostage

This is the story of how Shi-jie gets away with inflicting daily noise on his neighbours for 11 years without so much of a slap on the wrist.

by Zat Astha

May 23, 2022

Religion

In Pictures: What Singapore Muslims Eat For ‘Sahur’ During Ramadhan

In Pictures: What Singapore Muslims Eat For ‘Sahur’ During Ramadhan

Have a look at what some Muslims in Singapore eat during Sahur, an important pre-dawn meal that gives sustenance for a full day of fasting.

by Zat Astha

April 23, 2022

April Note From the Editor: What’s Gender Diversity Without Good HR Practices?

April Note From the Editor: What’s Gender Diversity Without Good HR Practices?

Of course, companies that don't believe in the simplest, most basic tenets of care at work would find gender-diverse hiring too ‘progressive’.

by Zat Astha

April 4, 2022

Covid-19

New Regulations Call For Better Mask-Off Common Sense

New Regulations Call For Better Mask-Off Common Sense

With this new masking regulation, we may have to contend with mask-wearing as a spectrum versus a strict binary of legality.

by Zat Astha

March 28, 2022

Covid-19

March Note from the Editor: #thisismycovidpositive

March Note from the Editor: #thisismycovidpositive

If the government takes its cue from the Covid-positive sensitive citizenry, it's small wonder why they caution against opening up too fast.

by Zat Astha

March 9, 2022

February Note From the Editor: Of Wordle and Stories

February Note From the Editor: Of Wordle and Stories

Perhaps I’m biased given the position I’m in, but I do believe that we’re all always in an endless and constant search for the perfect story.

by Zat Astha

February 1, 2022

Act II: The Rise, Retirement, and Return of Mr Kiasu

Act II: The Rise, Retirement, and Return of Mr Kiasu

Pursuing Mr Kiasu full-time was one of the best decisions Johnny Lau has made, although not without a few bumps in the road.

by Zat Astha

January 26, 2022

January Note From the Editor: Come at Me, 2022 — Bring It.

January Note From the Editor: Come at Me, 2022 — Bring It.

Instead of New Year resolutions, let’s work on a philosophical life mantra for the year to guide us through 2022.

by Zat Astha

December 31, 2021