Morning Brief

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.

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.