Morning Brief

Council of Eminent Persons chairman and former Finance Minister, Tun Daim Zainuddin says that Malaysia is far from  reaching the status of a developed country. He targets the education and economy as two areas which need improvement and more effective policies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India's government has announced it will abolish the special status of Muslim-majority state Kashmir, a move accompanied by a communications and media blackout starting Sunday evening. We speak to Ankit Panda, Senior Editor at the Diplomat, about reactions from Pakistan, and possible repercussions stemming from the move.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Chinese yuan breaking 7.00 to the US dollar, this not only sends a risk-off signal to investors but surfaces foreign exchange as having a more pronounced role in trade and beyond. The ringgit looks likely not to be spared and will probably breach 4.20.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kuala Lumpur Roundtable organised by think tank, IDEAS, is putting forward a few key policy suggestions including needs-based affirmative action and reducing the role of GLC. Education has been highlighted as one of the most important policies. They are also happy that the Ministry of Finance isn't going ahead with new taxes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Charnon Boonnuch, South East Asia Economist for Nomura, on how the drought will impact the Thai economy and what policy options are available to the government to counter this despite the rising Thai baht.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - According to an unnamed FMT source, the National Higher Education Fund Corporation, or PTPTN has proposed a new mechanism for its repayment scheme. However the proposal will only erase part of the university student loan debts. This will effectively affect those earning more than RM2000, where deductions would be made from the combined monthly EPF contribution. This will come up to a total of 23 percent of salary. 03:27 - Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik is considering introducing other styles of calligraphy into the school curriculum. This is apart from khat or jawi writing which is a form of Malay-Arabic calligraphy. This addition is scheduled to be implemented next year. The scheduled implementation of khat writing next year has received mixed reactions. 06:38 - The National Union of Teaching Profession (NUTP) has asked for a response from the Education Ministry regarding the proposed abolishment of the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR). The Education Ministry has stayed mum on the subject since its first announcement back in 2016. NUTP’s Secretary-general Harry Tan Huat Hock says there has been no progress on the issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to an unnamed FMT source, the National Higher Education Fund Corporation, or PTPTN has proposed a new mechanism for its repayment scheme. However the proposal will only erase part of the university student loan debts. This will effectively affect those earning more than RM2000, where deductions would be made from the combined monthly EPF contribution. This will come up to a total of 23 percent of salary. 03:27 - Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik is considering introducing other styles of calligraphy into the school curriculum. This is apart from khat or jawi writing which is a form of Malay-Arabic calligraphy. This addition is scheduled to be implemented next year. The scheduled implementation of khat writing next year has received mixed reactions. 06:40 - The National Union of Teaching Profession (NUTP) has asked for a response from the Education Ministry regarding the proposed abolishment of the Ujian Pencapaian Sekolah Rendah (UPSR). The Education Ministry has stayed mum on the subject since its first announcement back in 2016. NUTP’s Secretary-general Harry Tan Huat Hock says there has been no progress on the issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global Bersih has called on the Election Commission to reform Malaysia’s overseas voting system.The NGO came up with some recommendations after studying the challenges faced by overseas voters for the 13th and 14th General Elections. Its proposal is also based on responses from a survey of almost 800 Malaysians living overseas in 248 cities.We speak to Nirmala Devi, the Secretary-General of Global Bersih on how the overseas voting system can also be improved by prolonging the campaign period.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Berkshire Hathaway announced its quarterly results over the weekend with a slight dip in earnings due to lower insurance underwriting but more significantly, the company sits on USD122 billion of cash.  Does Warren Buffet know something we don't by hanging on to cash?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Berkshire Hathaway announced its quarterly results over the weekend with a slight dip in earnings due to lower insurance underwriting but more significantly, the company sits on USD122 billion of cash.  Does Warren Buffet know something we don't by hanging on to cash?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo assured ASEAN members that they need not choose between the US and China, amid what has become an increasingly polarised power struggle in the region. For some insight, we speak to Aaron Connelly, Research Fellow in Southeast Asian Political Change and Foreign Policy with the International Institute for Strategic Studies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, a Chinese warship collided with a Taiwanese freighter. While the bulk carrier was damaged, there were no injuries reported. This incident could raise tensions in a region already rife in tensions 01:35 - We speak to Ridzwan Rahmat, Principal Defence Analyst at Jane's by IHS Markit about this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:26 - PR1MA, has reportedly seen the departure of 100 staff. This coupled with poor financial performances in recent years has raised the question what is the future of Pr1MA. 06:31 - The government is currently expecting a waste disposal plan from Lynas before the company is allowed to build a permanent disposal facility in the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Korea is the world's sixth-largest exporter and the persistent weak global demand and an escalating dispute with Japan is painting an increasingly gloomy picture for Asia's fourth-largest economy. As a result, South Korea's exports tumbled for an eighth straight month in July with exports shrinking 11% in July on-year as shipments to China fell 16% and semiconductor exports sank just over 28%. 00:49 - We speak to Carlos Casanova, Chief Asia Economist with Coface on the economic situation in South Korea as well as some development in Hong Kong as a result of the protest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Korea is the world's sixth-largest exporter and the persistent weak global demand and an escalating dispute with Japan is painting an increasingly gloomy picture for Asia's fourth-largest economy. As a result, South Korea's exports tumbled for an eighth straight month in July with exports shrinking 11% in July on-year as shipments to China fell 16% and semiconductor exports sank just over 28%. We speak to Carlos Casanova, Chief Asia Economist with Coface on the economic situation in South Korea as well as some development in Hong Kong as a result of the protest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

02:06 - We speak to Tan Chow Yin, Partner at Dymon Asia Private Equity as to why there has been an increase in delistings in the region and also the myriad of funding options for companies today versus 20 years ago.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will he or won’t he?  That’s the burning question where political succession to the nation’s highest office is concerned.  Current Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir has said ‘two years and no more’. However,  with infighting at his anointed successor Anwar Ibrahim’s party, PKR, with Deputy President Azmin Ali reaching new heights on an almost daily basis, what seemed like a shoo-in a year ago is quickly becoming a subject of national debate and intrigue. The Morning Crew discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will he or won’t he?  That’s the burning question where political succession to the nation’s highest office is concerned.  Current Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir has said ‘two years and no more’. However,  with infighting at his anointed successor Anwar Ibrahim’s party, PKR, with Deputy President Azmin Ali reaching new heights on an almost daily basis, what seemed like a shoo-in a year ago is quickly becoming a subject of national debate and intrigue. The Morning Crew discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:05 - In local corporate news, RHB has proposed to sell its non-core insurance business, which the Morning Run discuss in the context of the impact to shareholders (read: dividends), as well as the broader insurance industry, with a new player in the field, in the shape of Richard Li’s FWD Takaful. 05:14 - On the Transport front, there are conflicting stories on the government’s takeover of highway concessionaires. With overtones of vested interests and hidden agendas now clouding the picture, the Morning Run team suggest that Lim Guan Eng’s Finance Ministry shed some light on the issueSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's growing raft of security partnerships within ASEAN reflects a move to strengthen its position and influence in the international order. We speak to Prashanth Parameswaran, Global Fellow at the Wilson Center's Asia Program about what China stands to gain, and what role the US has to play in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Democratic field is extremely crowded, ahead of the 2020 US Presidential elections. With 20 candidates still in the running, we speak to Dr. Mitchell McKinney, Professor of Political Communication at the University of Missouri, about the second round of Democratic debates, currently underway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Democratic field is extremely crowded, ahead of the 2020 US Presidential elections. With 20 candidates still in the running, we speak to Dr. Mitchell McKinney, Professor of Political Communication at the University of Missouri, about the second round of Democratic debates, currently underway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bryan Foong has been named as group chief strategy officer for Malaysia Airlines, responsible for strategic priorities and direction. We ask if this appointment is enough to turn around the company after many consecutive years of losses, especially in a tough operating environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has retained its position as 35th in the latest edition of the Global Innovation Index, which measures quality innovation. For more insight, we speak to Bruno Lanvin, Executive Director of Global Indices at INSEAD, who produced the report, about other countries in the region, as well as the global risks to innovation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has retained its position as 35th in the latest edition of the Global Innovation Index, which measures quality innovation. For more insight, we speak to Bruno Lanvin, Executive Director of Global Indices at INSEAD, who produced the report, about other countries in the region, as well as the global risks to innovation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bangkok is set to host the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) this week, amid a slew of issues including North Korea nuclear talks and the Rohingya crisis. To get a better understanding of what we can expect to be achieved at the AMM, we speak to Ben Bland, Director of the Southeast Asia Project at the Lowy Institute in Sydney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Corporations face uncertainty in the UK due to Brexit. But this hasn't stopped strong property investment flows going into the UK. According JLL, this is a function of lack of supply in places like London.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the Malaysia Institute of Economic Research (MIER) clarified they are not investing into ambitious projects, they are helping the government assess projects such as electric vehicles and the Hyperloop. Given past massive failures in Proton and Malaysian Airlines, the government would do well to tread carefully or think more strategically.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the MIER clarified they are not investing into ambitious projects, they are helping the government assess ambitious projects such as electric vehicles and the Hyperloop. Given past massive failures in Proton and Malaysian Airlines, the government would do well to tread carefully or think more strategically.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the Malaysian Economic Symposium held at the Parliament, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been tasked to double down on Pakatan Harapan’s promise to move away from race-based economic policies. During his speech, Anwar Ibrahim said that a new policy would still include affirmative action , but it would involve a needs-based approach instead. For insights on Malaysia’s poverty reduction policies, we speak to Dr Nur Ain Shahrier, Senior Lecturer of Economics at Sunway University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the Malaysian Economic Symposium held at the Parliament, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been tasked to double down on Pakatan Harapan’s promise to move away from race-based economic policies. During his speech, Anwar Ibrahim said that a new policy would still include affirmative action , but it would involve a needs-based approach instead. For insights on Malaysia’s poverty reduction policies, we speak to Dr Nur Ain Shahrier, Senior Lecturer of Economics at Sunway University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Housing and Local Govt (KPKT) plans to set up a property data platform, which integrates past and current information as an attempt to overcome the mismatch and housing glut here.KPKT’s National Housing Department Director-General Jayaselan said the project will materialise over the next 2 years and will include data sharing from EPF and IRB.KPKT Minister Zuraida Kamarudin has said previously that the government is in the midst of creating an integrated property data system.This introduction is expected to accommodate Pakatan Harapan's plan for building one million affordable houses within the next 10 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Housing and Local Govt (KPKT) plans to set up a property data platform, which integrates past and current information as an attempt to overcome the mismatch and housing glut here.KPKT’s National Housing Department Director-General Jayaselan said the project will materialise over the next 2 years and will include data sharing from EPF and IRB.KPKT Minister Zuraida Kamarudin has said previously that the government is in the midst of creating an integrated property data system.This introduction is expected to accommodate Pakatan Harapan's plan for building one million affordable houses within the next 10 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been the eighth straight weekend of unrest in Hong Kong, as demonstrators dispersed across four separate locations through the island-state. Comparisons have been made to the Yellow Vest Movement in France, and worries are beginning to surface that these protests may go on much longer than expected. What can the Hong Kong government do to avoid paralysis of a global financial hub?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been the eighth straight weekend of unrest in Hong Kong, as demonstrators dispersed across four separate locations through the island-state. Comparisons have been made to the Yellow Vest Movement in France, and worries are beginning to surface that these protests may go on much longer than expected. What can the Hong Kong government do to avoid paralysis of a global financial hub?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Penang State government has said they may request government funding for two components of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP). Since then, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has indicated the Penang South Reclamation project may have to be scaled down, reclaiming only one or two islands rather than three. To discuss this, and more on the PTMP, we speak with Khoo Salma, member of the Penang Forum, a coalition of civil service groups currently pressuring the government to review the project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Penang State government has said they may request government funding for two components of the Penang Transport Master Plan (PTMP). Since then, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has indicated the Penang South Reclamation project may have to be scaled down, reclaiming only one or two islands rather than three. To discuss this, and more on the PTMP, we speak with Khoo Salma, member of the Penang Forum, a coalition of civil service groups currently pressuring the government to review the project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alex Chia, Head of Regional Equity Research at RHB Group tells us the potential of  Halal and ESG investing and puts to rest the argument that such investments don't necessarily under-perform while giving us his top picks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Quality of Economic Growth is Centred on TalentsThe OECD has published an Economic Survey on Malaysia. On the whole, it concludes that Malaysia’s economy is “doing well, but social and governance challenges must be addressed.” The report stresses that Malaysia needs to improve the quality of growth to become a high-income nation.  The report stresses also that Malaysia needs to improve productivity and skills acquisition in order to help it move up the value chain. We speak to Andrew Bell, Head of OECD Skills Strategy Projects at the OECD Centre for Skill to get more information on the reports’ recommendations on skills and educationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vietnam is releasing its economic data like inflation and purchasing managers’ index. On the whole, Vietnam’s economy saw broad-based growth despite rising trade tensions and volatility in emerging economies. The country is often touted to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the trade war between the US and China. We speak to Peck Boon Soon, Chief Asean Economist at  RHB Research Institute for his insights and expectation on Viet Nam’s economy ahead of its economic data release.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad arrived in Turkey yesterday, for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. For more insight, we speak to Serkan Yolacan, Research Fellow at the Middle East Institute at NUS, about Malaysia-Turkey relations, and Turkey's possible pivot towards Russia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad arrived in Turkey yesterday, for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. For more insight, we speak to Serkan Yolacan, Research Fellow at the Middle East Institute at NUS, about Malaysia-Turkey relations, and Turkey's possible pivot towards Russia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RGF International Recruitment released a report based on a survey with 3,500 people about hiring trends in 11 countries including China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia among others. sought to answer in its Talent in Asia report. The report highlights what do job-seekers and employers are looking for as well as the trends. We speak to Ai Ling Lee, Managing Director of RGF Executive Search Malaysia to share her insights on the reportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RGF International Recruitment released a report based on a survey with 3,500 people about hiring trends in 11 countries including China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia among others. sought to answer in its Talent in Asia report. The report highlights what do job-seekers and employers are looking for as well as the trends. We speak to Ai Ling Lee, Managing Director of RGF Executive Search Malaysia to share her insights on the reportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Umno and PAS are set to finalise their tie-up by the end of next month. For more thoughts on what this could mean, we speak to Bridget Welsh, Associate Professor of Political Science at John Cabot University, about the future of Barisan Nasional, implications for Pakatan Harapan, as well as how this will affect the political landscape of Malaysia as a whole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Umno and PAS are set to finalise their tie-up by the end of next month. For more thoughts on what this could mean, we speak to Bridget Welsh, Associate Professor of Political Science at John Cabot University, about the future of Barisan Nasional, implications for Pakatan Harapan, as well as how this will affect the political landscape of Malaysia as a whole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia expects to see a moderation in global growth to 3%, rather than a contraction. Are fears of a global recession overplayed?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia expects to see a moderation in global growth to 3%, rather than a contraction. Are fears of a global recession overplayed?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DOJ Antitrust Probe: Breaking Up is Hard to DoThe US Department of Justice announced that they will launch an antitrust probe into leading online platforms. Even though no names were mentioned it is likely they are referring to companies like Apple, Amazon, Google and Facebook.  The DoJ says it will look into whether these platforms are “engaging in practices that have reduced competition, stifled innovation and otherwise harmed consumers. We speak to Chris Sagers the Professor of Law at Cleveland State University and author of “United States V. Apple: Competition in America” to get his thoughts on this matter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fast-tracking of the Consumer Credit Act and the founding of the Financial Education Network are steps towards awareness of how expensive and unfair many financial products can be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.