Morning Brief

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.

This week the Ministry of Home Affairs raided Swatch outlets across Malaysia and seized watches from its 'Pride Collection" for allegedly contravening the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 (PPPA).  What are the provisions and processes behind this Act, and was it rightly used? We speak with lawyer, New Sin Yew to find out more.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Capital lenders through corporate and government bonds, play a crucial role in advancing the responsible investment agenda and with we have seen a sharp rise in green bond offerings. However do all such bonds really meet the criteria and what should that standard be? Jason Mortimer, Head of Sustainability, Fixed Income Nomura Asset Management gives us his views. Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is a two-cornered fight between PAS-Bersatu and BN-Pakatan Harapan in the upcoming state election in Kelantan. Will the unity government make inroads, or will we see a clean sweep of seats by the PAS-Bersatu coalition? For insights, we speak to Adib Zalkapli, Director of BowerGroupAsia.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the streaming war finally over as subscriber counts plateau? Is great content the only way to acquire and retain market share. And what will the roll out of password sharing controls do for Netflix’s number 1 position? We speak with Geetha Ranganathan, Senior Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence to talk about the companies bringing us great shows like XO Kitty, Succession, and the Mandalorian.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US government could start to run out of money within weeks unless it allows itself to borrow more. With just a week till the estimated debt-limit deadline of 1 June, we ask Walter Todd, President & Chief Investment Officer, Greenwood Capital what are the options left and the consequences if the largest economy breaches the debt ceiling.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first three months of this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made official visits and trade missions to 9 countries, attracting around 185 billion ringgit of potential investments and potential exports of 3.2 billion ringgit. Ong Kian Ming, Director of the Philosophy Politics & Economics (PPE) Program at Taylor's University and former Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry weighs in on the value of these trips as there is cost to taxpayers.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Goldman Sachs estimates that China’s government debt amounts to $23 trillion US dollars, and this includes debt amassed by regional governments and municipalities. How do these debt levels weigh down on China’s economic recovery? Bernard Aw, Chief Economist at Coface gives us his analysis.Image by: ZDL / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disillusionment amongst our secondary school leavers have taken hold, with only 50% of surveyed youth intending to continue their higher education. Is it a case of funding, varsity places, or a mismatch of tertiary courses versus jobs available. To get an insight on this dilemma, we speak with Adli Amirullah, Fellow at Malaysian Youth Council.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perikatan Nasional looks ready for the upcoming Kedah state election led by the popular Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor. The state is a key gateway for PAS into the west coast. To have an understanding how prepared the 2 opposing sides are, we speak with Dr Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate with the University of Nottingham Asia Research Institute MalaysiaImage by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The MACC is purportedly investigating the UEM purchase of a 33% block stake in Renong Bhd for RM2.3 billion ringgit. Many questions remain unanswered from the aftermath of the transaction that took place 26 years ago in 1997. To help us answer these question, we speak with P. Gunasegaram, Independent Business Writer.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Focusing on the three giants dominating the Southeast Asia tech space, Grab, GoTo and Sea; Nathan Naidu, Equity Research Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, dissects for us their recent quarterly results and their timeline to full year profitabilityImage by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subsidies are weighing heavily on government budgets and plans to rationalise subsidies for both fuel and electricity are in motion. Join our conversation with Associate Professor Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff, MBA Program Director , PUTRA Business School on targeted subsidy removals, and how implementing it on a phase approach will minimise the risk of unintended consequences.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As temperatures are set to soar, what should businesses and the government do to ensure that the safety, welfare and productivity of workers are upheld? We discuss policies to mitigate the effects of heat waves with Dr Abed Onn, Vice-President of the Academy Of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, MalaysiaImage by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The G7, an informal grouping of the world’s seven richest nations, convened in Hiroshima over the weekend with a surprise visit by Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky. We discuss their communique in detail with William Pesek, columnist at Nikkei Asia.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is doing better than average in terms of reducing trade barriers compared to her Asia Pacific peers. We rank 45th out of 88 countries in the International Trade Barrier Index by Washington DC-based think tank the Tholos Foundation in partnership with Malaysia’s Centre for Market Education. CME's Carmelo Ferlito tells us what the study shows us.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There has been a flurry of rhetoric over the Jill Ireland case on use of the word Allah by non-Muslims. We break down the legal issues in this matter with constitutional lawyer Dato’ Malik Imtiaz.Image by: msyaraafiq / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Meteorological Organisation is now predicting that the world is more likely to break the key temperature limit of 1.5⁰C between now and 2027, and judging by the heatwave we are experiencing now, it's not hard to imagine that it is likely. Ahmad Afandi, Senior Analyst at the Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS Malaysia), explains what can be done to counter this and whether or not it's too late.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia ended the SEA Games on a dismal note recording its worst performance in the history of the games. What does this say about the state of our sports industry? We get reactions from Haresh Deol, Editor of the news portal twentytwo13.myImage by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Days after Thailand’s elections and the shock win of the Move Forward party, what’s the status of talks to form a government? We speak to political analyst Dr. Termsak Chalermpalanupap of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute for insights into the negotiation process and potential scenarios.Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech stocks have been rallying as investors anticipate the Fed Fund Rate to peak in the near future. We discuss the outlook for US tech with Jonathan Curtis of Franklin TempletonImage by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Extending highway concessions for another 30 years and opening up the toll payments systems beyond Touch n Go. It looks like tolls are here to stay. To give us an understanding of the complexity to move forward to a multi-lane free flow (MLFF) system, we speak with Sharim Tamrin, Senior Journalist, The Vibes & former MIROS board of directors memberImage by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Six states - Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Penang, Kelantan & Terengganu - are set to dissolve their respective state assemblies by end-June, paving the way for elections to be held. Thomas Fann, Chair of Bersih, shares his concerns on how a low voter turnout might impact the outcome and what can be done to address this.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pakistan is no stranger to political unrest, but the current situation differs from the past due to the strange dynamic between former Prime Minister turned political firebrand Imran Khan and the military establishment. We discuss what’s happening in Pakistan with Dr. Zahid Ahmed of Deakin University.Image by: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Khazanah Research Institute survey has revealed that women in Kuala Lumpur spend 1.4 hours more unpaid homemaking each day than men and with around 2.4 million housewives in the country not in any formal employment, they aren't covered by any form of social protection. Anis Farid, Research Project Manager, Women's Aid Organisation, tells us unpaid care work transcends gender and is also under-reported, suggesting that social protection efforts need to be more wide ranging.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another round of water cuts was announced on Sunday affecting 650,000 users in Penang and Kedah. Why does a country blessed with ample rainfall still suffer from water cuts and poor distribution of clean piped water? Datuk Ir Abdul Kadir Mohd Din, the immediate Past President of Malaysian Water Association give us his views on how stakeholders should manage and protect our water management assets.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turkiye’s presidential race will head into a run-off on 28 May, after neither President Recep Tayyip Erdogan nor opposition challenger Kemal Kilicdaroglu won more than 50% of the vote. We discuss the outcome of Sunday’s elections and who holds the upper hand leading into the run-off with Dr. James Dorsey of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.Image by: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.