Morning Brief

Democracy and press freedom has taken another hit after China forcefully closed down HK's anti-govt paper Apple Daily. Michael Frank, the Senior Analyst of Public Policy, Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), discusses its ramifications.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The G7 has created momentum for global tax reform, following their historic agreement for broad changes in the international corporate tax regime, including a 15% minimum tax rate. And while the majority of Eurozone countries are expected to benefit from the changes, an Oxford Economics report has singled out Luxembourg, Hungary, Ireland, and the Netherlands as among those that could be negatively impacted. We discuss the findings of the report with Ricardo Amaro. Image Credit: J_UK | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Vinod Balasubramaniam, Senior Lecturer and and Co-Lead, Infection and Immunity Research Strength from the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health Sciences , shares with us the efficacy of mixing vaccines but also raises concerns on the rise of sporadic cases, the lack of testing and the reality of us moving out from Phase 1 Image Credit: Rawpixel.com | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shopping malls and retail industries nationwide are appealing to the government to reopen the sector by July, or risk 50% of retail businesses closing down for good. We speak to Sarkunan Subramaniam of Knight Frank on how the current lockdown is affecting the market for commercial properties, as well as policy measures that could alleviate the financial burdens of both landlords and tenants. Image credit: mokjc / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sri Murniati, Senior Manager with the Public Finance unit at IDEAS - The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs, discusses the gargantuan public cost from a country that continues to suffer from endemic corruption. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The construction sector is under scrutiny as causing workplace clusters of Covid-19 infections, with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) revealing that a third of operational sites are flouting SOPs. We discuss the reasons behind this and what’s being done to address violations, as well as the state of the construction sector overall and the forms of support needed CIDB chief Dato’ Ahmad Asri Abdul Hamid. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the recent restrictions imposed by the Chinese Government, cryptocurrencies especially Bitcoin have taken a beating, returning all their year-to-date gains. Varun Mittal, Global Emerging Markets FinTech Leader at EY tells us if this has long-term repercussions and will there be other regulatory or compliance risks that we should watch out for. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the hardline cleric, Ebrahim Raisi, Iran has a new president. With a hitherto-unclear stance on Iranian domestic and foreign policy -- in particular its stalled nuclear deal -- the world waits to see what Raisi does next. Rodger Shanahan, a Research Fellow at the Lowy Institute, discusses. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Education is hiring 19,000 new teachers from all backgrounds to overcome the supply shortage. At the same time, Covid 19 is also proving the greatest disruption to our education system. Should we not take the time to revamp the entire system and what needs to be done? Chan Soon Seng, CEO for Teach for Malaysia tells us. Image Credit: Azami Adiputera | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prolonged lockdowns and an economy in neutral have sent more than 600,000 households from the M40 income group into the bottom B40 category. Calvin Cheng, Analyst in the Economics Program, Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, discusses what's at stake. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the US, some companies like investment banks are compelling their staff to return to the office. Will this be the same in Asia when vaccination rates inch up or is there an alternative? Paul Cooper, Managing Director of Michael Page Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam tells us. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government's Jaringan Prihatin program is aimed at helping students study from home though there have been hiccups, not to mention hidden costs like data plans and device sufficiency. Alexander Wong, Managing Editor, at the tech news portal SoyaCincau.com, discusses. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Globally, mixing vaccines has been more common especially as Covid 19 variants surface. Is this a path that Malaysia should also take? Prof. Dr. Moy Foong Ming, Professor of Epidemiology, Dept of Social and Preventive Medicine, Universiti Malaya weighs in on the argument. Image Credit: Afif Abd. Halim / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming has offered his services - pro bono - to businesses and SMEs who desperately need solutions to survive the current lockdown. From golf resorts to chili farmers and a property lawyer, he weighs in on the possible steps that can be taken by businesses to generate income and reflect on the broader policy-making process that’s needed for the economy to thrive. Image Credit: JiaChengg | Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite being allowed to stay open during the current lockdown, F&B outlets have been hamstrung by prohibitions on dine-ins and limited operating hours. After the announcement of the National Recovery Plan on Tuesday, we check in with Jeremy Lim, Vice-President of the Persatuan Pemilik Restoran dan Bistro ​to get the pulse of the entertainment and F&B industry, to see if they hang on until the end of the year. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new space race is underway, with companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic all striving to make space tourism a reality. But right now, access to space appears limited to billionaires- so when can space tourism become a viable industry? We speak to Prof Wendy Whitman Cobb, Associate Professor of Strategy and Security Studies from Air University's School of Advanced Air and Space Studies to find out when space travel may become accessible to everyman. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In efforts to combat the covid crisis, the US embarked on unprecedented monetary and fiscal stimulus to support the economy and markets. With the impending rising debt levels, analysts expected 2021 to be a year of US dollar weakness, but does the recent announcement by the FOMC that 2 rate hikes are expected by end 2023 change that narrative? This report is in collaboration with Standard Chartered Malaysia. Image Credit: MaxxiGo | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, statements emerged from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Rulers, indicating support for the reopening of Parliament as soon as possible. What kind of political implications will this statement have? We speak to Dr. Hamidin Abd Hamid, Research Fellow, Ilham Centre to find out. Image credit: C.O / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, statements emerged from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Rulers, indicating support for the reopening of Parliament as soon as possible. What kind of political implications will this statement have? We speak to Dr. Hamidin Abd Hamid, Research Fellow, Ilham Centre to find out. Image credit: C.O / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the weight of a surge in Covid-19 cases, Indonesia's economic outlook is looking even more dire than initially expected. Jakarta is also aiming to bring the state budget deficit to below 3% of GDP in 2023. We speak to Jerry Goh, Investment Manager Asia Equities of Aberdeen Standard Investments about whether the pandemic will derail Indonesia's economic outlook in the months to come. Image Credit: Asiatravel | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we continue the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become quite apparent that public-private partnerships have become an important part of the ongoing struggle. The Morning Run speaks to Ahmad Shahizam bin Mohd Shariff, President and Managing Director of KPJ Healthcare Bhd, for KPJ's vaccination efforts, challenges, and more. Image credit: IRFAN KHAIRULAMAN / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yap Lip Seng, CEO of the Malaysian Association of Hotels discusses if the National Recovery Plan is helpful for the tourism and hospitality industry, and further support that is needed. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Recovery Plan announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday was thin on details of support for vulnerable groups in order to achieve the target of exiting this pandemic in a 'reasonable' manner. We speak to Geoffrey Williams, Economist from the Malaysia University of Science and Technology for what this plan and the prolonged restriction it lays out will mean for businesses, and the larger economy. Image Credit: S.O / Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Recovery Plan announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday was thin on details of support for vulnerable groups in order to achieve the target of exiting this pandemic in a 'reasonable' manner. We speak to Geoffrey Williams, Economist from the Malaysia University of Science and Technology for what this plan and the prolonged restriction it lays out will mean for businesses, and the larger economy. Image Credit: S.O / Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of the announcement of a National Recovery Plan, detailing a four-phase exit plan for the nation, we speak to Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO at Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy on whether the government's expectations are realistic and when we can hope to see an actual exit out of the current Covid-19 pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of the announcement of a National Recovery Plan, detailing a four-phase exit plan for the nation, we speak to Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO at Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy on whether the government's expectations are realistic and when we can hope to see an actual exit out of the current Covid-19 pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest news coming out from Myanmar, the military junta is charging Aung Sun Suu Kyi for multiple charges. Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at Singapore Institute of International Affairs discusses why ASEAN cannot afford to be complacent, and how it could step up pressure on the junta as violence spirals. Image Credit: R. Bociaga | Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Hooi Beng, Deputy Tax Leader at Deloitte Malaysia discusses the impact of the proposed global minimum tax on Malaysia’s attractiveness to foreign direct investors, and what foreign companies operating in Malaysia, and local companies with overseas investments need to look out for. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beginning Wednesday (June 16th), employees in key economic sectors, such as manufacturing, agriculture, plantations and retail, will be given priority access to Covid-19 vaccines under a public-private partnership known as PIKAS. The Morning Run speaks with Dato' Sri Norazman Ayob, a Deputy Secretary General at MITI, for the targets, timeline, costs, and logistics of this programme. Image Credit: Djohan Shahrin / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that the government is drafting a National Recovery Plan, to help the company out of the rut created by the Covid-19 pandemic. But what kind of measures should be in this exit plan? We speak to Tricia Yeoh, CEO of the Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs, to find out. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan, Executive Director, Malaysian Employers Federation sheds some light on the implementation of PIKAS (Public-Private Partnership Covid-19 Industry Immunisation Programme) from the employers’ perspective which enables employees of key economic sectors to be prioritised for vaccination. PIKAS will start tomorrow, 16th June. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr James Dorsey, James Dorsey, Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies & the Middle East Institute discusses the implications of Benjamin Netanyahu being ousted as Prime Minister of Israel and what to expect from his successors, Naftali Bennet and Yair Lapid from Yamina and Yesh Atid parties respectively. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business and consumer organizations have come together to call for a blanket loan moratorium, in order to help those hard-hit by successive lockdowns. Already, many businesses- particularly SMEs are struggling, so we speak to Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin, Vice President of the Malaysia Retail Association to find out what more needs to be done in order for affected businesses to survive. Image credit: JiaChengg / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Tharani Loganathan, Public Health Specialist at University Malaya discusses the conditions in which undocumented migrants are being detained in Malaysia, and in light of this, the most effective way to encourage them to come forward and be vaccinated. Image Credit: msyaraafiq / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Adrian Ang, a Research Fellow and US expert at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies in Singapore discusses the outcomes of Joe Biden’s first G7 meeting, its approach and attitude toward China, and discussions with the UK regarding Northern Ireland and honouring the Good Friday agreement in which the US had facilitated. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Suffian, Programme Director from the Merdeka Center breaks down the political machinations in our country as the Malay Rulers convene next week following a series of audiences with His Majesty as the date for the Emergency draws to a conclusion in August. Image credit: S.O / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Sharmini Ratnasingham, Culture Engagement Manager for Malaysia Airlines about the MH Rangers, a volunteer programme under the Malaysia Aviation Group about how they are supporting the government in rolling out the vaccination programme in Mega PPVs in the Klang Valley Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As several countries (US, UK and Singapore) have approved the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for teenagers aged between 12 to 15, we ask Emeritus Prof PT Thomas, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences from Taylor’s University whether this should be a strategy in Malaysia. We also ask him if vaccine hesitancy will become a major issue when it comes to vaccinating children. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s already elevated political risk has further ratcheted higher, following the current government's handling of the pandemic, with Fitch Solutions recently revising downward Malaysia’s Short-Term Political Risk Index score to 65.2 out of 100, from 66.7 previously. Darren Tay, Senior Country Risk Analyst with Fitch Solutions, explains. Image credit: adam yusof - Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest report by Oxford Economics on the economic outlook of 6 ASEAN economies (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines) revealed that that recovery will be delayed but not derailed. We ask Sian Fenner, Lead Asia Economist from Oxford Economics which country would perform better this year and which sectors will continue to struggle. Image Credit: Puwadol Jaturawutthichai | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the covid 19 crisis continuing, will gloves continue to see stellar growth in 2021 especially with recent restrictions on worker capacity? Dr Supramaniam Shanmugam, President of the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association gives us the outlook and also whether enough is being done for worker welfare. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The think tank, Centre has issued a 4 part report on the state of mental health in the country. The findings are not positive with some segments suffering more than others. Aziff Azuddin, The Centre's Policy Researcher tells us why. Image Credit: ProximaCentauri1 | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bangi MP, Dr. Ong Kian Ming shares his perspective on the current lock down measures taking place in MCO 3.0+ following his published article '20 issues we are unsure of during the total lockdown' Image credit: Abdul Razak Latif / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Hamidin Abd Hamid from the Ilham Centre helps us unpack the hybrid Parliament, Sarawak elections, party elections and the implications of the Agong’s meeting with the political leaders in the lead up to the special conference of rulers happening next week. Image Credit: Migel | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India is tentatively re-opening its economy, though the Modi administration remains under fire for what critics say has been an 'irrational' vaccine rollout program. Sanjay Mathur, Chief Economist for Southeast Asia and India, ANZ Bank, explains. Image Credit: Mr Subir Halder / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Finance Ministers of the most advanced economies agree to tackle tax avoidance and commit to a significant overhaul of the taxation regime, we speak to Simon Baptist from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) who helps us unpack how this far-reaching deal impacts big tech players and nations, both big and small. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Finance Ministers of the most advanced economies agree to tackle tax avoidance and commit to a significant overhaul of the taxation regime, we speak to Simon Baptist from the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) who helps us unpack how this far-reaching deal impacts big tech players and nations, both big and small. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teong Teck Lean, president of the Association of Malaysian Express Carriers discusses the impact of the pandemic on the fast-growing courier industry and shares his perspective on the effectiveness of PAKEJ, the government's latest plan to improve sustainability and service standards of operators. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with World Ocean's Day, Dr. Loh Jiun-Yan, Assistant Professor at UCSI University describes the challenges faced by the Malaysian fishing industry, efforts taken to improve sustainability, and the short term assistance offered during the pandemic Image Credit: Image Credit: OlegD / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Joe Biden signed an executive order banning 59 Chinese companies with ties to China’s military or were in the surveillance industry. How will China retaliate and what does this mean for already fraught US-China ties? Brock Silvers, Chief Investment Officer of Kaiyuan Capital tells us. Image Credit: rawf8 | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.