Morning Brief

Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, announced that the government is reviewing the master plan for the Bandar Malaysia development after it was approved in principle last year. Our Finance Minister said the review is necessary to take into account the perspectives from various stakeholders to ensure that Bandar Malaysia achieves its objectives. Dr. Shuhana Shamsuddin, President of Pereka Bandar joins us to unpack the costs and benefits of this development plan.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2-month-old minority government of France's prime minister, Michel Barnier, is facing near-certain defeat in a no-confidence vote. This is after he forced through an austerity budget which rallied opposition lawmakers from both a left-wing alliance and Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party. Benjamin Barton, Head of School of Politics and International Relations at University of Nottingham Malaysia, gives us a rundown on what's happening there.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian government has recently launched a 13 billion ringgit affordable housing project, but how can the government ensure this project is carried out effectively? For some answers, we speak to Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia and Brazil are partnering in the semiconductor industry for integrated circuit (IC) design activities next year.With joint ventures (JVs) between Brazilian and Malaysian companies spearheading that, we speak to Dato' Seri Wong Siew Hai, President, Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association as to how this might help us achieve our goals as stated in the National Semiconductor Strategy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia recently held their 7th AGM with delegates reaffirming their support for Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to continue leading the party as president as well as to be Perikatan Nasional's prime ministerial candidate for GE16. Ibrahim Suffian, Co-Founder & Programme Director for Merdeka Centre shares his takeaways from what came out of the meeting.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has passed a bill banning children under 16 from going on social media. This includes regulations on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and X, subjecting them to fines of up to A$49.5 million. Dr Faith Gordon, Associate Professor of Law at the ANU College of Law at the Australian National University, shares her insights on how effective (or not) this new piece of legislation will be.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been significant developments in Malaysia’s fintech landscape across the board over the past few years. With the launch of digital banks and the take up in e-payments to the introduction of buy now pay later players. We ask Vincent Fong, Chief Editor at Fintech News Malaysia about their latest report and what were the key observations.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selangor became the first state in Malaysia to launch a care economy policy. As the state with the highest number of elderly residents, the new framework would focus on regulation, training, and investments in the care economy. Joining us for a discussion on this is Lee Min Hui, Gender Consultant at the United Nations Population Fund Malaysia.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Malaysia, digital investments have experienced robust growth with assets under management at RM1.6bn with more than 40 products on offer. Yet the industry is still at a nascent stage. So what policy changes should there be to encourage this as an option to promote financial inclusion, especially for those who have not prepared for retirement? We ask Munirah Khairuddin, CEO of Malaysia & Global Shariah of Principal Asset Management for her views.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lee Hsien Loong has confirmed that he will step down as PAP chief after 20 years helming the party, proposing Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as his successor. Eugene Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University, shares some insights into how Singapore's political landscape might change as the island nation goes to the polls next year in a high-stakes general election.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to impose tariffs or increase them on Canada, Mexico and China - its three largest trading partners. At the same time, during his presidential campaign, Trump also pledged to address domestic inflation. Professor Dr Calvin Cheong, Vice Dean & Deputy Dean of Education, Sunway Business School, shares his insights into who stands to benefit from this and who doesn't.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global airfares are projected to continue climbing in 2025, amid ongoing supply chain disruptions and cost pressures on airlines. Could this dampen demand for air travel in the coming year? We discuss the outlook for global aviation with Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Senior Aviation Consultant, Frost & Sullivan. Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid announced that new guidelines regulating short-term rental accommodation activities would be presented to the Cabinet. He acknowledged its significant contribution to the growth of Malaysia’s tourism industry and emphasised the need for proper compliance. For a better understanding of this sector and what legislation to expect, we speak to Chan Ai Cheng, the Immediate Past President of the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The minority government in Japan led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba signed off on a new stimulus package worth $140 billion US dollars last Friday in a bid to boost domestic consumption and bolster the economy. How might this affect the growth prospects of Japan at a time when the world is bracing for a return of Donald Trump to the White House? We get analysis from Stefan Angrick of Moody’s Analytics.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the government announcing a slew of reforms to cut bureaucratic red tape, we speak to Chin Chee Seong, the National President of the SME Association of Malaysia, about the progress of these efforts to date and what else is needed to make it much easier to do business in Malaysia.Image Credit: shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim created a stir when he stated that the private sector financed 70% to 80% of his recent overseas visits. Why was this comment controversial and can private sector financing of government travel be rationalised as a cost-cutting measure? We discuss ways to improve budget transparency with Aira Azhari of IDEAS.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan ended in dramatic fashion - negotiations were held until the wee hours of Sunday morning before an agreement was reached on a new climate financing goal of $300 billion US dollars. How will the outcome of COP29 shape the climate agenda moving forward, especially in ASEAN? We discuss this with climate expert Dr. Renard Siew.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Public Accounts Committee's recent report has revealed that the government may have to pay Bestinet Sdn Bhd RM3.22 billion ringgit for the Foreign Worker Centralised Management System. This is likely due to the fact that the government has been operating the foreign worker recruitment platform without a finalised contract for six years. Alex Ong, Country Representative, Migrant CARE, shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Bank has an International Development Association that provides grants and low-interest loans for the 78 poorest countries in the world. The fund which is replenished every 3 years has a target of USD100 billion this year. We ask Clemence Landers, Senior Policy Fellow at the Center for Global Development if rich countries will provide the funding and the consequences if that goal is not achieved.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TalentCorp revealed this week that around 620,000 jobs are at risk of convergence or displacement if workers do not reskill in line with trends in A.I. and the green economy. How should A.I. literacy be incorporated into education to meet the demands of the new economy? We discuss this with Dr. Chen ZhiYuan of University of Nottingham Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deloitte revealed that the initial public offering or IPO market in Southeast Asia has been rather lacklustre in 2024, with only 122 listings raising USD 3 billion, a value that is the lowest in nine years. Malaysia however was the stand out with the most number and highest value of IPOs this year. We ask Wong Kar Choon, Audit Partner, Deloitte Malaysia reasons for Malaysia's strong capital market performance and also the outlook for SEA's IPOs in 2025.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year's G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was not without its share of drama, with contentions over the joint communique, jostling for Chinese President Xi Jinping's attention while US President Joe Biden delivers his swan song. What do the changing geopolitical dynamics mean for the effectiveness of the group? We discuss this with Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the announcement by the Health Minister that the government will no longer award pharmaceutical procurement contracts to just one company, we speak to Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy whether this will be the much needed panacea to our sustained supply of affordable drugs?Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s private home prices fell for the first time in five quarters in the July to September period as the private home price index fell 1.1%. Meanwhile, the latest URA data has shown that the office rental index (Central Region) registered a 0.5% quarter-on-quarter decline as vacancy spiked by almost 8%. So is it all doom and gloom for Singapore property and what is the outlook for 2025? Alan Cheong, Executive Director, of Savills Singapore tell us his perspective.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The issue of abolishing subsidies for packet cooking oil has been discussed numerous times at the cabinet level with no firm decision on this matter despite it costing the government more than RM800mn. We ask Prof. Dr. Mohd Nazari bin Ismail, Honorary Professor, Department of Management & Marketing, Faculty of Business and Economics at Universiti Malaya for his views on this.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final weeks of his term, US President Joe Biden has given the greenlight for Ukraine to use American-made long-range missiles on Russian targets. How will this impact the trajectory of the war in Ukraine and will a Trump presidency change the dynamics? We discuss the latest developments with Dr. Alexey Muraviev of Curtin University.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Incoming President Donald Trump has been vocal with his intentions to impose 60% tarrifs on Chinese imports and duties of 20% on all other imports. What impact will this have on Malaysia's Semiconductor industry? We discuss this with Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association, and Dr. Tay Kheng Chiong, Group Managing Director of D&O Green Technologies Berhad whilst asking if we have the right policies in place to take the sector to the next level.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is mulling a proposal to introduce a code of conduct for athletes, especially regarding social media use to enforce better discipline and balance between training and personal lives. Would this be an effective solution? We discuss the challenges of implementation and broader issues on Malaysian sports' performance with Haresh Deol, Editor with the news portal Twentytwo13.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Assembly of Vietnam approved the government’s 2025 economic plan with total central budget revenue being set at over US$39.4 billion, with the goal of of helping one of Asia’s fastest growing economies to hit 7-7.5% growth. However, is incoming President Donald Trump with his tariff plans an obstacle to this goal and how should the Vietnamese government navigate this new world order? Dr Nguyen Khac Giang, Visiting Fellow, Vietnam Studies Programme, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute gives us his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year’s Singles’ Day was said to be the biggest yet, as financial data from China’s e-commerce giants showed strong sales growth. Independent tracker Syntun estimated that transactions across all platforms in the weeks leading up to November 11th rose by nearly 27%. So, has consumer sentiment improved, or are people just waiting for this once-a-year discount? We review the data with Catherine Lim, Senior Industry Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest event on the climate change agenda, COP29, is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan over the next two weeks. What are the policy priorities that Malaysia is pushing for on this platform, and what international support is needed for us to achieve the national targets that we’ve set for ourselves? We hear from Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Ministry is looking to improve the Reproductive and Social Health Education (PEERS) module to be implemented in 2027, in response to the rise in teen pregnancy. What would an effective and meaningful syllabus look like? Sex educator June Low weighs in.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President-elect Donald Trump has wasted no time appointing his Cabinet with people to execute his “America First” policies. With less than 70 days to build out his team before Inauguration Day on January 20th, we examine those appointments with Dr Kathryn Robison, Lecturer in American Studies, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is looking to finalise a code of conduct for social media platforms that sets out the rules for the license regime that's due to kick in on 1 January 2025. Does the code provide sufficient clarity for platforms? We discuss the implications of the regulatory regime with Dr. Benjamin Loh of Taylor's University.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much progress can Malaysia make on the long-stalled Code of Conduct on the South China Sea during its ASEAN Chairmanship? We discuss this and how a Trump presidency could affect regional security dynamics with Dr. Rahman Yaacob, Research Fellow with the Lowy Centre.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysiakini has been reporting on an anonymous whistleblower who has video evidence allegedly showing discussions between a businessman and various state assemblymen about bribes for a project licence. The whistleblower has also asked for a written guarantee from the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission for immunity from prosecution. Ramkarpal Singh, the former Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and the current MP for Bukit Gelugor, shares his thoughts on this development.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya is considering using nuclear energy as a power source for the country in the future, as part of the efforts towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Work is already ongoing to develop a legal and regulatory framework to govern the use of nuclear energy. Dr Nahrul Khair Alang Rashid, Professor of Nuclear Engineering Programme at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, gives us some context into what lies ahead for Malaysia's nuclear ambition.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office for his second term in January, there is a lot of speculation on what his foreign policy might look like, particularly US-Asean relations. Dr Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow at the Wilson Center and founder of the ASEAN Wonk newsletter, looks at the various possible scenarios when the Trump administration gets to work for the next four years.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 US presidential election brings with it potential shifts in how Asian fixed income markets will behave. For one, Trump's stance on fiscal expansion and trade protectionism could keep US interest rates higher for longer with a stronger dollar, creating pressure on regional debt. Jason Yu, Head of Multi Asset and Fixed Income Management, Asia at Schroders, shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China has announced a five-year package totaling CNY10 trillion to tackle local government debt problems, while signalling that more economic support would come next year and the year after that. Ho Woei Chen, an economist & senior vice president at UOB, shares her views on how effective Beijing's stimuli might be in the wake of slowing China growth and an impending Trump administration until 2028.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Germany’s governing coalition has collapsed after Chancellor Olaf Scholz sacked his finance minister, following disagreements over the country’s weak economy. To address the crisis, Scholz has called for a confidence vote on Jan 15 and if he fails to secure support, Germany could face elections as early as March. Dr Frederick Kliem, Managing Director of Episteme Consultants, shares his views.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The award of the second 5G spectrum has taken many by surprise when U Mobile, the smallest of telco players won it. However, this has raised more questions as to the reasons, technical specifications and also the benefit to the country for this award that the regulator, MCMC has yet to answer. Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice Chancellor for External Engagement, at Taylor's University gives us his perspective and the implications of this on Malaysia Inc.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the death of an 18-year-old boy on a Penang express bus after being electrocuted while charging his phone, concerns have been raised over the safety of electrical components in public transport. What are the regulations that apply and could this be better enforced? We speak with Dr Law Teik Hua, Associate Professor at Road Safety Research Centre of Universiti Putra Malaysia for more insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the political uncertainty in Japan after a shocking LDP loss and a Trump Presidency, the Japanese equity markets continue to do well, up 18%. We speak to Max Godwin, Portfolio Manager, Japan Equities, Eastspring Investments Singapore as to what is the best investment strategy to adopt and what sectors to pay attention to.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican candidate Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States. The 78-year-old pulled off a stunning political comeback in one of the most polarised contests for the White House in the country’s history. Joining us to discuss the results of the 2024 US presidential election is John S. Jackson, Visiting Professor at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2023, the Ministry of Health received more than 300 complaints over complications from aesthetic procedures done at illegal beauty premises. Despite existing legislation, why are these cases becoming more prevalent? We discuss the state of enforcement and public awareness about cosmetic procedures with Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, President-Elect, at the Malaysian Medical Association.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who will be the next resident of the White House? We discuss expectations for the presidential elections, including the timeline of results and trends to watch with Samuel Garett, Research Associate at the United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney. Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ringgit has been one of the best performing currencies in Asia this year although some of the earlier gains have been returned. We speak to Dr Cassey Lee, Senior Fellow and Coordinator, Regional Economic Studies Programme, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute to understand how the Ringgit can appreciate in a sustainable manner for the long term.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kemi Badenoch has been voted the new leader of the U.K.'s opposition Conservative Party with the hope that she can revive the party's fortunes after securing just 121 seats in the 650-seat Parliament in the last elections. Dr Benjamin Barton, Head of School of Politics and International Relations at University of Nottingham Malaysia gives us his perspective on what changes she will make and an overview of the recently tabled UK Budget.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US presidential race is going down to the wire, with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump neck-and-neck in opinion polls. We catch up with Dhanya Nair of BFM News on the eve of voting to gauge the mood and expectations of the elections.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.