Morning Brief

Asia Pacific economies are hoping for a China recovery in 2024 but they do not see a clear roadmap towards this. China’s Government plans to address the downturn their own way but the market thinks otherwise. Furthermore, state owned banks may be asked to bail out property developers which will strain the financial system. Peter Lewis, Founder & Director of Peter Lewis Consulting gives us an overview whether 2024 will be the year of the China dragon.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia Pacific economies are hoping for a China recovery in 2024 but they do not see a clear roadmap towards this. China’s Government plans to address the downturn their own way but the market thinks otherwise. Furthermore, state owned banks may be asked to bail out property developers which will strain the financial system. Peter Lewis, Founder & Director of Peter Lewis Consulting gives us an overview whether 2024 will be the year of the China dragon.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CGS CIMB expects Malaysia's Economy to be in better shape in 2024. This on the back of policy clarity and rollout of Budget 2024 with the execution of its various projects which will help propel the local equity market upwards. Chehan Perera, Head of Research and Strategist, CGS- CIMB Securities speaks to us about what is driving the upside and where we should position ourselves as we face a recovery in 2024.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been calls by the government to reinstate local council elections, starting with the capital city first in efforts to strengthen democracy in the federal territories. Newly appointed FT Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has said she will discuss the proposal but that she has other pressing priorities. We check in with Danesh Prakash Chacko, Director, Tindak Malaysia as to why there should be no delay to this.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi was declared the victor in Egypt’s presidential election for a 3rd time winning 90% of the vote. With an economy in crisis as inflation reached record levels of 40% in August and food prices up 65% on year, what will be Sisi's legacy be? Dr James Dorsey, Senior Fellow, S.Rajaratnam School of International Studies tells us.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid numbers are rising again. Patient numbers are still manageable and public health practitioners do not see the need of an MCO. Assistant Professor Dr Farhan Rusli, Public Health Medicine Specialist, International Islamic University Malaysia speaks to us about the right strategy for Covid-19 management, why the public ought to get booster shots and whether MySejahtera could make a comeback.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has relaxed the requirements for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme. Now featuring a three-tiered system, would the revised measures be able to attract a wider pool of applicants? We speak to Andy Davison, founder and CEO of The Expat Group Media for his thoughts on the revamped programme.Image credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, four of the five biggest shipping companies in the world have suspended passage through a Red Sea strait due to attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen. Kenneth Loh, APAC shipping & logistics analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence discusses how this could impact the global freight shipping industry, and his 2024 outlook for APAC players.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Palm oil prices have been sluggish this year, with futures hovering at the RM3,600 ringgit mark. Is there any catalyst for the upside in 2024? We discuss the trends impacting palm oil markets with Dr. Sathia Varqa, co-founder of Palm Oil Analytics.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa has been tasked to run the FT Ministry. This comes at an important time when there is an urgent need to address the urban poor and for more national level representation of not only Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur but also Labuan. Cha-Ly Koh, CEO and Founder of Urbanmetry discusses with us the many items the new Minister has to resolve from her in-tray.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting Jan 1st, 2024, a 10% tax will be levied on the online purchases of goods from overseas costing below RM500. This is ostensibly aimed at providing a level playing field for local retailers, who have received strong competition from overseas retailers on online shopping portals like Lazada and Shopee, while replenishing the nation's coffers. We speak to Senthuran Elalingam, Indirect Tax Partner at Deloitte for his take on how this new LVG tax would work.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With concerns that the global economy may slow down in 2024, where will the aviation industry land, after having reached 98% of pre-Covid levels as at October this year? Ahmad Maghfur Usman, Equity Analyst at Nomura Malaysia also takes us through its outlook for the related energy sector, which recently saw a downward revision by the International Energy Agency.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s energy sector has traditionally been dominated by state-owned enterprises. While this model of energy supply may be effective in providing reliable and affordable energy to Malaysian consumers, it is not equipped to effectively transition towards renewable energy. We speak to Dr Renato de Lima Oliveira, Senior Fellow with IDEAS and Assistant Professor at the Asia School of Business on the challenges faced by the local energy sector and his suggested reforms to make the industry more competitive.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the recent cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim separated the Communications and Digital Ministry into two independent bodies. Gobind Singh Deo reenters the cabinet as Digital Minister, while Fahmi Fadzil remains Communications Minister within this revised setup. We discuss the expectations and changes in the communication and digital landscape that stem from this division with Alexander Wong, Managing Editor and Co-Founder of SoyaCincau.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the two major superpowers - China and US trying to curry favour with Vietnam, how will the Southeast Asian nation put its 'bamboo diplomacy' into practice as geopolitics become increasingly complex? We speak to Phan Xuan Dung, research officer of Vietnam Studies Programme at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute about what this means for Vietnam moving forward.Image credit: AP PhotosSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Government released data showing that the gender pay gap has widened since 2020, with women receiving 66 ringgit for every 100 ringgit their male counterparts earn, far from the 96 ringgit reported in 2021. Anis Farid, Research Project Manager, Women’s Aid Organisation shares with us the systemic issues women face in the fight for wage equality.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could President Joe Biden become only the 4th US president to be impeached? We discuss the latest move by the House of Representatives to authorise an impeachment inquiry and how this is impacting the presidential race with independent pollster John Zogby.Editorial credit: Muhammad Aamir Sumsum / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does the new Cabinet composition reflect a strengthened political presence of the East Malaysia bloc? We discuss this with Ariff Adi Putra of the Institute for Development Studies in Sabah.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two gruelling weeks, countries at the COP28 climate summit in Dubai have agreed to "shift energy systems away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner", the first time a transition away from fossil fuels has been included. Does this outcome go far enough to avert climate catastrophe? We get insights from Chee Yoke Ling of the Third World Network on what this means for the climate change agenda moving forward.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Tuesday, former Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad was appointed as the Health Minister once again, taking over from Dr. Zaliha Mustafa. The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim believes that his appointment would strengthen the ministry, which has been burdened with many issues. We ask Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh, President, Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia on the reforms that Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly needs to address concerns within the Ministry of Health.Image credit: Free Malaysia TodaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US-China chip war has been ongoing for over a year now. Recently, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo has raised concerns over China's breakthrough in advanced chipmaking. Meanwhile, Nvidia's dealings with China have also come under heavy scrutiny. Alex Holmes, senior economist at Oxford Economics shares his updates on how the semiconductor industry is coping amid the ongoing tensions.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato’ Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir took control of the Ministry of Higher Education. His appointment comes amidst the higher education system coming under fire as to whether it prepares Malaysians for the fast changing nature of work and required technical skills. Prof. Zaharom Nain, Professor of Media and Communication Studies, University of Nottingham Malaysia shares his views on the required initiatives to overhaul the higher education system.Image credit: scholarships.afSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has announced a revamp of his administration. The Madani government now has 31 ministries with the addition of the Federal Territories portfolio and the splitting up of responsibilities at the Communications & Digital as well as the Natural Resources, Environment & Climate Change Ministries. Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director at the Merdeka Centre shares his analysis on this development.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato’ Sri Amir Hamzah Azizan, the former CEO of EPF has been tapped to become Finance Minister II. What might he bring to the table and what is expected of the fortified MOF leadership? We get reactions from economist Dr. Afzanizam Abdul Rashid of Bank Muamalat.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is currently strategising two major projects, the tram system in Melaka and the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail. One for vanity, another for necessity. Will these two projects create a catalyst for more people to use public transport for their travels? Will it ease congestion? We discuss their practicalities with Transit Malaysia Member, Bernard Chong.Image credit: Metro TremSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, several skirmishes were reported between Chinese and Philippines’ vessels in the South China Sea, highlighting continued tensions over maritime territory in the region. We discuss what transpired with security analyst Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Environmental Impact Assessments were introduced back in 1974 under the Environmental Quality Act to evaluate the sustainability and long-term viability of a proposed project or development. However, amid accusations that these EIAs have not fulfilled their purpose, the Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change Ministry might want to make it more robust. Kwong Chiew Ee, a member of the Bar Council Environment and Climate Change Committee, explains what this means.Image credit: MalaysiakiniSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TERAJU was established in 2011 under the Prime Minister's Department to increase Bumiputera participation in the economy, but how successful has this agency been in delivering its mandate? As the government relooks at its strategy to uplift the Bumiputera economy, more focus needs to be done on its proper implementation and ensure support is given to those who need it. Ahmad Yazid Othman, Secretary General at The Malay Chamber of Commerce gives an assessment of TERAJU and what is needed to make it effective.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Investors begin a cautious week as the final Federal Reserve meeting of 2023 looms, hoping for any signals on when central bankers will begin to cut interest rates. Stephen Chiu, Chief Asia FX and Rates Strategist with Bloomberg Intelligence shares with us how recent market movements and impending Fed decision will impact Asian rates as well as currencies.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently made a whirlwind visit to the UAE and Saudi Arabia last week, covering issues such as the war in Gaza and OPEC+ ties. We speak to Muhammad Faizal Abdul Rahman, Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies to find out the meetings’ wider implications for geopolitics and oil.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is seeing a demographic transition, with projections indicating that about 15% of the population will be elderly by 2030 - consisting of individuals aged 60 and above. Chai Sen Tyng, a senior research officer at the Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing), Universiti Putra Malaysia, discusses what should be considered with the Senior Citizen Bill expected to be tabled next year in the Dewan Rakyat to protect the welfare and rights of elderly individuals and their caregivers.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Data from the Programme for International Student Assessment or PISA 2022 showed a steep decline in performance of Malaysian students in all three domains, namely mathematics, science and reading. Chan Soon Seng, CEO at Teach for Malaysia analyses the data, what ails the education industry and how the government can do better to improve the future of Malaysian students.Image credit: Berita Harian OnlineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Printing Presses Publication Act (PPPA) 1984 gives absolute power to the Home Affairs Minister to ban any publications which are deemed to be prejudicial to public order, morality, security, or which is likely to alarm public opinion. Sheena Gurbakhash, Writer and EXCO Member of PEN Malaysia explains why the powers of this statute is very broad, open to misinterpretation and may impede creativity in the writing industry. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The MyDigital ID programme is set to launch for the public in July next year and is expected to be used for verification to receive targeted subsidies. However, there is also concern about the possibility of data breaches given past experiences of government portals. What's being done to assuage such concerns? We discuss the implementation of national digital IDs with Intellectual Property and Information Technology Lawyer, Foong Cheng Leong.Image credit: Free Malaysia TodaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been 21 months since the outbreak of war in Ukraine, and Western financial assistance is beginning to dwindle. On Wednesday, Republicans blocked a bill in the US Senate that would provide much-needed financial support to Kyiv. What impact might this have on the Ukrainian counter-offensive? We get updates from Denys Mykhailiuk, Chargé d'Affaires, Ukrainian Embassy in Malaysia.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government aims to say goodbye to toll gantries via a Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system, thus making it easier for drivers to coast onto the highways. However, The Association of Highway Concessionaires Malaysia pushed a roadblock to the government’s move to directly award the project to a private company. To understand what obstacles this plan faces, we speak to Professor Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Vice-Chancellor and Professor of Transport at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) for his thoughts on the matter.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Global Carbon Budget report highlights that carbon dioxide emissions from coal, oil, and gas continue to increase. This is despite recommendations that there needs to be a 45% decline in gas usage by 2050 to prevent temperatures from exceeding the critical 1.5°C limit. Dr Ali Izadi-Najafabadi, Head of APAC Research at Bloomberg-NEF discusses the implications if no consensus is reached.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian students scored poorly on the Programme for International Student Assessment 2022 (PISA), even below the OECD average. The data showed that Malaysian students showed weakness in all three literacy measures that include reading, mathematics and science. Is there a weakness in the education system and what remedies are necessary? Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim of the Parent Action Group for Education (PAGE) discusses with us the implications the future of Malaysian’s talent pool faces.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ByteDance’s TikTok has reportedly agreed to invest in a unit of Indonesia’s GoTo group to restart its ecommerce business while the soon-to-be-listed Shein and PDD’s Temu have been taking advantage of consumers’ love of a bargain. Nathan Naidu, Equity Research Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence talks about this battle for Southeast Asian consumers' eyeballs and wallets.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Bar filed for leave for a judicial review to quash the Attorney General’s decision to seek a discharge not amounting to an acquittal (DNAA) of Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s 47 graft charges, even after a prima facie was established and 77 days of trial. The Malaysian Bar raises their concern that this matter is of public interest. Karen Cheah, President of the Malaysian Bar discusses why this pursuit is important to uphold the sanctity of the judiciary.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UN Climate Change Conference has been ongoing for about a week, and the focus in the last few days has been on fossil fuels. Shazana Mokhtar, Presenter & Producer on the Morning Run who is there in Dubai tell us why this issue has flared up, what are the other significant announcements so far especially from the Malaysian contingent.Image credit: ReutersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya is set to announce a quota increase for its 7-year-old Net Energy Metering Scheme by year's end. This comes as the existing quota that was expanded by 630 megawatts back in March this year has already been fully taken up. Davis Chong, President of the Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association talks about the growing demand for rooftop solar installations for residential, commercial and industrial buildings driving this latest decision.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shopping traffic has returned back to pre-Covid levels. Lines are forming outside popular stores but their purchasing power is weakened by the cost of living crisis. The Retail Group Malaysia has lowered its retail sales growth rate estimate for the fourth quarter of 2023 to 2.1%. This is down from the 3% the group had estimated back in September. Tan Hai Hsin, Managing Director of Retail Group Malaysia shares with us his views about the retail sector.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A white paper outlining the progressive wage policy has been introduced by the government, scheduled for implementation in June next year. Dr. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center For Market Education provides his insights into the potential impact of this policy on our wage landscape which is only for those earning RM5000 and below.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is expected to come up with a framework soon to facilitate the registration and regulation of social media platform providers. We discuss how this framework could affect the industry with Alexander Wong, managing editor and co-founder of SoyaCincau.Image credit: MCMCSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese property developers are on the edge of collapse and to salvage the battered sector, the Chinese government is proposing a rescue package that is sending shivers down the banking industry. Will this cloud China's pathway to recovery? Eric Yee, Senior Portfolio Manager, Atlantis Investment Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd discusses about the recent events as well as all things related to the Chinese economy.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kemaman parliamentary by-election just ended with Terengganu Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri emerging as victor thus propelling him onto the national stage as possibly the future face of PAS politics. How will the Prime Minister change tack to entice traditional PAS voters? We speak with Dr Azmil Mohd Tayeb, Political Scientist and Associate Professor, Universiti Sains Malaysia for an analysis of the road ahead for Malaysian heartland politics.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For COP 28, Malaysia has sent its largest contingent led by Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. Malaysia's theme this year is “Going beyond: Green growth, resilient community and sustainable planet”. Shazana Mokhtar, Presenter & Producer on the Morning Run who is there, gives us an update on this event and what we can expect over the next few days.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 was an anomaly with both equities and fixed income performing poorly. This has meant that the 60/40 investment portfolio that has been a cornerstone of a well-diversified portfolio has underperformed but should we dismiss this asset allocation strategy? Abel Lim, Head of Wealth Management Advisory and Strategy at UOB tells us his perspective whilst weighing in on the themes to pay attention to in 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.

In conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec 3rd, we look at the discrimination faced by this community especially in workplaces. Despite Malaysia implementing the Persons with Disabilities Act in 2008, guaranteeing equal access for PWDs to public facilities, healthcare, and recreation, what issues remain? V. Murugeswaran, President, of the Damai Disabled Persons Association Malaysia, reflects on this.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.