Morning Brief

Abrar Anwar, Managing Director, and CEO of Standard Chartered Malaysia discusses steps to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities including the move to cloud-based banking and working with fintechs to stay nimble. This report is in collaboration with Standard Chartered Malaysia. Image Credit: vs148 | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Nungsari Radhi, economist discusses the government’s fiscal ability and options to provide aid during this pandemic, and how to strengthen the independence of GLC boards in light of political-linked appointments. Image Credit: Kelvin Shutter / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green bonds have been gaining traction in the past few years but just how sustainable is this growth? The Morning Run speaks to Cedric Rimaud, ASEAN Programme Manager with the Climate Bonds Initiative, about this, but also the challenges going forward, the role of green bonds in the sustainable agenda, and concerns over greenwashing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The audit debacle between engineering firm Serba Dinamik and external auditor KPMG has turned the spotlight once again onto Malaysia's corporate governance standards. Particularly, this has raised questions over the role of independent directors in cases like these, and whether that role is changing as minority shareholders make their voices heard more than ever. We speak to David Berry, Deputy President at the Malaysian Institute of Corporate Governance to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Countries around the world are scrambling to get their populations inoculated against the Covid-19 virus. But many less economically developed countries are still struggling with their rollouts, and are reliant on the Covax facility, run by the World Health Organisation. We speak to Benjamin Cowling, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology from the University of Hong Kong for an update on the collective effort to vaccinate the world. Image Credit: Naeblys | Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Countries around the world are scrambling to get their populations inoculated against the Covid-19 virus. But many less economically developed countries are still struggling with their rollouts, and are reliant on the Covax facility, run by the World Health Organisation. We speak to Benjamin Cowling, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology from the University of Hong Kong for an update on the collective effort to vaccinate the world. Image Credit: Naeblys | Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RHB Bank and Boost under Axiata are forming a consortium to apply for a digital banking license. Vincent Fong, Chief Editor at Fintech News discusses the merits of this deal, and how traditional banks will survive in this new landscape. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marhalim Abbas, defence writer discusses the government’s response to China sending 16 military aircrafts toward Malaysia, and how else could we stand up against the superpower. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council issued a statement yesterday saying the RM5 billion direct fiscal injection under the Pemerkasa+ aid package is inadequate. They proposed instead a RM45 billion aid package to soften the impact of a total lockdown- so we speak to Subang MP Wong Chen, about what that plan would look like. Image Credit:  Try_my_best / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China recently decided to allow families to have three children. Xing Zhaopeng, Senior China Strategist at ANZ Research discusses the challenges, possible measures, and implications if China fails to raise birth rates. Image Credit: StreetVJ | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

About 1,000 private hospitals and GPs are expected to help the government administer the Covid-19 vaccine. This number could increase further as there are 8,000 GPs. Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh, President of the Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia (APHM) discusses their involvement while the biggest challenge remains in securing enough vaccine supply. Image Credit: Djohan Shahrin | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the imposition of a total lockdown for two weeks nationwide, how will members of the B40 community survive the loss of income and economic vulnerability that will result? Enter the Pemerkasa+ aid package, which is the government's attempt to ease the impact of the lockdown on the B40 group- but how effective is it? We speak to Dr. Juita Mohamad, Fellow from Institute of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia to find out. Image Credit: Aiman Khair / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, SME Association of Malaysia warned that 40% of SMEs will shut down if government imposes full lockdown. The Morning Run speak to Chin Chee Seong, Vice President of the SME Association of Malaysia, on the potential damage to SMEs from the lockdown and whether Pemerkasa+ is enough to help them survive. Image Credit: Chaton Chokpatara / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Dr Musa Mohd Nordin, Consultant Paediatrician discusses the merits of the 2-week lockdown, and potential complementary measures to strengthen the government’s fight against the pandemic. Image Credit: AkuAlip | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday night announced RM40 billion in economic package, of which RM5 billion is direct fiscal injection. Pankaj C. Kumar, financial market columnist, makes a case for increasing spending and its impact on our debt yield and ratings, and the Ringgit. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled the plan to contain Covid-19 and support the economy. Selena Ling, Chief Economist at OCBC discusses the economic impact as well as how realistic the plan is to ease restrictions from 14th June, and that every adult resident could be vaccinated by 9th August, National Day. Image Credit: Hit1912 / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the state of emergency was declared in January, the number of daily Covid-19 cases recorded in the country has almost tripled. Amid mounting public anger over the government's handling of the situation, we speak to X to find out whether Perikatan Nasional will be able to survive the pandemic with its hold on government intact. Image Credit: MUHAMMAD IZZAT TERMIZIE / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After courtroom and boardroom dramas unfolded across ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Shell Plc, there are those who question the long-term future of companies in the oil and gas industry. With growing pressure on these international oil majors to adhere to climate change agreements, we speak to Yong-Liang Por, Consultant of the Institute for Energy Economics & Financial Analysis (IEEFA) for insight into whether these companies can truly achieve their zero-emission targets. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tricia Yeoh, CEO at Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) discusses the need for better crisis planning, and the economic impact of the full lockdown. Image Credit: Hafiz Johari / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Chua Sook Ning, founder and Clinical Psychologist at RELATE discusses strategies to provide more care and to support mental health needs. The Malaysian government has a National Strategic Plan for Mental Health 2020-2025 but little information is available about it at this point. Image Credit: Mary Long | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the West appears to be closer to travel normalcy, we speak to Dr. Mario Hardy, CEO of the Pacific Asia Travel Association/PATA on the Morning Brief and asked him about the future of air travel in the Asia Pacific region. Image Credit: Vitalii Matokha | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia lurches from one crisis after another, Indira Nair helps us understand why the Government has been abysmal in managing these crises following two major incidents this week; the LRT train crash and the AstraZeneca opt-in roll-out. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia remains in MCO3.0+, many businesses are suffering whilst unemployment remains stubbornly high. Professor Mahendhiran Nair, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Research Engagement and Impact at Sunway University tells us what the priorities should be and if funding will prove to be a challenge. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 3rd phase of the Astra Zeneca vaccine registration was criticised by most quarters as many were unable to make appointments due to what appeared to system glitches. Dr Lau Cher Han, Chief Data Scientist at LEAD tells us what can be done to improve and restore confidence in the system. Image Credit: zmpixes / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Ridza Abdoh Salleh, Former CEO of Prasarana gives us his perspective behind what could have caused the recent LRT crash on the Kelana Jaya line as an ongoing investigation is being conducted. Image credit: Abdul Razak Latif / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to James Dorsey, Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies & the Middle East Institute on what is US doing to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Will this ceasefire last and what is being done to address the underlying issue plaguing both nations’ troubled relations? Image Credit: DorSteffen | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Yong, Managing Director of Crest Builder Holdings, discusses the impact of the commodities boom and rising materials prices on Malaysian builders, offering some policy solutions to address the industry's woes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raymond Teo from the Malaysian Retail Association provides us some colour as to how the recently announced SOPs will impact the retail sector and what measures should the Government implement to assist the struggling sector. Image credit: mokjc / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kiu Jia Yaw, Co-deputy Chair of the Bar Council Environment & Climate Change Committee shares with us the ramifications of the current Selangor State Government's plan to degazette the majority of the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prices for soft and hard commodities having been rising put pressure on margins and raising the question as to whether inflation is here. Alejandra Grindal, Chief International Economist at Ned Davis Research gives us her view as to whether the supercycle is here to stay. Image Credit: Bakhtiar Zein | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As covid cases in Malaysia surpass 500,000, the race to vaccinate accelerates. Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, at Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy gives us the details of the progress the country is making and the interplay between the private sector, states and the federal government. Image Credit: Safuan Salahudin | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As covid cases in Malaysia surpass 500,000, the race to vaccinate accelerates. Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, at Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy gives us the details of the progress the country is making and the interplay between the private sector, states and the federal government. Image Credit: Safuan Salahudin | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Varun Mittal gives some context behind the roller-coaster price movements of Bitcoin amid regulatory pressures but also helps explain how its long-term future is contingent on its ability to evolve and adapt. Image credit: Wit Olszewski / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Varun Mittal gives some context behind the roller-coaster price movements of Bitcoin amid regulatory pressures but also helps explain how its long-term future is contingent on its ability to evolve and adapt. Image credit: Wit Olszewski / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya announced new and tighter restrictions in a redoubled efforts to cut the spread of Covid-19 with reduced working hours and a shift for more to work from home. Calvin Cheng, Analyst in the Economics Programme, Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia tells us what this impact will have on the economy and also what needs to be done for the most economic vulnerable in the country. Image credit: Melvin Lai / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With an exponential increase in Covid-19 cases we ask Paul Huang, from the Taiwanese Public Opinion Foundation to explain how did the current situation reverse so significantly, its vaccination programme and how the restrictions have impacted the economy. Image Credit: Jack Hong / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will chair a meeting later today to discuss a full-scale nationwide MCO. We speak to Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of Center for Market Education, for his views on lockdowns, how to tackle and manage the pandemic, and the economic implications. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin will chair a meeting later today to discuss a full-scale nationwide MCO. We speak to Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of Center for Market Education, for his views on lockdowns, how to tackle and manage the pandemic, and the economic implications. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roman Schorr, Director of Corporates - APAC, at Fitch Ratings discusses the impact of a shortage on semiconductor components on automakers, and whether this situation could be prolonged due to an uptick of Covid-19 cases in Taiwan and South Korea, and why the US and Europe would be most affected.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lai Pei Si, Country Head of Consumer, Private and Business Banking, at Standard Chartered Malaysia, discusses how banks are adapting digitally and how traditional banks like StanChart are competing with fintechs and pure digital banks. This report is in collaboration with Standard Chartered Malaysia. Image Credit: Black Jack | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In just two months, Thailand recorded a 100x more cases per day to about 2,000 on 18 May from 20 on 1st April. Charnon Boonnuch, South East Asia Economist at Nomura discusses the impact of this new wave on the country's economic outlook. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In its report "Enhancing Government Effectiveness and Transparency: The Fight Against Corruption”, the World Bank Group highlights Malaysia’s success in dealing with corruption as well as its failings. Rajni Bajpai, Lead Public Sector Specialist, at World Bank Group compares anti-corruption efforts across the world and much-needed reforms in Malaysia. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Kelvin Yii, Member of Parliament for Kuching discusses Sarawak’s motivation and request to procure its own vaccines to help accelerate the immunisation program, and the resources the state has to do its own rollout. We also discuss if the vaccination purchase is being politicised. Image Credit: Hazreen Mohd / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Selangor government has announced that employers will be able to buy the Covid-19 vaccine for their workers through the Selangkah app. We speak to Dr Abed Onn, an Occupational Health Physician representing the Academy of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Malaysia (AOEMM) for insight into how Covid-19 is changing the face of workplace safety. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Schools have been subjected to intermittent closures for more than a year, with students suffering from the constant interruptions. What would a consistent and effective system for online learning during the closures look like? We speak to Chan Soon Seng, CEO of Teach For Malaysia to find out. Image Credit: NAUFAL ZAQUAN | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does rising global debt mean for global recovery? Should we be concerned? The Morning Run speaks to Steve Cochrane, the Chief APAC Economist at Moody's Analytics, to break down the debt situation, what we should be watching, and at what point do we need to sound the alarm for global debt. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mass testing in Selangor state is underway, to identify potential asymptomatic carriers of the Covid-19 virus. This is as the state has consistently recorded the highest number of new daily cases in the country. We check in with Dr Farhan Rusli, Public Health Medicine Specialist and Director of Selangor Task Force (COVID-19) Operations to understand the reason for the mass screenings, and to get to the bottom of reports of heavily congested assessment centres in the state. Image credit: Hafiz Othman / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel carried out dozens of airstrikes on the Gaza strip yesterday after Palestinian forces fired rockets into southern Israel. The UN has called the escalating conflict a burgeoning humanitarian crisis, but it's one that has been brewing for decades. To help us understand the history and the potential avenues of resolution to this conflict, we reach out to Dr. Liyana Kayali, Lecturer for the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies at Australian National University. Image credit: hosny f. salah / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Department of Statistics Malaysia, or DOSM, revealed that Malaysia will be an ageing nation by 2030, with people aged 60 years and over surpassing 15% of the population. The Morning Run speaks to Hawati Abdul Hamid, Senior Research Associate with the Khazanah Research Institute, about the possible implications of these demographics, economic policy, and the job market. Image Credit: AhXiong | shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UNICEF, United Nations Population Fund, and DM Analytics recently produced the final installment of their report "Families on the Edge". Based on this, Stephen Barrett, UNICEF's Chief of Social Policy discusses much-needed policy responses and reveals that B40 families still need cash assistance and that 4 in 10 surveyed are vaccine-hesitant. Image credit: Try_my_best / Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.