Morning Brief

Malaysia has imposed a windfall tax levy of 3% on palm oil prices above RM3000 for Peninsular Malaysia and RM3500 for East Malaysia since 1998. Industry players have made calls to the government to do away with this levy - what justifications are they putting forth? We speak with economist Khor Yu Leng of Segi Enam Advisors to find out what needs to be done for Malaysia to remain relevant in the palm oil supply chain.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the home of Beruas MP Dato' Ngeh Koo Ham was torched in the wee hours of the morning, destroying three of his vehicles but thankfully, there were no injuries. Remember also that in July last year, lawyer-activist Siti Kasim found pipe bombs underneath her car. We speak to the Perak DAP leader himself about his experience, as police work hard to uncover the motive behind such attacks.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the world was confronted with two aviation incidents involving Japan and Alaska Airlines, evoking widespread concern. These occurrences have prompted a thorough examination of safety protocols and procedures within the aviation industry. Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Aviation Consultant from Frost & Sullivan shares his insights on airline safety.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) approved exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest directly in Bitcoin, after more than a decade of opposition from the regulator. This is considered a watershed moment for the digital-asset industry. Sam Reynolds, senior reporter at Coindesk explains why and if this means that cryptocurrencies have gone mainstream.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia and Singapore on Thursday signed an MOU on a new Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone to enhance economic cooperation, while also boosting the cross-border flow of goods and people as well as developing a framework that will lead to a full-fledged agreement. We speak with Tan Sri Dr Sulaiman Mahbob, Chairman of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) on Malaysia’s trade initiatives and how we need to compete against rising ASEAN neighbours.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabriel Attal has been appointed as France's new prime minister following the resignation of Élisabeth Borne after a 20-month stint. Peter McPhee, Emeritus Professor of French History at the University of Melbourne analyses what the future holds for the 34-year-old former Health and Education minister, who also once served as président Emmanuel Macron's spokesperson.Image credit: EPA ImagesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia invests significantly on public transport but issues faced by commuters such as punctuality, poor last-mile connectivity and expensive fares do not help build user confidence. Also, big investments are made towards station construction, but maintenance has often been lacking. We speak with transport expert Wan Agyl Wan Hassan to understand what Malaysia needs to create a better public transport system that users will appreciate.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been calls for Malaysia to work harder to be a green investment hub, even more so as we face strong competition from our ASEAN neighbours. One way is the reformation of the power sector to accommodate the potential export of renewable energy. We speak to Dr Renato Lima de Oliveira, Senior Fellow at Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) to understand what direction Malaysia needs to take as it pivots towards becoming a leader in sustainable development on a global scale.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023 was a tale of two halves for the world's biggest economies, with the US and China markets diverging in sentiment. Will we see similar trends this year and how should investors recalibrate their portfolio in response? Francis Tan of UOB weighs in on investment strategies for 2024.Wealth Advice That Matters is brought to you by UOB Privilege Banking. Visit www.uob.com.my/bfm to find out more about upcoming topics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia has had strong relations with Malaysia throughout the years. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim even made his first foreign visit there upon assuming office. However, it has not always been smooth as there are long standing border issues that the two neighbours need to agree on. Thomas Daniel, Senior Fellow of ISIS Malaysia discusses the key issues, why has it taken so long and also the future of relations as Indonesia faces a presidential election.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's oil and gas industry is a key pillar of the economy, making up approximately 20% of annual GDP. This year, the oil & gas, services and equipment, or OGSE industry anticipates a notable rise in capital expenditure, signalling positive growth prospects. Yet, attention is drawn to the Middle East, where potential conflict escalation could bring both uncertainties and potential advantages for oil and gas entities. Ts. Syed Saggaf Syed Ahmad, President of The Malaysian Oil, Gas & Energy Services Council (MOGSC) shares his analysis of the industry landscape for 2024.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government will be revising the guidelines on the appointment process for board members of Federal Statutory Bodies. Meanwhile, a new format for MPs and administrative officials to declare their assets will be tabled soon in a Cabinet meeting. Alissa Rode, Research Manager for Public Finance Unit, IDEAS shares her insights on whether these efforts will be able to foster better governance and transparency.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The past year or so saw the US dollar reign supreme as the Federal Reserve kept interest rates elevated, and geopolitical uncertainty encouraged people to keep the greenback as a safe haven. Luca Santos, a currency analyst at ACY Securities, shares his views on how other major currencies that didn't do so well, including the Japanese yen, the euro and the sterling pound might fare in 2024.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysia property sector is forecast to grow by as much as 15% this year compared to 2023, thanks to a positive macroeconomic environment, supportive government policies, and a rise in investment inflows. Amy Wong Siew Fong, Executive Director of Research & Consultancy with Knight Frank Malaysia, shares her thoughts on where she thinks these areas of growth might be.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The headwinds of last year which includes geopolitical tensions and a slowdown in global growth, especially in China are likely to persist in 2024. So what is the outlook for mid-tier companies? Callum Chen, President of Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies tells us whilst weighing in on what government policies will help their association members to thrive.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

E-Commerce giant Lazada recently retrenched a large number of staff at its Singaporean and Malaysian operations. This amidst tough competition in the e-commerce space as well as the streamlining of functions to remain agile and adapt to customer trends. We speak to Jianggan Li, CEO of Momentum Works to understand the implications of these layoffs to the sector and how they need to manoeuvre before more competitors enter the market.Image credit: Lazada.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Organisational consulting firm Korn Ferry has been in the business of talent for decades. Country Managing Director, Anthony Raja Devadoss shares with us his expectations of the job market, what sectors are hiring, why do companies engage their recruitment services despite the existence of digital platforms as well as what percentage increments employees should look out for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stage is set for Taiwan's presidential election on January 13, that is expected to shape future ties between the self-ruled island and mainland China. Three candidates will vie for the post - the Beijing-friendly Kuomintang, the more centre-left and US-friendly Democratic Progressive Party and the smaller Taiwan’s People Party. Brian Hioe, Co-Founding Editor of New Bloom Magazine shares his thoughts.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia may be blessed with abundant water resources but supply disruptions continue to occur as a result of ageing infrastructure, pollution and sometimes bad management. Datuk Abdul Kadir Mohd Din, immediate past president of the Malaysian Water Association, explains how we can better manage this natural resource moving forward.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the Sheraton Move, the Dubai Move and now the Chow Kit Move, Members of Parliament from the Opposition parties are working hard to give the impression that they have the numbers to topple Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s Unity Government. We speak with Dr Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow with Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research to understand the implications of these actions and whether it is possible even with the Anti Hopping Law.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

F&B players in the country continue to grapple with rising cost of living and evolving consumer preferences. Over the last few weeks we have seen boycotts of several international franchises due to affiliation with Israel. Jeremy Lim, Vice-President & Media Liaisons, Persatuan Pemilik Restoran & Bistro shares with us how the industry is doing.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asian economies sailed through a volatile year in 2023 with plenty of challenges abound. Will we see an economic bounceback amid lacklustre growth and geopolitical uncertainties? We discuss the regional outlook with Lavanya Venkateswaran of OCBC Bank. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A prospective legislative change is on the horizon in Malaysia, as the government mulls over the introduction of a law to regulate the size of companies resulting from mergers. It will be the third important aspect of competition laws in the country. We examine the goals and possible outcomes of this potential policy alongside Kwan Will Sen, Partner of Lim Chee Wee Partnership.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jimmy Lai, founder of the now-shuttered pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily, has pleaded not guilty to all charges in a national security trial. He has been incarcerated since December 2020 for alleged fraud and involvement in a vigil to mark the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre. Elaine Pearson, Asia Director of Human Rights Watch shares with us concerns about how the fundamental rights of Hong Kongers are slowly but surely eroding.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year could be a good year for SMEs - Budget 2024 saw RM44 billion ringgit allocated for these businesses which remain the backbone of the Malaysian economy. Dato’ William Ng, Chairman of the Small and Medium Enterprises' Association talks about the challenges expected amid rising input costs from wages and raw materials, among others.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Central Database Hub or PADU has gone live, with several security flaws discovered in the hours after its rollout. Former MP Ong Kian Ming shares his experience registering for the account, as well as his concerns about the security issues and the overall system's effectiveness in ensuring subsidies do indeed reach the targeted segments of society.Image credit: Padu.gov.mySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fintech industry continues to see strong growth with the total number of companies increasing to over 300, according to the Malaysia Fintech Report 2023. Vincent Fong, Chief Editor, Fintech News Malaysia tells us which segments we should pay attention to, how challenging it is to turn profitable and what are some of the trends to observe in 2024.Image credit: Fintech News MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officially launched the long-awaited Central Database System, or PADU. This marks a pivotal move towards establishing a centralised database for 32 million citizens and an essential avenue for eligible Malaysians to access targeted subsidies. Dr. Nur Ain Shahrier, Senior Lecturer of Economics & Finance at Sunway University, shares her insights on this system.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Streaming and media companies have faced a tough year in 2023, with the biggest Hollywood Strike stopping productions for months. For 2024, impatience is setting in with investors as their attention turns to profitability. Geetha Ranganathan, Senior Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence shares with us the outlook, if more M&As could be in sight and whether cable TV is dead. Image credit: Koshiro K / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Going into 2024, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim aims to boost the economy by emphasising good governance, streamlining business processes, and a reduction in bureaucracy to attract both domestic and foreign investments. Julia Goh, Senior Economist at UOB shares her outlook for the Malaysian economy with these pledges amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was recently chided for being insensitive to the Indian community after quoting from the Hikayat Hang Tuah, using a term considered offensive to them. Praba Ganesan, Chief Executive of KUASA, a democracy outreach organisation, talks to us about the wider issues the Indian Malaysian community continues to face and why they remain one of the more marginalised. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 is a year of elections with more than 1/2 of the world choosing new leaders, including our ASEAN neighbor, Indonesia. Dr. Prashanth Parameswaran, Fellow at the Wilson Center and Founder of the weekly ASEAN Wonk Newsletter tells us what the geopolitical challenges that ASEAN faces are as it maintains its politically neutral ideology.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Locals have been found to lease their business licences to foreign workers without fulfilling the required criteria. Due to this situation, the government is considering the implementation of an “Anti-Ali Baba” law aimed at Malaysians, to tackle this issue. Professor Emeritus Dr. Barjoyai Bardai, Economist at Universiti Tun Abdul tell us what strategy should be employed in managing this issue.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month marked one year of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister. We review the year with Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser at Pacific Research Center of Malaysia and discuss how political dynamics might play out in 2024.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s equity market has been far from stellar with no blockbuster IPOs lined up for 2024. However, manufacturing and export numbers like in the semiconductor sector show a more positive story. We spoke with Geoff Howie, SGX Market Strategist to look for the silver lining that can help build more investor interest in the Singapore equity market.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysia Competition Commission has imposed a RM415 million ringgit fine on five major chicken feed companies, its largest fine to date. They were found guilty of forming a cartel aimed at increasing the price of poultry feed, consequently impacting chicken prices, a staple protein source for Malaysians. Iskandar Ismail, the CEO of MyCC breaks down the case for us.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest in Bitcoin may rise further as the ETF approval comes closer to fruition. As the cryptocurrency leans to become a mainstream product, there will be more regulation and eventually acceptance by the investing public. We speak to Sam Reynolds, senior reporter at Coindesk for his thoughts on the matter.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year, almost on schedule, parts of Malaysia get inundated causing untold damage and sometimes, tragically, loss of lives. This year is no different, with climate change playing a very noticeable part. Nora Kantin, an Orang Asli resident of Kampung Lambok in Kuala Betis, Gua Musang, Kelantan is among those deeply affected by this natural disaster. She shares her experience.Image credit: Nora KantinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stronger non-oil export numbers and manufacturing activity drive Singapore’s economy to achieve stable growth in 2024. Positive tailwinds in the semiconductor space help propel it further. Adrian Loh of UOB Kay Hian shares his views on Singapore’s economic and market outlook.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China has been experiencing strong outflow from its economy as foreign fund managers maintain only core exposure to their equity portfolios. Marvin Chen, Senior Asia Equity Strategist, Bloomberg Intelligence shares his views on why they are underweight on China and what will drive the country’s market in 2024.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The east coast states of Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang are seeing some of the worst flooding in recent years, with tens of thousands of people evacuated from their homes. We get updates on the situation on the ground with Dato’ Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus of Mercy Malaysia, as well as recommendations for longer term policy action needed for flood mitigation. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On December 18, Menara Ilham, a building owned by the family of former Finance Minister Tun Daim Zainuddin, was seized by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. According to news reports, the seizure was in response to Tun Daim’s refusal to declare his and his family’s financial holdings to the MACC. We speak with Dr Edmund Terence Gomez, Former Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Administration of Universiti Malaya on the background of this investigation.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASEAN markets have been lacklustre this year, beset by both internal and external developments that have dragged investor sentiment. Some of the headwinds include the absence of the much anticipated economic recovery in China, while US economic strength dominated foreign investor interest. We speak with Jerry Goh, Asean Equities Investment Manager, ABDRN for a view of the equity market.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Reserve raised rates 11 times since 2022 to pause since July at 5.25- 5.50%. This slowdown in rate rises led to a rebound in global bond markets including Malaysia with the S&P Malaysia Bond Index up 5.9% on a year to date basis. But can we expect a repeat for 2024? Ang Beng Kuan, Head of Investments, Hong Leong Islamic Asset Management tells us.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Magnificent Seven were the main catalyst of a US equity market rally this year. Dan Ives , Managing Director of Wedbush Securities shares his insights on whether this trend will continue into 2024, his Christmas wishlist and if one should buy into the AI frenzy.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly appointed Human Resources Minister Steven Sim has recently announced that the ministry will be drafting the country’s first National Human Resources Policy. Dr Geoffrey Williams, Economist & Professor, Malaysia University of Science and Technology tells us what should be the priorities and deliverables of this new policy.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Magnificent Seven were the main catalyst of a US equity market rally this year. Dan Ives, Managing Director of Wedbush Securities shares his insights on whether this trend will continue into 2024, his Christmas wishlist and if one should buy into the AI frenzy.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian cyber laws are not updated as fast as the change in technology. Increased cyber threats put our personal data at risk, adding a hurdle to Malaysia’s digital journey. We speak with Dr Selvakumar Manickam, Associate Professor, Universiti Sains Malaysia to hear what is needed to ensure our data is safe and make those who are negligent more accountable.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March, law and institutional reform minister, Datuk Seri Azalina appointed Farah Nini Dusuki as the Children’s Commissioner to Suhakam for a 3 year role. We speak to Datuk Dr Hartini Zainuddin, Co-Founder, Yayasan Chow Kit to find out what should be the priorities of this role and is there sufficient interministerial coordination of policies related to children.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysians' access to nutritional food is getting tighter due to food price inflation. Coupled with shrinking agricultural land and a smaller farming community, the country's food security is at risk. We speak to Deepak S. Moorthy, Expert Associate Partner, Head of Food and Agriculture, McKinsey Southeast Asia on how Malaysia can expand its food production to feed its population.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.