Morning Brief

With the global IPO market falling off a cliff in 2022, we discuss the outlook for IPOs with Kevin Chew, Senior Executive Director, Strategy and Transaction, Ernst & Young and whether it will rise from the ashes in 2023.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the retail sector saw a rapid recovery since the economic reopening, most retailers are bracing for a gloomy 2023. This is after two surveys were conducted by the Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA) on the mid-term of SMEs and retailers’ outlook for next year. SAMENTA said most respondents were far less optimistic, with two out of three retailers expect a drop in both sales value and volume in 2023. Hence, it is crucial that the new government comes into power to implement measures that can protect businesses from these short term challenges as well as address long term issues to ensure growth. For insights, we speak to Datuk William Ng, Chairman of SAMENTA. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News on seat allocations of the different political coalitions have started to trickle in as we approach Nomination Day on 5 November. We discuss the candidate announcements coming from PKR, DAP, Umno and Gerakan Tanah Air (GTA) with political analyst Dr Azmi Hassan.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past year, Malaysia has witnessed more natural disasters stemming from extreme weather patterns, which has put the spotlight on how government authorities have been managing environmental resources as well as what they’re doing to mitigate climate change consequences. Will political parties and coalitions take this opportunity to prioritise environmental issues in their campaign? We speak to Meenakshi Raman of Sahabat Alam Malaysia on what issues should be prioritized in election manifestos.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft and Alphabet reported numbers which disappointed the street. Punishment was swift with share prices coming under pressure but is it time to bottom fish? Daniel Ives, Managing Director at Wedbush Securities tells us if he is still a tech bull or bear.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This GE15 will see 14 days of intense campaigning by the various political parties and candidates before Malaysians make their decisions that they will have to live with for the next 5 years, on November 19th. This time around we can expect the same mud-sling between the warring parties as they also talk up the plans they have for the nation if they win. Tai Zee Kin, Digital Political Communications Consultant, talks to us about his observations and how we can tell fact from fiction, in this age of social media. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Out of 222 seats in Parliament, women fill fewer than 15% of seats - only 33 MPs are women. This is despite the often cited rhetoric that politicians support the target of 30% women in decision-making roles. With GE15 Nomination day less than 2 weeks away, there is a resounding call from civil society for political parties to actively champion women candidates and to support incumbent MPs for re-election. Why must the pledge to have more women in politics be more than just lip service? Dr Rabi'ah Aminuddin of IIUM makes the case for more women in politics.Image credit: YuriAbas / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is working on enacting a Consumer Credit Act to provide better protection for credit consumers, including the growing number of Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) customers. How are industry players engaging with authorities as the regulations take shape? We get an overview of how the BNPL industry is developing from Arvin Singh of hoolah, now known as ShopBack PayLater.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As GE15 heats up, both Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan are vying for East Malaysia support by dangling the deputy prime minister position as an incentive. How significant is this role in the government line-up and will this actually strengthen East Malaysian representation in the corridors of power? We discuss this with Dr. Wong Chin Huat of Sunway University.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all saw the reports of how flight ticket prices for the weekend of GE15 surged as soon as the Election Commission announced the dates of when that will happen. In response, Putrajaya tasked the Malaysian Aviation Commission with regulating the prices of flight tickets to ensure that airlines don't hike up prices arbitrarily. Is that within their powers, though? Pushpalatha Subramaniam, Director of Consumer Affairs, at MAVCOM talks to us about what its roles are in ensuring air passengers' consumer rights are protected.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s third quarter GDP came in better than expected at 3.9% growth, but this has not buoyed market sentiment for Chinese stocks. In fact, Chinese markets fell sharply following the announcement on Sunday that President Xi Jinping would serve a third term. China’s overall economic recovery also remains bleak amid Covid zero and a looming property crisis. Are the days of booming growth and outperforming Chinese stocks over? We discuss the outlook for Chinese equities with Brock Silvers of Kaiyuan Capital. Image credit: EPA-EPESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GE15 in Sabah is shaping up to be a fight between the two major coalitions: Barisan Nasional and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah on one end, and Pakatan Harapan on the other. Meanwhile, homegrown party Warisan will be looking to retain its stronghold in the eastern part of the state. How might these dynamics play out? We discuss the possible scenarios with political expert Dr. Oh Ei Sun.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legacy media outlets have long been viewed as the mouthpiece of the ruling government, while online news portals are often seen as the other end of the spectrum. How do these dynamics impact news reporting during general elections? We discuss the trends to watch and measures to strengthen media independence with Prof Zaharom Nain of the University of Nottingham Malaysia.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent rate hikes and a sharp decline on the prices of securities has had an impact on the balance sheets of central banks globally. Brian Coulton, Chief Economist at Fitch Ratings tells us why this is important, and what does this mean for their relationship with their respective governments.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A-share Chinese stocks listed in New York and Hong Kong are at all-time lows amid concerns over the economy, the continuation of the zero-Covid policy and common prosperity theme. This coincides with China’s ruling Communist Party Congress where Xi Jinping is expected to continue a third term. Should investors start nibbling China equities or is there no near term visible catalysts? For answers, we speak to John Lau, Portfolio Manager, Affin Hwang Asset Management. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the date for GE15 set for 19th November, how will coalitions strategize to win the hearts and minds of voters? Dr Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate at the University of Nottingham Malaysia gives a preview of the themes and narratives that could take centre stage.Image credit: Gwoeii/ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MAVCOM is inviting public feedback for amendments to improve the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code, which was introduced back in 2016. What should be included to better protect consumer rights? Baskaran Sithamparam of the National Consumer Complaints Centre weighs in.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election campaign activities are governed by the Election Offences Act 1954 - but how effective are monitoring and enforcement efforts on this front? We speak to Dr Lau Zhe Wei of IIUM for a better understanding of what constitutes election violations, as well as his prediction of key dates for GE15.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, caretaker Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced plans to phase in e-invoicing for tax collection beginning next year as part of efforts to improve efficiency of the tax system. What are the speedbumps and challenges that need to be addressed for an effective transition to e-invoicing? Tax expert Dr Veerinderjeet Singh weighs in.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

XBB is one of the “new class” of Omicron variants that is spreading in the region especially in Singapore. We ask Dr Paul Tambyah, President of the Asia Pacific Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infection, if this is cause for concern, and what can we do to protect ourselves.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Gabungan Parti Sarawak’s secretary general, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, the party has decided to wait until after GE15 to decide on who to cooperate with. Without naming any parties, Nanta said this has always been the coalition’s principle as GPS wants a stable federal government. We speak to Dr James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania, on the possible thinking behind GPS' strategies. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US introduced export control measures designed to limit US technology transfer to China. This ban will affect chips used in artificial intelligence and supercomputing and will certainly decouple the global semiconductor chain. How will China retaliate and will Malaysia technology companies benefit from China's Plus 1 strategy? We speak to Dato’ Wong Siew Hai, President, Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association for some insights. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bursa Malaysia’s data have revealed that more than 60% of the new individual Central Depository System accounts were opened by those aged between 25 and 44. We explore how the increased interest in online trading might have contributed to these statistics with Sammeer, the Managing Director and Head of Consumer, Private and Business Banking at Standard Chartered Malaysia. He will also share some pitfalls to look for navigating this new virtual world with real-life consequences. This conversation is brought to you by Standard Chartered Malaysia. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks to UNDI18 and automatic voter registration, 6 million new voters will enter the electoral roll. With over 1 million comprising voters aged 18 to 21, political parties are attempting to woo the voting bloc by fielding new, younger candidates. We discuss trends impacting youth voting patterns with Jason Wee of Architects for Diversity.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There has been considerable outcry over potential disciplinary action taken against Cikgu Fadhli Salleh, a primary school teacher in Gombak, for social media posts critical of the education system. We discuss the rules governing civil service discourse on government policy and what this case reveals about the state of Malaysian education.Image credit: fuadstephan / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A plot is afoot to rid the Prime Minister of United Kingdom which is emanating from her own party after a disastrous mini-Budget which has already taken the career of chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng.  Professor Chandran Kukathas, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, gives us the chances that Liz Truss can survive beyond Halloween. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will PAS' decision to stick with Perikatan backfire on them? Or will this change post elections and alliances that are formed with UMNO/BN? For insights, we speak to Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani, Deputy Managing Director from BowerGroupAsia who will also touch on PAS’ strategies and grassroots support. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Government-linked companies are a standard feature of the Malaysian corporate landscape, with top posts at GLCs often politically appointed by the government of the day. However the constant change of governments over the past 4 years has seen the Prime Minister trying to secure support through political appointments at GLCs, leaving a negative impact for business and the broader economy. How do we mitigate the fall out of the GLC appointment cycle? We discuss proposals for reform with business writer P. Gunasegaram.Image credit: Najmi Arif / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There will likely be no major surprises with Xi Jinping securing a third term as party secretary general. But the more important factors - relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions and who Xi appoints to his government will be closely watched. For more understanding on this, we speak to Angeline Tan, Researcher in the Foreign Policy and Security Studies programme, ISIS Malaysia. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prasarana and MRT Corp have come under fire recently for poorly maintained station facilities and unreliable train services. Why does the Kuala Lumpur public train system fall short of regional peers? We get perspectives from transport analyst Datuk Ridza Abdoh Salleh.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Liz Truss looks set to abandon her deeply unpopular mini budget and its tax cuts after weeks of volatile financial market. We speak to Douglas McWilliams, Chief Executive and Founder of CEBR, for his views on this, and whether the Governor of the Bank of England will keep to his promise to end the bond purchasing program.Image credit: EPA-EPESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia head into GE15, the running of the country is in the hands of a caretaker government. But what are the limits of its powers? What are the remedies if it does so? Beatrice Chin, Constitutional Lawyer, gives us her answers. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we head into GE15, we can expect more disinformation to circulate. How can we be on guard against this? Munira Mustaffa, Executive Director of Chasseur Group, tells us the signs of how to distil fact from fiction.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While there were certainly monetary benefits, grants and tax cuts, could there more to be done to address other softer issues? For some context we speak to Datuk William Ng, Chairman, Small and Medium Enterprises Association.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. marked 100 days in office last week. To the surprise of some, he has opted for a path of traditional statesmanship and policy moderation in his first 3 months, especially when compared to his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who was known for his firebrand politics and violent crackdown on drugs. However, amid deteriorating economic conditions in the Philippines, the president’s jet-setting and his family’s love of parties has been heavily criticised by the public. We speak to political analyst Andrea Chloe Wong for her review. Image credit: EPA-EPESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many quarters were opposed to holding the 15th general election during the monsoon season, especially given the unprecedented floods in December last year, but Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri has finally dissolved parliament. What does this say about who really is in charge of UMNO, and is this election theirs to lose? Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Centre gives us his views.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2023 included proposals to make Malaysia more business-friendly to attract more foreign direct investments. These included the extension of various tax incentives on eligible green projects and the implementation of a 15% global minimum tax to be implemented in 2024. Michel van Crombrugge, Vice President of the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry talks to us about what Budget 2023 got right and what it missed, as well as the ongoing labour issues Malaysia continues to face.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The war in Ukraine has taken another turn after Russian forces launched air strikes across the country, in the most extensive attack by Russia since the beginning of the war. Although Russia said that it only targeted military, energy and telecommunications facilities, there is evidence that civilian infrastructures such as residential buildings and schools were also hit. Does this indicate a changing of tactics from the Russian military? We discuss the latest developments with Alexey Muraviev of Curtin University.Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss the country’s economic outlook with UOB senior economist Julia Goh following Budget 2023, and whether Malaysia will achieve GDP growth of between 6.5 to 7 percent this year, and projected GDP to grow between 4 to 5 percent in 2023 as it contents with bloated operating and development expenditure.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government appears to proceed with its proposal to close down the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Malaysia, as disclosed in a written reply to Parliament recently. What implications will this have for the protection of refugees and asylum seekers here? We speak to Lilianne Fan of Geutanyoe Project on this matter.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia gears up for the 15th General Election, we speak to Thomas Fann of Bersih on the role of the Election Commission during this pivotal period. Thomas also weighs in on why it's important for voters to exercise their right at the ballot box.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has ratified the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CP-TPP), 4 years after the agreement was signed in 2018. According to MITI, all legal amendments related to the CP-TPP have been completed, and the trade deal will come into effect for Malaysia on Nov 29th. How will this benefit Malaysia? We speak to Dr Juita Mohamad of IDEAS about the impact of the deal for Malaysian trade.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is hoping to embark on an ambitious legislative initiative in the generational end-game tobacco bill, which would stop the sale of tobacco products to those born in 2007 and beyond. Dr Helmy Haja Mydin, Consultant Respiratory Physician and Technical Advisor to Ministry of Health on tobacco control, gives us an update on whether and when it will be passed in Parliament.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Analysts expect Budget 2023 to remain expansionary, with some even speculating that it could be higher than Budget 2022, which was the highest on record at RM300 billion. Can Budget 2023 thread that fine line of providing a cushion for economic volatility, while also ensuring fiscal discipline? Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist of Bank Islam Malaysia shares his expectations.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OPEC+ members agreed to impose production cuts of up to 2 million barrels per day in a bid to keep oil prices elevated. This is the most significant round of cuts since 2020. What does this mean for oil prices? Salih Yilmaz, analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, gives us that answer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest findings of the Public Accounts Committee on the littoral combat ship (LCS) and MySejahtera controversies highlight the gaps in public procurement processes and implementation. We speak to Dr Muhammad Mohan, President of Transparency International Malaysia, on the lessons that should be learnt from these projects as well as his Budget 2023 wishlist.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour shortages, the rising cost of building materials and looming recession fears continue to stifle the construction industry. So what will help the industry get back on their feet? And what is their wishlist for Budget 2023? Oliver Wee, President of Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) tells us.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thailand has been one of the slower ASEAN economies to recover from the pandemic slump. In a further blow to the economy, Thailand is facing its worst flooding in years, impacting its tourism and agricultural sector. What policy levers does Bangkok have to stimulate economic growth? We discuss the outlook for the Thai economy with Krystal Tan of ANZ Bank.Image credit: teera.noisakran / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Budget 2023 slated to be tabled on October 7th, questions arise whether Pakatan Harapan would abide by the MOU signed with the government and support the budget. In addition, is PH coming up with its own shadow budget to provide an alternative to the voting public? We speak to PKR member and Subang MP Wong Chen on opposition expectations for the budget.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although mid-tier companies represent around 2% of total business establishments, they contribute around 40% to Malaysia's GDP. How can Budget 2023 create a level playing field for Malaysian mid-tier businesses which are so important as they attempt to compete in regional markets? We speak to Callum Chen of the Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies for their budget wishlist.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.