Morning Brief

Big Hit Entertainment, the label behind global K-pop phenomenon BTS, has reportedly chosen underwriters for its initial public offering. On the back of news that Big Hit could be seeking a US$5 billion valuation, we discuss skepticism surrounding the valuation, talent longevity, and the dark side of the Korean entertainment industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big Hit Entertainment, the label behind global K-pop phenomenon BTS, has reportedly chosen underwriters for its initial public offering. On the back of news that Big Hit could be seeking a US$5 billion valuation, we discuss skepticism surrounding the valuation, talent longevity, and the dark side of the Korean entertainment industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's day four of Malaysia Terbaharu, and there is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding what our government will look like a week from now. To get the latest updates, we speak to Shawn Tanis of BFM's News team, about developments including Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's speech and a Pakatan Harapan press conference.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Warisan Sabah and Gabungan Parti Sarawak are said to be kingmakers in deciding who will form the next cabinet. Professor James Chin, Director of the Asia Institute, University of Tasmania analyses their position.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump will try to squeeze out a few deals from India while Modi will try to make that not look like a walk in the park. The trade focus will overshadow right-wing issues in either country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UMNO and PAS have withdrawn their support for interim Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to continue in his role, and the parties are now calling for snap elections. How do we make sense of all the political twists and turns? We speak to Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director of the Merdeka Centre, for analysis on support for the UMNO-PAS alliance, the state of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, and what's next for Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UMNO and PAS have withdrawn their support for interim Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad to continue in his role, and the parties are now calling for snap elections. How do we make sense of all the political twists and turns? We speak to Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director of the Merdeka Centre, for analysis on support for the UMNO-PAS alliance, the state of the Pakatan Harapan coalition, and what's next for Datuk Seri Azmin Ali.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the political situation at the federal level continues to breed uncertainty, state governments are also starting to feel the heat of changing alliances. There has been speculation that Pakatan Harapan may even see majorities in several state assemblies collapse. To give us some insight into what we can expect at the state level, we speak to Tricia Yeoh, Fellow at the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs, on how talk of a unity government may translate to the state level.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bridget gave us her analysis on the situation with Bersatu and also UMNO-PAS; as well as the changing narrative about Tun Dr Mahathir's role in the weekend's drama. We also ask her about Dato Seri Azmin's future, role of East Malaysian parties and her expectations for the Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bridget gave us her analysis on the situation with Bersatu and also UMNO-PAS; as well as the changing narrative about Tun Dr Mahathir's role in the weekend's drama. We also ask her about Dato Seri Azmin's future, role of East Malaysian parties and her expectations for the Pakatan Harapan presidential council meeting today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DAP Member, Bangi MP and now Ex-Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Dr Ong Kian Ming discusses the aftermath of the political storm that has seen the dismantling of Pakatan Harapan. He discusses its ongoing relevance and the road ahead for DAP.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So we entered uncharted waters in Malaysian politics, we speak to Datuk Malik Imtiaz for a legal perspective here with regards to the role and power of an interim prime minister, the resignation of Cabinet and the likelihood of a snap election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So we entered uncharted waters in Malaysian politics, we speak to Datuk Malik Imtiaz for a legal perspective here with regards to the role and power of an interim prime minister, the resignation of Cabinet and the likelihood of a snap election.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a flurry of meetings and headlines ranging from Tun Mahathir being named interim Prime Minister and the resignation of Cabinet, we speak to Keith Kam, Head of BFM News who helps us break down the chain of events and separate noise from substance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday, the National Automotive Policy 2020 was unveiled to much fanfare by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed. We discuss the details of the plan with Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of the Malaysian Automotive Association and whether this will provide the needed boost to the auto industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday, the National Automotive Policy 2020 was unveiled to much fanfare by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed. We discuss the details of the plan with Datuk Aishah Ahmad, President of the Malaysian Automotive Association and whether this will provide the needed boost to the auto industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the coronavirus cases and methodology behind the figures keep changing, we ask Tommy Xie, Head of Greater China Research at OCBC Bank in Singapore whether there is cause for concern. We also ask about the policy measures we can expect from the Chinese government to counter the effects of the slowdown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pakatan Harapan Presidential Council proceeded as planned on Friday. On the agenda was a discussion over the power transition from Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim. But the weekend then took a surprising turn as news reports began surfacing that a change in government might be on the cards. For a summary of the events, we turned to Keith Kam of BFM News. We also got analysis from Dr. Hamidin Hamid from Ilham Center.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the heels of a flurry of reports about a potential new political coalition, how do we make sense of the news? Is there hope yet for Pakatan Harapan? Might we really see fresh elections being called? We speak to Karim Raslan for his take on the series of events. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the heels of a flurry of reports about a potential new political coalition, how do we make sense of the news? Is there hope yet for Pakatan Harapan? Might we really see fresh elections being called? We speak to Karim Raslan for his take on the series of events. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0:21 - The long-awaited National Automotive Policy or NAP 2020 will be unveiled today by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamed. The NAP is particularly significant because it will affect jobs and investments into the country. What the policy dictates and prioritizes will be key to determine if Malaysia can compete effectively against our Asean neighbors like Thailand and Indonesia which have already leapfrogged ahead as auto manufacturing hubs. 6:04 - The Morning Run Crew also discusses on biodiesel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0:35 - Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has made his first appearance on the Democratic debate stage, where he fielded heated criticism from other candidates 6:56 - The UK has announced its plans for immigration post-Brexit, which will adopt a points-based system similar to that used in Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0:35 - Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg has made his first appearance on the Democratic debate stage, where he fielded heated criticism from other candidates 6:56 - The UK has announced its plans for immigration post-Brexit, which will adopt a points-based system similar to that used in Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan’s economy appears to be on the brink of recession with hits from the Covid-19 outbreak as well as a startling quarterly GDP contraction of 6.3%. We dive into the issue with Alvin Liew, Senior Economist from UOB Singapore, discussing the sales tax hike, stimulus packages and the death of Abenomics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan’s economy appears to be on the brink of recession with hits from the Covid-19 outbreak as well as a startling quarterly GDP contraction of 6.3%. We dive into the issue with Alvin Liew, Senior Economist from UOB Singapore, discussing the sales tax hike, stimulus packages and the death of Abenomics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Production disruptions from China due to the Covid-19 outbreak could possibly affect Malaysia's rollout of 5G technology. The Morning Run team discusses how much of an effect this might have, as well as the concerns surrounding Huawei’s 5G technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Production disruptions from China due to the Covid-19 outbreak could possibly affect Malaysia's rollout of 5G technology. The Morning Run team discusses how much of an effect this might have, as well as the concerns surrounding Huawei’s 5G technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mental health issues don't just impact individuals on a personal basis, but also exact a toll on the country's economy. On the back of a study by NGO RELATE Mental Health Malaysia, which found that mental health issues in the workplace cost around RM14.5 billion in 2018, we speak to Dr. Chua Sook Ning, founder of RELATE Malaysia, for more insight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

0:06 - AirAsia has come under the spotlight recently, over claims of graft and corruption after Airbus SE admitted bribery across its international business. We discuss the latest revelation that Directors of the AirAsia Group reportedly gave their approval to CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes to build the brand through sponsorships, according to news reports. 3:32 - Malaysia has the highest household consumption of plastic packaging per capita at nearly 17kg, highest when compared to China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. We speak to Adam Minter, writer and columnist with Bloomberg Opinion on how we should tackle our growing plastic waste and what policy measures might actually work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has the highest household consumption of plastic packaging per capita at nearly 17kg, highest when compared to China, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. We speak to Adam Minter, writer and columnist with Bloomberg Opinion on how we should tackle our growing plastic waste and what policy measures might actually work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah made a splash in the Twitterverse last weekend, when he tweeted his commitment to gender equality and wanting at least 30% of women in leadership positions whilst embracing a “feminist foreign policy". To get clarity on his comments and how he intends to implement these goals, we spoke to him on this whilst asking does it run contrary to a merit based culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Dato’ Saifuddin Abdullah made a splash in the Twitterverse last weekend, when he tweeted his commitment to gender equality and wanting at least 30% of women in leadership positions whilst embracing a “feminist foreign policy". To get clarity on his comments and how he intends to implement these goals, we spoke to him on this whilst asking does it run contrary to a merit based culture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In yesterday's budget, Singapore unveiled its first budget deficit since the Asian financial crisis recognising how badly Covid-19 has affected the global economy. It may also be a rakyat's budget aimed at easing livelihoods ahead of the general elections which is scheduled to be held sometime this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although Asia has led global growth in the banking industry for years, the sector is now met with rapid disruption from new digital entrants. Will Asian banks evolve swiftly enough to retain dominance? How exactly can the industry change to adapt to the needs of increasingly tech-savvy consumers?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although Asia has led global growth in the banking industry for years, the sector is now met with rapid disruption from new digital entrants. Will Asian banks evolve swiftly enough to retain dominance? How exactly can the industry change to adapt to the needs of increasingly tech-savvy consumers?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The winds of change are blowing through the local economy. The retail sector is on its knees due to Cov-19 while Utusan, Malaysia's oldest malay paper is rehiring after a major cull. BFM discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The winds of change are blowing through the local economy. The retail sector is on its knees due to Cov-19 while Utusan, Malaysia's oldest malay paper is rehiring after a major cull. BFM discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A spate of murderous alcohol-related road accidents have spawned a discussion on making drunk/drug-induced road accidents much more punitive. Dr Law Teik Hwa, Associate Professor, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, there was much news on a purported statutory declaration signed by MPs asking Tun Mahathir to stay on a Prime Minister for a full terms while PAS was pushing for vote of confidence. We speak to Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director at the Merdeka Center to find out what is really happening behind the scenes, who are involved and what is the agenda. We also ask him how Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should respond to this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, there was much news on a purported statutory declaration signed by MPs asking Tun Mahathir to stay on a Prime Minister for a full terms while PAS was pushing for vote of confidence. We speak to Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director at the Merdeka Center to find out what is really happening behind the scenes, who are involved and what is the agenda. We also ask him how Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim should respond to this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Germany's GDP figure came out late last week registering no growth for the 4th quarter which was below market expectations. What does this mean for Europe. We ask Kenneth Wattret, Chief European Economist at IHS Markit to tell us the true state of the European economy and what policy measures are available including fiscal stimulus to get this union of 27 countries out of its economic malaise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khazanah Nasional has led calls for the government's golden share in GLCs to be dismantled. But the Prime Minister has objected. The jury is out on its removal but at least the discussion has begun.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With much effort by the government to alleviate the rising cost of living and address the basic needs of Malaysians, there will be a new Household Income Survey. This survey which will be due in April will give a more accurate indication of poverty levels which should ideally allow the Government to come out with more refined policies to deal with this issue. To get a breakdown of this new survey, we speak to Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin, Chief Statistician at the Department of Statistics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna Teo of Hernan Corp and Khor Yu Leng of Enam Segi Advisors sink their teeth into the thorny issue of durian exports to China what with the Covid-19 virus gripping global attention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anna Teo of Hernan Corp and Khor Yu Leng of Enam Segi Advisors sink their teeth into the thorny issue of durian exports to China what with the Covid-19 virus gripping global attention.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump Administration has announced its 2021 budget proposal as the US federal elections ramp up. Meanwhile billionaire Michael Bloomberg will soon throw his hat into the presidential fray.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump Administration has announced its 2021 budget proposal as the US federal elections ramp up. Meanwhile billionaire Michael Bloomberg will soon throw his hat into the presidential fray.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad says, of the 550 people tested for Covid-19 in the country, only 18 were found to have the virus. South Korea however has now advised its citizens not to travel to Malaysia and several other countries, due to the coronavirus outbreak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad says, of the 550 people tested for Covid-19 in the country, only 18 were found to have the virus. South Korea however has now advised its citizens not to travel to Malaysia and several other countries, due to the coronavirus outbreak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 2019, Malaysia's GDP came in at 4.3% after registering only 3.6% in the last quarter of the year which was the lowest in 10 years. The deterioration was due to disappointments in the mining and agriculture sectors with weaker CPO prices and disruptions in oil and gas production. We speak to Julia Goh, Senior Economist at UOB Malaysia on what this will mean for the economy in 2020 and will this lead to a stimulus package especially since the impact of Covid 19 is yet unknown.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.