Morning Brief

Prof Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria, Co-Chair of the Malaysian CSO SDG Alliance discusses where Malaysia is strong and lacking in meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, and the consequences of not meeting its commitments. For Malaysia's Voluntary National Review (VNR) 2021, click here. Image credit: United NationsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grant Bowers, senior vice president, and portfolio manager with Franklin Templeton dissects the performance of US equities to date and his outlook on which sectors will continue to perform and outperforming for the rest of 2021. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fire season is starting up once again in parts of North America, just two weeks after a heatwave which killed hundred across the Pacific Northwest and western Canada. Some of the hottest temperatures on earth have been recorded over the weekend. So for some insight into the climate effects and what governments have to do to manage the consequences of extreme climate change, we speak to Zeke Hausfather, Director of Climate and Energy of the Berkeley Earth. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a weakening economy and the accumulation of government debt to provide more assistance to the most in need, we speak to P Gunasegaran from the Vibes about what can be done to strike the right balance between maintaining fiscal discipline and providing more aid to the rakyat as the government contemplates to increase its GDP to debt ceiling to 65%. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After nearly 20 years, the exit of US troops from Afghanistan is underway, scheduled to be completed by the end of August. While this is a move long in the making, questions remain over whether a lack of US forces will once again allow for the Taliban to seize control of the country, and if Afghanistan's economy can survive the removal of military spending. We speak to Michael Kugelman, Deputy Director of the Wilson Centre for some insight. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week we watched videos of thousands of Covid-19 positive individuals queuing up to get assessed at Stadium Melawati and the Bandar Mahkota Cheras CACs (Covid-19 Assessment Centres). Dr Ahmad Munawwar Helmi Salim, Covid-19 Task Coordinator, at Imaret (Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia Response and Relief Team) discusses improvements to reduce the burden on CACs and the healthcare system. Image Credit: YuriAbas | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer behavior changed as Covid-19 ravaged economies across the world. Sheila Shanmugam, Managing Director of m/SIX under GroupM Malaysia discusses consumption habits, advertising spending trends and how advertisers are cutting through the noise in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vaccine hesitancy is an ongoing challenge for governments around the world, with no simple solution available to address it. Here in Asia, the skepticism is made worse by a slower vaccine rollout and mistrust of government institutions- so how can hesitancy be effectively addressed? We speak to Gaurav Gupta, Regional Director for Asia, Dalberg to find out. Image Credit: : FARID TAJUDDIN / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As colleges look to cut fees by as much as 20% to attract enrolment, we speak to Geoffrey Williams, Economist, Malaysia University of Science and Technology on the impact on their sustainability. We ask him if enrolment has dropped more than expected and the issues on the accreditation of colleges. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the Selangor government decided that only ‘truly essential’ economic services should remain open, while other economic activities in EMCO areas must remain closed until the restriction order is lifted. On the other hand, many industries are pleading with the government to reconsider its decision to close sectors in areas under the EMCO, citing their struggles to recover and meet demands. The Morning Run speaks to Malaysian Employers Federation Executive Director Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan about this, the state of SOPs, and the implications of all this on business. Image Credit: moo photograph | shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia crossed an important threshold over the weekend, with 10% of the country's population fully vaccinated against Covid-19. But as the global vaccination rollout continues to pick up speed, more questions are now arising about vaccine mixing, efficacy against new variants, and when to reopen the economy. We tackle some of those questions with Ben Cowling, Head of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of Hong Kong. Image credit: mohamed_hassan/pixabay See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has chosen to remain as Prime Minister despite calls from Umno for his resignation. James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania discusses Umno’s possible move if Tun Mahathir Mohamad will return to active politics after Pejuang's registration, and how Malaysia can be saved. Image Credit: NAUFAL ZAQUAN | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of the Malaysia Automotive Association discusses the challenges faced by the automotive sector hit by the lockdowns, global chip shortage and rising raw materials, and if car prices will go up. Image Credit: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The number of suicide cases involving teenagers has been rising, and the pandemic is adding more pressure on the mental health of young people. Even more worryingly, children as young as 6 have also shown an awareness of taking one’s life, in part due to the depiction of suicide in popular media. What are the warning signs we can look out for and how do we strengthen measures to help emotionally distressed children and youth? We discuss this with consultant psychologist Dr. Dhanya Pillai. Image Credit: Anurak Pongpatimet | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research at ANZ Bank, talks about why he wasn't surprised at BNM keeping rates at 1.75%, the factors behind the Ringgit's weakness and Malaysia's expected 2021 growth rates. Image Credit: Ismail Sadiron Pictures / Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan's decision to proceed with the Olympic Games has divided global opinion when framed against the slow pace of its vaccine rollout and continuing spikes in Covid cases. Jonathan Berkshire Miller, the Senior Fellow, Japan Institute of International Affairs, discusses. Image credit: angellodeco / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest edition of the EIU’s Return to Normalcy Index, Malaysia ranks at the bottom of 50 countries after the government reimposed lockdowns across the nation. We discuss what needs to be done for Malaysia to achieve pre-pandemic normalcy sooner rather than later with Waqas Adenwala of EIU. Image credit: Hafiz Johari / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE is blocking an extension of the OPEC+ deal to gradually increase oil production until the end of 2022, arguing that its quota is unfair. As a result, oil prices have hovered at multi-year highs, but how sustainable is this trend? We discuss the outlook for oil markets and whether we’ll ever see a return to USD100 per barrel levels with Salih Yilmaz of Bloomberg Intelligence. Image credit: pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With newly appointed deputy prime minister and senior minister, and UMNO withdrawing the party's support for Perikatan Nasional. We ask Dr. Hamidin Abd Hamid, Research Fellow, Ilham Centre what does Ismail Sabri's appointment means, and will we be seeing UMNO MPs leaving. Image credit: Roy Azis Abd Aziz / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Siobhan Das, CEO of AMCHAM gives her perspective on how significant the EMCO impact will have on Malaysia's global position in the supply chain as well as the trading and manufacturing hub. Image credit: Tom Fisk / pexels.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Members of Parliament have mixed views on the reopening of the august house on 26 July, with one of the concerns being whether 5 days is adequate to properly debate issues facing the country. We hear from Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, and the MP for Kapit on his expectations for the parliamentary sitting. Image Credit: Jaggat Rashidi | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Penang will transition to Phase Two of the Movement Control under the National Recovery Plan (PPN) today, we speak to Datuk Seri Lee Kah Choon, Director of InvestPenang and the special investment advisor to the Chief Minister of Penang on how has the lockdown impacted the state and what are the recovery plans. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the rules with regards to reconvening Parliament during an emergency? Constitutional Lawyer, Dato’ Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, tells us while weighing in on what a hybrid Parliament might look like. Image credit: Lens Hitam / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the rules with regards to reconvening Parliament during an emergency? Constitutional Lawyer, Dato’ Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, tells us while weighing in on what a hybrid Parliament might look like. Image credit: Lens Hitam / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia is facing the worst Covid-19 crisis in the region, as daily new infections climb beyond 25,000 cases. The surge in cases has placed the healthcare system under enormous pressure, with hospitals in some cities reporting a shortage of oxygen supply. Correspondent Resty Woro Yuniar describes the situation on the ground, and how the Jokowi government is responding. Image Credit: Toto Santiko Budi / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phuket has reopened to tourists from 63 countries who meet certain conditions albeit Malaysia is excluded from that list. Is this the beginning of travel in a post-Covid-19 world? We speak to Brendan Sobie, Independent Analyst at Sobie Aviation for his views and also if digital covid certificates are a viable option. Credit: Pikoso.kz | Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has announced that a 5-day Parliamentary sitting will be held beginning 26 July to discuss the National Recovery Plan and the state of emergency. This comes amid rumblings of an UMNO mutiny within Perikatan Nasional. How much actual debate can we expect during this sitting, and is PN on the cusp of splintering? We discuss the scenarios with political commentator Dr. Bridget Welsh. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A RM300,000 government allocation for MPs under a food basket initiative has prompted a hailstorm of comments, centring on, amongst others, sufficiency and flexibility. YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Setiawangsa MP, expounds. Image credit: Twitter @nikznazmiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has been downgraded to Tier 3 in the US State Department’s annual Trafficking in Persons Report, indicating a failure to comply with minimum standards to combat the crime. One of the issues highlighted in the report is the lack of a victim-centric approach in the government’s response. We discuss the gaps in addressing the needs of trafficking victims with Dr. Hartini Zainuddin of Yayasan Chow Kit. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While Selangor and parts of Kuala Lumpur have been placed under enhanced lockdown, five other states have been given the green light to progress to Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan. How much leeway do states have to determine their own strategies to tackle the pandemic? We discuss the need for data-driven policymaking with Tricia Yeoh of IDEAS. Image credit: ANDY_GK / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

5G is the next big thing in the telco world but its rollout in ASEAN has been besieged by Covid-19, differing national policies and geopolitical considerations. Anthea Lai, Senior TMT Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has just launched a new National Fourth Industrial Revolution Policy, aimed at propelling Malaysia towards high-income nation status, through the use of developing technologies. But while the country undoubtedly needs to digitize in order to move forward into a new technological age, does this policy provide a sufficient roadmap? We speak to Dr. Rachel Gong, Senior Research Associate from Khazanah Research Institute to find out. Dr. Rachel Gong led the team that produced KRI’s new book on digital policy issues, available here. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parts of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur will be placed under EMCO from tomorrow onwards for two weeks. Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, Chair of the Selangor Task Force on Covid-19 discusses much-needed measures to reduce the number of Covid-19 cases, and if it is too heavy-handed to close down most factories given that manufacturing only contributes about 10% of cases now. Image Credit: YuriAbas / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore has raised concerns that Gen Z- digital natives born in the late-90s to early-00s- are spending carelessly, with many opting for the Buy-Now-Pay-Later service. We speak to Anton Ruddenklau, partner and head of financial services at KPMG to find out if younger people truly are moving away from traditional modes of spending, and what the consequences of that might be. Image Credit: Lifestyle Travel Photo | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MACC is calling for new laws on beneficial ownership to expose crimes and the perpetrators. Alex Tan, Cyber and Forensics Leader, PwC Malaysia discusses how companies typically launder money, the need for tighter regulations, and investigation challenges. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Cochrane, Chief APAC Economist, at Moody’s Analytics discusses the impact of the economic divergence between the countries that are controlling Covid-19 better than others, and the implications on emerging markets as the Fed might be raising interest rate sooner than expected.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Understanding of how Covid-19 spreads has evolved since the start of the pandemic, and we've had to modify our SOPs to reflect those changes. There have since been more calls for the Malaysian government to adopt clearer guidelines for ventilation to minimise the virus's spread- and we speak to Tan Sri Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister on Public Health to find out more. Image Credit: CHOONGKY / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is allowing another round of EPF withdrawals under the Pemulih package, raising questions about the consequences of drawing on contributors' hard-earned savings. To talk us through the risks this may pose down the line, we speak to Pankaj C Kumar, Financial Market Columnist, and former Chief Investment Officer. Image Credit: Ismail Sadiron Pictures | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) celebrates its 100 years anniversary, what lies ahead for it as citizens become bolder, educated and digitally savvy? Professor Steve Tsang, Director of SOAS China Institute, at SOAS, University of London discusses the challenges facing the CCP and Xi Jinping’s succession. Image credit: Frederic Legrand - COMEO / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government's recently-announced Pemulih stimulus package outlines several measures targeted at supporting the business sector. We get in touch with Chin Chee Seong, Vice President of the SME Association of Malaysia to find out whether this is enough, and what more could be done to prevent further SME closures. Image credit: Samguw / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Johan Merican, Director of the National Budget Office, at the Ministry of Finance defends the Pemulih package, how it would be funded without raising taxes, and efforts to provide more sustainable social protection in the long-term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catherine Birch, Senior Economist, at ANZ Research discusses why Australia’s economy continues to hold up despite the withdrawal of some support, the rise of Covid-19 variants, closure of international borders, and trade tensions with China. Image Credit: Nils Versemann | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced an RM150 billion aid package yesterday, called Pemulih. This is the largest package announced since the very first Prihatin package at the start of the pandemic- but is it enough to cushion the impact of Covid-19? We speak to Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education to find out. Image credit: S.O / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Long queues and waiting lists in government hospitals suggest there is a shortage of medical resources. Despite this, many contract medical officers are unable to secure permanent employment in public service. Dr Ong Siu Ching, Executive Co-chair of the Malaysian Medics International discusses their plight and options to find employment elsewhere. Image Credit: Nabilah Khalil | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Living With Covid-19 In The Next Five Years: Early this month, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had said that Covid-19 would become endemic. We discuss with Dr Paul Tambyah, President of the Asia Pacific Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infection on what this means in policy response, and the readiness of any country to treat Covid as endemic. Image Credit: kandl stock / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Serba Dinamik has filed a civil claim for substantial damages against its auditor KPMG who then subsequently resigned. P. Gunasegaram, Editorial Consultant, at The Vibes discusses if Serba has a strong suit against KPMG and the core issues. Image credit: Pavel Kapysh / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Run speaks to Dr. James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania, about the pressure on the government to reconvene parliament and his expectations, and also the news around UMNO's leadership tussle and whether this will have longer-term implications for the party. Image Credit: xtock | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get the views of Brock Silvers, CIO at Kaiyuan Capital on Didi Chuxing’s valuation of US$65 billion, its growth prospects, and why it chose to list in the US given the anti-Chinese sentiment. Image Credit: rafapress / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small urban rivers, such as Selangor’s Klang River, are among the most polluting. It’s part of the more than 1,000 rivers globally that account for 80 percent of plastic waste found in the ocean. So what can we do to clean up the river? What approach is needed? Cha Ly Koh, CEO of Urbanmetry tells us. Image Credit: BadeenFoldy | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree that parliament should reconvene as soon as possible, state assemblies are making plans to reopen, some even ahead of federal parliament. We discuss the implications of the prolonged prorogation of legislative assemblies as well as the political dynamics at play with political scientist Dr Wong Chin Huat. Image credit: Jaggat Rashidi / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.