Former Minister George Yeo on working with the Pope to reform the Vatican | Help Desk

[@funkquest00]

Mr Yeo is the ultimate Gentleman and Intellectual - Despite the unfortunately superficial questions the panel asked (Are you tempted to steal the Pope's ring?! Did you ask the Pope if you could have a taste of his Orange Juice?! How do you deal with a micromanaging boss?!), Mr Yeo managed to turn each around by providing an immensely deep, thoughtful and reflective response, generously sharing the depth and breadth of his life experiences and interactions with people across the spectrum of society and geography. Of course, this was supposed to be a casual, light-hearted conversation - One does not expect profound, ground-breaking journalism from Mothership. Still, this was such a wasted opportunity to ask better researched and thought-out questions about Mr Yeo's thoughts on topics such as leadership, Catholicism and the role of religion in today's fractured world. One gets the sense that the panel did not read up sufficiently about their interviewee. For example the question about "transitioning from working for a leader of a country to a leader of a religion" - No such "transition" existed. He left politics in 2011 and was appointed in 2014. Since 2011, his main jobs have been in the private sector such as the Kuok/Kerry group, and serving on boards such as Creative and OSIM. Mr Yeo just literally told you that he does not work for the Pope per se?! (He's part of a Papal commission giving recommendations to the Holy See.) The interviewer is obviously oblivious to his career before politics in the military, rising to the rank of General, and after politics, including his role in many other volunteer capacities - Mr Yeo responded to her ignorance so tactfully and respectfully. It is also cray that she thought Mr Yeo was talking about "people watching", when really his point was to gain a greater understanding of the history, culture and beliefs of the peoples of a place as you travel. I can also guarantee Mothership that we did not watch this to find out more about each panel member's travel plans. You might want to start at other interview channels, such as the Daily Ketchup, whose questions are infinitely better researched and more relevant to the person being interviewed. Such a superficial, immensely disappointing interview, ultimately saved by the wisdom, humour and candour of Mr Yeo, who never fails to impress and surprise.

[@jbrkjferkjbekjb]

Hmm I find your response quite strange and I cannot disagree more. Firstly I think the panel successfully managed to create an atmosphere for Mr Yeo to open up - if you watch his other interviews you would see that he is usually a guarded person. Part of breaking the ice is to ask simpler questions at the start, and to use some light humour along the way. This interview is meant to be more light-hearted for Mr Yeo to give advice for young people as a mentor of sorts, if you want to know his analysis about religion, politics, etc, go watch one of his formal interviews in the numerous international forums instead. Secondly, your gripes about "transitioning", "people-watching", etc., are all attempts to debate at semantics... Mr Yeo himself talked about observing people in the country to gain deeper insights into the culture, etc, I dont think the interviewers misunderstood that and his message was not lost. There is no point going through his entire career history in a relatively short podcast when you can find such information easily elsewhere. The "transition" is technically not wrong as Mr Yeo worked with the Vatican after his political career, and this podcast is made in light of the Pope's upcoming visit hence the increased emphasis on his work with the Vatican. There is no point veering off to his career with the Kuok/Kerry Group. I actually really like this episode and I'm glad the interviewers focussed on a few things to discuss deeply upon instead of trying to cover everything he has done in his career (which I reiterate you can find easily in other interviews or his books). It's probably the only interview Mr Yeo has ever done in which he provides career advice to young people, and I've learnt so much in terms of how he assesses people and a country, manages himself as a subordinate, leader, etc., the soft skills instead of academic smarts which he is already well-known for.

[@thewatcher4896]

This happens when u get kiddos to do interview like these.

[@cht7564]

@@thewatcher4896 Mr Yeo deserves better calibre of hosts and why do they have to keep nodding and nodding at everything he says. Very distracting.

[@charleschin6497]

they just joking to cheer things up, why jokes can be seen so serious?

[@nolanross2665]

George Yeo is as always, engaging, knowledgable, authentic. aiyoh hosts, thank you but I hope this is a good experience for better future interviews

[@ownthegame3]

the questions and comments from the hosts may not be good but the responses were profound and very good he was also friendly and easygoing with the questions and comments; like comparing the Pope to Taylor Swift

[@hocf2480]

❤God bless u Mr Yeo.

[@andrewipjowa]

George Yeo is too good for these hosts

[@LDKit]

Yeo George refused to disappear from the scene of Singapore. From participating as speakers offering his insightful political past of what he did as Senior Civil Servant (amusing many business man and professionals) and getting angry at the Singaporeans who developing a taste of work from home. I think a proper and humble term should be "Volunteered" to "suggest" improvements to existing practices. Vatican , an organization with great wealth and assets does not fall short of avail of consultant's to any desire of path of inner transformation or corporate changes. They have many famous well known Catholics who will respond instantly to the call of sacred duties by Vatican. Perhaps the Vatican last thing on their agenda is to listen to any of " the Reformer" deeply and seriously. AKA a ordinary Sinner who is not related to form of priesthood or Walk in the path of righteousness .

[@ths3100]

Great interviewee but a rather immature panel of interviewers with poor quality questions.

[@robingng]

The Pope will not be in Singapore until 11 Sep! Strange how the presenter couldn't get it right!

[@kennySg101]

Very deep and philosophical interview. Interviewers perhaps probed a little too deep for an average viewer. George is well versed in all religions, not sure interviewers can comprehend him by going so deep.

[@simonsimon2888]

Flashed back to the downfall of Marcos, Singapore for nothing becomes 'highly jittery' and the Catholics here were targetted with 'a severe warning'. How many youngsters today remember this 'unfortunate incident'. No wonder, it is 'a koyak' society today!

[@cmchoo2]

Buddhas are human beings, and there are many Buddhas throughout history. The most recent Buddha in Chinese history, Huineng, was born on February 27, 638. Buddhism, specifically Zen, is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism that originated in China during the Tang dynasty as the Chan school. Unlike deities, Buddhas do not reside in the heavens, nor are they gods. In contrast, Catholics believe in one God, while historically, some Chinese leaders claimed to represent a divine authority. George Yeo appears to have misunderstood this distinction.

[@awequayzngs1780]

The present Catholic hierarchy denominationalism is the 1st organisation turning from papal Catholism to pagan catholism.

[@zrw2820]

Like... Like... Like...

[@tanemily9604]

Superficial questions and the background music is jarring. Below average video

[@johnchen6310]

That RedBull Zero is not good for the tummy...

[@graceleow7214]

The word 'like' used too loosely by the interviewers

[@dianamark5149]

That's how SG young speak😢

[@michaelseet9320]

2.57 😂 intro 😢

[@cckave3]

isnt he the 1st MP n Minister to lose an entire GRC?

[@teeteetuu94]

Yes, and also became a CCP shill. I'd definitely question his loyalty.

[@skysky1977]

@@teeteetuu94 Yes, i respect him a lot and he is an intelligent man but after he lost his MP seat, I'm not sure if its for a living, he starts to become very pro-CCP , giving out presentations and speeches , protraying an impression that western countries are trying to curb the rise of china. In reality, its the CCP behaviour that is causing the anti-china sentiments. I hope he can be more neutral.

[@benghuatho8830]

⁠@@skysky1977that is your point of view which may be also perceived as bias and unsubstantiated. George Yeo always supports his viewpoints with background and reasons. You may disagree but you should backed up your view with good reasons. Also why is it negative to be pro China. It is a fact that the West is trying to curb the rise of China. Biden admits it openly that the US is not going to allow China to be No 1.

[@LawrenceWank001]

Priest, don't molest me. Lust is a sin.

[@apollyondeath491]

We have to go through so much trouble just for a church that has nothing to do with us to come to Singapore. Can he help Singaporean driving to Malaysia without three quarters full in our fuel tank ?

[@skysky1977]

Probably nothing to do with u, but meant a lot for some of the other singaporeans.

[@apollyondeath491]

@@skysky1977 I was born and raised in Singapore and all my friends think the same as me

[@anziar3038]

First-world PAP.❤

[@Abraham-uk4xy]

I want to laugh. Despite his advice and his efforts the Vatican has not transformed. He is trying to claim too much credit.

[@simroysten7963]

There are too many secrets in the Vatican. The current Pope is not the same person. Look carefully and compare.

[@WolfensteinUlrich]

@@simroysten7963 And his signet ring is a listening device. He obviously has spies huh. And, he knows most SG Chinese are freethinkers, Buddhists etc and he wanted to subvert us huh. Chiang Kai Shek went to church to make money.

[@jolin7911]

Too much likes

[@AndyTeo-ng1je]

Maybe Former Ministry of Foreign affairs M.P'S Ministerial George Yeo May visiting The Vatican city,ROME, ITALY for so unbelievably Many more times with Italian sausage with Red wine and wonderful white wine with more fruitful taste meetings with all deserve's Rosaries to have Being bought for George Yeo's Family insure of his wonderful George Yeo's health if POPE Francis is coming to Singapore Sooner for POPE Francis Secrets😀😀❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷😂!mothership and The Online Citizen!

[@peterfam-v3u]

I don think he's a good Catholic.

[@alvinlim7364]

Like you, my views are irrelevant and insignificant. I don’t think your thoughts are correct.

[@Trinotrix]

He is using a broad brush. Like the frog in the well.​@@alvinlim7364

[@rebootrebootreboot]

I'm not defending George Yeo. But unless one has the ability to read deep into the hearts of any believers (not Catholic alone), it's beyond anyone's competence to make this kind of opinion, criticism or judgement.

[@guillermojoaquinbello448]

It must be an honour to work with a communist Pope. 🤣🤣🤣🤣