Morning Brief

Professor Charles Fine, Dean of Asia School of Business gives us an update on whether the supply chain disruptions taking place globally is easing and whether these disruptions will likely persist at the end of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to statistics from the Home Affairs Ministry, some 2 million prisoners have been released in Malaysia over the past decade. What are the challenges to reintegration and what policy measures are needed to give ex-inmates a genuine second chance in society? We discuss ways to reduce the stigma with Prof. Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food prices are rising in Malaysia, raising concerns that households, already struggling with the pandemic, cannot cope.  Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education (CME), discusses causes and solutions. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said that the National Energy Policy is in the final phase of development. This policy was first introduced in the 12th Malaysia plan and it has the ultimate aim,for Malaysia to be carbon neutral while achieving long-term energy security at competitive pricing. Yin Shao Loong, Senior Research Associate from Khazanah Research Institute tells us what the priorities of the policy should be. Credit: 123rf.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next presidential elections in the Philippines' is shaping up to be a clash of clans. Sara Duterte-Carpio, daughter of current President Rodrigo Duterte is running for Vice-President with Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as her running mate. The decision has revealed the faultlines in the Duterte political dynasty. How will it impact the trajectory of the elections? Philippines' political analyst Andrea Chloe Wong gives some insights. Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next presidential elections in the Philippines' is shaping up to be a clash of clans. Sara Duterte-Carpio, daughter of current President Rodrigo Duterte is running for Vice-President with Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as her running mate. The decision has revealed the faultlines in the Duterte political dynasty. How will it impact the trajectory of the elections? Philippines' political analyst Andrea Chloe Wong gives some insights. Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections or Bersih marked 15 years since its inception on 23 November 2021. Bersih started out focusing on issues of voting and elections, but it has also become a standard-bearer for the principles of freedom of speech and public assembly. We discuss democratic change and the next chapter for Bersih with Thomas Fann. Image Credit: aizaq abdullah / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Studies from Transparency International have shown that whistleblowing is the most effective way of detecting serious wrongdoings such as corruption and fraud. So how can the current Whistleblowing Act be better improved to enhance overall corporate governance of Malaysian businesses? Devanesan Evanson, CEO of the Minority Shareholders Watch Group tells us. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DJ Gribbin from Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners shares with us how the 1 trillion dollars infrastructure deal that was signed by President Biden will transform the US economy. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the disastrous results of the Melaka State election, will this prove to be a reflection point for Pakatan Harapan? And what will DAP do moving forward? Ong Kian Ming, MP for Bangi and DAP member shares his perspective.  Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The economic recovery story for ASEAN has been mixed at best this year, due to the resurgence of Covid-19 and slow vaccination rates across the region. However, countries are easing restrictions as vaccination rates improve. Could the worst be over for ASEAN, and how do the fortunes of different countries stack up in 2022? We discuss the prospects with economist Joseph Incalcaterra.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PKR's Communications Director Fahmi Fadzil shares why Pakatan Harapan and PKR suffered a heavy defeat for the coalition and how can it recover in time for GE22 after winning only five seats in the Melaka State Election. Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask UMNO's info chief, Shahril Hamdan about Barisan Nasional's emphatic victory in Melaka State election and whether this signifies the great comeback for UMNO.   Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Melaka state elections will be held on Saturday, 20th November, amidst muted campaigning due to pandemic restrictions. With multi-corner fights in all 28 seats, which coalition will emerge victor? We discuss the potential scenarios with political commentator Dr. Hamidin Abdul Hamid. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The theme for this year's World Children's Day, observed on 20th November is "A better future for every child." What kind of policies are needed to ensure a better future for Malaysian children? We discuss the proposal to set up a dedicated ministry for children's issues and other child-centric policies with former deputy minister for women, family and community development Hannah Yeoh. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The theme for this year's World Children's Day, observed on 20th November is "A better future for every child." What kind of policies are needed to ensure a better future for Malaysian children? We discuss the proposal to set up a dedicated ministry for children's issues and other child-centric policies with former deputy minister for women, family and community development Hannah Yeoh. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Convicted ex-PM Najib Razak's RM100m house and land request might splinter a fragile PH-Govt pact that PH says offered a chance of much-needed reform. And which also threatens the nation's economic recovery if Budget '22 fails to pass. Wong Chen, MP for Subang, discusses. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the eve of Children's Day, Educational Psychologist Tan Cheng Yi addresses the challenges kids have been facing following nearly two years of lockdowns and virtual learning. Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Dr Kati Suominen, CEO Nextrade Group on the latest progress on CPTPP, Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. While countries like Vietnam have enjoyed preferential access from this trade pact, we ask why is Malaysia late in the game and what are the concerns in ratifying this agreement. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Datuk Dr. Shamsul Amri Baharuddin, Director, Institute of Ethnic Studies (KITA) how will UMNO fare in the Melaka state elections as the elections are largely seen as a bellwether for Umno’s standing with grassroots voters as well as their chances to make a comeback in GE15. Image credit: epa-efeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shareen Shariza Dato' Abdul Ghani, the managing director and Co-Founder of Sorga Innovation, the creators of gigxglobal.com, a talent platform for professionals and former CEO of TalentCorp, addresses the reasons behind this decades-long issue of brain drain and why young professionals want to leave the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The findings of a Women's Aid Organisation (WAO) survey on attitudes concerning violence against women revealed a worrying lack of gender equality norms among Malaysian society. We discuss the causes behind the state of affairs and strategies to strengthen awareness on the importance of gender equality. Image credit: pixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite being the political party with the most seats in Parliament, DAP is often held up as the bogeyman for many Malay-based political parties. How genuine is DAP to reform itself to appeal to a broader voter-base? We discuss the internal dynamics at play with political commentator Dr. Oh Ei Sun. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore on how significant the virtual face-to-face summit between President Biden and President Xi is and whether it does signify the thawing of a frosty relationship between the world two largest powers.  Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia will introduce foreign-source income tax beginning January 1st next year. But is there sufficient clarity in terms of how the tax will be imposed and what are the implications to Malaysian businesses and citizens? Tan Hooi Beng, Deputy Tax Lead at Deloitte helps us break down this new tabled Finance Bill. Image credit: pixabaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to UNICEF, the doses delivered to G20 countries per capita are 15 times higher than those delivered to low-income countries. What explains this vaccine inequality and how does this impact global economic recovery? Imogen Page-Jarrett, an Analyst from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) tells us her views. Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Editorial credit: Harris Hamdan / Shutterstock.com PAS has been in the headlines recently over their opposition to Timah and gambling in Kedah but even on the political front, they have decided to ditch Umno and side with Perikatan Nasional in the upcoming Malacca election. So what is the game plan for them and will they be the kingmaker in GE15? Adib Zalkapli, Director at BowerGroupAsia helps us decipher the thinking behind this Islamic Political party. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask  Dr Ali Izadi-Najafabadi, Head of APAC Research at BloombergNEF on the achievements and remaining challenges that lie ahead from the agreed Glasgow Climate Pact as delegates from 190 nations pledged to do more to cuts their emissions targets. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we enter the halfway stretch of campaigning for the Melaka polls, we speak to Dr. Azmi Hassan on how the campaign has been progressing and understand if whether local, state or federal issues are swaying voters. Image credit:  Gwoeii / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the break up plans of GE, Toshiba and Johnson & Johnson, we ask Karen Ubelhart, Industry Analyst, Bloomberg on whether reason for “focus” makes  conglomerates no longer relevant.  Image credit:  JPstock / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s economy declined 4.5% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2021 due to the MCOs that were in place in June which was below the street expectations of -2.6% but can we still achieve GDP growth of 3-4% for 2021 and what about 2022? We ask Woon Khai Jhek, RAM’s Co-Head of Economic and Sovereign Research. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri recently concluded a 3-day visit to Indonesia, where the two countries announced a vaccinated travel lane arrangement and investment agreements worth RM12.8 billion. We discuss what the visit means for bilateral ties moving forward, including the potential appointment of the next Malaysian Ambassador to Indonesia with analyst Muhd Sinatra of ISIS Malaysia. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The booster program has started in earnest to as vaccine efficacy wanes over time. We ask Dr. Helmy Haja Mydin, Consultant Respiratory Physician about the program, whether mixing and matching vaccines is the right approach and what are the risks, if any. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s 5G roll-out appears to have hit a speedbump, as this week it was revealed in a report by Reuters that no telco carriers have signed up to the 5G network to date. Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), the state-owned entity in charge of the 5G deployment later clarified that negotiations are on-going and are expected to be concluded in early 2022. What do these developments reveal about Malaysia's readiness to roll-out 5G services? We discuss the challenges with Alexander Wong, Managing Editor of SoyaCincau. Image Credit: S.O / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can the palm oil sector automate to overcome the labour shortages that have been exacerbated by the closing of borders from Covid 19? Dr Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, Director-General, of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board gives us his assessment of Budget 2022 and the outlook for CPO prices.Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin recently acknowledged that absorbing all 10,000 contract medical doctors into permanent service may not be possible. Why has this issue persisted for so long and what will it take to resolve the issues at play to all sides' satisfaction? We discuss the situation with Dr. Khoo Yoong Khean, Managing Editor of the Malaysian Medical Gazette. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China is seeing its inflation indicators trend upwards - its factory-gate prices grew at the fastest pace in 26 years last month, while consumer inflation is rising faster than expected. In addition, the economy is feeling the effects of a property debt bubble, energy crisis and weak domestic consumption. What does this mean for China's economic growth in the coming year? Gary Ng, economist with Natixis weighs in.Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travel vaccinated lanes will reopen between Singapore and Malaysia. How critical is this travel lane. Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, Senior International Affairs Analyst, Solaris Strategies Singapore gives us his answer while weighing in on the current ties between the two governments. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One year out from the 2022 midterm elections, according to multiple polls, a majority disapprove of the way President Joe Biden is handling his job as the President. To get some insights on the political developments taking place in the United States we speak toAdrian Ang, Research Fellow in the United States Programme S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As state borders are now open and many are taking a vacation after being stuck at home for months, hotels are struggling to cope with the surge of booking due to a shortage of workers. We speak to Yap Lip Seng, CEO of Malaysian Association of Hotels to find out what are the causes and solutions for this issue. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

112 candidates will battle it out in the Melaka 28-seat election but which coalition will come out on top? Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director at Merdeka Center tells us the voter profile in the state, which are the politicians to watch and what issues will determine the outcome. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Norma Mansor, Director of Social Wellbeing Research Centre of Universiti Malaya on how labour markets will be transformed  as we contend with an ageing workforce with little social protection and debate how to cater for the needs of this new group of older workers. Image credit: Ismail Sadiron Pictures / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angeline Tan, Researcher in the Foreign Policy and Security Studies at ISIS gives us a good insight on how President Xi Jin Ping's plans to cement his legacy and how this plenum will chart social policies and intra-party plans.Image credit: EPASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sarawak state legislative assembly was dissolved on November 3rd, paving the way for polls to be held before January 2nd. However, over 100,000 young Malaysians could be disenfranchised as Undi18 would not have kicked in yet. Will GPS’ strategy of rushing the elections backfire? We discuss the likely campaign issues and political dynamics ahead of state polls with political commentator Dr. James Chin. Image credit: Hasim Ramle / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Budget 2022 allocating a whopping RM52.6 billion for the education sector, we ask former Deputy Education Minister Teo Nie Ching whether this huge allocation will help in improving the quality of education in the long run.  Image credit: Ismunazif Fendy / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Ben Cowling from Hong Kong University on the surge of cases in Europe and whether it will spread to Asia with the rise of Delta plus and also dissect some of the scientific breakthroughs and medical advancements in therapeutics. Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A week after its announcement and with the market's and people's reaction to it, Wong Chen, Subang MP, offers an opposition take on Budget 2022. Image credit: Richard Bradford / Shutterstock.com Brought to you by Mah SingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Wai-Shin Chan, Global Head of Climate Change Centre and ESG Research of HSBC on how investors in Asia are framing ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) in their portfolios and how will COP26 impact investment strategies. Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Wong, Honorary Secretary-General, The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) helps us unpack how Budget 2022 will support the tourism industry, the current recovery trajectory and the outlook for next year. Brought to you by Mah Sing. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nomination day in Melaka is drawing near but existing political alliances may not hold. Will this state election see 3-cornered fights?  Professor Dr. Azmi Hassan, political analyst at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia tells us whilst giving us his view as to who the winner will be. Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.