Morning Brief

Outsize losses in Malaysia Airlines have driven Khazanah to hire Morgan Stanley to look into strategic options for the national carrier. This is good news for the country as stemming losses and bailouts is better than maintaining national icons at all costsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the BFM CEO Forum-"New Malaysia, New Automotive Policy", Deputy Minister Ong Kian Ming and Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of the Malaysian Automotive Association were part of the panel that discussed the latest issues impacting the auto industry. With key auto players in the audience, important topics such as the national automotive policy, the vehicle end of life , the insurance de-tariffication, after sales service and even electric cars were talked about. So we spoke to Khoo Hsu Chuang who moderated the event for the key takeaways.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian consumers are the 10th most confident globally- though we did see a comparative drop in the consumer confidence index, conducted in collaboration with Nielsen. For some more insight, we speak to Luca De Nard, Managing Director of Nielsen Malaysia, about the survey sampling, as well as how Malaysia compares to the rest of the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian consumers are the 10th most confident globally- though we did see a comparative drop in the consumer confidence index, conducted in collaboration with Nielsen. For some more insight, we speak to Luca De Nard, Managing Director of Nielsen Malaysia, about the survey sampling, as well as how Malaysia compares to the rest of the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions are ramping up in the Strait of Hormuz, between the Iran, the US and the UK. For more on the latest news of two British-linked tankers being seized by Iranian forces, we speak to Kunal Agrawal, Senior Industry Analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence, about what this could mean for oil. CORRECTION: Iran's Grace 1 tanker which was seized by the UK earlier this month was bound for EU-sanctioned Syria, not Libya.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions are ramping up in the Strait of Hormuz, between the Iran, the US and the UK. For more on the latest news of two British-linked tankers being seized by Iranian forces, we speak to Kunal Agrawal, Senior Industry Analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence, about what this could mean for oil.CORRECTION: Iran's Grace 1 tanker which was seized by the UK earlier this month was bound for Eu-sanctioned Syria, not Libya.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The race to determine the UK's next leader has come to a head, with Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt the last two standing. With Brexit overshadowing the news, we speak to Professor Simon Tormey, Professor of Politics at the University of Sydney, about what to expect in the event of a Johnson-occupied Downing Street.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The disbursement of petrol subsidies through cash handouts is an improvement over the administrative nightmare of monitoring eligibility at the pump, which itself is better than a blanket subsidy. But handouts in general may not be efficacious over the long term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The disbursement of petrol subsidies through cash handouts is an improvement over the administrative nightmare of monitoring eligibility at the pump, which itself is better than a blanket subsidy. But handouts in general may not be efficacious over the long term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng has said that it might be challenging to meet the target of a 3% fiscal deficit next year. The nation would have to balance fiscal measures to counter trade tensions with the discipline needed by bond investors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng has said that it might be challenging to meet the target of a 3% fiscal deficit next year. The nation would have to balance fiscal measures to counter trade tensions with the discipline needed by bond investors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the PKR leaders retreat,Datuk Seri Azmin Ali was noticeable absent, can we expect more tension between him and Datuk Seri Anwar or will he accept the olive branch for the sake of the the party? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the PKR leaders retreat,Datuk Seri Azmin Ali was noticeable absent, can we expect more tension between him and Datuk Seri Anwar or will he accept the olive branch for the sake of the the party? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal government has confirmed the expansion of the Penang International Airport to accommodate 20 million passengers per annum from the current capacity of 6.5 million passengers per annum which should allow it to cope until 2035. Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng says the expansion could cost up to 1.2 billion ringgit, however, there has been dispute that the expansion could cost only 700 million ringgit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the PKR leaders retreat,Datuk Seri Azmin Ali was noticeable absent, can we expect more tension between him and Datuk Seri Anwar or will he accept the olive branch for the sake of the the party? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has made significant advancements in the area of press freedom since the 14th General Elections. But is it truly free? What role does it have to play in the fight against corruption? For more on this, we speak to Gayathry Venkiteswaran, Assistant Professor of Media and Communications at the University of Nottingham.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The French are using a digital tax to create a level playing field.Tan Hooi Beng, Deputy Managing Director at Deloitte tells us the challenges of imposing a digital tax in France on technology companies and why there is opposition from the US and how our own Malaysian Digital tax which starts in 2020 differs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the 75th Anniversary of the Bretton Woods Agreement, which led to the creation of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, we speak with Professor Rajah Rasiah, Distinguished Professor of International Development at the Asia Europe Institute, the Universiti of Malaya, about how these important financial institutions are positioned in the world today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the 75th Anniversary of the Bretton Woods Agreement, which led to the creation of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, we speak with Professor Rajah Rasiah, Distinguished Professor of International Development at the Asia Europe Institute, the Universiti of Malaya, about how these important financial institutions are positioned in the world today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0:23 - With PKR leaders set to attend a retreat in Port Dickson, ostensibly to build party unity, we speak to Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs for his take on the party's inner fractures. 7:25 - Fitch Ratings has affirmed Malaysia's A- rating, with a stable outlook, based on strong broad-based medium-term growth with a diversified export base.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dispute between Malaysia Airports Holdings and AirAsia over unpaid passenger service charges, which started a year ago has come to an end with a High Court ruling.  We take a history lesson on the issue while looking at the twitter responses by Air Asia's CEO, Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0:13 - It's the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing. We discuss the latest rush to broach the final frontier, new players in the space race, and the rise of commercial space travel 6:20 - Singapore is spending millions to mitigate the effects of climate change- for some insight, we speak to Professor Benjamin Horton, Chair of the Asian School of Environment at Nanyang Technological University, about how much of a threat rising sea-levels pose to Singapore. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad informed Parliament that the government is studying the possibility of re-introducing the Teaching and Learning of Science and Mathematics in English in Schools, or PPSMI. To become a leader in science and tech, does our workforce need English to navigate in the language of science and tech? Strong views from both supporters and those opposition are concerns of the negative effect from flip-flopping on this policy. We speak to Prof. Dr. Nor Hashimah Jalaluddin, a Professor of Linguistics at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Chan Soon Seng, the Programme Director of Teach for Malaysia on their divergent views on this pressing matter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:35 - Bellwether of the region, Singapore suffers the worst export numbers in 6 years as the trade war tensions start to bite. 06:15 - Gold, a safe haven asset is back in vogue according to Hedge Fund legend, Ray Dalio as he warns that tough times are ahead and that this precious metal is an“effective portfolio diversifier”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:35 - Taking a deeper dive on the RM1.09 trillion debt and what does it mean for Malaysia when 10% of it can't pay for itself. 03:24 - Other than the youth who now have a stronger political voice, we ask Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director, at the Merdeka Centre as to which political party stands to benefit and will it dictate future government policies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:30 - Wan Azmi's emergence as a significant shareholder of Scomi Group indicates a new era of sorts. 04:53 - The ringgit's recent strength suggests attractive positive carry in a backdrop of global dovishness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central bankers around the world are asking governments to take up the mantle of propping up economic growth after years of monetary easing. Some prominent observers warn that this is no easy task as markets can turn bearish from the lack of stimulus from interest rates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:30 - US President Donald Trump has repeated a threat to impose additional tariffs on Chinese imports. 04:21 - In Hong Kong, demonstrations have continued against the Chinese government, with another 40 people arrested.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

History was created today with the first successful constitutional amendment which had bipartisan support to lower the voting age to 18. We speak to Syed Saddiq, Minister of Youth and Sports on how this will change the political landscape for Malaysia and  what other initiatives we can expect from his ministry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:30 - Headline GDP's numbers for China look alarming but for a deeper dive of the numbers, we speak to Yue Su, Economist, at the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) as to whether warning bells should sound or if there are bright spots in the economy. 08:35 - Citigroup post better 2nd quarter earnings that beat street expectations but some signs of the possible storm ahead as trading earnings decline while corporate and institutional banking revenue was flat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has approved over RM29 billion worth of FDI in the first quarter of 2019; an increase of more than 73%. For more insight, we speak to Ong Kian Ming, Deputy Minister for International Trade and Industry, about how much of this is a result of the substitution effect, FDI trends, and whether or not Malaysia will have to fear US retribution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:30 - The Public Accounts Committee will call in several government agencies and ministries, following discrepancies detailed in the Auditor-General's report. 06:32 - The National Audit Committee has disputed claims by the Finance Minister that outstanding GST refunds amounted to RM19.5 billion as of June last year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hypermarkets are either closing down or re-looking at existing business models as higher operational cost and competition from smaller outfits take a bite out of their profits. We discuss what their options are and what lessons can we learn from other markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:31 - Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that firms can only collect a maximum 20% commission off fares paid to drivers using e-hailing applications in light of the different terminology used on services charged by the e-hailing companies. He also said that the maximum commission that can be levied on taxi drivers is 10%. 08:07 - Former AirAsia Group Bhd chairman Datuk Pahamin Ab Rajab along with several other businessmen is seeking about RM 1 billion from a Japanese lender to support its takeover bid for Malaysia Airlines through its vehicle, Najah Air. If the deal materialises, the Japanese lender will become the main funding source for Najah Air’s takeover bid of the airline. It is understood that the group plans to take up a minority stake in the airline in a debt-for-equity swap and wants control of the board and management. Putrajaya has received 4 offers to take over Malaysia Airlines but no decision has been made on the offers as the government needs to carefully consider all the proposals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hypermarkets are either closing down or re-looking at existing business models as higher operational cost and competition from smaller outfits take a bite out of their profits. We discuss what their options are and what lessons can we learn from other markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The diplomatic feud between Japan and South Korea seems to have deepened as Japan has restricted the materials vital to make mobile and TV components as well as chemical exports and the transfer of manufacturing technologies to Korea. A meeting between the two countries have seen little progress to bridge the divide. After the meeting, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry disputed a Korean official’s statement that Seoul had asked Japan to withdraw the restrictions. Their row is expected to threaten global supplies and prices of microchips, smartphone displays, and memory chips. South Korean President Moon Jae-in has called the situation an "unprecedented emergency" and told business leaders to prepare for a drawn-out crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad claims, Malaysia's overall unemployment rate of 3.3% and youth unemployment of 10.9% is nothing to be concerned about. To discuss this, and the challenges facing the labour market, we speak to Dr. Mohd Yusof Saari, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Management at Universiti Putra Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1.11 - France has approved a 3% digital tax on tech companies making more than 750 million euros globally, with 25 million euros made in France. 3.51 - The US has relaxed the global Huawei ban, saying companies with the appropriate license will be able to sell products to Huawei, as long as it does not affect national security. We speak with Brock Silvers, Managing Director of Kaiyuan Capital, for his insight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Government rejects Maju's offer to take over Plus after EPF and Khazanah says no but the saga looks set to continue with another new offer on the table.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0.48- Malaysia's tourist arrivals rose 2.7% in the first quarter of the year, but saw a drop-off in arrivals from Saudi Arabia. 8.14- Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has laid down two conditions for anyone interested in taking over Malaysia AirlinesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Run crew speak with CIMB economist Song Seng Wun on Temasek's performance, particularly in the context of capital flowing out of so-called ''risky" assets like stocks and into safe havens like bonds and cash as well as expectations for Singapore's export-oriented economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Run crew discusses looming policy measures in the local ride-hailing industry to regulate drivers and their cars by speaking with Grab Malaysia country manager Sean Goh.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bharat Joshi, Investment Director at Aberdeen Asset Management in Indonesia tells us about Jokowi's reform agenda whilst taking a deeper dive on the economy and its reliance on palm oil and coal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bharat Joshi, Investment Director at Aberdeen Asset Management in Indonesia tells us about Jokowi's reform agenda whilst taking a deeper dive on the economy and its reliance on palm oil and coal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to HSBC Research, policy easing may be less potent this time than in the past because of elevated global uncertainty and already high debt levels. However, Frederic insists that Asean is a region of "remarkable resilience." Also, The Morning Run crew discusses IBM buying Red Hat in $34 billion deal -- its largest acquisition yet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has hit back against those who claimed UMNO's Supreme Council should have had a say in his return to the party's top post, saying such a move would be unfair. We speak to Amir Fareed, Director of Strategy from KRA Group, about the Malay political landscape, as well as talk about an UMNO-Bersatu tie-up.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June saw inflows of foreign funds into Ringgit debt as the Feds turned dovish. To find out if this a trend while having a deeper dive on the outlook of the Malaysian bond market for 2nd Half of 2019, we speak to Winson Phoon, Head of Fixed Income Research at Maybank Kim Eng.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the manufacturing sector contracts, the pick up will be seen in the services sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India's Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman has presented her maiden annual budget, in the face of an economic slowdown and record-high unemployment levels. We speak to Pramod Amthe, Head of Equity Research at CGS-CIMB Securities in India, for his insights into the budget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roshan speaks to Steven Schwartz, Head of Asia-Pacific Sovereigns​ at Fitch Ratings, about Fitch’s Sovereign Ratings Outlook for Asia Pacific, particularily Malaysia. Steven discusses headwinds and risks for the Asian region as well as concerns for Malaysia, in particular the GST shortfall, oil revenue dependence and how the country compares to its peers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.