Morning Brief

Dr. Ali Izadi-Najafabadi, APAC Research Head, BloombergNEF givss us a quick update on the developments of COP-26 in Glasgow and how far the commitments made so far are in helping the world achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO at the Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy helps us dissect whether the 2022 budget was sufficient as we gradually exit out from the pandemic. Brought to you by Mah Sing. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There were a slew of initiatives for women in Budget 2022 but was it ambitious enough? Will it help women who have been disproportionally affect by Covid 19 ? Anis Farid, Research and Advocacy Officer, Women's Aid Organisation give us her views. Image credit: shutterstock Brought to you by Mah SingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the political upheaval in Sudan, we speak to Okech Francis from Bloomberg on the geopolitical risk and the impact of the coup on the Sudanese oil and gas industry and specifically on the situation facing Petronas.  Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Sim Kwang Gek, Tax Leader, Deloitte Malaysia on Budget 2022 and the mechanics behind Cukai Makmur and  tax on foreign-sourced income as she analyzes whether the numbers are realistic and how does the Budget impact the Malaysian businesses and the public.  Image credit: zmpixes / Shutterstock.com Brought to you by Mah SingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under Budget 2022, the government has made several allocations to help Malaysian SMEs navigate the reopening of the economy after a torrid pandemic season. Do these initiatives hit the mark in terms of providing support that SMEs need? We hear from Datuk William Ng of Samenta for his take on Budget 2022. Image credit: YuriAbas / Shutterstock.comBrought to you by Mah SingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a record RM332 billion ringgit budget, we ask Julia Goh, Senior Economist, UOB Malaysia on whether this expansionary budget is feasible and how will the government finance this expenditure? Brought to you by Mah Sing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian glove markets are in the spotlight again with the U.S. barring  Supermax imports over alleged labour abuses. We ask Dr Supramaniam Shanmugam from the Malaysian Rubber Gloves Manufacturers Association (MARGMA) as to why this sector is a repeat offender. We also ask about the sector's Budget 2022 wishlist. Image credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Ismail Sabri, the budget will have “wow factors” to benefit all quarters in line with Keluarga Malaysia. However, the government has already launched eight economic stimulus packages since March 2020, valued at RM530 billion ringgit. Given the government’s limited fiscal headroom, how much “wow” can the government actually afford? We discuss expectations for the budget with Firdaos Rosli of MARC. Brought to you by Mah Sing. Image Credit: TENGLAO / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Facebook is changing its corporate name to Meta, as it broadens its reach beyond social media to include virtual reality. Can the rebranding help its flagging reputation, amid whistleblower allegations that it prioritizes profits over safety? We discuss name change and growth prospects with Mandeep Singh of Bloomberg Intelligence. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Pakatan Harapan launching its Budget 2022 Strategy Document, we ask Wong Chen, MP for Kelana Jaya, what he expects to hear from the Finance Minister on Budget 2022 and whether Pakatan Harapan is likely to support the Government's budget in light of the MOU. Brought to you by Mah Sing. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian automotive players have been adversely impacted by the pandemic with car dealers registered total losses of more than 14 billion ringgit during the closure in June and July this year. Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President, Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA) tell us the industry wish list for Budget 2022. Brought to you by Mah Sing. Image credit: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chung Yi Fan, independent transport policy analyst discusses the challenges in improving public transport modal share and debates what actions are needed to encourage more public transport usage despite so much money and time spent already on building our transport system.  Image credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chung Yi Fan, independent transport policy analyst discusses the challenges in improving public transport modal share and debates what actions are needed to encourage more public transport usage despite so much money and time spent already on building our transport system.  Image credit: See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Philip Andrews-Speed, Senior Principal Research Fellow from the National University of Singapore shares with us his perspective on whether China's goal to be Carbon neutral by 2060 is achievable especially since there’s a lack of details on how exactly China plans to achieve them.Image credit: Zhang BinSir / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Philip Andrews-Speed, Senior Principal Research Fellow from the National University of Singapore shares with us his perspective on whether China's goal to be Carbon neutral by 2060 is achievable especially since there’s a lack of details on how exactly China plans to achieve them.Image credit: Zhang BinSir / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than a year of disruptions in production and a surge in demand for electronics, we ask Dato Seri Wong Siew Hai from Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association how the industry is recovering and will Budget 2022 be able to provide the necessary catalyst for Malaysia to build a lasting and structural advantage in this lucrative sector. Brought to you by Mah Sing. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AirAsia X is offering all creditors just 0.5% of its USD8bn debt. Included in this deal are all the passengers who have made advanced payments for flights not taken due to Covid 19. Pankaj C. Kumar, a business columnist tells us if passengers should rank pari passu with other creditors or should there be an alternative option. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Muhammad Mohan, President of Transparency International-Malaysia gives his perspective on the lack of transparency following the recent revival of multi-billion ringgit oil & gas project in Sabah and how the Government needs to improve disclosure of mega products in the future. Image credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Dr. Oh Ei Sun of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs  on whether the unprecedented move by ASEAN to  bar Myanmar’s military chief General Min Aung Hlaing from attending the ASEAN summit will spur the junta to seek a resolution to the political crisis in Myanmar. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices have rallied from the bleak pandemic period, but the recovery is not even across the industry, with many in the oil & gas services and equipment sector (OGSE) struggling to stay afloat. At the same time there is a global shift to sustainable energy, which does pose an existential threat to the sector overall in the long-term. Is the Malaysian industry prepared for this eventuality, and will this be reflected in this year’s budget? We ask Sharifah Zaida Nurlisha of the Malaysia Oil & Gas Services Council (MOGSC) on what the OGSE sector needs. Image: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Azmil Tayeb, a Political Scientist from Universiti Sains Malaysia. explains if electronic voting is the way forward and whether it is secure enough and can it replace paper ballots and the purple ink on our thumb? Image credit: Lens Hitam / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Dorsey from S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies explains recent tension between Turkey and the West as President Erdogan has been putting pressure to expel ten ambassadors from the EU and the US over the detention of activist Osman Kavala.  Image credit:  Sasa Dzambic Photography / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the economy reopens under the National Recovery Plan, retailers are attempting to catch up for lost revenue in the remaining few months of the year. With Budget 2022 being tabled this Friday, we ask Tan Hai Hsin of Retail Group Malaysia what retailers need from the government to tide them through this challenging year whilst promoting recovery. Brought to you by Mah Sing. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore recently launched its Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs), which allows for quarantine-free travel between certain countries. Malaysia is also looking to reopen Langkawi to foreign tourists in mid-November. How soon could we see further restrictions on international travel lifted? We discuss the scenarios with aviation analyst Brendan Sobie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With an acceptance that we have to live with Covid 19, what policies and strategies should Malaysia adopt? Is a National Testing policy key to this?  Dr. Vinod Balasubraniam, Senior Lecturer and Co-Lead, Infection and Immunity Research Strength, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health Sciences tells us his views. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask political commentator James Chin to address rife speculation that the Sarawak state assembly might be dissolved soon to make way for an election, as well as the recent developments on MA63. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin this week said that the government will implement a National Digital Identity system by 2024. The National Digital Identity roll-out is part of the government’s ambitious MyDigital Blueprint launched earlier this year, with the aim of ensuring flexible and secure online transactions as well as reducing administrative costs while delivering more efficient services. Is Malaysia ready to go digital on this front? We discuss the challenges with data scientist Dr. Lau Cher Han. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Sarena Che Omar from Khazanah Research Institute explains how the energy crunch is also affecting the price of fertilizer and how severe the effect will be on rice production and prices. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysians who are eligible to receive Covid-19 booster shots have started to receive their jabs last week, with the roll-out beginning in Sarawak. How are third doses being administered and could this be extended to the rest of the population? We discuss this issue and other challenges of post-pandemic living with Azrul Mohd Khalib of the Galen Centre. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pandemic has triggered a dramatic increase in the number of Malaysians entering the gig economy, either by choice or forced by circumstances. Although they enjoy flexibility in their job, there are concerns on the labour rights for gig workers. As there have been calls to amend the Employment Act 1955 that was drafted over 60 years ago, what changes are needed to benefit the gig workers in the long term? Tan Zhai Gen of the Asia School of Business weighs in on proposed reforms. Image Credit: Hasim Ramle / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tamma Febrian from Fitch Ratings guides us to how digital banks are transforming the landscape of the banking sector, how profitable will they be, and how it will impact the incumbent traditional banks. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Election Commission has decided that polling day for the Malacca state election will be held on November 20th, with nomination day set for November 8th. As the various coalitions negotiate on their candidates for the 28 seats at stake, we discuss the political dynamics within Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional, and which side has the upper hand with political commentator Dr. Oh Ei Sun. Image credit: Edy Kasim / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The courts have given permission to several high profile figures undergoing trials for the temporary return of their passports for travel abroad, including former Prime Minister Datuk Sri Najib Razak and his spouse, Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor as well as Umno President Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi. These decisions are raising eyebrows, given that all three are facing corruption charges - does this set an unwanted precedent? We discuss how the law operates in these scenarios with criminal lawyer Goh Cia Yee. Image credit: Izzuddin Radzak / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fahmi Fadzil, MP for Lembah Pantai sheds light on the complex challenges of urban developments in KL and shares with us the issues his residents want the government and DBKL to fix urgently. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christina Zhu from Moody's Analytics explains how China's Q3 GDP numbers have lost its steam due to recently reporting an economic growth of just 4.9% as the energy crisis, Covid-19, and the property crisis looms large. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jerald Joseph from SUHAKAM explains whether Malaysia's election to the United Nations Human Rights Council is an opportunity to bolster its human rights credentials at home. Image credit: Giorgio Caracciolo / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick Diamond from Queen Mary University of London helps unpack a Covid-19 report by UK MPs highlighting the country’s failure to do more to stop the virus from spreading early in the pandemic. Image credit: groovelanddesigns / Pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global supply chain disruptions are expected to last until at least next year. And according to Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, Malaysia has not been spared. Alvin Chua, President, Federation of Malaysian Freight Forwarders tells us the issues on the ground whilst giving us his opinion on the Bumi equity issue for his industry. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Teo, Transport & Logistics Analyst from Bloomberg gives us a sense on whether airline stocks are worth investing now after more than a year of struggle, as airlines in Asia-Pacific are finally seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. Image credit: Pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeremy Lim from Persatuan Pemilik Restoran dan Bistro shares his perspectives on the challenges faced by the F&B industry from the pandemic and how recovery will look for eateries and restaurants as we finish the final stretch of 2021. Image credit: Farrel Arissa / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The supply chain crunch may have caused Apple to dial in iPhone sales targets but that doesn't detract from its long term potential, says Dan Ives, Managing Director of Wedbush Securities. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Langkah Sheraton in February 2020 has unfortunately set a precedent for change of government outside of the typical electoral process, exacerbated by the pandemic situation. How can we strengthen our parliamentary framework to prevent the democratic process being held hostage by the whims of politics? We discuss the Melaka state elections and parliamentary reforms with Thomas Fann of Bersih 2.0. Image Credit: Gwoeii / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the economy reopens and the country transitions to an endemic Covid-19 strategy, employers are faced with the conundrum of how to manage the return of unvaccinated employees to the workplace. How are businesses approaching this issue? We get the position of the Malaysia Employers Federation (MEF), as well as their wishlist for Budget 2022. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is reportedly looking to tighten Malaysian cybersecurity laws, and is preparing recommendations for Cabinet consideration, according to comments by Datuk Abdul Latiff Ahmad, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions). What will governments and businesses need to do to bolster cybersecurity efforts? We discuss the cybersecurity landscape and potential policy measures with Dr. Aswami Ariffin of CyberSecurity Malaysia. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research at ANZ Bank, discusses Singapore monetary policy, the impact of inflation, and expected growth for the next year. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Professor Steve Tsang, Director of SOAS China Institute on how China-Taiwan tensions will play out and whether China will be able to “reunite” with Taiwan by peaceful means or will it all end by force? Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Juita Mohamad from the Perth USAsia Centre gives her insights on Malaysia's increase in its debt-to-GDP limit to 65% and distils the consequences of a higher debt ceiling and how the proceeds should be directed to help Malaysians in need. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theiva Lingam from Sahabat Alam Malaysia gives her perspective on the latest amendments being run through on the Wildlife Conservation Bill 2021 in Parliament and what needs to be done in terms of awareness enforcement. Image credit: murrayfisher / Pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government lifted the ban on interstate travel this week on Monday 11 October. We take the pulse of the domestic travel and tourism sector as travel resumes, and also look ahead to wishlist items for Budget 2022 that would aid the recovery of Malaysian tour and travel operators. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.