Morning Brief

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that SPM students who score 10As, regardless of background, will be guaranteed entry to the matriculation programme without affecting the 90% Bumiputera quota. Will the lifting of restrictions for top scorers improve meritocracy in the education sector? We discuss meritocracy and fairness in pre-university pathways with Dr.Lee Hwok-Aun of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.Image Credit: Lens Hitam / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first round of France's snap parliamentary election has concluded with Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally leading with 34% of the vote, the left-wing New Popular Front coalition with 29%, and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist Ensemble third with 20.5%. Professor Peter McPhee, Emeritus Professor of History at the University of Melbourne, analyzes what might happen when the second round takes place on July 7th.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first presidential debate between incumbent Democrat Joe Biden and his Republican challenger Donald Trump has concluded. Biden's performance was less than stellar as Trump spewed lie after lie, addressing few policy issues. Wendy Schiller, a professor of political science at Brown University, reviews what happened and what it might mean for the November presidential race.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China responding to the tightening restrictions on advanced technology exports from the US and Europe by increasing its self-sufficiency. But are there limits to how much it can build its own advanced tech sector without outside input? We speak to Yoko Kubota of the Wall Street Journal to find out more. Read her exclusive report here: The Goal for China’s Chip Giant: Cut Out the U.S. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In May 2023, the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) made the decision to withdraw Assunta Hospital’s tax exemption status,because the agency believed that the hospital had violated several conditions of its tax exemption status. Dr Veerinderjeet Singh, Senior Advisor on Tax Policy, KPMG explains who and how to qualify for tax exempt status comes under Section 44 (6) of the Income Tax Act 1967 (ITA).Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Doubts lingered as China’s Chang’e 6 mission aimed to land on the far side of the moon. However, they’ve successfully brought back its rock and soil samples. This success has sparked an intense moon race with the US who has been prominently known to be at the top of its A-game in space exploration. We dive into the tensions of this space race with Clayton Swope, the Deputy Director of Aerospace Security Project at Centre for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS).Image Credit: Wirestock / Freepik.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. presidential debate, which is happening three months earlier than the usual cycle is likely to be a fiery event but will the outcome make a difference in this tightly contested race? Dr. Adrian Ang, Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies tells us what to expect and how these octogenarian candidates stack up.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government scored a hat-trick, but not the kind that is celebrated - instead it was a hat-trick of disappointments, as the new Election Commission Chair was announced without any parliamentary oversight as pledged in previous manifestos. We get reactions from Bersih on how the Madani government can make right on their pledges for electoral reform.Image Credit: Gwoeii / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) has launched its first-ever loan restructuring campaign,offering a minimum payment of RM300 to encourage borrowers to settle their arrears. Dr Hassanudin Mohd Thas Thaker, Associate Professor, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), joins us today in examining the campaign and whether it will successfully solicit more repayments.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent days, Brent crude oil prices have been on an upsurge after a slow start in June. We speak to Vandana Hari, Founder & CEO, Vanda Insights to find out what is driving black gold's price momentum. We also ask about EA's projection of an oil supply glut by 2029 and how that contrasts with OPEC's more optimistic outlook.Image Credit: wirestock / Freepik.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASEAN has become a beneficiary of trade diversion resulting from US-China tensions, especially in the semiconductor and green technology sectors. However with China being the largest trade partner and the US the biggest investor for most of the region, will ASEAN ultimately lose in prolonged trade tensions? We discuss this with Dr. Maria Monica Wihardja of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last month, the FBMKLCI has corrected by more than 2%.  Andrew San, Head of ASEAN Equities, Amundi Malaysia tells us if there are reasons to be worried or if this presents a buying opportunity. We also try to understand why markets like the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia are all in negative territory on a year to date basis.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seismic changes are happening at social media platforms, X and TikTok for different reasons. We examine each in detail with Dr. Fahizah Shamsuddin, Programme Director, School of Media and Communication, Taylor’s University to uncover if both can survive in the midst of intense competition and regulatory scrutiny.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dual Language Programme (DLP) for the teaching of science and mathematics in English has sparked controversy since it was launched in its current iteration in 2016. Do the new guidelines that require DLP schools to have one class that teaches the two subjects in Bahasa Malaysia strengthen or weaken the aims of the programme? We discuss the issue with Chan Soon Seng of Teach for Malaysia.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sg. Bakap polls will see a straight fight between educator Dr. Joohari Ariffin of PKR and businessman Abidin Ismail of PAS. What might the demographic make-up of the constituency reveal about who holds decision-making power? We discuss expectations for the Sg. Bakap by-elections and expectations for the Parliament session that opens today with Danesh Prakash Chacko of Tindak Malaysia.Image Credit:  Djohan Shahrin / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Southeast Asia, elections don’t necessarily guarantee stability, as seen in Thailand and the Philippines where fragile alliances are on the brink. We unpack the political developments and what to watch with journalist Erin Cook.Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sungai Bakap by-election is set for July 6th, with nomination day this Saturday. Both Pakatan Harapan (PH) and Perikatan Nasional (PN) coalitions have unveiled their candidates, setting the stage for a closely fought contest due to a narrow 1,563-vote margin in 2023. We gaze into the crystal ball to discuss potential outcomes with Arinah Najwa Ahmad Said, Director, BowerGroup Asia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly 30% of refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia are children, but they are barred from access to the public schooling system. On World Refugee Day, we speak to Deborah Henry, founder of the Fugee School to discuss the importance of providing education pathways for refugee children.Image Credit: Gaie Uchel / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang's official visit to Malaysia to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, resulted in the exchange of 14 MOUs, covering a wide range of cooperation including the export of fresh durians and visa exemptions. Collins Chong Yew Keat, Foreign Affairs, Security & Strategy Analyst at Universiti Malaya, analyses the implications and significance of all these. Image Credit: shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Vladimir Putin was welcomed in Pyongyang this week with much fanfare in his first visit to North Korea in 24 years. Together with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-Un, they signed a strategic partnership to assist each other in the event of aggression against their countries. What does this renewed relationship mean for international stability and security? Dr. Hoo Chiew Ping, Senior Fellow, at the East Asian International Relations (EAIR) Caucus weighs in on these developments.Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday dissolved the war cabinet, following the departure of key figures last week over the lack of a post-war strategy. The developments come as the two sides of the war consider a ceasefire proposal presented by US President Joe Biden earlier this month. What does this mean for the trajectory of the war? Middle East expert Dr. James Dorsey weighs in.Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) announced that they conducted a special operation to reduce tax leakage in cryptocurrency trading. We speak to SM Thanneermalai, Founder & Managing Director of Thannees Tax Consulting Services as to who and when is a person liable for this based on the guidelines.Image Credit: fabrikasimf / Freepik.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim this week signaled that Malaysia was looking to join BRICS, the bloc of emerging economies led by Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa. We discuss the why and the how with foreign policy analysis from Bunn Nagara, Honorary Fellow at the Perak Academy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

June 16th is the International Day of Domestic Workers, a labourforce that many Malaysian households rely on. However despite our reliance on domestic workers, the sector remains under-regulated, and something as basic as mandatory leave days are not guaranteed for domestic workers here. We speak to Nasrikah Paidin, coordinator of the Indonesian domestic worker NGO PERTIMIG on why they are advocating for 24-hour days-off to be made mandatory for domestic workers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia recognises its heavy reliance on food imports and the consequences it brings, it is intensifying efforts to encourage urban farming to address national food security amid global supply chain disruptions that impact food availability. Dato’ Prof Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, the Vice-chancellor of Universiti Putra Malaysia talks to us about the university's Food Security Blueprint and how it can be aligned to these objectives.Image Credit: Drazen Zigic / Freepik.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China saw a strong start to their economy in the first two months of 2024, but the lustre has faded since. Now, the world’s 2nd biggest economy is seeing deflation, a highly indebted property sector, a gloomy job market, and on top of everything, a new tariff by the EU on China electric vehicles (EVs). To bring clarity to this murky situation, we have Tommy Xie, Head of Greater China Research, OCBC Bank with us on the Morning Brief. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has seen a significant rise in dengue cases, accompanied by a 79% increase in related deaths, concentrated in Selangor. But there is a new Dengue Tetravalent Vaccine aimed at tackling the dengue epidemic. Professor Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman, Public Health Medicine Specialist shares his insights on this new vaccine and other essential strategies for preventing this disease.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Lawrence Wong assuming office as Singapore's fourth Prime Minister on May 15th, we unpack his two-day working visit to Malaysia aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation between the two nations as well as overcome unresolved issues such as water and maritime border delineation. We delve into the key insights from the meeting with Thomas Daniel, Senior Fellow, ISIS Malaysia.Image Credit: shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the dust settles following the outcome of the European parliamentary elections, what will the right-ward shift in the legislative body mean for the EU policy moving forward? We discuss the implications with Dr. Benjamin Barton of the University of Nottingham Malaysia.Image Credit: shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hydrogen Economy & Technology Roadmap (HETR) launched last year projects Malaysia to gain between RM49 billion to RM61 bil ringgit in additional GDP contribution, as well as RM12.1 billion in revenue gains from the hydrogen market by 2030. Sarawak is leading this move, aiming to become a commercial hydrogen producer by 2027. Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad, the CEO of NanoMalaysia, shares his views on this issue.Image Credit: shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thailand’s National Institute of Development Administration's latest survey has revealed that only a third of respondents are satisfied with the performance of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s government since it took power nine months ago. Dr Michael Montesano, Associate Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute helps us understand the current Thai political situation.Image Credit: shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is no denying that technical & vocational education & training (TVET) plays an important role in creating a skilled workforce, but it is seldom the choice of school leavers and the youth who prefer professional vocations. To address this, Putrajaya has launched the National TVET Policy 2030, pumping significant funding into it. Danial Abdul Rahman, CEO of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI), shares his views on this.Image Credit: freepik.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced that legislative elections will take place with two rounds on June 30 and July 7. This followed the conclusion of European Parliamentary elections with far-right parties advancing in France, Germany and Italy. Prof. Peter McPhee at the University of Melbourne analyses why this is happening at this time and what the outcome might be.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the stroke of midnight, diesel prices in Peninsula Malaysia were raised to RM3.35 from RM2.15 with the government assuring that the prices of goods will not rise due to the mechanism that these subsidies are removed. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education gives us his impressions of this and if its an essential part of Malaysia's fiscal reforms.Image Credit: brgfx/freepik.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Madani government wants to review the National Oil & Gas Service & Equipment (OGSE) Blueprint 2021-2030 that was introduced three years ago, believing it needs to address global competitiveness, sustainability, agility, and diversity within the sector. Syed Saggaf Syed Ahmad, President of The Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council (MOGSC) gives us some perspectives on what that might entail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bersatu has taken steps to address how to deal with 6 of their MPs who had openly declared support to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the Dewan Rakyat, abandoning their role as opposition. This situation now brings up how the anti-hopping law that has been in force since October 2022, comes into play. Dr Wong Chin Huat, a political scientist at Sunway University helps us unravel the complexities of this issue.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime office rents in Singapore reached a 15-year high in the first quarter of the year, but the picture may not stay as rosy given a number of headwinds on the horizon. How will commercial real estate trends affect the outlook for major Singapore property players? We get analysis from Ken Foong of Bloomberg Intelligence.Image Credit: Pro Aerial Master / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister's Office has just launched the Malaysia Madani Nationhood Training module to be undertaken by Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia or AKM. The the module is firmly rooted in the Federal Constitution and reflects the core values outlined in the Rukun Negara but how useful will it be in achieving its goals of ensuring the patriotism and civic consciousness of future generations. Jason Wee, Co-founder, Architects of Diversity  tells us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the moratorium on EV road taxes ends in January 2026, EV owners won’t have to worry about sticker shock - this week the Transport Minister Anthony Loke unveiled a new road tax structure that will see EVs pay 85% lower fees. We discuss the implications of this and other auto-sector related policies with Daniel Fernandez, Editor of the auto news portal dsf.my.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party BJP failed to secure an outright majority on its own in the country's 7-week long general election. This means Modi has to rely on coalition partners to stay in office for a third term. Priyanka Kishore, Director and Principal Economist at Asia Decoded, takes us through the various scenarios and what this might mean for India's economic future as one of the world's fastest-growing economies.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the 2023 National Health & Morbidity Survey by the Ministry of Health, over half a million adults living in Malaysia live with 4 non-communicable diseases or NCDs. What implications does this pose for our healthcare system? We discuss the findings of the survey and policy responses required with Dr. Murallitharan Munisamy, Co-Chairperson of NCD Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the 2024 IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit was held in Dubai, IATA has forecasted that the global airline industry will record revenue of 996 billion US dollars this year. While the net profit estimate has been raised to 30.5 billion dollars. Brendan Sobie, Independent Analyst and Consultant, Sobie Aviation, who was at the event shares with us the takeaways from the event, the industry’s efforts to go green and outlook for the industry.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 21st Shangri-La Dialogue took place in Singapore over the weekend on the backdrop of multiple conflicts from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine, Israel-Hamas wars, as well as continued tensions in the South China Sea. Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor, at the Department of Political Science of the National University of Singapore, helps analyse the outcome of this year's summit.Image Credit: EPA imagesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Africans voted last week in the country's general elections resulting in the ruling African National Congress losing its majority for the first time in 30 years. The ANC now has to negotiate with other parties to remain in government. Louw Nel, a senior political analyst at Oxford Economics, helps us understand what the possible permutations might be for the future of South Africa.Image Credit: rawpixel.com / Freepix.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two days of deliberation by a jury of 12 New Yorkers, Donald Trump has been found guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying business records to pay hush money ahead of the 2016 election. John Zogby, pollster and Founder of Zogby Strategies tells us what impact this will have on his reelection chances in November's elections especially among the minds of the undecided and women voters.Image Credit: EPA imagesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Penang government has proposed for a comprehensive review of tax revenue distribution, advocating for a 20% return of collected taxes to enhance local development. Dr. Tricia Yeoh, CEO, Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) tells us if there is a formula by which states are granted a percentage of tax revenue and how that should align with their development goals.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As South Africans voted in the most hotly contested elections in 30 years with the ruling party, the African National Congress expected to lose their majority. Dr. Dirk Kotze, Professor of Political Science, University of South Africa tells us who are the political parties involved, what are the priorities of the 28 million South Africans who are registered to vote and what is the likely outcome as results will only be known on Sunday.Image Credit: www.slon.pics / Freepik.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The uproar over the awarding of a demand responsive transit (DRT) pilot project in Selangor to Asia Mobiliti, whose co-founder is the husband of Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh has put the spotlight on gaps in the government procurement process. Pushpan Murugiah, CEO of C4 weighs in on the reforms needed in government procurement to ensure transparency and public trust.Image Credit: Asia MobilitiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protests have been taking place outside Taiwan's parliament  drawing up to tens of thousands of demonstrators to voice their opposition to contested reforms  backed by the opposition Kuomintang and the Taiwan People’s Party. Brian Hioe, Co-Founding Editor of New Bloom Magazine explains why this bill is so controversial and what this means for the President Lai Ching-te's ability to govern.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The proposed deal to take Malaysia Airport Holdings (MAHB) private has sparked debate from both proponents and detractors. M. Shanmugam, Contributing Editor with the Edge helps us discern whether this is a good deal for shareholders and national stakeholders. Image Credit: MAHB FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.