Morning Brief

Not everyone has the same sense of humour but comedians playing to sell-out shows has a certain allure to the business of comedy. However, in Malaysia, local comedians have to navigate racial, religious and political sensitivities while figuring out how to pay the bills. Comedian Kavin Jay shares with us what the local scene is like and is there money to be made by being funny.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Bank and Bank Negara Malaysia recently released a joint report entitled "Managing Flood Risks - Leveraging Finance for Business Resilience in Malaysia". We speak to Tatiana Didier, Senior economist at the World Bank Group for what policy changes are required to help business survive these increasingly frequent calamities due to climate change and overdevelopment.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that Malaysia is the 8th most breached country in the world? The government now hopes the passing of the Cybersecurity Bill 2024 in the Dewan Rakyat will mark a pivotal moment in fortifying the nation's cybersecurity framework. Kenny Lam, partner with RDS Law, helps us understand what the implications are.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we move into the 2nd quarter of 2024, ASEAN Banks come under our radar as a barometer of how the economy is doing. Rena Kwok, Credit Analyst, Asian Financials, Bloomberg Intelligence joins us to discuss the impact of China’s property woes on these financial institutions, what a Fed rate cut does to earnings, and the outlook for their additional tier 1 bonds.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple is currently working to implement Google’s Gemini AI engine into the iPhone. With Microsoft hiring the cofounder of AI startup DeepMind. Adrian Chew of ASEAN AI joins us to discuss AI’s place within the tech sector going forward.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd reported a new all time high of its share price, a week after signing new operating and lease agreements with the government. Ahmad Maghfur Usman, of Nomura Malaysia shares with us details of this new agreement, as well as the outlook for aviation players. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The KK Mart sock controversy has catapulted UMNO Youth Chief Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh into the national spotlight. How much of the outrage he channels is due to genuine offence vs political posturing? We discuss the fallout from the controversy with political scientist Dr. Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia.Image Credit: Nashriq93/ Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PADU will close its registration window on March 31, with the government signaling that it may be reopened for a second round in the future. What does the government need to address to improve the rate of sign-ups? We discuss lessons learnt from the PADU registration exercise with Dr. Rachel Gong, Deputy Director, Khazanah Research Institute.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the Home Minister Dato’ Seri Saifuddin Nasution announced the government will not proceed with two of five proposed constitutional amendments that would impact the citizenship of foundlings and abandoned babies, following massive public outcry.  However, this was only a partial victory for advocates - the remaining 4 regressive amendments were still tabled for the first reading in Dewan Rakyat on Monday. We speak to Suri Kempe of Family Frontiers about the negative implications of the regressive amendments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Police (Amendment) Bill 2024 was passed with little fanfare in the Dewan Rakyat last week but has since sparked significant debate. The bill also increases penalties for several offences, including obstructing police orders and failing to comply with instructions with fines potentially reaching up to RM10,000 and up to two years imprisonment. Do the Police Act amendments adequately balance considerations of civil liberty versus national security? We discuss this with lawyer Kee Shu Min.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the first time, the United States did not use its veto power to kill a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas. The legally binding resolution has now been passed with the other 14 members voting yes. Carrie Nooten, the UN Correspondent for Le Monde and Radio France Internationale helps put this development into context.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boeing has seen crisis after crisis since 2 crashes involving its 737MAX planes. More recently, a panel that exposed a hole in an Alaska Airlines jet shortly after takeoff, raised questions about Boeing's production processes. Greg Waldron, the Asia Managing Editor of FlightGlobal talks about the impact the recently announced changes at Boeing's top management might have on its fortunes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara hopes its Financial Inclusion Framework 2023 to 2026 will result in affordable financial products and services available to all segments of Malaysian society, regardless of geographical location or income level. The key here is to expand digital financial services. Vincent Fong, Chief Editor of Fintech News Malaysia looks at the developments so far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian capital market showed resilience despite slow recovery in 2023 amid global headwinds, according to the Securities Commission Malaysia in its latest 2023 annual report published yesterday. We speak to Ng Zhu Hann, CEO and founder of Tradeview Capital on the key highlights of the SC’s report as well as measures that can be taken to boost the competitiveness of the country’s capital market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Islamic State has claimed reponsibility for a terrorist attack at a concert hall in Moscow, resulting in the loss of over 130 lives. Four men have been charged with committing an act of terrorism. Dr Alexey Muraviev, Associate Professor of National Security and Strategic Studies at Curtin University talks about how this development might affect President Vladimir Putin's offensive in Ukraine, now into its third year.Image credit: EPA ImagesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week the Ministry of Transport announced that vehicle deregistration will soon be able to be done online via e-Dereg, as part of efforts to make it easier to dispose of end-of-life vehicles. How effective might this policy be? We get industry reactions from Cho Chee Seng, Immediate Past Secretary General of the Malaysian Automotive Recyclers Association (MAARA).Image Credit: Wirestock Creators/ Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Ministry recently announced an intervention curriculum for Standard 1 students to prepare them for the expected 2027 school curriculum, that emphasises mastering literacy and numeracy. This comes as the state of Malaysian education comes under intense scrutiny following the impact of the pandemic and the abolition of the Dual Language Programme. Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, Chair of the Parent Action Group For Education (PAGE) Malaysia helps us understand the issues at hand.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economy minister Rafizi Ramli has warned that any delay in implementing targeted subsidies would cost the government RM2 billion a month in blanket petrol subsidies. It is now depending on a successful PADU initiative to begin reforming how subsidies are doled out. Jeremy Goh, Head of Research at Hong Leong Investment Bank helps us analyse the issue.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Home minister Saifuddin Nasution expressing his readiness to discuss with the Communications Ministry on the possibility of regulating streaming platforms such as Netflix, we ask Dr Benjamin Loh, Director of the Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions Impact Lab at Taylor's University shares with us if this is a reasonable course of action as well as the possibility of doing so with existing legislation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Malaysia's facing a growing demand for skilled workers, widening supply- demand job mismatches, stagnant wages and the threat of automation on traditional jobs, we delve deeper into what Malaysia needs to do to address these challenges with Dr Niaz Asadullah, Southeast Asia Lead at the Global Labor Organisation & Professor of Economics, Monash University MalaysiaImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong resigned over corruption allegations, the latest in a string of leadership shake-ups over the past several years that have observers worried about the political stability of the country. We speak to Sebastian Strangio, Southeast Asia Editor at The Diplomat to better understand what’s happening in Hanoi and what the implications of the latest developments might be.Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hong Kong passed a new national security law that cracks down on all forms of dissent and allows for trials to be held behind closed doors. This has triggered fresh criticism over fear that it will further erode civil liberties. Elaine Pearson, Asia Director, Human Rights Watch shares with us what is in this new law, its impact, and what can the international community do.Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah's political dynamics have grabbed headlines over infighting within UMNO and PKR ahead of the state elections due to be held by October 2025. We speak to Prof. Dr. Lee Kuok Tiung of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) about how political developments could impact alliances leading into the elections.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Department of Statistics Malaysia will be developing a new indicator to measure the cost of living. It told Utusan Malaysia that this will be launched in September and will include where Malaysians live as part of its component. Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Norma Mansor, Director at the Social Wellbeing Research Centre of University Malaya shares her insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Bank Negara Malaysia issued its 2023 annual report and related financial reports detailing the health of the macroeconomy. What are the factors that will influence the trajectory of economic growth? We discuss the highlights with Dr. Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Chief Economist of Bank Muamalat.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has just concluded a 2-day trip to the Philippines just as its President Ferdinand Marcos Jr admitted that Beijing’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea continue to be a point of contention. Andrea Chloe Wong, a Philippines' political analyst helps us contextualise all this along with a perceived rift between Marcos Jr and his VP Sara Duterte-Carpio, the daughter of the previous president, Rodrigo Duterte.Image Credit: Office of the President MarcosSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world's longest monetary policy experiment has ended with the Bank of Japan finally raising rates after 17 years. In what was a widely anticipated move, the overnight rate is now in a range of about zero to 0.1 percent, from minus 0.1 percent. William Pesek, columnist, Nikkei Asia tells us what this entails for the economy, markets and the yen.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.