Morning Brief

The lack of affordable housing has been a structural issue with mismatch of demand and supply. Not helped by the unaffordability of houses according to the World Bank. So it is time for novel ideas to resolve this including shifting from ownership to housing being just a right? Pankaj C Kumar, a business commentator tells us.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bank of Japan's indication that it will maintain its ultra low interest rate stance had triggered a sell off in the yen, which is now at its all-time weakest against the US dollar. Yuichi Murao, Chief Investment Officer for equity strategies at Nomura Asset Management breaks down what this might mean for Japanese equities in the long run, with Warren Buffett also positive on stocks from the Land of the Rising Sun.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to New York was a packed one, encompassing meetings with both the diplomatic and business community. Dr. Prashanth Parameswaran, a Fellow at the Wilson Center and Founder of the weekly ASEAN Wonk Newsletter tells us what impact that visit had especially the maiden UN address and future US-Malaysia ties.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has indicated that it is in the midst of finalising the review of reducing or limiting Approved Permits, with a policy submission set to be sent to the National Economic Action Council by November this year. P Gunasegaram, independent business writer and analyst, tells us why APs which have benefited few and strayed from their original intention, are no longer needed in this day and age.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the sidelines of the 78th UN General Assembly, US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signalled that the normalisation of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia could materialise. We discuss what this would mean for the geopolitics of the Middle East with political expert Dr. James Dorsey.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PJ MP Lee Chean Chung suggested that Kuala Lumpur be returned to Selangor to create a mega metropolis. This was supported by Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng on the basis that it will help solve issues plaguing the Klang Valley. But could the reunification of two large cities make it difficult for the federal government to exercise their administrative capacities or will the return local council elections be a better solution? We speak with Chean Chung himself to explain his stance and rationale.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister (MOTAC) Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing announced that Malaysia is on track to meet the 16.1 million 2023 tourist arrivals target. However, Malaysia is still a far way off from regaining back the numbers it enjoyed before the pandemic, when in 2019 it recorded 86.1 billion ringgit in tourism receipts from 26.1 million arrivals. We speak with Hannah Pearson Founder of Pear Anderson and ask if Malaysia can regain its position as a preferred destination.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced delays to some of the critical climate change targets that the government had set, including pushing the ban of petrol and diesel cars to 2035 - this has been pushed back to 2035. Although he cited economic security as the main reason, the announcement sparked backlash from the business community. Will this affect his chances of re-election come 2025? We discuss the fall out with Prof. Chandran Kukathas of the Singapore Management University.Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 78th UN General Assembly (UNGA 78) started on Tuesday but with the notable absence of 4 leaders of the permanent security council, is the General Assembly still seen as an effective forum for international peace and security. We speak with Dr Julia Roknifard, Assistant Professor at University of Nottingham Malaysia on the key takeaways and the UN’s role and relevance in this day and age.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Political Financing Bill is once again raised in parliament for consideration after much to and fro. A positive outcome of this bill is the strengthening of democracy and transparency in Malaysia but is there political will? We speak with Thomas Fann, Chairperson of Bersih for his insights on the parliamentary select committee, implementation, and impact of the bill for Malaysia.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2024 is set to be tabled in Parliament on Oct 13th with prime Minister and finance minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim hinting that there may be new taxes planned, to narrow the budget gap to 3.5% of GDP by 2025. Sim Kwang Gek, Country Tax Leader, Deloitte Malaysia shares her thoughts on what she expects in terms of how the government plans to boost its revenues going forward.Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crude oil prices have surged to a 10 month high as Brent crude comes perilously close to US 100 dollars per barrel. In fact prices have surged 30% since mid June after Opec + curbed supplies. Sean Lim Ooi Leong, Head of Regional Oil & Gas, RHB Investment Bank tells us that is the sole reason for the price surge and what are the buying opportunities in this space.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is committed to a fiscal deficit target of 3.2 percent of gross domestic product in 2025. In order to achieve this, he will need fiscal and procurement discipline, and 2 new legislations should help, with the Government Procurement Act and Fiscal Responsibility Act mooted. To help us understand the new legislations, we speak with Sri Murniati Yusuf, Chief Operating Officer, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS).Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, Malaysiakini released a five-part series on the issue of statelessness in the country. One of the stories featured was about a stateless boy in Sabah with HIV who passed away after skipping and delaying his HIV treatments due to expensive payments required by the hospital. We ask Dr Hartini Zainuddin, Co-Founder of Yayasan Chow Kit how many more are impacted and what the remedy is.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the 1st half of this year, Malaysia has attracted 132.6 billion ringgit in approved investments, with the top countries being Singapore, Japan, the Netherlands, and China. Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz is confident that approved investments will hit the annual target of 220 billion ringgit. Today we speak with Nordin Abdullah, Vice Chairman of the Malaysia Australian Business Council to get his opinion on this goal and where Malaysia's FDI is heading.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made a whirlwind day trip to China on Sunday, marking his second official visit in just 6 months. Angeline Tan, Researcher in the Foreign Policy and Security Studies Programme, ISIS Malaysia discusses the main outcomes of the visit, as well as the policy priorities of President Xi Jinping.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The gig economy is becoming an increasingly attractive option for school leavers who want to earn an income without pursuing a tertiary education. But is this a sustainable livelihood and how might this trend impede efforts to become a high-income nation? We discuss the phenomena and policy recommendations that should be considered with  Prof. Dr. Chin Yee Whah of Universiti Sains Malaysia.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya has agreed in principle to enact a Freedom of Information Act that will set out clear parameters and guidelines to grant members of the public access to obtain information from the government and other public agencies or companies. This means the Official Secrets Act will see some amendments too. Dr Benjamin Loh, Senior Lecturer, School of Media and Communication, Taylor's University, shares his thoughts on how this might progress.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Department of Statistics (DOSM), Malaysian women earn a median wage of RM2,545, about RM120 lower than the median wage for men. What accounts for the gender wage gap and are policies to address discrimination in the workplace effective to improve income equity? We discuss this issue on International Equal Pay Day with Anis Farid of the Women's Aid Organisation.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fortunes of ASEAN economies are closely tied to that of China, and with the second-largest economy slowing down, how will this impact the outlook of the banking sector? And are SMES posing a risk to the asset quality of banks? We’re discussing this with Rena Kwok of Bloomberg Intelligence.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Grab-led GX Bank has become the first digital bank licensed by Bank Negara to be approved for operations come 1 September.  How will the introduction of digital banks change the financial landscape? We speak to Ravi Kitanee, Partner at Ernst & Young Consulting the opportunities and challenges for digital banks.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a long train journey to Russia for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders’ one-on-one talks, as well as discussions with delegations, lasted for about two hours and were followed by an official dinner.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia Day is a day to commemorate the establishment of the Malaysian Federation formed in 1963 which saw Malaya, North Borneo, and Sarawak unite into a single country. This created a nation state with a diverse population; multicultural, multiracial and multireligious. And with data points from 2 research studies, we speak with Eddin Khoo, Founder of Pusaka and Senior Fellow at ISIS, to help us understand “what makes us a Malaysian” 60 years on.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the mid-term review of the 12th Malaysia Plan, the government highlighted the minerals industry as a sector for development, particularly in the field of non-radioactive rare-earth elements. Dato’ Sia Hok Kiang, Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia & Executive Chairman of Malaco Mining tells us what should be in the National Minerals Policy to balance economic growth with environmental preservation.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UMNO's internal problems seem to have no end. The president, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's presence at the DAP 2023 conference was clearly not liked by a few of UMNO members, thus a referendum was suggested to be carried among its grassroots on their willingness to cooperate with DAP. We speak to Adib Zalkapli, Director of BowerGroupAsia to analyse the conflict and development in UMNO, or whether there should be more optimism amongst the party ranks.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple launched its next generation iPhone 15 but only the higher-end Pro Max range saw a price hike. Dan Ives, Managing Director, Wedbush Securities, breaks down how this will shape the world's most valuable listed company's fortunes in the face of simmering US-China geopolitical tension.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India's economy has been on a tear recently while the country basks in the political limelight with the recent G20 summit. Pramod Amthe Head Of Institutional Equity Research of InCred Capital tells us if this rally still has legs and what could be the outperformers for the rest of the year.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Health has recently granted a one year exemption to foreign nurses from having to obtain a Post-Basic Qualification to work in private hospitals. How significant is this measure in alleviating the nursing shortage in the healthcare sector? We speak to Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh, President of the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) on this as well as other recent Covid-19 developments around the world.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Article 10 of the Federal Constitution safeguards Malaysians’ right to freedom of speech, assembly and association. So why are public demonstrations still so contentious? We discuss the laws governing protests and whether permits are required with Firdaus Husni of the Malaysian Centre for Constitutionalism and Human Rights (MCCHR).Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During US President Joe Biden's visit to Hanoi this week, the US and Vietnam elevated their bilateral relations to that of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Journalist and author Sebastian Strangio joins us to discuss what this means and also how this development sits with Beijing.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dewan Rakyat has kicked off a 6-day special session to table the 12th Malaysia Plan Mid-term Review with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim revealing that there will be a higher spending ceiling of RM15 billion taking the total amount to RM415 billion, and still remaining within the 3.5% deficit target by 2025. Chehan Perera, Head of Research & Strategist at CGS- CIMB Securities explores what this means for the equity markets.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Barisan Nasional chairman and Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi made history by becoming the first Barisan Nasional chairman and Umno president to attend a DAP congress, during which 9 resolutions that included recognition of Malay special rights were passed. Dr Azmil Tayeb, Associate Professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia also talks about how other recent local political developments might reshape the landscape.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia kept the overnight policy rate at 3% in line with expectations. However what impact does that have on the bond market in light of the high foreign shareholding of MGS. Ang Beng Kuan, Head of Investments at Hong Leong Islamic Asset Management tells us.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The G20 summit meeting concluded in New Delhi, India yesterday and after initial concerns on member states refusing to sign the joint declaration, a “100% consensus from all countries” was reached. But with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi JinPing absent from the G20 summit, is the G20 still significant? We speak with Bunn Nagara, Director and Senior Fellow, BRI Caucus for Asia-Pacific, and Honorary Fellow, Perak Academy for his insights.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The electrical and electronic industry has been identified as one of the 5 priority sectors in the New Industrial Master Plan to help Malaysia drive its economic growth, create new employment opportunities, and increase the median salary levels. We speak with Dato' Lim Yong Jin, Vice President of Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association, to get his views on whether the announced action plans will be able to meet the ambitious 2030 targets and move the country up the value chain.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The curtains closed on the 43rd ASEAN Summit in Jakarta yesterday, with the chair, Indonesia, calling on world leaders to defuse tensions. The summit this time has been overshadowed by renewed disputes over the South China Sea and ASEAN’s failure to make progress on resolving the Myanmar crisis. Sharon Seah of the ISEAS-Yusof-Ishak Institute gives us the key takeaways of the event and what this bodes for the future of ASEAN as the chairmanship passes over to Laos.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Country Garden was once a shining star in the Chinese property sector, surviving the tumult that took down Evergrande. However its fortunes have turned for the worse of late, as the property giant warns of the risk of defaulting on its bond payments amid poor earnings in the first half of the year. What do the financial woes of Country Garden say about the broader Chinese economy? We get analysis from Kristy Hung of Bloomberg Intelligence.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Saturday is polling day for the by-elections in the Pulai parliamentary and Simpang Jeram state constituencies in Johor. Both are seeing a 3-way fight. Dr. Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, analyses the chances of the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional against Perikatan Nasional following the outcome of the recent 6 state elections in a state that has been seen as an Umno stronghold.Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China issued an updated version of its standard map last week, which extended its territorial claims over the South China Sea, much to the displeasure of other claimant states. What are the implications of this for geopolitical tensions in the region? We speak to Veerle Nouwens from the Institute of International and Strategic Studies for a better understanding of the dynamics at play.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beginning 1st September, Malaysia Airlines is flying-solo having discontinued its partnership with long-term caterer Brahim’s Food Services. However the transition to new arrangements has been turbulent, resulting in public backlash over its in-flight food service. How might this impact MAG’s earnings outlook and reputation? We speak to aviation analyst Shukor Yusof for his analysis.Image Credit: Sean Liew / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim admitted to weaknesses in the Government’s communication machinery. We speak with Dr Benjamin Loh, Senior Lecturer, School of Media and Communication, Taylor's University for his views on whether these criticisms have merits and how the Government should respond.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Industrial Master Plan 2030 emphasises the role of SMEs as a key contributor to economic growth, targeting to double SME exports to 25% in seven years. We speak to Datuk William Ng of SAMENTA for his views on the plan and support needed by SMEs to achieve the goals of the NIMP.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday, former senior minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam emerged as the winner of the Singapore Presidential elections with 70% of the vote. What are the implications of this outcome for Singaporean politics? James Gomez of the Asia Centre weighs in. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As BFM turns 15 years old, we take a look at the local and international headlines that we reviewed and analysed as a radio station from the bad which of course includes 1MDB, the tragic and even the joyful moments in sports and arts.Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All this week to mark our 66th Merdeka, we’re imagining what a better Malaysia could look like from different aspects of our lives. Today we’re focusing on social protection, which is becoming increasingly urgent for the severely poor, vulnerable, and marginalised. We speak with Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr Norma Mansor, Director, Social Wellbeing Research Centre of Universiti Malaya on what is needed for a more compassionate and equitable Malaysia.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The national oil company Petronas released its second-quarter results on Wednesday, posting weaker earnings due to lower oil and gas prices. Petronas’s CEO said that oil and gas prices will remain volatile amid an uncertain global economy, but the company will press ahead with its plan to become a net-zero carbon country by 2050. We speak to Kong Ho Meng, Senior Analyst at UOB Kay Hian Research to dissect the numbers and get an outlook for the energy sector.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All this week to mark Merdeka Day, we’re imagining what a better Malaysia could look like from different aspects of our lives. Today we’re focusing on the environment and climate change action, which are existential issues for policymakers. Meena Raman of Sahabat Alam Malaysia weighs in on the policies needed to ensure future generations can inherit a green and clean Malaysia.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Given that banking results are seen as the barometer of an economy, what do the earnings of the sector bode for Malaysia’s economic outlook? Willie Tanoto, Director at Fitch Ratings' Financial Institutions team discusses the increasing downside risks to the credit quality of loan portfolios, and M&A potential in this space.  Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Businesses are excited over the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to reshape the business landscape, but many companies are still unsure how to leverage on the technology. How should companies strategise and adapt to the AI revolution?BFM moderated a panel discussion on themes and issues related to AI with Denyu Bostandzhiev, Managing Director of Audi Malaysia; Dr. Nikolai Dobberstein Malaysia Country Head, Global Lead, Communications, Media & Technology at Kearney; and Dr Sia Chin Chin, the programme director, Master of Laws Programme and senior lecturer with the Faculty of Business and Law of Taylor’s University. The BFM CEO Forum AI: An Opportunity for Disruption is presented by Audi Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we continue our Merdeka series on what Malaysia could be in the decades to come, we are taking a look at education as it is the bedrock upon which a country's future is built. CEO of Teach For Malaysia, Chan Soon Seng shares with us the perennial structural problems in the education sector, is decentralisation, the solution moving forward and his vision for the future.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.