Morning Brief

The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, kicks off its 50th iteration today, with appearances expected from business leaders, academics and world leaders. What can we expect to see out of the Summit, and is the WEF's sustainability push sincere, or just a gimmick?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, kicks off its 50th iteration today, with appearances expected from business leaders, academics and world leaders. What can we expect to see out of the Summit, and is the WEF's sustainability push sincere, or just a gimmick?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

M.A Sivanesan, Under Secretary of the Tax Division for the Ministry of Finance tells us the mechanics of the digital tax and the reasons for its implementation. He also gives us an estimate of the value of the tax to be collected and how many foreign service providers have signed upSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

M.A Sivanesan, Under Secretary of the Tax Division for the Ministry of Finance tells us the mechanics of the digital tax and the reasons for its implementation. He also gives us an estimate of the value of the tax to be collected and how many foreign service providers have signed upSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UMNO has emerged as the winner of Saturday's Kimanis by-election, which saw voter turnout of over 80%, and a winning margin of just over 2,000 votes. Does the blame for Pakatan Harapan's loss fall at the federal or state level? We speak to Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director at the Merdeka Centre, about key issues like the Sabah Temporary Pass, the rural-urban divide, and whether the result in Kimanis signifies the pendulum swinging back to Barisan Nasional. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UMNO has emerged as the winner of Saturday's Kimanis by-election, which saw voter turnout of over 80%, and a winning margin of just over 2,000 votes. Does the blame for Pakatan Harapan's loss fall at the federal or state level? We speak to Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director at the Merdeka Centre, about key issues like the Sabah Temporary Pass, the rural-urban divide, and whether the result in Kimanis signifies the pendulum swinging back to Barisan Nasional. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad launched the 5G Malaysia Demonstration Project in Langkawi over the weekend and announced that Malaysia is expected to roll out 5G technology in 3Q 2020. Separately, the Securities Commission launched Guidelines on Digital Assets which allows companies to raise up to RM100 million through initial exchange offerings (IEOs). How is this different from initial coin offerings (ICOs)?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tesco UK tries to sell its 2000 outlets in Malaysia and Thailand but faces regulatory hurdles as there questions of monopoly from the Thai Fair Trade Commission. Charles Allen, Global Retail Research Analyst from Bloomberg Intelligence tells us what the issues are for this sale and also what are the challenges for the supermarket landscape in the UK.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tesco UK tries to sell its 2000 outlets in Malaysia and Thailand but faces regulatory hurdles as there questions of monopoly from the Thai Fair Trade Commission. Charles Allen, Global Retail Research Analyst from Bloomberg Intelligence tells us what the issues are for this sale and also what are the challenges for the supermarket landscape in the UK.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A precursor to the long-awaited media council has come into being- a pro-tem committee set up by the government to study issues including the council's objectives, constitution and membership, and code of conduct. For more insight into the process, we spoke to Gayathry Venkiteswaran, Assistant Professor of Media and Communications at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A precursor to the long-awaited media council has come into being- a pro-tem committee set up by the government to study issues including the council's objectives, constitution and membership, and code of conduct. For more insight into the process, we spoke to Gayathry Venkiteswaran, Assistant Professor of Media and Communications at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blackrock the world largest asset manager with USD7 trillion funds under management has announced that its actively managed funds would shift towards sustainable investing. So we asked, Shaheen Contractor, ESG Research Analyst, at Bloomberg Intelligence if there is pressure for other funds to follow Blackrock and if such a move is sufficient to silent the environmental activists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Blackrock the world largest asset manager with USD7 trillion funds under management has announced that its actively managed funds would shift towards sustainable investing. So we asked, Shaheen Contractor, ESG Research Analyst, at Bloomberg Intelligence if there is pressure for other funds to follow Blackrock and if such a move is sufficient to silent the environmental activists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:43 - Bloomberg sources say that Khazanah and Telenor have revived talks on a potential Axiata-Telenor merger, which fell through originally in September last year. 05:25 - The Cabinet has decided it will not sell PLUS Malaysia- but rather, present tolls will be reduced by 18%, and the toll concession will run for an extra 20 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:43 - Bloomberg sources say that Khazanah and Telenor have revived talks on a potential Axiata-Telenor merger, which fell through originally in September last year. 05:25 - The Cabinet has decided it will not sell PLUS Malaysia- but rather, present tolls will be reduced by 18%, and the toll concession will run for an extra 20 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A resurgent Ringgit and an overvalued Dollar is either a godsend or a nightmare, depending on who you talk to. Meanwhile, what will Brexit mean for the Sterling? Saktiandi Supaat, Head of FX Research and Strategy, Global Markets, Maybank Group might have some answers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A resurgent Ringgit and an overvalued Dollar is either a godsend or a nightmare, depending on who you talk to. Meanwhile, what will Brexit mean for the Sterling? Saktiandi Supaat, Head of FX Research and Strategy, Global Markets, Maybank Group might have some answers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s auto sector has grown anaemically (read: 1%) last and probably this year. Policy direction and a long-delayed National Auto Policy will prove crucial to the sector in 2020, as will an improvement in sentiment. Vivek Vaidya, Associate Partner and Senior Vice President of Mobility, Frost & Sullivan, discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s auto sector has grown anaemically (read: 1%) last and probably this year. Policy direction and a long-delayed National Auto Policy will prove crucial to the sector in 2020, as will an improvement in sentiment. Vivek Vaidya, Associate Partner and Senior Vice President of Mobility, Frost & Sullivan, discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two weeks into the new year, and with a ink still wet on a phase one trade deal, what will be in store for equity markets? To discuss this, we speak to Peter Berezin, Chief Global Investment Strategist at BCA Research, about what are the catalysts and risks to equities that we need to watch out for, as well as his thoughts on emerging markets like ASEAN.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two weeks into the new year, and with a ink still wet on a phase one trade deal, what will be in store for equity markets? To discuss this, we speak to Peter Berezin, Chief Global Investment Strategist at BCA Research, about what are the catalysts and risks to equities that we need to watch out for, as well as his thoughts on emerging markets like ASEAN.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To sell or not to sell PLUS? 00:30 - According to a source report from the Edge, the Cabinet has made the final decision not to sell PLUS Malaysia- which, if true, raises questions over whether we will see a freeze in toll hikes along the PLUS Highway. 06:38 - The Securities Commission Malaysia has released its Guidelines on Digital Assets, outlining the framework for digital token offerings in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To sell or not to sell PLUS? 00:30 - According to a source report from the Edge, the Cabinet has made the final decision not to sell PLUS Malaysia- which, if true, raises questions over whether we will see a freeze in toll hikes along the PLUS Highway. 06:38 - The Securities Commission Malaysia has released its Guidelines on Digital Assets, outlining the framework for digital token offerings in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Capri Cafaro, Executive in Residence at the American University explains the difference between a primary and caucus and why the Iowa is important as it sets the trend and builds momentum till the run up to the Presidential elections in November. She also tells us that the 4 main democratic candidates are very different and weighs in who might actually represent the party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The very intention of tech is to disrupt. So are "digital banks" an oxymoron since the role of the regulators is also to maintain the stability of the banking system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The very intention of tech is to disrupt. So are "digital banks" an oxymoron since the role of the regulators is also to maintain the stability of the banking system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transparent and accountable policy frameworks are a better route than golden shares for the government to exert control over corporations. Golden shares open the door to opaque, behind the scene dealings. On that note, the policy signals from the buying (or selling?) of toll roads have not been clear.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a lot of buzz around plant-based meat. We speak with Rebecca Scheuneman, Equity Analyst at Morningstar on her outlook for the industry and Beyond Meat and whether the stock is over-valued.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a lot of buzz around plant-based meat. We speak with Rebecca Scheuneman, Equity Analyst at Morningstar on her outlook for the industry and Beyond Meat and whether the stock is over-valued.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As more and more people turn to the gig economy for extra cash, or even a full time job, the question is: what social protections do they have? Following a recent report surveying gig economy workers published by research organisation, The Centre, we speak to Nell Omar, Research Director at The Centre, about their survey results and policy recommendations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As more and more people turn to the gig economy for extra cash, or even a full time job, the question is: what social protections do they have? Following a recent report surveying gig economy workers published by research organisation, The Centre, we speak to Nell Omar, Research Director at The Centre, about their survey results and policy recommendations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02.27 - Reuters has reported that the Indian government was privately urging refiners and traders to boycott Malaysia’s palm oil. 05.22 - Bursa has kicked off a round of public consultation on the reporting framework that is currently requires companies to report their results every quarter. Is half yearly reporting the better option for corporate Malaysia?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are cars getting cheaper or more expensive? 0.19 - Malaysia awaits for the unveiling of the National Auto Policy that has been delayed to find out if car prices are going up or down with confusing news reports. 5.22 - Going cashless is increasing common especially with the Government's e-tunai initiatives but Finance minister is aware that not everyone has adopted this disruption including himself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are cars getting cheaper or more expensive? 0:19 - Malaysia awaits for the unveiling of the National Auto Policy that has been delayed to find out if car prices are going up or down with confusing news reports. 5:22 - Going cashless is increasing common especially with the Government's e-tunai initiatives but Finance minister is aware that not everyone has adopted this disruption including himself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya has announced, it is targeting tax collections of RM155 billion in 2020, a 5% increase from 2019. For more insight, we speak to Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, Chairman of AxcelAsia and President of the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants, about how achievable these targets are, as well as the IRB's new 'softer and friendlier' collection approach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya has announced, it is targeting tax collections of RM155 billion in 2020, a 5% increase from 2019. For more insight, we speak to Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, Chairman of AxcelAsia and President of the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants, about how achievable these targets are, as well as the IRB's new 'softer and friendlier' collection approach.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1:00 - Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-Wen has won herself a second four-year term, as the Taiwanese people reject China's one country, two systems policy. 07:28 - China has recorded its first death from pneumonia, during a mysterious viral outbreak in Wuhan city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the key revelations from the recent release of 9 audio recordings by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, was that senior officials in the Attorney-General's Chambers appeared to be complicit in covering up corruption allegations against ex-Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. This has since raised questions about the power of the PM to appoint people to these key independent posts. For more, we speak to Professor Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmood, Professor of Law at the International Islamic University of Malaysia, about the consolidation of these powers in one person, accountability, and the legality of MACC's decision to release the recordings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the key revelations from the recent release of 9 audio recordings by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, was that senior officials in the Attorney-General's Chambers appeared to be complicit in covering up corruption allegations against ex-Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. This has since raised questions about the power of the PM to appoint people to these key independent posts. For more, we speak to Professor Nik Ahmad Kamal Nik Mahmood, Professor of Law at the International Islamic University of Malaysia, about the consolidation of these powers in one person, accountability, and the legality of MACC's decision to release the recordings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:38 - The Finance Ministry has announced, the government has achieved its fiscal deficit target of 3.4% of the GDP, and collected RM28 billion in SST revenue. 07:07 - In transport-related news, Minister Anthony Loke says the government is targeting for commuters to save about RM100 million in public transport costs, with the expansion of the My100 pass iniative.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:38 - The Finance Ministry has announced, the government has achieved its fiscal deficit target of 3.4% of the GDP, and collected RM28 billion in SST revenue. 07:07 - In transport-related news, Minister Anthony Loke says the government is targeting for commuters to save about RM100 million in public transport costs, with the expansion of the My100 pass iniative.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest consumer electronics expo is happening right now in Las Vegas and we hear from BFM89.9's very own Jeff Sandhu, on what he's seeing over there on the ground.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Housing and Local Government is planning to mould Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia (PR1MA)into a national housing corporation to ensure a centralised and standardised housing industry for easy monitoring and enforcement, among others. We get Carmelo's thoughts on this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Housing and Local Government is planning to mould Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia (PR1MA)into a national housing corporation to ensure a centralised and standardised housing industry for easy monitoring and enforcement, among others. We get Carmelo's thoughts on this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maria Lapiz, Head of Institutional Research at Maybank Kim Eng Thailand tells us her expectations of the Thai Equity Market for 2020 after a disappointing 2019. She explains the rationale for her top picks and why the market will be better but 2020 will not be a year to be overly optimistic either.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Taiwan set to hold presidential and legislative elections on Saturday, President Tsai Ing-Wen is expected to win a second four-year term. But who are the other candidates in this election, and what are some of the main issues that will influence voters? We speak to Professor Steve Tsang, Director of SOAS China Institute at SOAS, the University of London, for more insight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Taiwan set to hold presidential and legislative elections on Saturday, President Tsai Ing-Wen is expected to win a second four-year term. But who are the other candidates in this election, and what are some of the main issues that will influence voters? We speak to Professor Steve Tsang, Director of SOAS China Institute at SOAS, the University of London, for more insight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission have released 9 audio recordings featuring phone conversations between Datuk Seri Najib Razak and various high-profile individuals linked to the 1MDB scandal. We go through some of the key revelations from the 45-minute long recordings, and get insight from P. Gunasegaram, Editor-in-Chief of Focus Malaysia about the independence of our enforcement agencies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission have released 9 audio recordings featuring phone conversations between Datuk Seri Najib Razak and various high-profile individuals linked to the 1MDB scandal. We go through some of the key revelations from the 45-minute long recordings, and get insight from P. Gunasegaram, Editor-in-Chief of Focus Malaysia about the independence of our enforcement agencies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin announced plans to mould PR1MA into a national housing corporation. Such an organisation is caught between a rock and a hard place as it needs to resolve the conflicting aims of social housing with the commercial realities of making enough money for it to be self-funding. The problem is that a self-funding property venture may need to sell homes at market prices, the very thing that drives homes out of the reach of many. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.