Morning Brief

We attempt to decipher the recent announcement by the Works Minister that the decision of the take over of the four highway concessions will be at month end after the Ministry of Finance specifically offered to take the Gamuda highway assets earlier. Also, the Ministry of Transportation holds Grab to it's promise to reimburse specific drivers an additional 5 percent fee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Department of Insolvency has revealed, some 95,000 Malaysians declared Bankruptcy between 2014 and 2018, after failing to honour borrowings with lenders. What are the main causes of this insolvency, and how do we mitigate this problem?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) the haze from Indonesian fires is expected to stay due to the southwest monsoon winds.Their latest monitoring showed that there is still a slight haze in the peninsula and west Sarawak following an increase in hotspots in Riau, Southern Sumatra and Kalimantan. For a deeper insight on this issue we speak to Dr Helena Varkkey, Department of International and Strategic Studies, Universiti Malaya, who is also the author of the book "Transboundary Haze in Southeast Asia: Palm Oil and Patronage".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peck Boon Soon, Chief ASEAN Economist at RHB Research Institute tells us that Indonesia's economic growth is sustainable despite the external headwinds with private consumption strong whilst fiscal policies are in place to support the economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peck Boon Soon, Chief ASEAN Economist at RHB Research Institute tells us that Indonesia's economic growth is sustainable despite the external headwinds with private consumption strong whilst fiscal policies are in place to support the economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With volatile markets, Gold continues to shine as a safe haven asset hitting a 6 year high. We talk to  Howie Lee, Economist at OCBC Bank in Singapore as to whether the precious metal can continue appreciate in these precarious times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysia Competition Commission has launched its Market Review on the Food Sector, covering market structure and competitiveness of 5 key sectors, including beef, round cabbage, and sawi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore bank results beat street expectations in the second quarter despite the macroeconomic headwinds but to find out if this sector will remain an outperformer in the coming quarters ahead, we speak to Thilan Wickramasinghe, Senior Banking Analyst at Maybank Kim Eng Singapore whilst finding out what his top buy is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore bank results beat street expectations in the second quarter despite the macroeconomic headwinds but to find out if this sector will remain an outperformer in the coming quarters ahead, we speak to Thilan Wickramasinghe, Senior Banking Analyst at Maybank Kim Eng Singapore whilst finding out what his top buy is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore bank results beat street expectations in the second quarter despite the macroeconomic headwinds. To find out if this sector will remain an outperformer in the coming quarters ahead, we speak to Thilan Wickramasinghe, Senior Banking Analyst at Maybank  Kim Eng Singapore whilst finding out what his top buy is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's illegal vaping market has apparently doubled in size, and estimates say that together with illicit cigarettes the two now account for 70% of total consumption in Malaysia.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's illegal vaping market has apparently doubled in size, and estimates say that together with illicit cigarettes the two now account for 70% of total consumption in Malaysia.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's latest tariff hit on China will lead to more risk and uncertainty for global growth. Fitch thinks that it is hard to even forecast what the economic situation might be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's latest tariff hit on China will lead to more risk and uncertainty for global growth. Fitch thinks that it is hard to even forecast what the economic situation might be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The disruptive strategy of the demonstrators in causing a citywide lockdown and cancelling flights have not succeeded in winning the hearts and minds of the Hong Kong people. Worse, this may force the hand of Beijing to take action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.