Morning Brief

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was feted by the US government in his state visit to Washington D.C. this week, with an address to congress and a state dinner. What are the aims of both sides for this visit, and is the US-India relationship a case of “the enemy of my enemy is my friend”? - the common enemy here being China. We discuss US-India ties with political scientist Dr. Pradeep Taneja of Melbourne UniversityImage by: gettyimages.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Prime Minister has said that interns should be paid enough to cover their basic needs but did not go so far as to make it mandatory. We speak to Arulkumar Singaraveloo, Co-Founder & CEO, Malaysia HR Forum to find out what is the right balance?Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Malaysia losing out to regional peers when it comes to international concerts? This discussion comes as major acts like Coldplay and Taylor Swift announce multiple concert dates in Singapore, but shunning Malaysia. Is it all a question of money or is there more to it? Rizal Kamal, President of the industry association A-LIFE, weighs in on what’s needed to create a vibrant entertainment ecosystem in Malaysia.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan is seeing a renewed boom as its stock market rises to near historical highs and even attracted Berkshire Hathaway’s largest bet outside of America to date, following Buffet’s trip in April. However inflation remains stubborn and the yen has been declining against major currencies. We speak to William Pesek, Columnist from Nikkei Asia, to understand what’s happening in Japan and what the outlook will be for the rest of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced plans to introduce an omnibus bill by January 2024 to create a centralised data management system that would facilitate the implementation of targeted subsidies. We speak to lawyer Kenny Lam of RDS Law on how such a legislation could take shape and what this means for data privacy and protection.Image Credit: 123rf.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ChatGPT, Bard, ERNIE-Bot: these are some of the generative A.I. chatbots that have been rolled out by the major tech companies. How is this technology shaping the investment landscape of the sector? We get analysis from Mandeep Singh of Bloomberg IntelligenceImage by: 123rf.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister announced yesterday a reduction in stamp duty for shares traded in Bursa Malaysia, along with some initiatives to boost the local capital markets. We speak to Pankaj C. Kumar, business writer on the reforms and what needs to be done to make Malaysian investments more attractive, and also turning the ringgit around.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US State Department issues an annual report on global trafficking in persons, and this year Malaysia has been elevated from the bottom rank, Tier 3 to Tier 2 Watchlist. What does this say about government efforts to eradicate human trafficking? We get reactions and policy recommendations from Adrian Pereira of the North-South Initiative.Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest economic indicators for May signal that China’s economic recovery is stalling, leading to many major banks downgrading their growth outlook for the world’s second largest economy. We speak to Prof. Tan Kong Yam of the Nanyang Technological University for insights into what’s holding back the animal spirits of China’s economy. Prof. Tan is a speaker at the Invest ASEAN 2023 conference organised by Maybank. Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khazanah is under scrutiny for its investment decisions over Kidzania Singapore, after news reports revealed it had made losses of up to RM160 million. We review Khazanah's investment track record with independent business writer P. Gunasegaram and whether the sovereign wealth fund is living up to its development mandate for the country.Image by: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Health White Paper was passed in parliament on 15 June, detailing the current state of our healthcare system, the gaps, issues and constraints plaguing the sector. The paper outlined reform strategies and proposals for the next 15 years but lacks details and data. Unpacking the details or lack thereof, we speak with Dr Farhan Rusli, Public Health Medicine Specialist at International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and who should be leading this critical reform.Image by: UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Countries in the ASEAN region have been seeing a change of pace on their tightening cycles this year. So amid a challenging macroeconomic backdrop as well as volatility in the global banking markets, Rena Kwok of Bloomberg Intelligence shares with us whether banks are seeing deterioration in asset quality and the credit outlook for the rest of the year.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EPF launched the Belanjawanku Expenditure Guide, which provides estimations of minimum monthly expenditures. So should we stop talking about minimum subsistence wage and move the narrative to Living Wage? We speak with Director of Social Wellbeing Research Centre of Universiti Malaya (SWRC) Professor Datuk Dr Norma Mansor to understand the research, the issues, and the objectives of the whole Belanjawanku program.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In early June, the US Securities & Exchange Commission filed lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase, the world's 2 largest crypto exchanges, causing more volatility in an industry that is already accustomed to it. Juan Correa Ossa, Associate Vice President at BCA Research helps us understand if cryptos are a security like a stock, a commodity or neither, and are they a viable investment option?Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, or Suhakam, is getting a boost as the government motioned to amend the Suhakam Act to give the commission more power. But over its 23 year history, the Suhakam annual report has only been tabled to Parliament twice. We get former commissioner of Suhakam, Jerald Joseph, views on making Suhakam more independent and how past annual reports have been altered and meddled with.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has pleaded not guilty in a Miami Federal Court, after facing 37 charges including willful retention of national defence information. Is this enough to dent his Presidential campaign, where he faces off 9 other candidates including former allies Mike Pence and Ron De Santis? We speak with Dr Adrian Ang of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies on the road to the 2024 Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill which has been 13 years in the making is facing a critical juncture as it has now been referred to the Parliament Special Committee after its first reading instead of being debated and voted on. We speak to former Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin for this thoughts on this development and should the GEG be decoupled from the billImage by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local Government Development minister Nga Kor Ming aspires to reach 100% home ownership. But with almost 600 sick and abandoned projects, Ministry of Local Government Development Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir seeks to revitalise all these projects. We speak with Datuk N.K. Tong, President of REHDA, on his views of the projects and discussions to amend the HDA 118 Act.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the Turkish lira fell to a record low after newly re-elected President Erdogan reshuffled his cabinet and appointed Mehmet Simsek as his finance minister. Does this mark a turning point for Turkiye's economic policy direction? We discuss the developments with Enver Erkan, chief economist at Dinamik Investments.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UMNO general assembly has just concluded. We check in with Shazwan Mustafa Kamal, Associate Director from Vriens & Partners on what were the key takeaways and is the party looking for a new directionImage by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After months of reinforcement from its western allies, Ukraine launched its counter offensive across a 1,000 kilometre front line. Will the summer offensive be successful or will it get bogged down by the floods caused by the collapse of Kakhovka dam? We speak with Dr Alexey Muraviev, Associate Professor of National Security and Strategic Studies, Curtin University to get the latest updates.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo concludes a two-day visit to Malaysia, with six MOUs signed. We discuss the key takeaways from the visit and what kind of tone it sets for bilateral relations moving forward with Bunn Nagara, Honorary Research Fellow, Perak AcademyImage by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh recently announced a proposal to introduce e-sports as part of co-curricular activities in school. Is this a good idea and what kind of policies can promote a healthy e-sports eco-system? We speak to Kenn Leandre of Kakuchopurei.com for his viewsImage by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opec+ has committed to production cuts till 2024 but yet prices are still soft, we speak to Sean Lim Ooi Leong, Head of Regional Oil & Gas, RHB Investment Bank for the reasons why. We also delve into results of Petronas and their capex plans to know who stands to benefit from it.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil recently called out social media platform Telegram for not taking action on illicit activity on the platform. Does the MCMC have the authority and legal means to regulate digital platforms hosted overseas? We discuss the legal framework that applies and gaps in regulation with Intellectual Property and Information Technology Lawyer, Foong Cheng Leong.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has turned his sights on affordable homes, stating that the 30% quota imposed on developers is inadequate. We speak with Dr Suraya Ismail, Director of Research, Khazanah Research Institute, to find what defines a low cost home and what policies the Local Government Development Ministry could review to help affordable housing development.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CPO prices have declined by 18% on a year to date basis. This despite China's reopening story. We check in with Alvin Tai, Senior Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence as to when we can expect price recovery and the impact of EUDR on our planters.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian semiconductor industry is expecting slower growth for the second half of 2023 amid global headwinds and softer demand for consumer electronics. We speak with Dato Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) on how business are navigating the situation, and how high demand for AI technologies will impact the local semiconductor industry.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s politics is never boring with new parties mushrooming over the past few years. This week, former Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has hinted that he may form his own political party, a sign he will be turning down the offer to join Perikatan Nasional. We speak with Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Centre whether there are any secrets of success for new political parties.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The airline industry is booming, so much so that the International Air Transport Association or IATA recently upgraded its profit estimates for 2023, doubling from $USD4.7 billion projected in December to $USD9.8 billion this week. What accounts for the renewed optimism? We discuss aviation sector signals and trends with Shantanu Gangakhdekar of Frost & Sullivan.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The annual Knight Frank Wealth Report showed that Malaysia is among the top 10 countries with the fastest-growing population of ultra-rich individuals, defined as having net wealth of at least 30 million US dollars. We discuss with Zouhair Mohd Rosli, Senior Researcher, DM Analytics whether this is a symptom of a widening wealth gap and the implications for policy.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the success of the first Special Voluntary Disclosure Programme, the Inland Revenue Board has launched the 2nd programme starting today. We speak to Sim Kwang Gek, Country Tax Leader at Deloitte Malaysia to find how this programme is an improvement and the IRB objectives for SVDP 2.0 to register new taxpayers and collections.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Defence ministers held forthright dialogues in Singapore’s Shangrila hotel over the weekend. Speeches and answers did not beat around the bush and were clearly directed at opposing parties. We speak with Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, National University of Singapore on the no holds barred statements made, and how Asia Pacific can move forward.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli announced a shortened process of visa applications for expatriates with a new integrated system called Xpats Gateway, bringing 11 visa issuing government agencies under one roof. We speak with Daniel Bernbeck, Executive Director at the German Chamber of Commerce, and explore the details.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the focus, our round up of interesting stories you might have missed. Elon Musk's visit to China and who owns Penang are some of what we will be talking about later, including Malaysia’s richest. Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deloitte Global 2023 Gen Z and Millennial Survey revealed that 70 percent of Gen-Zs and 61 percent of millennials in Malaysia have experienced harassment or microaggressions at work. How does this impact the mental health of young employees and how does that in turn affect productivity? We discuss workplace mental health with psychologist Dr Anjhula Singh BaisImage by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US House has passed the debt ceiling bill. It now heads to the Senate before reaching President Biden’s desk. But does the bill tackle the hard questions facing the economy? We speak with Nancy Kimelman, Professor in Economics at Northeastern University on the political compromises made to get the deal through and what it means for the US moving forward.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new report by the World Bank, made in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, highlighted that while some progress has been made, Malaysia has not met critical targets in the National Education Blueprint. We speak to Aija Rinkinen, Senior Education Specialist from the World Bank on the findings of the report and how early childhood care and education (ECCE) systems can be strengthened.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As six states in Peninsular Malaysia gear up for the state elections, what can be done to prevent hate speech and false information from spreading online? We discuss the findings of a recent study on GE15 social media trends for lessons learned with Watshlah Naidu of the Centre for Independent Journalism.Image by: VDB Photos / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore Temasek Holding’s decided to cut the pay of the staff responsible for the failed 275 US million dollar investment in bankrupt FTX, in an unprecedented move for collective accountability and good governance. We speak with Elsa Satkunasingam from Asia School of Business, and what this could mean for Malaysia’s Government-Linked Investment Companies.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On 16 May, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was adopted by the Council of the European Union. What impact does this have on the Malaysian agriculture sectors which are impacted? And are the small stakeholders ready? Khor Yu Leng for Principal at Segi Enam Advisors gives us her views.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economic recovery across the world has been a mixed bag and poses a challenge for our local exporters. We ask Callum Chen, President of Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies how businesses are faring, government support, and is a weaker ringgit beneficial for their export growth and profit margins?Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cambodia will hold general elections on 28 July - but it's a foregone conclusion that Prime Minister Hun Sen and his party, the CPP will win after the only opposition party was barred from participating. Who is in place to eventually replace Hun Sen and what does the succession mean for the future of Cambodia? We discuss the political landscape in Cambodia with author and journalist Sebastian Strangio.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A proposal has been mooted to create a Johor Singapore economic region, which would further cement the existing economic and social ties across the Johor straits. Which sectors will benefit the most from this economic zone? We speak with Dr Francis Hutchinson, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak, Coordinator of the Malaysia Studies Programme on the issues and challenges to make the idea work for all parties.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does Malaysia face an uphill battle battling its neighbours to attract tourist arrivals and spend? Governments in Asean are spending big dollars to promote tourism to help the recovery. But here in Malaysia, Penang Island has just placed restrictions on AirBnB short term rentals. We speak with Hannah Pearson, Founder, Pear Anderson, to find out the wider effects of this move.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Thai Election Commission has confirmed the results of the recent elections but with no party winning the required 376 seats, coalition discussions have started. Does the Move Forward Party which won the most seats have the upper hand or will the Pheu Thai party succeed? Dr Greg Raymond, Senior Lecturer at Australia National University tells us.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buzz tech word for 2023 - AI. Do we fear it, or embrace it? Can a country benefit and how do we need to put policies in place to protect ourselves? Dr Sia Chin Chin, Programme Director and Senior Lecturer of Business & Law, Taylor’s Law School weighs in. Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During LIMA 2023 the defence ministry signed a record value of 10 billion ringgit in deals, announced a RM2 billion cost overrun in the Littoral Combat Ships, but failed to present our National Defence Industry Policy Blueprint. And as a maritime country, are we paying too much emphasis on the airforce and army, and less so on our navy. We speak with Marhalim Abbas, Defence writer to digest all the news, and the lack of it, from Langkawi.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently the yuan slipped passed 7 to the US dollar. We ask Luca Santos, Currency Analyst at ACY Securities, if the PBOC will intervene in forex markets. Whilst asking if this is driving recent weakness in the RinggitImage by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarawak is at the forefront of pushing the federal government to uphold the Malaysia Agreement 1963, seeking equal economic and political rights, from the establishment of Petroleum Sarawak, taking control of education and health, and this week Sarawak Ports Authority. We speak with Dr James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies to get his views on how Abang Jo has been flexing his muscles.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.