Morning Brief

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.

The early days of 2022 has been a volatile ride for the tech sector as the reality of 3 rate hikes by the Feds begins to be priced in. Daniel Ives, Managing Director of Wedbush Securities gives us his views as to whether this sector will continue to outperform and what are the names we should watch. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's booster jab campaign has been running since October 2021, with a patchy take-up rate. Why do people seem to be more skeptical of the need for a vaccine booster? We discuss measures to increase the booster dose rate and improve public confidence with public health expert Dr. Mark Cheong. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has seen a slew of new political parties enter the field, with the latest being Parti Bangsa Malaysia led by former PKR member and Julau MP Larry Sng. Can new parties such as PBM, Warisan, Pejuang and MUDA make a splash in GE15? We discuss the new political landscape with political commentator Dr. Oh Ei Sun. Image credit: Parti Bangsa Malaysia FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial services firm Morningstar forecasts that the global semiconductor industry could see a supply glut in 2024, as foundries heavily increase capital spending in response to the widespread chip shortage. Equity analyst Phelix Lee discusses the trends he sees affecting the demand-supply cycle for chips, and why TSMC remains the top stock pick. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cheong Yen Li from PwC shares her perspective on the impact of the lifting of the suspension of issuance of new courier service licenses in September. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Researcher Lalitha Kunaratnam revealed that she has been issued a letter of demand by Tan Sri Azam Baki, over the publication of two articles on share purchases, we ask Dato' Mah Weng Kwai, Commissioner of SUHAKAM whether we are giving enough incentives and protections to whistleblowers who sound the alarm on corruption. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new year began with turbulence in Kazakhstan, after violent street protests erupted in response to rising gas prices. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sought help from the Russian-led Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) to quell the unrest. We discuss the political dynamics at play within Kazakhstan and in the broader region with international political commentator Dr. James Dorsey.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian government recently approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years old, following the footsteps of other countries such as the US, UK and Singapore. We discuss the safety concerns of the vaccine with consultant paediatrician Dato' Dr. Mohd Nordin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With supplies short and demand high, the global semiconductor industry is in a Goldilocks (read: ideal) period, begging the question of what's next. Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association, answers. Image credit: Pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America remains deeply polarised one year after the January 6th Capitol Hill riots, which saw Donald Trump supporters break into Congress to protest the presidential elections. We discuss whether key actors will be held accountable for the event as well as President Joe Biden's one-year score card with US political expert Mark J. Rozell. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the decision by the Anti-Corruption Advisory Board to absolve Tan Sri Azam Baki, Chief Commissioner of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), many parties are calling for further scrutiny of the case. We speak to Tricia Yeoh of IDEAS on the importance of due process and accountability in public institutions. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following public furore over reports of millions of ringgit in MACC Chief Tan Sri Azam Baki's share trading account, the public is now rightly asking why conflict-of-interest obligations in public markets don't apply to civil service. As a primer, Devanesan Evanson, CEO, Minority Shareholders Watch Group, explains the corporate governance rules on conflict of interest in Bursa Malaysia. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's five digital banks are expected to be announced soon, with the narrative now shifting to market strategy and path to profit. Vincent Fong, Chief Editor, Fintech News Malaysia, discusses. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As India experiences another wave of Covid, Pradeep Taneja from the University of Melbourne gives his perspective on how prepared are authorities for the present Covid-19 surge, and how has the management of the pandemic impacted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khor Yu Leng, political economist from Segi Enam Advisers explains the rationale, or lack of, behind the exorbitant increase in costs to recruit domestic helpers. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2021 was a blockbuster year for cryptocurrencies, with both Bitcoin and Ethereum reaching new highs in November, even if it didn’t last long. However the asset class continues to be characterised by extreme volatility, making entry into mainstream markets difficult. We discuss the outlook for cryptocurrencies in the new year with Varun Mittal, Chief Growth Officer, Singlife with Aviva. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The severe flooding occurring across multiple states this monsoon season is a reckoning of our environmental policies. Many environmentalists argue that deforestation and excessive logging are the main reasons for these flooding disasters, and that both federal and state governments need to step up conservation efforts. Forestry researcher Lim Teck Wyn walk us through the gaps in the present land management policies, and argues for the implementation of the ecological fiscal transfer (EFT) between federal and state governments to strengthen forest conservation. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prices of daily essentials are on a rising trend due to supply chain shortages and inflationary pressure. This put undue hardship on some segments of society but are price controls the solutions. Professor Geoffrey Williams, economist, Malaysia University of Science and Technology tells us. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With increasing raw material prices and labour shortages, Jeremy Lim, Vice-President, Persatuan Pemilik Restoran dan Bistro gives his perspective on how the F&B industry has fared in 2021 and what's in store for 2022 as the industry seeks to recover from the past 2 years. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is the biggest international trade agreement to date, covering nearly a third of the global population and about 30 percent of global GDP. The agreement officially came into force on 1 January for 10 of the 15 signatory states. However four countries have yet to ratify the agreement, namely Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar and Malaysia. What do countries stand to gain from RCEP, and conversely how might countries lose out if they’re not part of the club? We discuss the implications of RCEP for regional trade with Rajiv Biswas, Chief Economist at IHS Markit. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Mahesh Appannan, Head of Data of the Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre, Ministry of Health allays our concerns about the MySJ Trace app as this voluntary tool helps us detect and exchange proximity information with another activated user.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaludin warned over the weekend that Malaysia could see an Omicron wave, similar to what other countries are undergoing at the moment. In response, the overall public health strategy is to slow down Omicron through various protective measures, including extensive booster jab coverage. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout 2021, pandemic recovery in Asia has been patchy at best, with the emergence of the Delta and Omicron variants as well as rising inflation putting pressure on the economy. Amid persisting challenges, can Asia manage the delicate balancing act between health and the economy in the new year? We discuss the economic outlook for the region with OCBC Bank's Selena Ling. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If 2020 is remembered for the Sheraton Move, 2021 will likely be remembered for disastrous pandemic management that led to the fall of another Prime Minister, and later a landmark agreement between the government and PH opposition. Will we see more changes in the political landscape in the new year? We ask political commentator Dr. Hamidin Abd Hamid for the issues to watch in the coming months ahead. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Covid-19 pandemic severely disrupted education services, with Malaysian schools physically closed for 42 weeks of the year in 2021. Additionally, the pandemic also revealed gaps in system in terms of digital capacity, teaching skills and the ability to assist those falling behind in learning. What policies need to be considered to recoup for lost time? We discuss the outlook for education in 2022 with Shahnaz Al-Sadat of LeapEd Services. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two straight challenging years, Tan Hai Hsin from Malaysian Retail Group shares his perspective on how the retail sector fared in 2021 and if there is light at the end of the tunnel in 2022? Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carmelo Ferlito from the Center for Market Education calls for more thoughtful and structural reforms in the economy in order to drive more private investment as the government grapples with dealing the short term financial pressures caused by the floods. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent floods have left many car owners in despair with big bills but what are the options to ease the pain from the government and also the private sector. Danny Tan from www.paultan.org tells us. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Azrul Mohd Khalib from the Galen Centre reflects on the challenges our healthcare industry faced and what the outlook for 2022 as concerns linger about the state of our healthcare infrastructure. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.