Morning Brief

Indian farmers won a major coup in 2021 when long-running mass protests led to the withdrawal of controversial agricultural laws.  Ahead of elections in April and May, why are Indian farmers taking to the streets again? We speak to RN Bhaskar, contributing editor of The Free Press Journal for his take on what is spurring the latest protests.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Amjad Rabi, a visiting expert at the Social Wellbeing Research Centre with Universiti Malaya, has proposed several measures to address how the Madani government could proceed with its subsidy rationalisation plans. He takes us through some of his suggestions that include a package of cash assistance in the form of periodic payments to vulnerable groups but is against poverty targeting which tends to stigmatise the poor.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia on Friday announced that Malaysia’s GDP expanded 3.0% yoy in 4Q23, lower than reported by Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) advanced GDP estimates and also consensus figures of 3.4%. Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist of Ambank Group explains this disappointing figure and what this means for growth in 2024.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the government announced plans to introduce a new category of white rice known as Beras Putih Malaysia Madani to replace the existing local and imported categories. The Minister of Agriculture has since clarified that no final decision has been made - but would the Madani white rice create more problems than it resolves? We speak to Prof. Dr. Fatimah Arshad of UPM to better understand the flaws in our rice agricultural industry.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has unveiled a comprehensive Budget plan for 2024 amounting to S$131.4 billion, constituting roughly 18% of its GDP. This is also 0.5% more than what was set aside for 2023. Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research, ANZ Bank, helps us unpack what the different focus points are in this latest plan.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent property scam case involving the prominent Puthucheary family in Johor is a cautionary tale to remain vigilant against fraudsters, including those with legitimate real estate credentials. We speak to Tan Kian Aun, President of the Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) on how prospective property buyers or sellers can safeguard against unscrupulous actors. More information available at lppeh.gov.my and miea.com.my. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peace remains elusive with tensions in the Middle East showing no signs of de-escalation. Over the past weekend, the US military has launched dozens of airstrikes on targets in Iraq, Syria and Yemen. We speak to Dr. Asif Shuja, Director of GeoPo Consult, a geopolitics management consultancy based in Dubai for his outlook on the ongoing tensions in the region.Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesian voters have spoken - unofficial results indicate that defence minister Prabowo Subianto has won the presidential election by a comfortable margin. What does this mean for the policy direction of the country? We get colour and analysis from journalist Erin Cook who’s on the ground in Jakarta.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, Malaysian hoteliers have warned that next month's increase in the Sales & Services Tax (SST) from 6% to 8% will likely result in room rates going up by between 10% and 30%. Shaharuddin Saaid, Executive Director of the Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO), explains what the challenges are for the industry which has yet to recover to pre-pandemic.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Lunar New Year is China's second without Covid restrictions since the pandemic and official data have revealed that nearly 274 million passenger trips were handled by the country's transport sector on the second day of the dragon year, up 23% from last year. Angela Han Lee, Senior Equity Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence also breaks down how this impacted Macau's recovering gaming sector.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump’s antipathy towards NATO was a well-known feature of his presidency. What would his return to the top job mean for the security alliance? We discuss Trump’s NATO policy and updates on the war in Ukraine with security analyst Alexey Muraviev of Curtin University.Image credit: Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions between Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng have started to surface. Will this impact DAP nationwide or is it just a state issue. Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Centre gives us his view and if the recent reduction in sentence and fine of Datuk Seri Najib Razak has caused dissatisfaction among its grassroot supporters.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent surge in popularity of energy sticks - nasal inhalers marketed as energy boosting health products - have become a cause for urgent concern. Promoted to minors under taglines such as ‘Snort first, then head to school’, health experts have cautioned they may carry some of the health risks that vapes do. We speak to NV Subbarow, Senior Education Officer, Consumers Association of Penang or CAP for his comments.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elections for the world's 3rd largest democracy takes place on 14 February. We examine the legacy left behind by President Jokowi - is he really the king maker in these elections? Erin Cook, a journalist based in Jakarta gives us her views and if it is a foregone conclusion that Prabowo Subianto will emerge victorious.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday the S&P 500 hit record highs on the back of investor enthusiasm over tech earnings and in anticipation of Fed rate cuts. Does this tech rally continue to have legs, or is there a reality check ahead? We discuss trends affecting US tech equities with Santosh Rao, Technology Analyst & Head of Research at Manhattan Venture Partners.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the disclosure of the contents of a letter by Tan Sri Shafee Abdullah, the lawyer for convicted former PM Datuk Seri Najib Razak, which purportedly detailed the process in which the decision was made by the Pardons Board, debates have been raging. Arinah Najwa Ahmad Said, Director at BowerGroup Asia breaks down how these developments might affect Umno as well as the Madani government.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up to 2.4 million vehicles a day are expected on roads this Chinese New Year, as the exodus from city to hometown begins. How can we quell rising road accidents and fatalities? Professor Dr Kulanthayan K.C. Mani, Head of Putra Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Group, Universiti Putra Malaysia shares his advice for drivers to keep safe this festive season.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With malware scams posing serious threats to user privacy, Google has taken action by launching a trial in Singapore to block sideloading i.e. installations from unverified sources on Android devices. We discuss the efficacy of this feature and whether its implementation should be considered in Malaysia with cybersecurity expert CF Fong. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, New York Community Bank (NYCB) revealed losses of USD$252 million in the fourth quarter due to exposure to the commercial real estate market. Could there be a contagion effect to other regional banks, reminiscent of the 2023 collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank? We discuss the implications with Herman Chan with Bloomberg Intelligence.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The yield of Malaysian planters has been on a downward trend due to a myriad of factors. We explore how to revitalise this sector with Khor Yu Leng, economist at Segi Enam Advisors as it is critical Malaysia maintain its edge as a leading producer of CPO.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Coalition for Clean & Fair Elections has weighed in on the Pardons Board's decision to commute the prison sentence and fine of convicted felon and former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak. It is concerned about the potential repercussions on public trust in the judiciary. Bersih chairman Faisal Abdul Aziz gives us an overview about what Malaysians need to be aware of regarding this issue.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank of Australia recently kept its cash rate target at 4.35% at its first meeting of 2024, as inflation appears to be under control. Canberra also plans to introduce a taxation schedule designed to be more progressive and bring better economic growth down under. Sean Langcake, Head of Macroeconomic Forecasting at Oxford Economics shares his outlook for the Australian economy for the rest of this year.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ringgit has been on a downward trend against the US Dollar since the Asian Financial Crisis. Julia Goh, senior economist at UOB Malaysia gives her views on what measures should be adopted to see an appreciation of the currency.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.

Following the proposal for a Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, there has now been a proposal to transform the Greater Klang Valley into a special economic zone as well. The SEZ plan aims to reposition the region for larger investment inflows. Might its impact be marginal or momentous?  Dr Geoffrey Williams, Economist & Professor, Malaysia University of Science and Technology makes a case for the former.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is considering a proposal permitting international graduates to work in Malaysia to address talent shortages, particularly in engineering and technical fields. However, there are concerns that this could harm opportunities for locals and hinder the country's investment in skilled graduates. Datuk William Ng, Chairman of Small and Medium Enterprises Association shares insights on how this could impact the SME sector.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bank of Thailand is expected to stand pat on its interest rates later today as the embattled Thai economy recorded its fourth consecutive month of negative inflation in January. Thai Prime Minister, Srettha Thavisin has called for coordinated fiscal and monetary policy to revive the struggling economy. Poon Panichpibool, Markets Strategist, Krung Thai Bank provides some insights on recent developments surrounding the Thai economy.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday, the Pardons Board reduced Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s prison sentence and fine. While this has left numerous unresolved questions lingering, criticism has been directed at both the prime minister and political parties within the unity government questioning their commitment to stamping out corruption. Ong Kian Ming, former Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and member of DAP gives us his views on the ramifications of this especially among loyal DAP supporters.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has been seeing an influx of wealthy families interested in setting up single family offices in Singapore with an interest to tap into tax incentives. As money-laundering cases are also becoming a growing concern, authorities are weighing tougher measures. Sarah Jane Mahmud, a senior analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, shares her views on this issue.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Malaysians turn to the Employees Provident Fund for their retirement savings. However it is still important to diversify and to that end, EPF has EPF i-Invest, an online platform that allows eligible members to invest part of their savings in selected unit trust funds and private mandate portfolios Shamsul Fadzil Kamaruddin, Senior Manager, Investment Strategy & Analytic Department, EPF tells us the advantages of this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday, the Pardons Board decided to halve former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak’s jail time, cutting it from 12 years to six years whilst also reducing the fine to just RM50mn. We get reactions from the across the aisle of the August house with Dr Afif Bahardin, Bersatu Supreme Council Member and Taman Medan Assemblyman.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian employers are set to face new conditions regarding the foreign labour on their payrolls. These include increased the frequency and fees for their mandatory medical examinations, as well as having to house them in centralised living quarters. Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan, Executive Director of the Malaysian Employers Federation shares his views.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southeast Asia's e-commerce market saw spectacular growth in recent years with names like Shopee, Lazada and TikTok Shop becoming household names. However as economic headwinds are beginning to exact a toll, layoffs start to make headlines, along with the aborted Grab-foodpanda deal. Jianggan Li, CEO of Momentum Works, shares his perspective.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southeast Asian countries have still not seen their tourism numbers recover to 2019 levels, before the Covid-19 pandemic decimated this industry. We check in with Hannah Pearson, the founder of travel market research firm, Pear Anderson, for her insights into how developments like China's visa-free travel agreements and the likelihood of a high-speed rail between KL and Singapore might shape the region's tourism sector.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The IMF has recently raised global GDP to 3.1% from 2.9%. Is this optimism warranted? Selena Ling, Chief Economist at OCBC Bank tells us if there are truly reasons to be optimistic whilst weighing in on the Chinese economy and the headwinds it faces.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday was the golden jubilee of the formation of the Federal Territories and also the 50th anniversary of Kuala Lumpur’s designation as a Federal Territory. We will be speaking to Koh Cha-Ly, CEO of Urbanmetry on what’s next for Kuala Lumpur city and how the recently gazetted KL Structure Plan 2040 will shape the development of the city moving forward.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's fast-paced media world, the rush to break news often conflicts with ethical standards. Speed can lead to errors while, sensationalism can detract from important content, and the abundance of unreliable sources can worsen the problem. Wathshlah Naidu, Executive Director, Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) tells us what are the best practices, journalist should adopt today.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transparency International released their 2023 Global Corruption Perceptions Index, where Malaysia’s ranking as well as score have improved for the first time in three years. But have we truly made significant progress in combating corruption, and what more can be done? Dr Muhammad Mohan, President, Transparency International Malaysia weighs in.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today marks the first day of the five-year reign of Johor’s Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, who will be the seventeenth Yang di-Pertuan Agong. He replaced Pahang’s Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah whose reign was marked by political uncertainties and also the Covid-19 pandemic. Lawyer Andrew Khoo helps us understand the role of the Agong in Malaysia’s constitutional monarchy system.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday, a Hong Kong court ordered property giant China Evergrande Group’s liquidation. The developer is the biggest casualty of a real estate crisis that continues to weigh on China’s embattled economy. Brock Silvers, Chief Investment Officer of Hong Kong-based Kaiyuan Capital tells us what this ruling means for investors and the Chinese economy.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bersatu has agreed to amend Article 10 of its party constitution after six Bersatu MPs expressed support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim without resigning to avoid triggering the anti-defection law. Dr Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow, Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research shares insights into the effectiveness of this amendment and other measures to address the internal conflicts within the party.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the government caused a stir when it announced plans to reform the retirement policy for new civil service recruits this year. Instead of pensions, retirement schemes like EPF and SOCSO will be used. Economist Dr. Nungsari A. Radhi tells us why the shift is necessary and how it can and should be better communicated.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Dewan Negara president Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was sworn in as the eighth Governor of Sarawak. He replaces Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud who was the Governor since March 2014, and also Chief Minister. Dr. James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania helps us break down how these two very different men have and will take on this role.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore has maintained its stance on monetary policy, leaving the currency band unchanged. MAS also retained its 2024 core inflation projection of 2.5% to 3.5%, despite a 1% increase in the GST to 9%. Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research at ANZ helps us analyse this development.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media platforms are on alert after explicit AI-generated images depicting Taylor Swift went viral. Following this, X announced plans to hire 100 full time content moderators to build a new trust and safety centre to stop the spread of child sexual exploitation materials and address issues like hate speech. Dr Fahizah Shamsuddin, Programme Director & Senior Lecturer, School of Media & Communication at Taylor's University dissects this topic.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysians might need to brace themselves for more expensive prescription medicines, with reports saying pharmaceutical companies planned to hike prices in the US on more than 500 drugs beginning this month. Professor Amrahi Buang, president of the Malaysia Pharmacists Society talks about why the price of drugs may rise by as much as 10% with half of them imported from overseas, including the US.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the Cabinet agreed to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry to look into how the Pulau Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and the South Ledge territorial case was handled, leading to the International Court of Justice deciding that Pulau Batu Puteh belonged to Singapore, Middle Rocks to Malaysia and South Ledge to the state in the territorial waters in which it is located. Bunn Nagara, director & senior fellow at the Belt & Road Initiative Caucus for Asia-Pacific and Honorary Fellow at the Perak Academy, breaks down the issue.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday, the International Court of Justice made an interim ruling on the genocide case against Israel, ordering Israel to prevent acts of genocide and to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza. Could this ruling change the trajectory of the war? We discuss the implications with Middle East expert Dr. James Dorsey.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been a rough January for Japan - it experienced a severe earthquake in the Ishikawa prefecture on New Year’s Day affecting manufacturing supply chains, and a corruption scandal is putting the political stability of the government at risk. Will January set the tone for the rest of the year for Japan? We discuss this with Tokyo-based journalist William Pesek.Image credit: Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has launched an ongoing review of the Public Service Remuneration System for salary and allowance adjustments. The SSPA hopes to address the long-standing issue with civil service recruitment to ensure salaries are competitive enough to attract the best talents and address the increasing cost of living. Abdul Rahman Mohd Nordin, Secretary-General of CUEPACS, shares his thoughts.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, former US president Donald Trump secured another win at the New Hampshire Republican primary, despite rival challenger Nikki Haley pouring resources into the state. Does Haley have a path to the presidential ticket? We discuss how the presidential race could shape up with Wendy Schiller, Professor of Political Science at Brown University.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.