Morning Brief

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has joined the ranks of those racing to the bottom of the barrel, with its third interest rate cut in five months. To discuss the Australian economy, potential stimulus measures, and what more the RBA can do, we speak to Jeffrey Halley, Senior Market Analyst for Asia-Pacific at OANDA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has joined the ranks of those racing to the bottom of the barrel, with its third interest rate cut in five months. To discuss the Australian economy, potential stimulus measures, and what more the RBA can do, we speak to Jeffrey Halley, Senior Market Analyst for Asia-Pacific at OANDA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's National Day celebration kicked off with a parade featuring the latest additions to its military arsenal—several intercontinental ballistic missiles. For more on this, and how developments in Hong Kong will affect Beijing and vice versa, we speak to Andrew Mertha, Director of the China Studies Programme at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, for his insight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumers are more demanding, so we asked Charles Allen, Global Retail Research Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, what are the challenges that retailers face and the need to have a multi-pronged approach to win the retail game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MCMC has announced that it is going to start its rollout of 5G demonstrations, a testing period which will go on for the next 6 months. Altel, Celcom, Digi, edotco, Maxis, Petronas, TM and U-Mobile are going to be investing RM 116 million, rolling out 55 5G use cases across 32 sites and six states. They are testing out 5G use in 9 different verticals: agriculture, education, entertainment/media, digital healthcare, manufacturing & processing, oil & gas, smart city, smart transportation and tourism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MCMC has announced that it is going to start its rollout of 5G demonstrations, a testing period which will go on for the next 6 months. Altel, Celcom, Digi, edotco, Maxis, Petronas, TM and U-Mobile are going to be investing RM 116 million, rolling out 55 5G use cases across 32 sites and six states. They are testing out 5G use in 9 different verticals: agriculture, education, entertainment/media, digital healthcare, manufacturing & processing, oil & gas, smart city, smart transportation and tourism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the biggest dilemmas facing employers today is how to deal with a new generation of employees coming into the workforce. Millennials and Gen Z-ers often have different priorities and ways of approaching rewards; we speak to Brian Sim, Managing Director and Country Head, Kelly Services, for more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Californian law wants to give more protection to ride-sharing drivers by classifying them as employees. It will be no easy route for drivers as Uber is preparing to argue that drivers aren't core to their business. It might also muddy the lines between gig wages and what are effectively higher union costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Californian law wants to give more protection to ride-sharing drivers by classifying them as employees. It will be no easy route for drivers as Uber is preparing to argue that drivers aren't core to their business. It might also muddy the lines between gig wages and what are effectively higher union costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A World Bank report has suggested that Malaysians' income could rise as much as 26% if women have equal access to economic opportunities. Seeing as this would mean a RM9,400 more in annual income per capita, we speak to Achim Schmillen, Senior Economist for Social Protection & Labour at the World Bank Group, on the barriers to achieving gender parity in this issue, as well as the current government's measures towards including more women in the workforce.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A majority of property developers said they were affected by the current economic scenario in the first half of 2019 with fewer launches held, while the number of unsold units remained high. The main reason cited for unsold lots were buyers’ end-financing issues, followed by unreleased Bumiputera units and low demand/interest. As a way to help boost property sales, REHDA has proposed that the government allows home buyers to use more money from their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for the down payment of the property. 08:23 - LTAT is the latest in a long list of GLCs found to be mired in financial irregularities from the past administration. We discuss where LTAT fell short and how much it would cost the government to revive it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A majority of property developers said they were affected by the current economic scenario in the first half of 2019 with fewer launches held, while the number of unsold units remained high. The main reason cited for unsold lots were buyers’ end-financing issues, followed by unreleased Bumiputera units and low demand/interest. As a way to help boost property sales, REHDA has proposed that the government allows home buyers to use more money from their Employees Provident Fund (EPF) for the down payment of the property. 08:23 - LTAT is the latest in a long list of GLCs found to be mired in financial irregularities from the past administration. We discuss where LTAT fell short and how much it would cost the government to revive it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FTSE Russell World Global Bond Index review was announced and Malaysia was kept in but remained on the watch list. To find out the impact of this on markets, we spoke to Winson Phoon, Head of Fixed Income Research at Maybank Kim Eng, who said that there was some relief but that more initiatives were likely to be needed by Bank Negara.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India unveiled an unexpected corporate tax cut last week, in a move to arrest their falling GDP growth, which touched a six-year low of 5% in the second quarter of 2019. We speak to Ross Cameron, Portfolio Manager/Analyst for Emerging Markets Equities at Northcape Capital, about Indian equities, the biggest winners of the tax cut, and whether at the end of the day it will be enough to save the Indian economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Formal impeachment investigations have begun into President Donald Trump, after Democrats in the US House of Representatives accused him of enlisting foreign help to damage political rival Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 elections. For more on this, we speak to Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, Nonresident Senior Fellow of Governance Studies at the Brookings Institution, about how this will affect Trump's re-election chances, and what comes next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumers are up in arms about banking fees for cash payments of loans and credit cards. This is part of Bank Negara's big push to go cashless. The fee concerns are valid, but are there ways for banks to absorb these costs especially with their high margins? Meanwhile EdgeProp becomes the Securities Commission's first licensee for the property crowdfunding platform. This gives more options to investors and home buyers but it is unlikely to solve the country's housing problem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumers are up in arms about banking fees for cash payments of loans and credit cards. This is part of Bank Negara's big push to go cashless. The fee concerns are valid, but are there ways for banks to absorb these costs especially with their high margins? Meanwhile EdgeProp becomes the Securities Commission's first licensee for the property crowdfunding platform. This gives more options to investors and home buyers but it is unlikely to solve the country's housing problem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The debut decision of the UK's Supreme Court in outlawing Boris Johnson's prorogue would have serious implications for Brexit. There is now a stronger impetus for Johnson to conclude a deal if he still wants to control the Brexit process. However, Labour would want to play it cool so as not to inadvertently trigger a technical hard Brexit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A mass protests on the streets of Jakarta led by students is taking place this week, objecting to a draft criminal code and controversial anti-corruption laws. The revisions to the criminal code have been getting a lot of attention in global media, particularly the inclusion of several fundamental Islamic laws. There is a growing anger over a law passed that reduces the authority of the Corruption Eradication Commission, known by the acronym KPK, a key body in fighting endemic graft in the country. Police said more than 300 students and police officers are being treated in hospitals for injuries sustained in these clashes. We speak to Andreas Harsono, Senior Researcher with the Human Rights Watch, to better understand the situation in Indonesia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A mass protests on the streets of Jakarta led by students is taking place this week, objecting to a draft criminal code and controversial anti-corruption laws. The revisions to the criminal code have been getting a lot of attention in global media, particularly the inclusion of several fundamental Islamic laws. There is a growing anger over a law passed that reduces the authority of the Corruption Eradication Commission, known by the acronym KPK, a key body in fighting endemic graft in the country. Police said more than 300 students and police officers are being treated in hospitals for injuries sustained in these clashes. We speak to Andreas Harsono, Senior Researcher with the Human Rights Watch, to better understand the situation in Indonesia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Greenpeace Indonesia, Genting Group, via their subsidiary PT Globalindo Agung Lestari, was found to be among ten companies listed as having the largest burned areas on their land in Indonesia between 2015 to 2018. The findings from the Greenpeace analysis contrast sharply with the Indonesian government’s claims of being tough on forest fires and law enforcement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The local government of Hangzhou, dispatching officers to companies like Alibaba and Geely, might truly reflect capitalism with Chinese characteristics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The local government of Hangzhou, dispatching officers to companies like Alibaba and Geely, might truly reflect capitalism with Chinese characteristics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:25 - WeWork’s Adam Neumann is stepping down as CEO, following the icy response to the company’s proposed IPO listing, which was subsequently postponed. Finance chief Artie Minson and WeWork vice-chair Sebastian Gunningham will take over as co-chief executives. 03:13 - Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House, announced that they will launch impeachment proceedings against Trump, on allegations that President Trump tried to pressure his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate the business dealings of Joe Biden’s family in Ukraine and essentially interfere in the 2020 election. Could we see President Donald Trump impeached? 07:35 - In a unanimous decision, the court said that Boris Johnson’s decision to suspend Parliament for 5 weeks beginning 9 September was unlawful and that the decision prevented the ability of Parliament to carry out its constitutional functions without reasonable justification. MPs will now return to Westminster today to resume the Parliamentary sitting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

00:25 - WeWork’s Adam Neumann is stepping down as CEO, following the icy response to the company’s proposed IPO listing, which was subsequently postponed. Finance chief Artie Minson and WeWork vice-chair Sebastian Gunningham will take over as co-chief executives. 03:13 - Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the House, announced that they will launch impeachment proceedings against Trump, on allegations that President Trump tried to pressure his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky to investigate the business dealings of Joe Biden’s family in Ukraine and essentially interfere in the 2020 election. Could we see President Donald Trump impeached? 07:35 - In a unanimous decision, the court said that Boris Johnson’s decision to suspend Parliament for 5 weeks beginning 9 September was unlawful and that the decision prevented the ability of Parliament to carry out its constitutional functions without reasonable justification. MPs will now return to Westminster today to resume the Parliamentary sitting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Human Resources Ministry has issued a statement calling it "premature" to suggest that the government won't follow through with the proposed anti-discrimination provisions to protect job seekers as part of amendments to the Employment Act 1955. A report by Malaysiakini said that the anti-discrimination provisions would be dropped due to objections from the Malaysian Employers Federation or MEF on grounds that the Employment Act 1955 does not govern or regulate the pre-employment stage. We speak to its Executive Director, Datuk Hj Shamsuddin Bardan to get MEF’s clarification on this matter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Human Resources Ministry has issued a statement calling it "premature" to suggest that the government won't follow through with the proposed anti-discrimination provisions to protect job seekers as part of amendments to the Employment Act 1955. A report by Malaysiakini said that the anti-discrimination provisions would be dropped due to objections from the Malaysian Employers Federation or MEF on grounds that the Employment Act 1955 does not govern or regulate the pre-employment stage. We speak to its Executive Director, Datuk Hj Shamsuddin Bardan to get MEF’s clarification on this matter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next generation belongs to the children and the youth and it makes sense that they are trying to knock some sense into policymakers. The problem is that in a world of profit maximisation, gradualism has inured us to the reality of an environmental tipping point.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next generation belongs to the children and the youth and it makes sense that they are trying to knock some sense into policymakers. The problem is that in a world of profit maximisation, gradualism has inured us to the reality of an environmental tipping point.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel snap elections results — held on 17 September to appoint the 120 members to the Israeli parliament or Knesset — ended in stalemate between the conservative Likud Party, led by incumbent Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the centrist Blue and White, led by Benny Gantz. Negotiations have been ongoing as to who gets to form the next government. A significant development in the aftermath of the elections is the position taken by Arab lawmakers represented by the Joint List, an alliance of predominantly Arab parties that hold 13 seats in the Knesset. We speak to James Dorsey, Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore, to help make sense of what’s going on and how this may impact peace efforts in the Middle East.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A majority of Kampung Baru locals agreed that the area needs redevelopment but expressed disappointment with the price offered by the government for their land. At a town hall session with Federal Territories Minister, Khalid Samad, some residents said the offer of RM850 psf was too low and it should be readjusted to at least RM1,000 psf. The final say on the government offer for the land deal in Kampung Baru will be made by the Prime Minister. We speak to Shamsuri Suradi, Honourable Secretary of Malay Agricultural Settlement Administration Board, for more insights. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A majority of Kampung Baru locals agreed that the area needs redevelopment but expressed disappointment with the price offered by the government for their land. At a town hall session with Federal Territories Minister, Khalid Samad, some residents said the offer of RM850 psf was too low and it should be readjusted to at least RM1,000 psf. The final say on the government offer for the land deal in Kampung Baru will be made by the Prime Minister. We speak to Shamsuri Suradi, Honourable Secretary of Malay Agricultural Settlement Administration Board, for more insights. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the property overhang continuing in Malaysia, we speak to Ng Wee Siang, Senior Director with Fitch Ratings, to ask if Malaysian banks are vulnerable or if the high household debt is more of an issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a study conducted by think tank Ilham Centre, Pakatan Harapan has yet to secure Malay votes in the country and has also failed to manage the perception war in the digital world post-GE14. Ilham Centre said PH in its entirety failed to manage the perception war in both the digital and conventional mediums, adding that the ruling coalition was unable to provide factual responses that could convince its audience. We speak to Dr. Hamidin Abd Hamid, Research Fellow at the Ilham Centre, for more insights on this report. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a study conducted by think tank Ilham Centre, Pakatan Harapan has yet to secure Malay votes in the country and has also failed to manage the perception war in the digital world post-GE14. Ilham Centre said PH in its entirety failed to manage the perception war in both the digital and conventional mediums, adding that the ruling coalition was unable to provide factual responses that could convince its audience. We speak to Dr. Hamidin Abd Hamid, Research Fellow at the Ilham Centre, for more insights on this report. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the start of a new era for Alibaba. Earlier September, Alibaba’s founder and also the richest man in China, Jack Ma stepped down after 20 years at the helm of the company. Daniel Zhang takes over from Jack Ma as Chairman and there’s of course a lot of interest in where he plans to take Alibaba moving forward. Listen in. Keith Kam was at the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Malaysia Week event in Shanghai, held in collaboration with Alibaba and caught up with Alibaba's official spokesperson, Sami Farhad, who is Senior Director of International Policy & Public Affairs for Alibaba Global Business Group.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the start of a new era for Alibaba. Earlier September, Alibaba’s founder and also the richest man in China, Jack Ma stepped down after 20 years at the helm of the company. Daniel Zhang takes over from Jack Ma as Chairman and there’s of course a lot of interest in where he plans to take Alibaba moving forward. Listen in. Keith Kam was at the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) Malaysia Week event in Shanghai, held in collaboration with Alibaba and caught up with Alibaba's official spokesperson, Sami Farhad, who is Senior Director of International Policy & Public Affairs for Alibaba Global Business Group.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan has announced what would be harsh new rules on foreign investment, in industries related to national security. We speak to J. Berkshire Miller, Senior Fellow at the Japan Institute of International Affairs, about potential impacts of the move, as well as the reason for the restrictions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petronas has posted an 8% increase in its net profit, on the back of a weaker ringgit against the USD, and lower average realised prices for both petroleum products and liquefied natural gas Another GLC, Khazanah Nasional has announced it will offload its entire stake in PT Lintas Marga Sedaya, which holds and operates one of the longest toll roads in Indonesia. We speak to Jayant Menon, Lead Economist at Asian Development Bank for more insights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Loong Kok Wen, Senior Analyst at RHB Research, warns us that the property oversupply situation is severe whilst government policies have not been effective. Despite the challenging outlook, she shares her top pick for the sector that can ride through the current headwinds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Loong Kok Wen, Senior Analyst at RHB Research, warns us that the property oversupply situation is severe whilst government policies have not been effective. Despite the challenging outlook, she shares her top pick for the sector that can ride through the current headwinds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Valued at a reported US$ 31 billion, the public markets beckon for hotel disruptor AirBnB, even as its semi-brick and mortar counterpart Oyo ramps up its expansion plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Valued at a reported US$ 31 billion, the public markets beckon for hotel disruptor AirBnB, even as its semi-brick and mortar counterpart Oyo ramps up its expansion plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The region is still enveloped by haze, and palm oil companies are bearing the brunt of scrutiny. The Indonesian government has named 4 Malaysian companies among the 30 accused of contributing to the haze with open burning. Primary Industries Minister, Teresa Kok, said the government will not protect the Malaysian companies alleged to have caused the forest fires in Indonesia if such claims are proven true. However, the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA) has refuted allegations that Malaysian palm oil plantations caused the fires. We speak to Datuk Franki Anthony Dass, the Chairman of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association, to get a clearer picture of the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The region is still enveloped by haze, and palm oil companies are bearing the brunt of scrutiny. The Indonesian government has named 4 Malaysian companies among the 30 accused of contributing to the haze with open burning. Primary Industries Minister, Teresa Kok, said the government will not protect the Malaysian companies alleged to have caused the forest fires in Indonesia if such claims are proven true. However, the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA) has refuted allegations that Malaysian palm oil plantations caused the fires. We speak to Datuk Franki Anthony Dass, the Chairman of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association, to get a clearer picture of the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The BRI has evolved over the years with geopolitical concerns and reservations over China's intentions, cutting initial estimates of the total investment of USD 1.3 trillion. Ben Simpfendorfer, Founder & CEO of Silk Road Associates, says that the cut could be as much as USD 800 million but currently the most important thing affecting BRI is the US-China trade war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the protests continue in Hong Kong, life goes on as usual for many individuals and businesses despite the dire narrative given by the global press. What is clear is that the protests surface Hong Kong's deep inequality which China needs to address. We speak to Chandran Nair, CEO of the Global Institute for Tomorrow (GIFT) and a resident in Hong Kong, on the local sentiments fuelling the protests and whether an end is to be seen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia issued its Financial Stability Review for the first half of 2019, highlighting data on country’s household debt remains high at 82.2% of GDP, driven by home loans. Housing loans accounted for 32% of the total outstanding loans in the banking system as at July 30, costing around RM 552 billion out of RM 1.7 trillion. However, Bank Negara said that the financial system is still resilient enough to withstand adverse simulated shocks. 04:08 - According to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Malaysia’s labour productivity as measured by value added per hour worked was maintained at 2.4% in the second quarter of 2019. Labour productivity per person employed grew at 2.8%, compared to 2.2% in the first quarter. The growth in productivity per person employed reflects the growth in the Malaysian economy of 4.9%, and the growth in employment of 2.1%.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sheikh Abdullah, Analyst at Hong Leong Investment Bank, gives a rundown on the acquisition of Prince Court Medical Centre by IHH Healthcare while explaining why healthcare assets are in vogue and which is his top pick.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The haze continues to cast a pall over our skyline and our well-being. It has placed pressure on our schools, businesses as well as our healthcare system. In a Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad warned Malaysian firms implicated as contributors to the ongoing haze crisis, to put out the fires in their plantations or be prepared to face legal action. One feasible solution is for Malaysia to introduce a law to go directly after companies or individuals who add to the annual haze problem. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.