Morning Brief

Carbon markets are increasingly being seen as one of the key mechanisms to encourage global stakeholders to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement, but are they the right solution for Malaysia's context? Yin Shao Loong of Khazanah Research Institute argues for other policy levers instead of carbon markets.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week the Dewan Rakyat passed a bill amending the Universities and University College Act of 1971 to provide more authority to student bodies. However, many are calling into question the scope of these amendments, as well as the continued necessity of the UUCA. We get reactions on the law from Lai Yue Yi, Vice President of the University of Malaya Association of New Youth (UMANY).Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unlike Gold, US Equity Markets and Cryptocurrencies, base metals have had a rather tough year with prices on a downward trend. We ask Michelle Leung, Head of Asia Metals and Mining at Bloomberg Intelligence as to whether this negative price trend will persist and what are the key catalyst for a sector rerating.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya plans to use data from the 2022 Household Income and Basic Amenities Survey Report to develop a mapping project to adjust housing prices based on residents' incomes. The aim is to improve housing affordability for low and medium-income households. Badrul Hisham, Director of Programmes, Iman Research helps us understand how this may or may not work.Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has just concluded his maiden official visit to Germany since becoming prime minister, meeting with Chancellor Olaf Schulz as well as representatives from almost 40 companies across various industries. Dr Eva Langerbeck, the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce & Industry's interim executive director, gives us some insights from the visit and what to expect going forward.Image Credit: EPA-EFE/FILIP SINGERSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 1 billion people will go to the polls in India next month, in an exercise that runs over 6 weeks beginning April 19th. President Narendra Modi is vying for his third term in office after 10 years leading the BJP government. What are the issues that will influence voters at the ballot box? We discuss what to expect with Yanitha Meena of the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia (ISIS Malaysia)Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya has agreed to amend citizenship laws enshrined in the Federal Constitution which will grant automatic citizenship to children born overseas to Malaysian mothers and non-Malaysian fathers. However, a foundling will not be eligible for automatic citizenship and would have to go through a registration process. Maalini Ramalo, Director of Social Protection, Development of Human Resources for Rural Areas explains where these amendments have failed.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been revealed that Putrajaya is in the final stages of drafting the country’s first Urban Redevelopment Act which will govern among others, how heritage buildings are preserved. This will also open up conversations on how developers might reap excessive profits at the expense of city dwellers. Datin Noraida Saludin, president of the Malaysian Institute of Planners, helps us understand what this proposed redevelopment legislation might look like. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Health Minister recently revealed that vape and tobacco lobbyists were involved in the Generational End Game (GEG) component of the anti-smoking bill being dropped. When does policy lobbying cross the line to corruption? We discuss this with Dr Muhammad Mohan, President of Transparency International Malaysia as well as the larger implications that lobbying has on the policymaking process.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petronas, Malaysia's state-owned oil and gas reported a 20.6% Y-o-Y decline in revenue to 80.7 billion ringgit in 2023, from a record high of 101.6 billion ringgit in 2022. Reasons cited for this decline was the 20% drop in average oil prices and a shift in the energy industry towards cleaner solutions. Sean Lim Ooi Leong, Head of Regional Oil & Gas at RHB Investment Bank helps us unpack the results and what implications this has on the wider O&G sector in Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US-China trade war has been a boon for the Malaysian semiconductor industry, with investors flocking to set up production here. What can we do to further leverage on the opportunities that arise from the resulting de-risking trend? We get industry insights from Dato' Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of the Malaysian Semiconductor Industry Association.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The spillover of the Middle East conflict to the Red Sea is not just impacting the shipping industry; there has also been repercussions for the telecommunications sector that rely on undersea cables located in the area. Marvin Lo, Senior Equity Research Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence discusses the implications for Asian telcos and also the broader outlook for the industry. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Parliament approved pioneering regulations for AI which will be finalised in May and fully implemented by 2026. Dr Sia Chin Chin, Programme Director and Senior Lecturer of Business & Law, Taylor’s Law School shares her insights on the ramifications and operational framework of the AI Act whilst taking a look at what the Malaysian guidelines will look like.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, The Malaysian Aviation Commission unveiled a series of revisions to the Passenger Service Charge, also known as PSC. Will the resulting hike in airfares dampen the travel and tourism sector recovery? Khair Mirza, Head of Airport Investor Resource at Modalis Infrastructure Partners weighs in on the purpose and implications of the PSC.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US is the largest source for foreign direct investment or FDI in Malaysia, accounting for USD38 billion in new commitments over the past two years, according to government statistics. However, given the US-China geopolitical rivalry increasing competition in the ASEAN region, is Malaysia still an attractive destination for US investors? The latest Economic Impact Survey conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) presents insights into how American corporations view the business environment here. We discuss some of the findings with CEO Siobhan Das.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Thai Election Commission is submitting a motion to the Constitutional Court for the highly popular Move Forward Party (MFP) to be disbanded. Can the MFP, which won the most electoral seats in the elections last year but failed to form government, survive the latest legal onslaught? We discuss the implications with political scientist Dr. Termsak of ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) is struggling to find a host for the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the Australian state of Victoria backed out. The government is reportedly considering an offer from the CGF for Malaysia to take on the role of host, which has elicited varied responses from both critics and enthusiasts. Journalist T. Avineshwaran of the Star Media Group weighs in on the debate.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently the government decided to bring forward the last date for migrant workers to enter the country to May 31st instead of end September whilst also cancelling any unused visas. What impact does this policy flip flop have on businesses and the broader economy? Dato' Nathan K Suppiah, Vice President, Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers tells us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in December, the Madani government announced a revamp of the Malaysia My Second Home or MM2H programme that includes new regulations for MM2H agents. However, agents are currently in limbo as they have yet to receive instructions on the renewal of their licences with the March 31st deadline looming. We discuss confusion in the industry over the new guidelines for MM2H with Andy Davison of The Expat Group Media.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a two year winter for cryptos, Bitcoin hit new highs this week whilst Ethereum also broke past USD4000 for the first time since December 2021. We speak to Sam Reynolds, senior reporter, Coindesk to find out the reasons for this price surge and will the rally continue.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China just concluded their Two Sessions meetings where a 5% GDP target for 2024 was revealed. However some say that the announcements were short on details but what could be gleamed from meetings? Marvin Chen, Senior Asia Equity Strategist, Bloomberg Intelligence tells us what impact this has on the equity market and what can be expected from result season.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions have flared between the Philippines and China over skirmishes in the South China Sea. How are stakeholders in the region responding to the ongoing flashpoint? We discuss the latest developments with security analyst Ridzwan Rahmat of defence consultancy Janes.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government revealed that the level of productivity per worker in Malaysia rose to around RM96,700 in 2023, marking a 0.87% increase from the previous year. This falls below the 2-3% productivity growth target - what accounts for the shortfall? We discuss how best to improve productivity data with economist Dr. Geoffrey Williams of MUST.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil drew flak for his remarks that the Cabinet would contact the Dewan Rakyat Speaker’s office over false statements issued by MPs, although this was later clarified. How can the separation of powers between the executive and legislative powers be better enforced? We discuss this with lawyer N. Surendran.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite slowing GDP growth, Bank Negara's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) held interest rates at 3% for the fifth consecutive meeting. How is the central bank factoring in economic headwinds into its decision-making and what levers do they have to tackle the weak Ringgit? We discuss this with Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid, Deputy Governor of Bank Negara.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fate of TikTok in the US is once again in question, with the US House of Representatives set to vote this week on a bill that will force its parent company, China-owned ByteDance to divest from TikTok or face a US ban. We discuss the implications of this bill with Caitlin Chin, of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a pivotal ruling by the Federal Court, a private hospital was held accountable for medical negligence, refuting claims of doctors acting as independent contractors. We talk to Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO of Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy to offer his insights on the implications of this ruling for our healthcare system.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khazanah Research Institute's “Shifting Tides: Charting Career Progression of Malaysia’s Skilled Talent" report highlights that the gender pay gap and wage stagnation still persists. Female graduates also trail behind males when it comes to securing employment. Hawati Abdul Hamid, deputy director of research at KRI takes us through the salient points of the report.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara's Monetary Policy Committee has decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate at 3% for its fifth consecutive meeting; it last raised it by 25 basis points in May 2023. Meanwhile, BNM also believe the ringgit is currently undervalued. Julia Goh, a senior economist at UOB helps us unpack the implications of the decision and comments in the official statement that followed.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the World Bank Group's 2024 Women, Business, and Law report, women enjoy less than two-thirds of the legal rights available to men despite the introduction of equal opportunity laws over the past 5 decades. What explains the gap between legal reforms and implementation? We discuss insights from the report with Julia Braunmiller of the World Bank Group. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is looking to expand preschool education, starting with institutions under the Ministry of Education. What policies are needed to improve the quality of early childhood care and education in the country? We discuss recommendations with Dr. Lydia Foong of Taylor's University.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Super Tuesday, 16 states and 1 territory held primaries for the presidential race, with Joe Biden and Donald Trump winning comfortably. What does this mean for the November 2024 elections? We discuss this with political scientist Wendy Schiller of Brown University. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, the chairman of Bursa Malaysia has advocated for a mandatory disclosure of diversity, equity and inclusivity across all businesses. In a multiracial society where there could be varying availability of a diverse workforce based on different factors, How best can we cultivate a diverse workforce while maintaining a balance with competency? Deepa George, Managing Consultant of MYHRC Services tells us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Currently in the palm oil sector, smallholders manage 27% of the total palm oil area in Malaysia. To increase yield, the government  has suggested consolidating them into clusters overseen by medium or large estates. Could this yield the desired results? Khor Yu Leng, Economist at Segi Enam Advisors shares her insights on the merits and drawbacks of this proposed strategy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is currently considering implementing home detention for inmates to address prison overcrowding. However, there are concerns about whether this could inadvertently favour privileged or powerful criminals. Jerald Joseph, Chair of CSO Platform for Reform shares his insights on strategies and accountability needed for this implementationImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah's Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Noor recently highlighted the record gains in state revenue in 2023, amounting to RM7 billion ringgit. There are also targets of 4% GDP growth for 2024. We ask Dr. Janis Yasin, Senior Lecturer, UiTM Sabah if the Sabah Maju Jaya roadmap will help the state achieve its goals and where are the gaps.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed leaders from the ASEAN member states at a special summit in Melbourne. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also made his first official visit to the country to forge better bilateral ties. We will be speaking to Thomas Daniel, senior fellow at ISIS Malaysia for his take on the outcome of the summitImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) has unveiled "Reforming Our Institutions: Blueprint for Reforms," last week highlighting 13 priority institutional reforms for the country. How much of this is actually reflected in the government's reform agenda? We discuss this with Salsabila Abdul Manan, Senior Executive with IDEAS.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya wants to reinstate the cabotage policy exemption for foreign vessels conducting undersea cable repairs to help spur the growth of the digital economy and attract foreign investments in the data centre industry. Dr Rais Hussin, CEO of the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology and Innovation (MRANTI), explains what this might mean for the shipping industry and Malaysia’s economy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bersatu has passed a motion to amend its constitution that aims to nullify the membership of its MPs who support rival parties. It now requires the Registrar of Societies' approval. If that happens, the 6 Bersatu MPs who have stated their support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, might see their memberships end and likely trigger by-elections. Dr Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow at the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research helps us understand the issues at hand.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's two main political parties - the National People's Congress (NPC) and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) - have begun their annual meeting. This is the time legislators will approve new laws, political appointments, and government work reports, among others. Richard McGregor, Senior Fellow at The Lowy Institute gives us an idea of what to expect during these sessions.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The seventh Bumiputera Economic Congress 2024 aimed to course-correct government policies on bumi empowerment and participation. Does the newly announced Bumiputera Economic Transformation Policy introduce anything new and innovative on this front? We get reactions from Azlan Awang, Senior Fellow with Majlis Tindakan Ekonomi Malaysia (MTEM).Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Employees' Provident Fund will pay out a 2023 dividend rate of 5.5% for conventional savings and 5.4% for shariah. This compares with the 5.35% for conventional and 4.75% for shariah in 2022. Ng Zhu Hann, the CEO and founder of Tradeview Capital shares his views on EPF's performance the past year and what might we expect in 2024.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For this year, Inland Revenue Board has a tax collection target of RM197 billion. With Individual and non-individual taxpayers eligible to submit their Tax Return Form through e-Filing starting last Friday, 1 March, what are some of the exemptions and tax allowances that you are entitled to? SM Thanneermalai, Managing Director, Thannees Tax Consulting Services walks us through that process.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With there only being weeks left until Ramadan, peace talks between mediators from several countries have continued in Qatar, with US President Joe Biden praying for a deal as early as next week. We ask Middle East expert Dr. James Dorsey for his take on the recent developments in the Israel-Hamas war.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the next two weekends, Taylor Swift will be performing 6 sold out shows in the lion city with over 300 thousand tickets sold. Dr. Lau Kong Cheen, Associate Professor from the School of Business at Singapore University of Social Sciences tells us the multiplier effect these concerts have on the economy and why concerts are a core component of their tourism strategy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Currently there are only 100,000 EV cars on the road. Yet the government has target of 20% ownership by 2030. Is providing a one-off subsidy the solution? Lee Yuen How, Managing Director, EV Connection gives us his views whilst telling us what other measures the government should consider.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's government is working out a legal system that will provide a kill switch to automatically act against fraudulent activities on any online domain or platform. Dr Selvakumar Manickam, an associate professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia helps us understand how effective current efforts are even as online scam cases continue to rise and what else could be done to address the situation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday, Cambodia’s ruling party won the Senate elections, paving the way for former prime minister Hun Sen to be the president of the upper chambers. The Senate President serves as the head of state when the King is absent from the country. We get insights from Jakarta-based journalist Erin Cook on Hun Sen’s return to front-line politics and it means for Cambodian politics moving forward.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government recently announced that there are no plans to enforce a mandatory build then sell concept for housing developers, but as the nation continues to battle with abandoned housing projects, what is the best method moving forward? We ask Datuk NK Tong, President, Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association on his perspective as well as the outlook for the real estate market.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.