Morning Brief

The Johor state elections will be closely watched with 56 seats up from grabs. This time round, will MCA able to recover from their disastrous loss in GE14? Dr James Chin, Lecturer in Asian Studies at University of Tasmania gives us his views whilst also rating DAP's chances. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Election Commission will announce the nomination and polling days for the Johor state elections this Wednesday. Umno is seen as the party with pole position in Johor, but how much of an advantage do they have? Dr. Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate at the University of Nottingham-Malaysia discusses the dynamics within Umno and also with erstwhile allies Perikatan Nasional. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week Meta stock took a plunge after it released results that were below expectations. But market sentiments picked up as more positive tech earnings got released. So will technology remain the darling sector in 2022? We speak to Dan Ives, Managing Director of Wedbush Securities to understand more. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Dr Khoo Yoong Khean, Managing Editor of Malaysian Medical Gazette to get the low down on Covid-19 vaccination for children aged 5 to 11. And with cases hitting over 10,000 for the first time since October, we also pick his thoughts on relaxing current restrictions. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Beijing Winter Olympics will officially commence 14 years after the wildly successful Beijing Summer Olympics 2008 that heralded the opening of China to the world. However, these Winter Olympics are being held under very different circumstances and under intense international scrutiny. China is juggling with the challenges of organizing a major sporting event amid a global Omicron wave, as well as a Western-led diplomatic boycott over allegations of human rights abuses. Phelim Kine, China correspondent with Politico based in Washington D.C. weighs in on the impact of the Games and China's political direction. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global sovereign credit conditions have improved in the second year of the pandemic when compared to 2020 but with policy makers marching to the tune of monetary tightening, what does this mean for sovereign ratings. James McCormack, Global Head of Sovereign Ratings at Fitch Ratings whilst telling us if Malaysia is at risk of a downgrade. Image credit: Pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the latest employment trend in Malaysia? Ridhima Khanduja, Partner and Market Leader, Kincentric Malaysia shares with us glimpses of the current employment market and tips on how to manage employees during these times. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Presidents Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping will be meeting on the sidelines of the Winter Olympics this week, amid increasing tensions with the US. How have Sino-Russian ties evolved and what implications does the Russia-Ukraine stand-off have for geopolitical strategy? We discuss the dynamics at play with Alexey Muraviev of Curtin University. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sime Darby Plantations has become the latest Malaysian company to be served with a Withhold Release Order or W.R.O, by the US Customs and Border Protection department, over allegations of forced labour. Khor Yu Leng, political economist at Segi Enam Advisers weighs in on much needed policy reform. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For analysis on what could be in store for global equity markets, Sean Markowicz, Strategist at Schroders helps us understand different investment strategies as the Fed begins to unwind their accommodative monetary policy. Image credit: Pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a disastrous showing in Sarawak and Melaka for the opposition, what is their strategy to retake back the largest state in Peninsula Malaysia. YB Fahmi Fadzil, Communications Director of PKR and MP of Lembah Pantai gives us some insight into their plan and what would be outcome if it fails. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We see more glitzy new hotels springing up, but what does this translate in occupancy rate with the lack of tourists from abroad? Yap Lip Seng, CEO of Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) tells us more. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We take the pulse of the region with Steve Cochrane, Chief APAC Economist at Moody’s Analytics, as he gives us an overview on what to expect in the region this year. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Fed expected to raise rates by at least three to four times in 2022, what does this mean for the Malaysian Fixed Income market? Ang Beng Kuan, Head of investment, Hong Leong Islamic Asset Management tells us whilst giving us his investment strategy for this year. Image credit: Pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pakatan Harapan will be contesting under two banners in the Johor state elections - PKR will use their own party logo, while DAP and Amanah will campaign using the PH logo. What does this move say about the unity of the coalition? We ask Johor DAP Chairman Liew Chin Tong on the rationale for the decision and the PH political strategy ahead of the state polls. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia launched its 5-year Financial Services Blueprint 2022 - 2026 (FSB3) this week, which outlined the key priorities of the financial sector amidst changing market conditions. We hear from Bank Negara Asst. Governor Adnan Zaylani on the objectives of the blueprint. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the year of the Water Tiger fast approaches, we take a look at the Feng Shui Index released annually by the international brokerage and investment group, CLSA. Will the God of Wealth whisper into your ear in 2022? Wand bearer Justin Chan whose real day job is the Hong Kong/China Small and Mid cap analyst tells us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supply chain disruptions have been a long running issue throughout the pandemic, where a confluence of factors, including bottlenecks at trading ports, panic buying from consumers and rising freight charges, collide into a perfect storm. Amid a broad global economic recovery, will supply chain disruptions dampen the growth outlook? We discuss the situation with Steve Saxon of McKinsey & Co. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has spending recovered to pre-pandemic levels especially during the run up to Chinese New Year? Datuk William Ng, Chairman of the Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA) gives us a channel check of what is happening on the ground and the challenges they still face. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the third year of the pandemic and banking systems are expected to reflect the economic recovery of countries. But how soon can profitability return to pre-pandemic levels despite rising interest rates. Jonathan Cornish, Managing Director and Head of Asia-Pacific Banks of Fitch Ratings tells us. Image credit: Pexels.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Kuljit Singh explains that why public-private collaboration the best way to clear up the medical backlog in public hospitals as we are seeing a backlog of over 50,000 cases at public hospitals. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At MyFintech Week organised by Bank Negara Malaysia, Governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus launched the Financial Sector Blueprint 2022-2026. Vincent Fong, Chief Editor, Fintech News Malaysia gives his views on this very comprehensive plan and how it integrates with the existing financial system. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The announcement that teachers under the Education Ministry can get involved in politics has stirred intense debate. We discuss the implications of the policy decision and how it differs from previous practice with academic scholar Prof. Zaharom Nain. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions in Eastern Europe are heating up this week, amid continued warnings from the UK and US over a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine. What is the likelihood of tensions escalating into armed conflict? We discuss the latest developments with Dr. Christopher Miller of The Fletcher School at Tufts University. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia suffered a further drop in rankings in the latest Transparency International Corruption Perception Index (CPI), falling 6 spots to 62. What reforms are needed to reverse our downward trajectory on the index, and how does our CPI ranking affect perceptions towards Malaysia? We discuss this with Dr. Muhammad Mohan of TI-Malaysia. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johor's snap state elections could be an interesting bellwether for UMNO's coming GE15 aspirations but also for how the 750,000 young new voters will vote, thanks to Undi18's introduction. Dr. Hamidin Abd Hamid, Research Fellow, Ilham Centre, explores. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catherine Birch from ANZ Research helps unpack Australia's economic performance and expectations for 2022 as unemployment continues amid a net loss of population at more than 88 thousand people from 2020 to 2021. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been two years since Covid's discovery in Malaysia, so how does Malaysia rate on its policy treatment of the virus and what lessons can be learnt on this anniversary? Dr Vinod Balasubramaniam, Senior Lecturer and Co-Lead, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health Sciences, answers. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fall out between top badminton player Lee Zii Jia and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has raised questions about the management of national athletes and priorities of the sports industry. We dissect the issues at hand with journalist Haresh Deol. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's heavy hand on Covid and treatment of pro-democracy supporters have sent droves of Hong Kongers away and stoppered demand from expat workers, raising concern that the city state's time in the sun as a financial centre is over.Michael Frank of the Economist Intelligence Unit, discusses. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movement restrictions have hit property counters hard, but what does that mean for REITs, hitherto seen as a hedge against inflation, which is assailing economies globally? Stewart Labrooy, Chairman Alpha REIT Managers and Honorary Secretary of the MRMA ( Malaysian REIT Managers Association), answers. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's civil aviation regulator surprised the industry by approving the licences of two new airlines, SKS Airways and MYAirline, an ultra low-cost carrier. We discuss the potential rationale behind the decision and the impact this could have on the sector with Khair Mirza, Regional Director of Modalis Infrastructure Partners. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in the centre of a political furore over a string of parties held by his staff when Covid-19 lockdowns were in effect. With calls for his resignation growing louder from both sides of the political aisle, can he stay in the top post? We discuss the political dynamics at play with Dr. Ben Wellings of Monash University. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next month, the government will launch the National Agricommodity Policy 2021-2030, with the aim of driving the development of the commodities sector in a more sustainable, competitive and market-oriented manner. With agri-commodities accounting for 7.4% of Malaysia’s GDP in 2020, what should be in the policy to ensure sustained growth for the sector? We discuss this with Dr. Shaufique Siddique, Director of the Institute of Plantation Studies. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Worldwide, Sukuk issuances are up 36% annually but Malaysia has lost its mantle as top global issuer. Bashar Al Natoor, Senior Director, Global Head of Islamic Finance, chats about the implications. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chung Yi Fan helps us unpack the bumpy roll-out of the RFID payment system at selected toll plazas over the past week causing massive congestions at toll plazas along the North-South Highway and the Klang Valley. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Datuk Chung Chee Leong, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Cagamas Berhad on their latest product, the reverse mortgage scheme with the intention of helping the elderly fund their retirement using their home as collateral for a loan. Image credit: Pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's GDP for 2021 hit 8.1% which was above market expectations but what are the growth prospects for this year? What will be the engines of growth and what is the cost of their zero covid strategy? Peiqian Liu, China Economist from NatWest Markets tells us. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past few weeks, rumours have been flying about the possibility of snap polls being called in Johor, following the death of Kempas state assemblyman Dato’ Osman Sapian in December. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad has said any decision for snap polls must be done with proper justification, but he has not discounted calling for elections to ensure the stability of the government. How do the political developments in Johor affect the timeline for GE15? We discuss the factors at play with political analyst Dr. Azmi Hassan. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted blood donation drives and prevented regular donors from contributing blood. How do blood shortages impact the provision of public medical services? Dr. Alvina Lau of the National Blood Centre explains the importance of ensuring a sustainable blood supply to hospitals and gives tips for first-time blood donors. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Securities Commission (SC) concluded its enquiry on MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki's controversial share purchases, and said they were unable to conclusively establish any breach under Section 25(4) of the Securities Industry (Central Depositories) Act 1991 (SICDA). What does the SC statement mean and what are the implications of this? We get reactions from Subang MP Wong Chen. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In response to pandemic pressures, in April 2020 Bursa Malaysia introduced a number of relief measures and fundraising flexibilities to help businesses stay afloat. We discuss share placements, rights issues and the consequences of a PN17 classification with Pankaj C Kumar, business commentator. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Joe Biden has put forth his nominations to fill the vacancies on the Board of the Federal Reserve namely former Fed governor Sarah Bloom Raskin, as well as academic economists Lisa Cook and Philip Jefferson. How will the composition of the Fed Board affect policy-making moving forward? We discuss the Fed's policy direction as well as the fall out of the trading scandal with Bloomberg Opinion columnist Daniel Moss. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global private equity deals are soaring but does the same trend apply in Malaysia? Preman Menon, Malaysia Strategy and Transactions Leader, Ernst & Young, answers. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the rest of the world tries to find ways to reopen borders safely and transition to an endemic phase of Covid-19, China has taken a different tact in maintaining a zero Covid approach. How sustainable is this pandemic strategy and what could be the implications in the long-run? We discuss China's economic outlook with Alfredo Montufar-Helu of The Economist Intelligence Corporate Network. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite Singapore's rising prices, we ask Chan Ai Cheng from Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents why the residential property market isn't enjoying the same returns as our neighbours down south? Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s electorate will soon swell by around 5.8 million voters upon implementation of the Undi18 and automatic voter registration laws, with many questions now swirling around the implications of this fresh influx. Ben Suffian, Programme Director, Merdeka Center, analyses. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brendan Sobie explains whether Omicron will have an impact on the Asia Pacific market and the expected recovery trajectory as markets slowly reopening. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pandemic has ravaged the education of millions of children nationwide with few able to cope with online learning and device and connection issues, prompting calls for a more holistic approach to teaching. Chew Mei Yee, Head of Coaching and Support at Teach For Malaysia, discusses. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted many structural weaknesses in our economy, despite the positive economic indicators that we’ve seen in 2021. What are the structural issues in our economy that require urgent attention for Malaysia to achieve its target of becoming a high-income nation? We discuss with trade expert Dr. Tham Siew Yean. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.