Morning Brief

Apple had a big launch overnight as the entered the 5G fray with 4 new iPhones. The focus was the flagship iPhone 12, which will start at a whopping $829 dollars.Apple has generated relatively little sales growth from its iPhone in recent years since consumers are holding onto their phones for longer.But many are expecting this launch to spur a major upgrade cycle.Sure, Apple isn’t the first to launch a 5G phone -- they are trailing behind Samsung and Huawei here -- but they may be the one to make the network more mainstream.Beyond the iPhone, Apple also announced a new smart speaker, the HomePod Mini, which may represent a substantial new growth area, since that market is currently led by Amazon. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With an economy heavily dependent on tourism contributing as much as 15% to GDP, what are the implications to the economy when visitor arrivals are only estimated at 9 million compared to 40 million in 2019. Marcus Wong, Emerging Market Macro Strategist at Bloomberg Editorial tells us how negatively impacted the Thai economy will be but what fiscal and monetary measures the government can take to ease some of the economic scar tissue caused by the Covid 19 pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday evening, the government announced that it would be reimposing the Conditional Movement Control Order in Selangor, Putrajaya, and KL due to the recent spike in Covid-19 infections. The announcement comes at a time when consumers were just becoming more confident about emerging from their homes, so we're tackling the question of how this new measure will affect SMEs in particular, with Datuk Michael Kang, President of the SME Association of Malaysia. Image credit: Hafiz Johari / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs has made the case that the government should ratify the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, better known as the CPTPP. The think tank argues that Malaysia's GDP could be boosted by as much as 1% if the government ratifies the deal- So we reached out to Tricia Yeoh, CEO of IDEAS, to ask her about this, and more. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After seeing a spike in Covid-19 cases across the country, the government imposed a two week conditional movement control order (MCO) in various areas in Klang from 9th October until 23rd October. However, those living in the area were left confused with the directives and the last minute implementation, and have since received little clarity. For more on the situation on the ground, we have with us YB Charles Santiago, the MP for Klang. Image credit: Najmi Arif / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the state elections being over, Sabah continues to throw up new political surprises. The appointment of PAS State Secretary Ali-akbar Gulasan to the legislature has been met with objections from other parties in the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah coalition. For some analysis on these developments we speak to James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the US election impending, how much impact will it have on Asian equities and does it matter who wins the Presidential elections? Lorraine Tan, Regional Director of Equity Research in Asia, Morningstar tells us who are the sectoral winners in the last quarter of the year and what other risks are on the horizon. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with World Mental Health Day, we discuss with Annie Tubadji, Cultural Economist, Swansea University on the definition of psychologically resilient society and the impact of public policies. Image credit: F Armstrong Photography / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the past week, Malaysia's daily new cases of Covid-19 have hovered consistently in the three digits, a worrying surge from the single digit reporting we were seeing a month ago. However, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has stressed that a second nationwide lockdown would be costly. So, to get a sense of whether we could afford a second MCO, we speak to Lau Zheng Zhou of the Economics and Business Unit at the Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs, for his thoughts on balancing health and economic concerns. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the passing of former law minister Datuk Liew Vui Keong, Malaysians are faced with yet another by-election in Batu Sapi, Sabah. But after Covid-19 cases rose dramatically in the wake of the Sabah state elections, are we ready for more polls? To find out, we speak to Thomas Fann, Chairperson of election watchdog Bersih 2.0, for thoughts on how to hold an election during a pandemic. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Increased interest in sustainability has bolstered the demand for ESG bonds. In ASEAN, green bond issuances doubled to $8.1 billion in 2019, from just $3.9 billion in 2018. To find out how Malaysia's nascent sustainable bond market compares to its regional peers, we speak to Winson Phoon, Head of Fixed Income Research at Maybank Kim Eng.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's Golden Week has just ended, with as many as 550 million people expected to hit the road during the period. However, subsequent data reported that tourism revenue still fell more than 30% compared to last year, indicative of weak consumer demand. We speak to Tommy Xie, Head of Greater China Research at OCBC Bank for his thoughts on if this weak consumption trend will throw a spanner in the works of China's recovery. Image Credit: Keitma / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are over 1,000 active Covid-19 cases in prisons involving inmates and staff nationwide. Jerald Joseph, SUHAKAM Commissioner discusses potential improvements and prison reforms. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is undergoing a 14-day home quarantine and has assured that he will continue to perform his duties. It does however raise questions about succession planning as it is unprecedented that Malaysia does not have a designated Deputy Prime Minister. Lim Wei Jiet, constitutional lawyer discusses the constitutional conventions and the possible scenarios. Image Credit: adam yusof / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Workers in Indonesia are protesting against the major omnibus bill that was passed on Monday to amend 73 laws. They argue that those wide sweeping changes violate worker rights and relax environmental protection. Bharat Joshi, Investment Director, Aberdeen Standard Investments discusses the merits of the bill, its timing and his outlook for equities. Image Credit: TomoTaro / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia trails behind countries like Indonesia and the Philippines when it comes to open data. Ashraf Shaharudin, Research Associate at Khazanah Research Institute discusses what needs to be done to close the gaps. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local university students were left stranded when they could not attend orientation due to a last minute order to close universities. Dr Sharifah Munirah Alatas, Senior lecturer in Strategic Studies and International Relations of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, shares her views on how the situation could have been saved. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Local university students were left stranded when they could not attend orientation due to a last minute order to close universities. Dr Sharifah Munirah Alatas, xxxx, shares her views on how the situation could have been saved. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders head for the polls on October 17th. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is widely expected to win. Grant Duncan, Associate Professor, Massey University discusses her track record and the challenges ahead. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of the Sabah state elections, eyes are now on neighbouring state Sarawak, to see when they will decide to go to the polls. How will the Sarawak state government balance the fragility of its coalition against Covid-19 concerns? Dr. Arnold Puyok, Political Analyst at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, weighs in. Image credit: Hazreen Mohd / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's Covid-19 new cases are back in the triple digits, with Sabah and Kedah now leading the country in numbers of infections. The Morning Run team discusses sustaining our healthcare system, internet backlash against politicians perceived to have spread the virus, and the sudden decision to postpone this semester's student intake at universities. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US has imposed a ban on imports of palm oil and palm oil products from FGV over allegations of forced labour practices. We speak with Khor Yu Leng, political economist, Segi Enam Advisors, on why Malaysian companies do poorly in protecting their foreign workers. Image Credit: ayarx oren / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the collapse of global travel demand amidst Covid-19, the aviation industry has come to a grinding halt. The International Air Transport Association does not expect air travel to return to pre-Covid levels until 2024- it therefore was surprising when Bloomberg reported that the founders of Lion Air are planning to start a new airline. So, for a check-in on the airline industry, we speak to James Teo, transport analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. Image credit ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Beijing Auto Show is the first industry event to take place since the pandemic hit. This is where big Western companies like Ford and Volkswagen, as well as their Chinese rivals, showcase all the latest and greatest of what they have in store. But will there be enough demand out of China to support to auto industry? We speak to Bill Russo about what to watch out for from the event as well as what demand for autos in China mean for the recovery path overall. Image credit EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has said that the Shared Prosperity Vision will continue to take shape under his administration, with the aim to provide a decent standard of living to all Malaysians in 10 years time. Firdaos Rosli, Director of Economics, Trade and Regional Integration at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia speaks to us about bridging the income gap, the government's measures so far, and whether identity politics will get in the way of shared prosperity. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Physical distancing measures have forced people and companies around the world to turn to technology, in order to keep the gears turning. But with the spotlight now on digital transformation and the necessity of digitisation initiatives, how competitive are we as a country, compared to the rest of the world? We speak to Christos Cabolis, Chief Economist at the IMD World Competitiveness Center, about the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Rankings, released yesterday. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Environment and Water, Datuk Seri Zaini Ujang recently remarked that the government would update the Environmental Quality Act 1974 to include climate change and sustainability policies. One such policy that being mooted is a carbon tax on emissions, which has been adopted by several countries around the world. How would such a tax look like in a Malaysian context? We discuss with Darshan Joshi of REFSA. Image Credit: Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the blanket loan moratorium having come to an end in September, how are businesses faring? Koong Lin Loong, SME Chairman of The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) tells how his 100,000 members are faring and whether more help is required for them. He also tells us which sectors in particular are facing challenging times despite the relaxation of the movement control order. Image Credit:Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden took place yesterday, and it was anything but presidential. Globally, the debate has been labeled a joke, with observers calling it “another sign of the degradation of the American democracy”. And Americans were left disappointed with what they’re calling “the worst debate in history”. That said, in and amongst the chaos did Biden gain a slight edge? Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although research shows that 90% of voters have made up their minds at this stage, the US Presidential debate provides a rare opportunity for candidates to been side by side, and could still influence the 10% of undecided voters, especially swing states. We discuss the expectations for both incumbent Donald Trump and challenger Joe Biden, with analysis from Dr. Mitchell McKinney. Image Credit: Yalcin Sonat / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Bank has revised Malaysia’s 2020 GDP forecast to a contraction of 4.9% from the previously estimated 3.1% decline following the country's sharper-than-expected GDP contraction in Q2 due to the pandemic. However, despite the revision, Malaysia seems to be on track for recovery and will likely see growth in Q4 or 2021. We speak to World Bank economists to get their view on Malaysia's economic recovery and what needs to be done to keep it on track. Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has recently launched a career advancement programme under the national economic recovery plan, Penjana. The programme has the aim of providing young graduates with more marketable skills. But how effective is this and what more needs to be done? We take stock of the state of unemployment in Malaysia and the measures taken to curb it. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah’s Bersatu Chief Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor was unanimously elected by the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah alliance yesterday as the new Chief Minister of Sabah. Dr Oh Ei Sun, Senior Fellow at the Singapore Institute of International Affairs gives a glimpse of what to expect of his leadership. He also gives us his views on the dynamics between Bersatu and Umno especially since the former has fewer seats in Parliament. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not all gaming companies will recover from the pandemic in the same way. But who gets to go first? And which ones are best-placed? Erlin Salim, Director, Fitch Ratings, explains. Image Credit: ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah is Malaysia's newest pandemic epicenter, so what are health professionals and the govt doing about it? Dr Khor Swee Kheng, Health Policy Specialist, discusses. Image Credit: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a closely contested state election, the opposition coalition of Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) emerged as victor, winning 38 out of 73 seats at stake. Political analyst Dr. Bridget Welsh discusses the factors that tipped the scale to GRS' favor, and the ongoing tussle for the post of Chief Minister. She also warns that the tight results indicate a period of instability for Sabah politics. Image Credit: Ekahardiwito / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As economies reopen and businesses resume from the widespread lockdowns in the second quarter, what is the pace of recovery for the ASEAN-6 countries? Chua Hak Bin, Senior Economist at Maybank Kim Eng weighs in on the efficacy of regional stimulus policies, and the economic impact of a potential vaccine. Image Credit: YuriAbas / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After clinching a simple majority victory win on Saturday’s Sabah state election, there seems to be a stalemate now in the discussions for the position of Sabah Chief Minister within the winning Gabungan Rakyat Sabah alliance. We speak to political commentator Professor James Chin for his views on why support for Warisan withered in Sabah, how this affect's Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin's rule and what's next for the new state government.  Augustine Bin Jumat / Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who will win when Sabah votes tomorrow? With 447 candidates contesting 73 seats, with some fierce 9 to 11 corner fights, tomorrow's election promises to be an interesting one. For an understanding of Sabah politics, a look at how peninsular politics plays into it, and who is expected to win, we speak to James Chin. Image credit: Dolly MJ / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK has introduced further measures to cushion the economic blow of the Covid-19 pandemic, as the country heads into a fearful winter. This comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson imposed fresh curbs on the public just this week. If the Bank of England deploys another round of monetary stimulus at its upcoming November meeting, will this be enough to keep the UK afloat? Image credit: Loveandrock / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Palm oil futures topped RM3000 last week, as economies reopened and demand for the commodity recovered. However, the sector still isn't out of the woods. We speak to Alvin Tai, Soft Commodity Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, about whether there is still an upside to palm oil. Image credit: Mohd Erwin / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim declared yesterday that he has majority support from MPs to seize control of Putrajaya. While the PKR President is still waiting to have an audience with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, we reached out to Dr Hamidin Abdul Hamid, Research Fellow at the Ilham Centre, to help us answer some of the many questions we now have, most importantly: what comes next? Image credit: YuriAbas / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and affiliated media organizations issued a series of reports on how financial institutions were allegedly facilitating suspicious money flows amounting to more than 2 trillion US dollars. Several Malaysian banks were also mentioned. Thorsten Beck, Professor of Banking and Finance, at The Business School (formerly Cass), City, University of London helps us understand what banks are obliged to do under such circumstances, and possible policy responses if any. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid 19 turned out to be the black swan event for 2020. A virus that shut down most of the world as the race to flatten the pandemic curve became a priority.With that, companies scrambled to adapt, making the need to transform especially on the digital front a priority so as to be able to work remotely and continue with operations.But what were some of the gaps? What did businesses find they needed the most? To help us answer that question, we’re touching base with a company that has been investing in digital transformation. Image Credit: AngieYeoh / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Less than 10% of the candidates fielded in the upcoming Sabah state elections are women. Nurul Izzah Anwar, MP of Permatang Pauh explains why it is so difficult for women to rise in politics. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump is expected to nominate an ideologically conservative successor to the late Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, Senior Fellow with the University of Virginia, discusses the implications. Image credit: bakdc / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After spending most of last year being the most unloved market in ASEAN, Malaysian equities have outperformed regional peers this year with only a year-to-date decline of 5%, versus the likes of Indonesia and Singapore which are down by more than 20%. That said, can the KLCI continue to outperform? Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month, a bipartisan parliamentary caucus headed by Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz was formed, to look into ways to end the “party hopping” culture in Malaysian politics. The current proposal put forth by Nazri Aziz is for Parliament to amend the Election Commission Act 1957 and enforce a party-list system, in which voters would elect parties rather than individuals. Nazri says that amending an Act of Parliament would be easier, as it requires only a simple majority to pass. That said not all legal commentators are convinced that this should be the way forward, with some stating that a constitutional amendment would still be necessary. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew MacGregor Marshall, Journalist and Author of “A Kingdom in Crisis: Thailand’s Struggle for Democracy in the 21st Century” discusses the protests against the monarchy and how it might end. Image credit: Blanscape / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Saturday, a concrete wall slab from a construction fell and hit a car along the MRR2. This is not the first such accident due to construction works. Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, Chairman, Alliance for Safe Community discusses why these accidents continue to happen, and what the government could do to promote higher safety standards. Image Credit: Alexiushan / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.