Morning Brief

Tommy Xie, Head of Greater China Research at OCBC Bank in Singapore tells us the impact the shutdown of provinces and cities in China has on the broader economy. He says that the pace of the rebound will depend on how soon the virus peaks but nonetheless the government will be be pursuing both monetary and fiscal measures to boost the economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Voting is underway at the Iowa caucuses, with all eyes on the Democratic race to see who will come out with the momentum to carry them through the election season. To shed some light on what's happening, we speak to Professor Robert Shapiro, Professor of Government at Columbia University, about who might win the caucus, and what we can expect from the race going forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad is planning to revoke contracts, approved permits (APs) and licences re-sold to third parties. APs cover a wide range of goods, not just cars. G25 member and former Secretary-General at the Ministry of Finance, Tan Sri Sheriff Kassim, thinks all APs should be reviewed as they are misused and is a form of tariff, which have increases the cost of imports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Executive Chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes will relinquish their executive positions and become non-independent, non-executive board members of AirAsia for two months. Dr Muhammad Mohan, President of Transparency International Malaysia weighs in on what else AirAsia should do amidst graft allegations involving executives related to AirAsia and Airbus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Executive Chairman Datuk Kamarudin Meranun and CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes will relinquish their executive positions and become non-independent, non-executive board members of AirAsia for two months. Dr Muhammad Mohan, President of Transparency International Malaysia weighs in on what else AirAsia should do amidst graft allegations involving executives related to AirAsia and Airbus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister and acting Education Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has revived the possibility of teaching Science and Maths in English, to mixed responses. For some initial thoughts and comparisons to previous English-medium policies in the past, we got in touch with Harry Tan, Secretary-General of the National Union of the Teaching Profession, for some of the main considerations if the government wants to make this new measure succeed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister and acting Education Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has revived the possibility of teaching Science and Maths in English, to mixed responses. For some initial thoughts and comparisons to previous English-medium policies in the past, we got in touch with Harry Tan, Secretary-General of the National Union of the Teaching Profession, for some of the main considerations if the government wants to make this new measure succeed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a long-running bribery campaign, Airbus SE used their $300 million annual budget to illegally sway government officials and other decision makers on airplane sales. The UK court document names Air Asia Group and AirAsia X where officials were allegedly bribed with US$50 million to secure lucrative contracts to supply aircraft . The funds were supposedly used to sponsor an unnamed sports team jointly owned by two individuals identified as AirAsia Executive 1 and AirAsia Executive 2.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a long-running bribery campaign, Airbus SE used their $300 million annual budget to illegally sway government officials and other decision makers on airplane sales. The UK court document names Air Asia Group and AirAsia X where officials were allegedly bribed with US$50 million to secure lucrative contracts to supply aircraft . The funds were supposedly used to sponsor an unnamed sports team jointly owned by two individuals identified as AirAsia Executive 1 and AirAsia Executive 2.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently a survey came out from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute that showed a majority of respondents from 7 out of 10 ASEAN countries preferred China over the US. Dr Tang Siew Mun, Head, ASEAN Studies Centre of ISEAS breaks down the findings of the survey but reminds the necessity for Asean to be a united block while weighing in on consequences of China's dominance in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently a survey came out from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute that showed a majority of respondents from 7 out of 10 ASEAN countries preferred China over the US. Dr Tang Siew Mun, Head, ASEAN Studies Centre of ISEAS breaks down the findings of the survey but reminds the necessity for Asean to be a united block while weighing in on consequences of China's dominance in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bersatu was established back in 2016, but are only holding their first elections 4 years later in 2020. We ask Amir why this is so, what he's paying attention to and whether he sees any cracks in Bersatu's party unity leading up to the party polls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bersatu was established back in 2016, but are only holding their first elections 4 years later in 2020. We ask Amir why this is so, what he's paying attention to and whether he sees any cracks in Bersatu's party unity leading up to the party polls.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wuhan virus has cast a shadow on the prospects on the growth on Asean economies. We speak to Lee Ju Ye, Economist at Maybank Kim Eng in Singapore to find out which country is most vulnerable and the significance of the Chinese economy to the global economy versus 2003 when there was the SARS epidemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Wuhan virus has cast a shadow on the prospects on the growth on Asean economies. We speak to Lee Ju Ye, Economist at Maybank Kim Eng in Singapore to find out which country is most vulnerable and the significance of the Chinese economy to the global economy versus 2003 when there was the SARS epidemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In light of Federal Territories Day tomorrow, we take a look at some of the issues and challenges facing Members of Parliament in our closest Federal Territory: Kuala Lumpur. To do that, we speak to Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, MP for Setiawangsa, about whether MPs have enough tools to serve their constituents, local council elections, as well as his wishlist as a KL MP.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In light of Federal Territories Day tomorrow, we take a look at some of the issues and challenges facing Members of Parliaent in our closest Federal Territory: Kuala Lumpur. To do that, we speak to Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, MP for Setiawangsa, about whether MPs have enough tools to serve their constituents, local council elections, as well as his wishlist as a KL MP.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global Value Chains (GVCs) offer huge opportunities for economic growth and human development. However, they have been on the wane in recent years. Malaysia, a keen participant in GVCs, is an underachiever, its growth tempered by a social agenda. Aaditya Mattoo, Chief Economist for the East Asia and Pacific, World Bank, discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big technology stocks continue to rally in 2020 after a strong showing in 2019. We speak to Daniel Ives, Managing Director for Equities Research at Wedbush Securities who gives us his views on the results of Apple, Microsoft and Tesla which all beat street expectations and why he remains a big bull on these names See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big technology stocks continue to rally in 2020 after a strong showing in 2019. We speak to Daniel Ives, Managing Director for Equities Research at Wedbush Securities who gives us his views on the results of Apple, Microsoft and Tesla which all beat street expectations and why he remains a big bull on these names See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism and travel sectors are among those which have been hit hardest by the outbreak of the Wuhan coronavirus in China. Here in Malaysia, this has not deterred the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, who are maintaining their arrival targets for Visit Malaysia 2020 at 30 million visitors- 3.5 million of them expected to come from China. To get a better idea of how this has hit industry players on the ground, we speak to Yap Lip Seng, CEO of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, about which states will see the biggest impact from the China travel restrictions, and whether or not the government's target is feasible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism and travel sectors are among those which have been hit hardest by the outbreak of the Wuhan coronavirus in China. Here in Malaysia, this has not deterred the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, who are maintaining their arrival targets for Visit Malaysia 2020 at 30 million visitors- 3.5 million of them expected to come from China. To get a better idea of how this has hit industry players on the ground, we speak to Yap Lip Seng, CEO of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, about which states will see the biggest impact from the China travel restrictions, and whether or not the government's target is feasible.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proton wants to raise overseas sales by at least four-fold this year, helped by annual new model launches and the strength of its parent, China-based Geely. But can its brand equity, after-sales service network and quality stand up to scrutiny? The Morning Run crew discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proton wants to raise overseas sales by at least four-fold this year, helped by annual new model launches and the strength of its parent, China-based Geely. But can its brand equity, after-sales service network and quality stand up to scrutiny? The Morning Run crew discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two weeks ago, five Indonesian fishermen were abducted off the coast of Sabah, by kidnappers linked to Abu Sayyaf. In the aftermath, questions arose over Malaysia's response, and whether or not the Defence Ministry has been able to strengthen the Trilateral Cooperation Agreement, between Malaysia Indonesia and the Philippines. So, for a clearer picture of the dynamics at play, we spoke to Dr Asyura Salleh, an independent consultant specializing in Maritime Security Affairs, about the threat level of piracy in regional waters, and what the TCA does to address that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two weeks ago, five Indonesian fishermen were abducted off the coast of Sabah, by kidnappers linked to Abu Sayyaf. In the aftermath, questions arose over Malaysia's response, and whether or not the Defence Ministry has been able to strengthen the Trilateral Cooperation Agreement, between Malaysia Indonesia and the Philippines. So, for a clearer picture of the dynamics at play, we spoke to Dr Asyura Salleh, an independent consultant specializing in Maritime Security Affairs, about the threat level of piracy in regional waters, and what the TCA does to address that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's GDP growth will be cut to 5.9% this year as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. However, this is not a big negative as the economy has restructured to be driven by services compared to when SARS happened back in 2003.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's GDP growth will be cut to 5.9% this year as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. However, this is not a big negative as the economy has restructured to be driven by services compared to when SARS happened back in 2003.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the number of infections close to 6000, it is not surprising that tourism and travel has been impacted by the Wuhan virus. However, as 2020 is Visit Malaysia Year, we ask if the target of 30 million tourist arrivals is still achievable and what plans does the Ministry of Tourism has to counter the expected fall in arrivals and revenue See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the number of infections close to 6000, it is not surprising that tourism and travel has been impacted by the Wuhan virus. However, as 2020 is Visit Malaysia Year, we ask if the target of 30 million tourist arrivals is still achievable and what plans does the Ministry of Tourism has to counter the expected fall in arrivals and revenue See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia is expected to issue up to five digital bank licenses, and non-bank entities such as Grab, Razer and AirAsia are reportedly interested in bidding for them. We speak with Tamma Febrian, Associate Director for Financial Institutions, Fitch Ratings, on how the banking landscape may change with new entrants coming into the market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia is expected to issue up to five digital bank licenses, and non-bank entities such as Grab, Razer and AirAsia are reportedly interested in bidding for them. We speak with Tamma Febrian, Associate Director for Financial Institutions, Fitch Ratings, on how the banking landscape may change with new entrants coming into the market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month, west African nation the Gambia brought a genocide case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice. In new developments, the ICJ has now ruled that Myanmar must stop alleged genocidal acts against Rohingya Muslims, and preserve evidence of previous possible crimes by the country's military, ahead of further investigation. To discuss the implications of this new ruling, we speak to Hunter Marston, PhD candidate and Researcher at the Australian National University, about how binding this decision is, and what we can expect Myanmar to do about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Suresh Kumar Chidambaram, Consultant Infectious Disease Physician, Sungai Buloh Hospital gives us an update on the Wuhan Coronavirus which has killed 82 people in China and infected close to 3000 people round the world with 5 confirmed cases in Malaysia. He tells us how the hospital is dealing with the virus including the treatment options whilst giving the practical advise to avoid contracting the virus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index 2019 shows Malaysia rising 10 places to 51st out of 180 countries with a score of 53/100 points. To find out more, we spoke to Dr Muhammad Mohan, President of Transparency International Malaysia, about areas of concern, the disconnect between public perception and the CPI, and what he thinks the government should prioritise going forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With nearly 800 people diagnosed with the mysterious coronavirus sweeping the cities of Wuhan and Huanggang in China, the WHO has determined that the outbreak is an emergency- within China, not on an international scale. So for some insight into the policy responses being carried out, we spoke to Dr Ying-ru Lo, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore, about the responses from China and other countries in the region, as well as the policy lessons learned from the SARS apidemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With nearly 800 people diagnosed with the mysterious coronavirus sweeping the cities of Wuhan and Huanggang in China, the WHO has determined that the outbreak is an emergency- within China, not on an international scale. So for some insight into the policy responses being carried out, we spoke to Dr Ying-ru Lo, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, and Singapore, about the responses from China and other countries in the region, as well as the policy lessons learned from the SARS apidemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the restructuring of auto duty rates on 31 December 2019, the expected impact from the new formula for duty rates on completely-knocked-down (CKD) vehicles will be absorbed by the government for 2020. That said, the new formula could see prices increase as much as 15-20% when fully impacted. So will Malaysians purchase cars in advance to avoid possible price increases in 2020?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While most economists expected a 25 bps cut this quarter, few expected this insurance cut to arrive so soon. We speak to Julia Goh of UOB Malaysia about why BNM made the decision to cut rates and whether she sees signs of a turnaround in the Malaysian economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While most economists expected a 25 bps cut this quarter, few expected this insurance cut to arrive so soon. We speak to Julia Goh of UOB Malaysia about why BNM made the decision to cut rates and whether she sees signs of a turnaround in the Malaysian economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum is in full swing in Davos, Switzerland with sustainability and “stakeholder capitalism” are among the big themes this year. But do the discussions there actually have a tangible effect, or is it a lot of hot air? Chandran describes the scene on the ground there and shares his thoughts on the forum, including whether it's still relevant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum is in full swing in Davos, Switzerland with sustainability and “stakeholder capitalism” are among the big themes this year. But do the discussions there actually have a tangible effect, or is it a lot of hot air? Chandran describes the scene on the ground there and shares his thoughts on the forum, including whether it's still relevant.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is quite the mall-obsessed nation, and we're soon about to see several more shopping complexes come on the scene despite the fact that consumers are increasingly shifting towards online shopping. We speak to Murli Menon for insights on why exactly there is an oversupply in mall space as well as what differentiates the malls that succeed from the ones that flop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is quite the mall-obsessed nation, and we're soon about to see several more shopping complexes come on the scene despite the fact that consumers are increasingly shifting towards online shopping. We speak to Murli Menon for insights on why exactly there is an oversupply in mall space as well as what differentiates the malls that succeed from the ones that flop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday, Yang di-Pertuan Besar Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir proclaimed Seremban as a city and opened the Seremban City Council. This is a merger of the Seremban and Nilai Municipal Councils, and began operations on 1 January. We talk to Mustapha Kamal Zulkarnain, urban planner and founder of Arkitek Mustapha Kamal on what makes a city and what are the benefits of becoming oneSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With US equity markets hitting all time high's, we speak to Grant Bowers, Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Franklin Templeton to find out if the market will continue to rally in 2020. He also weighs in on the broader US economy and if there is a possibility of a recession since risks still remain with on-going trade tensions and Presidential elections in NovemberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With US equity markets hitting all time high's, we speak to Grant Bowers, Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Franklin Equity Group to find out if the market will continue to rally in 2020. He also weighs in on the broader US economy and if there is a possibility of a recession since risks still remain with on-going trade tensions and Presidential elections in NovemberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hemorrhage Affects Malaysia Airlines Valuation. The nation finally tries to figure out how to stem the bleeding at Malaysian Airlines but the fair valuation will probably be affected by generations of mismanagement. While Khazanah might not have much choice but to concede, the other question is who is calling the shots for the sale epitomising the current state of affairs. 7:07 - Country Garden Layoffs: Overhang Casualty or Too Ambitious? Country Garden has laid of close to 400 staff since December. This is sizable given they had over 1,300 employees. With the Forest City Development GDV of RM450b compared to the property overhang value of RM20b, was this an accident waiting to happen? There's also the question of whether they reported the layoffs to the Labour DepartmentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, the government has made increasing labour income share one of the benchmarks to tackle inequality by increasing compensation of employees from 35% to 48% of GDP. However Christopher Choong, Deputy Director of Research at Khazanah Research Institute says that this might be the wrong approach in tackling income inequality as it may create jobs but the wrong kind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, the government has made increasing labour income share one of the benchmarks to tackle inequality by increasing compensation of employees from 35% to 48% of GDP. However Christopher Choong, Deputy Director of Research at Khazanah Research Institute says that this might be the wrong approach in tackling income inequality as it may create jobs but the wrong kind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.