Morning Brief

The prestigious Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas saw over 3,200 exhibitors from 173 countries showcasing their latest innovations. From Samsung’s bending display to a robot mechanised for elderly care and a slew of electric vehicles, the event is seen to highlight the tech trends that'll shape 2023 and beyond. The question is what innovations will see commercial value and perhaps be the killer application that propels the earnings of tech companies? For insights, we have with us Daniel Ives, Managing Director, Wedbush Securities.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the opening ceremony for the 2023 legal year in Putrajaya, Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat said that she welcomes improvements or amendments to the Judicial Appointments Commission Act 2009 to ensure it is completely independent of the executive body.  Dato' Mah Weng Kwai, Former Commissioner of SUHAKAM,  who also served as Judge at the Court of Appeal gives us his opinion on this matter.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We have reports of train services being delayed and breakdowns are frequent while trains are often packed to the brim at peak hours. In response to this,  Prasarana Malaysia will spend a total of 2.8 billion ringgit to improve train and bus services which also replacing train equipment and increasing the number of trains and buses to improve frequency. But is this 2.8 billion ringgit allocation adequate and will it solve the current public transport woes? For some answers we speak to Dr Rosli Azad, Transport Consultant.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 was a challenging year for most asset classes but in this late cycle, what are the investment opportunities? Alessia Berardi, Head of Emerging Macro and Strategy Research at Amundi gives us her outlook including monetary policy direction for key central banks in light of the stubbornly high inflation.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nothing is certain except death and taxes, famous last words by Benjamin Franklin which is a timely reminder to discuss what are the new taxes to be aware of in 2023. We check in with Dr Veerinderjeet Singh, Immediate Past President, Malaysian Institute of Accountants to find out whilst discussing tax reform that Malaysia needs as the tabling of Budget 2023 draws close.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said his two-day official visit to Indonesia at the invitation of President Joko Widodo has met its objectives. Various issues were addressed including matters involving the economy and bilateral investments. Anwar also witnessed the exchange of nine MOUs involving Malaysian companies and also letters of intents. So how will Anwar improve bilateral relations between the two countries and does this reflect on Anwar’s foreign policy strategy at large? For insights, we speak to Bunn Nagara, Honorary Research Fellow, Perak Academy.Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, supporters of Brazil’s far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro invaded the country’s Congress, presidential palace and Supreme Court. Parallels are being drawn to the 6th January attacks in the US which then begs the question, how polarised is South America's largest economy and what precipitated these attacks? Questions we pose to Clara Ferreira Marques, Columnist at Bloomberg Opinion.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Centre gives us a run down of the political crisis taking place in Sabah after a majority of BN assemblymen led by Kinabatangan MP Datuk Bung Mokhtar, withdrew support from Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on Friday.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With inflation increasing by 4% year-on-year and food inflation continuing to be the main driver in November, we ask Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist, Bank Islam Malaysia on the likely response by BNM and how will this impact the lower income group and ailing businesses.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After three long years, checkpoints at the Hong Kong China border reopened yesterday. Businesses and residents are breathing a sigh of relief as the cost of separation has been huge. Natixis SA, an Investment Bank estimates Hong Kong’s economy lost $27 billion in potential growth. We speak to their economist, Gary Ng for an outlook.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tragic landslide at Batang Kali last month highlighted the dearth of regulatory oversight on campsites and recreational venues in the country. With landslides becoming increasingly common especially after heavy rains, what should be included in these guidelines and how can the government better regulate outdoor activities without restricting business and leisure? Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to meet the Sarawak Premier and the Sabah Chief Minister in their first meeting of the MA63 Implementation Action Council. But what is the federal government’s commitment to resolve MA63 issues? Ariff Adi Putera Anwar, Research Officer, Institute for Development Studies tells us whilst reminding us what the pending issues are.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The appointment of the Speaker of the US House of Representatives is typically a formality; the party with majority seats in the house votes for their chosen candidate with relative ease. Yet, although Republicans have a slim majority in the House, holding 222 seats vs Democrats’ 212, they have been unable to build consensus around the party’s Speaker candidate, Kevin McCarthy. Public opinion pollster John Zogby explains the impasse in the Republican party, and the implications for US politics and policymaking.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) to Malaysia grew to a record RM861 billion at the end of 3Q23, with the US as the second largest investor contributing 12%. However with a global recession potentially on the horizon, will investors remain upbeat on Malaysia? Siobhan Das of AMCHAM weighs in on business sentiment among its members and their policy wishlist for the government.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There has been public outcry over the decision by the Petaling Jaya City Council to introduce a 90 sen charge for non-Malaysians who use the PJ City Bus service beginning January 15th. Adrian Pereira, Director of the North South Initiative, a social justice advocacy group tells us the wider implications of this move.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year, initial hopes for a revival of the stalled nuclear deal between the West and Iran were dashed, with Tehran instead coming under further western sanctions for supplying arms to Russia. Tehran is also grappling with a protest movement that’s described as the biggest challenge to the Islamic Republic in decades. Meanwhile in Israel, a new government has been sworn in, helmed by an old hand, Benjamin Netanyahu. However the presence of far-right groups in the government that have many fearing actions that could inflame tensions with Palestine. Middle East expert Dr James Dorsey gives us an overview of what to watch on these international fronts.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 saw the revival of the aviation and tourism sector with the loosening of border restrictions spurring the demand for revenge travel. However this was not without turbulence and is 2023 the year where travel returns to pre-pandemic levels? Hannah Pearson, Founder, Pear Anderson tells us whilst also giving us her views as to whether Malaysia will be a top tourist destination in this region.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of Budget 2023 that’s due to be tabled in February, opposition MP Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim recently groused about the long-standing issue of unequal allocation for parliamentarians across the aisle. How should the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) mechanism be reformed to avoid the political resentment and patronage issues of the present system? We get policy recommendations from Danesh Prakash Chacko of Tindak Malaysia.Image credit: Laboo Studio / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the festive season extending from Christmas right into Chinese New Year this month, retailers anticipate that consumer activity will remain high going into the Year of the Rabbit. However with labour shortage still affecting many sectors in Malaysia and worries of inflation this year, will the next few weeks set the tone for the rest of the retail year? Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin, managing director of hypermarket Mydin gives us his outlook.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world's 2nd largest economy readies for a reopening, how should Malaysia prepare for the influx of Chinese tourists especially since there are reports of high covid cases in their country? Dr Khoo Yoong Khean, Scientific Officer, Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness gives us those answers.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The sale of the KL Tower concession from TM to little known entity Hydroshoppe Sdn. Bhd. for RM3.8 million has drawn scrutiny, given that the business made an annual profit to the tune of RM20 million in 2019. Business commentator P. Gunasegaram gives us a breakdown on the corruption concerns that this deal raises.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 was a rocky year for all key members of ASEAN with the lingering effects from the COVID-19 variant of Omicron, the Russia-Ukraine war and rising inflation globally. As we start the new year in 2023 with the US and EU likely heading for a recession, coupled with an abrupt reopening by China and a likely surge in tourist arrivals, what does this hold for Asean economies and currencies? Also, which countries look most resilient and are poised to benefit the most? For insights, we speak to Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research, ANZ Bank.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Malaysia’s core inflation remaining high, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli has called for a collective effort to battle inflation. Recently, he has received flak for stating consumers are partly to be blamed for high food prices, and for suggesting them to avoid buying staple food such as chicken when food prices go up. However, is this the right advice for consumers feeling pinched by rising food prices? We speak to Dr Geoffrey Williams, Economist, Malaysia University of Science and Technology, for some answers.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a surprising move, China overturned its zero Covid policy by removing almost all the restrictions, including reopening its borders. However, this coincides with a sharp rise in Covid-19 cases in China. Countries such as the US, Italy, Japan and India have taken preemptive measures to contain the spread of the virus by announcing test requirements for inbound travellers from China. How impactful would international travel restrictions be on the spreading of Covid-19, and are there other policies that should be considered by governments? We speak to Prof. Ben Cowling, Chair of Epidemiology at the School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, for answers.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the last 10 years, the return of the FBMKLCI has been a dismal -11%. Will 2023 prove to be a turning point for Malaysia? Imran Yusof, Head of Research at MIDF Amanah Investment Bank tells us while giving us his FBMKLCI target and top stock picks.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After winning just 30 seats at the GE15, what will be the mood at Umno's General Assembly? We ask Dr Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow, Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research that question and who might throw their hat into the ring to be the next President of the party.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Nikkei 225 is down 10% for the year while Japan’s GDP shrank an annualised 0.8 percent in the third quarter, as global recession risks and higher import costs weighed on consumption. Also, core inflation climbed 3.7 percent in November which is at its four-decade high and raising pressure on the central bank to roll back its massive stimulus. Japan has bucked the trend and continues to keep interest rates at ultra-low levels. How will all this play out in 2023 and what investment strategy should investors consider? For answers we speak to Zui Shiromoto, Investment Manager, Neuberger Berman.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, health news portal Code Blue has raised the alarm on overcrowding at emergency wards in public hospitals. This can be seen in hospitals such as the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital in Ipoh, where critically ill non-Covid patients had to wait for up to six days in the emergency department. In response to this, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa announced that the ministry will address this. So what are the long term initiatives needed for the public healthcare sector? For insights, we speak to Assistant Professor Dr Farhan Rusli, Public Health Medicine Specialist.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently on social media, renowned healthcare expert Prof. Dr. Adeeba Kamaruzzaman lamented the fact that Malaysia was losing its best and brightest medical graduates to Singapore every year. This reignited a long, ongoing debate on how to tackle the pervasive brain drain in key economic sectors. Dr Niaz Asadullah, Southeast Asia Lead at the Global Labor Organisation, Professor of Economics, at Monash University Malaysia tells us if we can reverse this structural issue.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Extra ingredients are usually a welcome addition in a dish but not when it comes to rodents and insects. We speak to Jeremy Lim, Vice-President at Persatuan Pemilik Restoran dan Bistro as to what are the minimum health and safety standards for the F&B sector and is compliance and enforcement the real issue?Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Shanghai Composite Index is down 15% year-to-date but has bounced off its October lows following the China Party Congress meeting that month. Since then, there were a slew of changes with regards to Covid-19 restrictions which were fast and abrupt. More recently China said it will remove quarantine requirements for inbound travellers from January 8. Has the Chinese economy passed its most challenging period and what sectors and stocks should investors be keeping their eyes on in 2023?Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can the Federal Territories be better managed? We discuss the decision to park the Federal Territories portfolio under the Prime Minister’s Department with Koh Cha-Ly, CEO of Urbanmetry and whether DBKL can shift from being an effective execution entity to a more strategic policy setting.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The technology heavy Nasdaq index is down 34% year-to-date, trading at close to year lows. Even Cathie Wood’s Ark Investment Management has lost almost $50 billion in assets from its stable of exchange traded funds since its 2021 peak. With the market expecting interest rates to peak in the US in 1Q23 with a Fed Funds rate of just above 5%, does this mean that the worst is behind us and funds could start to flow into the sector in 2023? For insights, we speak to Dan Ives, Managing Director of Wedbush Securities.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 began on a high note for China with the successful hosting of the Beijing Winter Olympics in February, despite the strict zero-Covid policy in place. In contrast, as the year comes to a close, China is going through a rocky period following the loosening of pandemic restrictions this month; as a result Covid-19 infections are skyrocketing and impacting economic productivity. How will President Xi Jinping navigate these challenges and more in the year to come? Dr. Pradeep Taneja of the University of Melbourne weighs in.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim’s government announced further progress towards abolishing the mandatory death penalty. Minister of Law and Institutional Reform Datuk Seri Azalina Othman said that the government would table a series of bills related to amending the law in the coming February parliamentary sitting. What is the significance of abolishing the mandatory death penalty and what kind of implications will this have for the legal system? For insights we speak to Goh Cia Yee, a criminal lawyer.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 has been the year of the King US dollar, with the greenback surging to a fresh two decade high in September. Recently, currency markets reacted with surprise to the Bank Of Japan taking a slightly hawkish tone and tightening policy, causing the yen to soar to a four month high against the dollar. How will currencies in APAC perform in 2023 and what are the risks involved? For answers, we speak to Lloyd Chan, Senior Economist, Oxford Economics.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim is considering scrapping the National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC), the overseer of the National Anti-Corruption Plan (NACP) that was launched in 2019. Would the government’s anti-corruption efforts be hindered by the abolishment of this agency or can existing agencies fill the vacuum? Cynthia Gabriel, Executive Director of the C4 weighs in.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The implementation of the amended Employment Act 1955 will come into effect on January 1, 2023 after a postponement from September this year. Chin Chee Seong, National Secretary General of the SME Association of Malaysia tells us why their organisation is advocating for a delay of this legislation and their reasons for it whilst giving us an outlook for 2023.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The oil and gas sector has been one of the better performing sectors this year, despite volatility in demand due to geopolitical tensions and China’s zero Covid policy. And while demand uncertainty will carry on into the first half of 2023, analysts are largely upbeat about the prospects for oil and gas in the new year, specially on the back of Petronas’ recently released activity outlook for 2023 to 2025. TJ Liaw of Maybank Investment Bank gives us the key takeaways.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Jakarta Composite Index is still up by 3.6% year-to-date and remains one of the few Asia markets still in positive territory. The economy appears to be on a stronger footing and inflation more contained and the November print coming in at 5.4%. Meanwhile, Bank Indonesia expects GDP for 2023 to expand from 4.5% to 5.3%. What does all this mean for Indonesia equities going in 2023 and which sectors should investors be focusing on? For answers, we speak to Jerry Goh, ASEAN Equities, Investment Manager, ABRDN.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the persistent economic themes this year has been the shortage of foreign workers in key sectors such as plantations, construction and services. Why have bottlenecks persisted despite agreements signed with source countries? We discuss ways to alleviate the labour shortage with political economist Khor Yu Leng.Image credit: Hafiz Johari / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The floods on the east coast have become a regular fixture during monsoon season, but this year is shaping up to be one of the worst in recent record for some areas. How are relief and rescue efforts being coordinated between government authorities and civil society, and what kind of help is most needed from those on the ground? For more insights, we speak to Amran Mahzan, Executive Director of MATCH Foundation.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From early 2020, a surge in global demand for PCs and logistics disruptions created the perfect storm for semiconductor shortages. This pushed lead times to reach a new high of around 20 weeks in April last year. The chip shortage situation has brought attention to the outsized role played by Asia in semiconductor manufacturing. But with recession headwinds impacting the global economy and US Chip Act restricting exports to China, will the boom last for Asia Pacific’s semiconductor industry? For insights, we speak to Alex Holmes, Senior Economist, Oxford Economics.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 15th Parliament convened yesterday for the first time since the general elections with the current seating chart reflecting the new political alliances in Malaysia. Crucially, the Prime Minister also succeeded in passing the motion of confidence via a voice vote. What tone does this sitting set for the agenda of the new government? Political analyst Dr. Oh Ei Sun weighs in with his analysis.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The glove industry rose like a phoenix in 2020 where it was the strongest beneficiary of the Covid-19 pandemic. The sharp expansion in average selling prices led to many small players jumping on the bandwagon, and even saw the rise of China as a glove manufacturer. Now, however, the industry has since fallen hard and is now reeling from overcapacity issues, deteriorating average selling prices and rising gas prices. What does the future hold for glove makers and when will the supply demand dynamics achieve equilibrium? For more insight, we speak to Dr Supramaniam Shanmugam, President, MARGMA.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the war in Ukraine continues with Russia intensifying their efforts, targeting infrastructure, we speak to Denys Mykhailiuk, Chargé d'Affaires at the Ukrainian Embassy in Malaysia for an update on the situation. We also ask if the Ukrainians are prepared for a cold long winter and if peace will prove elusive.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For insights on the situation in Sri Lanka, we ask Faraz Shauketaly, Editor of Ceylon Independent on whether the situation has improved following months of street protests that began early this year that culminated in the resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in May.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Batang Kali landslide is a timely but a tragic reminder for Malaysia to relook its guidelines and laws with all things related to development. We speak to Assoc. Prof. Architect Sarly Adre Sarkum, President of the Malaysian Institute of Architects as to what the gaps are and how the realities of climate change can be incorporated.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tragically, a total of 24 victims have been confirmed dead at last count due from the Batang Kali landslide. Meanwhile, sixty-one people have been rescued while nine are still missing. Search and rescue operations are continuing at the Father’s Organic Farm campsite and investigations have begun. Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change gives us an update on the situation and what steps the government will take to prevent a repeat of this. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the new government, the portfolio held previously by two ministries has been merged into one: the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change. It’s a behemoth portfolio helmed by Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad with implications for the sustainability of the country, especially amid a global push towards renewable energy and reduction of fossil fuel usage. How should the government navigate the demands for sustainable economic activity while at the same time building resilience against climate change impact? We discuss policy recommendations with Alizan Mahadi of ISIS Malaysia.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.