Morning Brief

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.

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.