Morning Brief

Global automakers expect to grapple with chip shortages for another two years. How are they responding in the meantime? And if shortage normalises in 2023, what’s the likelihood of excess supply as the US, Europe and China commit billions of dollars to ramp up fabrication capacity? James Teo, Asian Equities Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence discusses. Image credit: Jeremy Waterhouse / Pexels.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple has loosened its restrictions on in-app payments, by allowing some developers to direct users to alternative methods of payment and offer lower prices through channels outside the App Store. We discuss with Daniel Ives of Wedbush Securities whether this move will alleviate the regulatory pressures faced by Apple. Dan also weighs in on expectations for Apple’s fall launch event, with the eagerly anticipated iPhone 13 launch. Image credit: Framesira / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Wong, Honorary Secretary-General, The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), discusses Langkawi's soon-to-occur travel bubble in terms of expected arrivals, SOPs and success rate, as well as the tourism sector's Budget '22 wishlist. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Affin Hwang Asset Management discusses the challenges and safeguards of digital payment systems. This interview is in collaboration with Standard Chartered Malaysia. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s GDP projection has been adjusted upwards to 6.6% this year as analysts are banking on reopening borders to international travel, and the effective containment of the Covid-19 outbreak. Geoff Howie, Market Strategist at the Singapore Exchange tells us what sectors might benefit. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newly minted Minister of Health, Khairy Jamaluddin held his first press conference where he outlined a number of things his ministry will be carrying out. Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO of Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy gives us his views on these initiatives. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia's turns 64, we ask if GLCs and GLICs still have a role to play in Malaysia's economy. Dato' Rauf Rashid, Managing Partner at Ernst & Young Malaysia tells us how and why. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angeline Tan, researcher for ISIS Malaysia, helps us understand President Xi Jin Ping's Common Prosperity agenda and what it means to China's broader society and economy as children from primary school age will begin learning “Xi Jinping Thought” as part of the national education syllabus. Image credit: pcruciatti / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PwC Malaysia is bringing back the Building Trust Awards this year and it is the first to be held virtually. Participating companies will be assessed on the quality of companies’ corporate reporting, and how they are perceived by their stakeholders. This year, all constituents of both the FBM KLCI 30 and FBM Mid 70 on Bursa Malaysia are qualified for the shortlisting stage. In addition, the general public will be able to take part in the public poll to weigh in on which companies they feel have done the most to build trust. Join the poll to vote on companies that you trust at https://bit.ly/pwctrustpoll21.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Finance issued a Pre-Budget Statement (PBS) for Budget 2022, the first in our country’s history. With this, specific metrics can be tracked such as the economic outlook, tax revenue performance status and the public expenditure status for 2021. It also revealed the priorities of Budget 2022. Julia Goh, Senior Economist from UOB gives us her views on this maiden report. Image credit: Gracethang2 / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk to Petaling Jaya MP, Maria Chin Abdullah on the recent Selangor State Government's decision to de-gazette half of the Kuala Langat North forest as a permanent reserve which has been met with heavy criticism for the lack of transparency. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrea Chloe Wong, a Philippines’ political analyst helps us understand the twist and turns as well as the leading contenders in the upcoming 2022 Philippines elections as President Rodrigo Duterte is poised to step down after 6 years in office. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adrian Ang, Research Fellow from the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies helps us unpack how the US Afghanistan pullout has short term and long term ramifications on US foreign policy and how will this impact Joe Biden's popularity in the US. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Vinod Balasubramaniam from the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health Sciences provides detailed explanation on the rationale, process and approvals required if Malaysia does begin manufacturing its own vaccines as the pandemic lingers on. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia once had the largest weightage on the MSCI Emerging Markets Index at 33% but that has dropped to a 2.5% weight. Even from a market capitalisation perspective, Malaysia has been eclipsed by almost all other Asean countries except for the Philippines and Vietnam. Pankaj C. Kumar, business commentator tells us the hard truth as to how vibrancy can be returned to our capital markets. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia once had the largest weightage on the MSCI Emerging Markets Index at 33% but that has dropped to a 2.5% weight. Even from a market capitalisation perspective, Malaysia has been eclipsed by almost all other Asean countries except for the Philippines and Vietnam. Pankaj C. Kumar, business commentator tells us the hard truth as to how vibrancy can be returned to our capital markets. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania helps us unpack the political implications of the new cabinet line up announced last Friday by the Prime Minister Ismail Sabri as the new leadership bench has given each of them 100 days to tackle the health crisis and heal the economy. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Jackson Hole Symposium meeting happened over the weekend, where prominent central bankers, finance ministers, academics, and financial market participants from around the world converged to discuss economic developments and policies albeit virtually. The highlight was the speech by Fed Chair, Jerome Powell. Prof. Hans Genberg, Professor of Economics at Asia School of Business weighs in on what was the key takeaways from this event. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President, Malaysia Automotive Association (MAA) on how the industry is faring after 2 months of closure and how the recovery looks like as show rooms reopen for sales and production of motor vehicles resumes nationwide. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economy and capital markets have seen a resurgence in India in the first half of 2021, despite a deadly second wave of Covid-19 and a slow pace of its vaccination programme. How will the 2nd half of the year look like for India - continued upward momentum or a correction? We discuss the latest developments in India's economic growth with Sanjay Marthur, Chief Economist of Southeast Asia and India at ANZ Bank. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All eyes are on the Cabinet announcement by Prime Minister Dato' Seri Ismail Sabri this morning. Will the Cabinet appointments be based on merit and competency, or will political loyalties and appeasement win over? We discuss the possible permutations with political geostrategist Dr. Azmi Hassan of University Technology Malaysia. Image credit: zmpixes / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lim Guan Eng, Secretary-General of DAP discusses his proposed bipartisan National Economic Turnaround Plan to assist distressed Malaysians and businesses, and under what circumstances would he withdraw support for Budget 2022. Image credit: msyaraafiq / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Education estimates some 1,500 students have been orphaned as a result of their parents succumbing to Covid-19, but this is likely to be the tip of the iceberg. What help is available for orphaned children, or those who have been left alone while parents or caregivers are hospitalized? Datin P.H. Wong, Director, Childline Foundation and Project Lead for the Covid-19 Child Crisis Support Team (CCST) discusses the steps that NGOs are taking in cooperation with government welfare services to support children in need. Image credit: Adi Haririe / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Davison, Founder and CEO of The Expat Group Media, and approved agent of the MM2H programme ran a survey and found that less than 5% of respondents qualify to stay on in Malaysia under the new requirements that applicants must have a minimum monthly income of RM40,000 compared to RM10,000. He discusses the implications and how he is engaging with the new government on this matter. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Vice President Kamala Harris is the latest Biden administration official to visit Southeast Asia this week, signalling the US’ renewed focus on the Asia-Pacific. She signed a raft of agreements to strengthen collaboration with Singapore, and promised one million Covid-19 vaccine doses to Vietnam. How much weight does US engagement carry in a region shadowed by Beijing? We discuss the geopolitical dynamics with Chong Ja Ian of the National University of Singapore. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opposition leaders have met Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on ways to work together, and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has indicated that Pakatan would not complicate the upcoming vote of confidence for Ismail as long as people’s interests are prioritized. Wong Chen, Member of Parliament for Subang helps us understand if a bipartisan approach is realistic and fruitful, and whether in reality, it’s just a show. Image credit: Prime Minister OfficeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opposition leaders have met Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on ways to work together, and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has indicated that Pakatan would not complicate the upcoming vote of confidence for Ismail as long as people’s interests are prioritized. Wong Chen, Member of Parliament for Subang helps us understand if a bipartisan approach is realistic and fruitful, and whether in reality, it’s just a show. Image credit: Prime Minister OfficeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khor Yu Leng, Political Economist at Segi Enam Advisors speculates how the new cabinet would look like and its size under Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri as Prime Minister. Would it be sizeable to appease all parties? And who might become Deputy Prime Minister(s)? Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khor Yu Leng, Political Economist at Segi Enam Advisors speculates how the new cabinet would look like and its size under Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri as Prime Minister. Would it be sizeable to appease all parties? And who might become Deputy Prime Minister(s)? Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Savage regional competition and policy clarity elsewhere are just two of the many reasons why Malaysia's EV charge is losing steam at a crucial stage of the race for high-value investment. Eddy Do, Analyst at RHB Research weighs in. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, the country's economy has been in freefall - banks and money exchanges have remained shut, prices for basic commodities have surged while economic activity has ground to a halt. What kind of economic landscape could take shape under the Taliban? We discuss the scenarios and whether the international community has any leverage with ANU researcher Dr Charles Miller. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Critical support for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Prime Minister comes from Parti Warisan Sabah. Now that Anwar has once again failed to secure enough numbers, how does Warisan view their working relationship with Pakatan Harapan, and what might happen during the vote of confidence for Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri? Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, Warisan founder weighs in. Image credit: Dolly MJ / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite prolonged lockdowns in several cities, Covid-19 cases continue to rise, raising questions about the sustainability of Australia's "zero-Covid strategy". Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has signaled a shift to an endemic strategy once vaccinations reach the 80% threshold. However, the plan is hampered by a slow vaccination roll-out and lack of consensus with state governments on Covid-19 management. We discuss the state of play Down Under with Alyssa Leng of the Lowy Institute. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has ended walk-in vaccinations for foreigners at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, citing crowd-control reasons. This however will make it impossible for undocumented workers to be vaccinated as they are ineligible to register themselves for an appointment in MySejathera. New Su Shern, founder of Project Liber8 discusses possible solutions. Image Credit: YuriAbas / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While restaurants can now open for dine-in for fully vaccinated individuals, many restaurants have opted to remain close. Jennifer Ong, founder and CEO of HAPA Group discusses the reasons and initiatives to further protect workers and patrons. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raising the govt debt ceiling beyond 60% of GDP to help economic recovery is a certainty, especially as elections loom, says Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist at the Malaysian Rating Corporation Bhd or MARC. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fragility of Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob's new government likely means a slew of generous cabinet appointments for the MPs who supported his push to the premiership, according to Ben Suffian, Programme Director at Merdeka Centre. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many blame Pakatan Harapan for the return of UMNO in the top seat. How should Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and PH re-engage with East Malaysian parties? Should Anwar start to make way for new leaders? Dr. James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania discusses. Image credit: AMRUL AZUAR MOKHTAR / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Several countries plan to administer booster shots to increase vaccination while the World Health Organisation is calling for a moratorium. Senior Consultant and Professor in Infectious Diseases at National University Hospital Singapore, Dr Dale Fisher discusses how policymakers could evaluate their needs. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Morning Run speaks to Daniel Bernbeck, CEO of the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Malaysia's economy and how attractive is Malaysia in attracting foreign direct investments. We also ask him how the current political instability shape business sentiment. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consultant Paediatrician, Dato' Dr Musa Mohd Nordin, weighs the benefits and risks of vaccinating teenagers and children, school reopening strategy, and whether unvaccinated children should be allowed to dine in with their vaccinated parents. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Tokyo Olympics just ended on a positive note but questions arise over the costs and was there an economic benefit. William Pesek, Columnist at Nikkei Asia gives some insight into how the economy will fare in the coming quarters. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Ross Tapsell from Australian National University what does the world thinks about the latest political developments in Malaysia and whether there is a grave concern of political instability or acceptance that this is part and parcel of the messiness of a parliamentary democracy. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A total of 114 MPs will be meeting the Agung today, is this a sign that Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri will be PM9? And is this game over for Pakatan Harapan? We also ask Dr. Hamidin Hamid, Research Fellow, Ilham Center on the future of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on the Morning Run. Image credit: msyaraafiq / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under phase 1 of the national recovery plan, 11 business activities were restarted which has been much welcomed by retailers. But is this enough and too late for mall operators? We ask Tan Sri Teo Chiang Kok, President of the Malaysia Shopping Malls Association for views and also what the industry would like to see from Budget 2022. Image credit: Kevin Khoo / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Indonesia celebrated its 76th anniversary of independence and President Jokowi announcing the 2022 budget, we ask Krystal Tan from ANZ Bank how the region’s biggest economy plans to navigate through the pandemic Image Credit: Bimo Pradityo / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amidst rising covid cases, parliamentary and public censure on the Prime Minister, and a weakening economy, we speak to Marcus Wong, Emerging Market Macro Strategist at Bloomberg on Thailand's grim outlook. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deputy Health director-general Datuk Dr Chong Chee Kheong says that despite the political developments, his ministry's mission of vaccine rollout and testing is on track. We also ask him about the vaccine progress in NRP Phase 2.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Facebook and Google have just unveiled a new undersea cable project, called Apricot. This will connect Singapore, Japan, Guam, the Philippines, Taiwan and Indonesia but Malaysia is absent. Is our cabotage policy the reason? Nabila Hussain, Policy Communications Lead at Social & Economic Research Initiative (SERI) gives us her view. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Azrul Khalib from the Galen Centre shares his thoughts on how the rapidly evolving political landscape might or might not impact how the country manages this pandemic and what would be in the in-tray for the new government. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.