Morning Brief

Shahnaz Al-Sadat, Chairperson of LeapEd Services gives her perspective on the recent education ministry announcement that since the first lockdown this year, more than 21 thousand students in Malaysia have dropped out of school before completing the period of education. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The EU has launched an infrastructure development project dubbed as the Global Gateway, which is branded as an alternative to China's Belt and Road Initiative. How does it stack up against the BRI and can it sway the geopolitical balance in the region? We discuss the potential implications with expert Dr Frederick Kleim. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Health Ministry unveiling a set of new guidelines on the National Covid-19 testing strategy or NTS, Azrul Mohd Khalib from the Galen Centre provides clarity on who should get a Covid-19 test, when to get tested and who should pay for the test. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Niaz Asadullah from University Malaya help us understand the severity of the shortages and the skill gaps in engineering in Malaysia as well as what needs to be done to fill these shortages. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business commentator, Pankaj C Kumar unpacks Grab Holdings IPO which debuted Nasdaq via a SPAC on Thursday and does it have what it takes to go the distance moving forward? Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Abhimanyu Veerakumarasivam, Dean of School of Medical and Life Sciences at Sunway University helps us unpack the latest Covid developments in Malaysia and explains to use why getting the booster jab is an important individual and collective responsibility. Image credit: shutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite chronic labour shortages in a number of key industry sectors, there remains no plan to legalise migrant workers currently, begging the question of how and where businesses find the people to work. Khor Yu Leng, Political Economist, Segi Enam Advisers, discusses. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With oil prices surging in the three months to September, Petronas appears to have turned the corner, but the wider issue of profit sustainability remains. Sean Lim, analyst from RHB investment bank, discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the prices for fertilizers surged around 200% and hurting farmers, we ask Chris Lawson, Head of Fertilizers of C.R.U Group whether he sees prices continuing to increase in 2022 and what are the demand and supply dynamics. Image credit: Pexels.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Department of Statistics (DOSM), the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a marked increase in clinical waste from the use of test kits and personal protective equipment (PPE). What are the best practices in dealing with clinical waste? Waste management expert Dr Agamuthu Pariatamby walks us through the processes, and what we as individuals can do when disposing of pandemic-related waste. Image credit: Yuri AbasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil prices are down by more than 20% from their highs. Matthew Darvin, Asia Regional Head of Sales at HedgePoint Global Markets tells us the reasons for this and what to expect from the OPEC+ meeting this week and will supply be raised or cut? Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Selangor state government has allocated RM2.34 billion for its 2022 budget, focusing on five key priority areas. We get reactions from assemblymen from both sides of the political aisle on the budget, and the main concerns of both rural and urban constituents in Selangor. Image credit: ShamAn77See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week marks 100 days since Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri became the ninth Prime Minister of Malaysia. He came into office at the height of the Covid-19 outbreak, with more than 20,000 cases of infection reported every day. Daily cases are now down to around 5000 and the political situation also seems less tense compared to Tan Sri Muhyiddin's term. What does this say about Ismail Sabri's leadership? We assess his achievements with political commentator Dr Hamidin Abd Hamid. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Johor-Singapore Causeway finally reopened thanks to the launch of the Vaccinated Travel Lane by land which allows 1400 people to travel daily. Is this the much-needed relief for Johor businesses who benefitted from 400,000 people who crossed daily before Covid 19? Teh Kee Sin, the Founding President of SME Association of South Johor tells us. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The scientific community is racing to better understand the latest Covid-19 variant, dubbed Omicron that was first reported in South Africa. We discuss the available data, the outstanding questions and how governments should respond to the risks of contagion with epidemiologist Ben Cowling. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Nazir Razak gives us a perspective on Better Malaysia Assembly as they request for the formation of a non-partisan assembly to propose reforms for systemic national change, but will this bring about the change that Malaysians want? Or will this just be another exercise in futility? Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia saw 13 Initial Public Offerings in the 1st half of this year creating a market capitalisation of RM1.5 billion on the Bursa Malaysia. A total of RM395 million was raised which was 102% more than the same period last year. But will this positive trend continue in 2022 and from what sectors? Wong Kar Choon, IPO Leader, Audit & Assurance Partner from Deloitte Malaysia gives us his views based on their recently released report. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Dollar had been already gaining strength prior to news of this Covid 19 variant, Omicron. But will emerging currencies face more headwinds over this new uncertainty and how will the Ringgit react? Saktiandi Supaat, Head of FX Research at Maybank tells us. Image credit: Pexels.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the median savings for all EPF members below age 55 stands at RM13,000, which translates to RM54 a month for their retirement years. We speak to Dr Geoffrey Williams, economist at the Malaysia University of Science and Technology on the possible solutions for this issue. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Election Commission has set December 18th as polling day for the upcoming 12th Sarawak state election. More than 1.2 million voters will be eligible to cast their ballot. Political commentator Dr James Chin discusses the parties to watch and logistical challenges for the state elections. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billions of dollars are pouring into English Premiership football, which naysayers are killing The Beautiful Game. Professor Simon Chadwick, Director of the Centre for Eurasian Sport, Emlyon Business School, discusses. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.