Morning Brief

Has spending recovered to pre-pandemic levels especially during the run up to Chinese New Year? Datuk William Ng, Chairman of the Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA) gives us a channel check of what is happening on the ground and the challenges they still face. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the third year of the pandemic and banking systems are expected to reflect the economic recovery of countries. But how soon can profitability return to pre-pandemic levels despite rising interest rates. Jonathan Cornish, Managing Director and Head of Asia-Pacific Banks of Fitch Ratings tells us. Image credit: Pexels.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Kuljit Singh explains that why public-private collaboration the best way to clear up the medical backlog in public hospitals as we are seeing a backlog of over 50,000 cases at public hospitals. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At MyFintech Week organised by Bank Negara Malaysia, Governor Tan Sri Nor Shamsiah Mohd Yunus launched the Financial Sector Blueprint 2022-2026. Vincent Fong, Chief Editor, Fintech News Malaysia gives his views on this very comprehensive plan and how it integrates with the existing financial system. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The announcement that teachers under the Education Ministry can get involved in politics has stirred intense debate. We discuss the implications of the policy decision and how it differs from previous practice with academic scholar Prof. Zaharom Nain. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions in Eastern Europe are heating up this week, amid continued warnings from the UK and US over a potential Russian invasion of Ukraine. What is the likelihood of tensions escalating into armed conflict? We discuss the latest developments with Dr. Christopher Miller of The Fletcher School at Tufts University. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...

Malaysia suffered a further drop in rankings in the latest Transparency International Corruption Perception Index (CPI), falling 6 spots to 62. What reforms are needed to reverse our downward trajectory on the index, and how does our CPI ranking affect perceptions towards Malaysia? We discuss this with Dr. Muhammad Mohan of TI-Malaysia. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

Johor's snap state elections could be an interesting bellwether for UMNO's coming GE15 aspirations but also for how the 750,000 young new voters will vote, thanks to Undi18's introduction. Dr. Hamidin Abd Hamid, Research Fellow, Ilham Centre, explores. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Catherine Birch from ANZ Research helps unpack Australia's economic performance and expectations for 2022 as unemployment continues amid a net loss of population at more than 88 thousand people from 2020 to 2021. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been two years since Covid's discovery in Malaysia, so how does Malaysia rate on its policy treatment of the virus and what lessons can be learnt on this anniversary? Dr Vinod Balasubramaniam, Senior Lecturer and Co-Lead, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine & Health Sciences, answers. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fall out between top badminton player Lee Zii Jia and the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) has raised questions about the management of national athletes and priorities of the sports industry. We dissect the issues at hand with journalist Haresh Deol. Image credit: EPA-EFE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's heavy hand on Covid and treatment of pro-democracy supporters have sent droves of Hong Kongers away and stoppered demand from expat workers, raising concern that the city state's time in the sun as a financial centre is over. Michael Frank of the Economist Intelligence Unit, discusses. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movement restrictions have hit property counters hard, but what does that mean for REITs, hitherto seen as a hedge against inflation, which is assailing economies globally? Stewart Labrooy, Chairman Alpha REIT Managers and Honorary Secretary of the MRMA ( Malaysian REIT Managers Association), answers. Image credit: Unsplash.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's civil aviation regulator surprised the industry by approving the licences of two new airlines, SKS Airways and MYAirline, an ultra low-cost carrier. We discuss the potential rationale behind the decision and the impact this could have on the sector with Khair Mirza, Regional Director of Modalis Infrastructure Partners. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for...

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is in the centre of a political furore over a string of parties held by his staff when Covid-19 lockdowns were in effect. With calls for his resignation growing louder from both sides of the political aisle, can he stay in the top post? We discuss the political dynamics at play with Dr. Ben Wellings of Monash University. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnys...

Next month, the government will launch the National Agricommodity Policy 2021-2030, with the aim of driving the development of the commodities sector in a more sustainable, competitive and market-oriented manner. With agri-commodities accounting for 7.4% of Malaysia’s GDP in 2020, what should be in the policy to ensure sustained growth for the sector? We discuss this with Dr. Shaufique S...

Worldwide, Sukuk issuances are up 36% annually but Malaysia has lost its mantle as top global issuer. Bashar Al Natoor, Senior Director, Global Head of Islamic Finance, chats about the implications. Image credit: Unsplash.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chung Yi Fan helps us unpack the bumpy roll-out of the RFID payment system at selected toll plazas over the past week causing massive congestions at toll plazas along the North-South Highway and the Klang Valley. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask Datuk Chung Chee Leong, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Cagamas Berhad on their latest product, the reverse mortgage scheme with the intention of helping the elderly fund their retirement using their home as collateral for a loan. Image credit: Pixabay.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's GDP for 2021 hit 8.1% which was above market expectations but what are the growth prospects for this year? What will be the engines of growth and what is the cost of their zero covid strategy? Peiqian Liu, China Economist from NatWest Markets tells us. Image credit: Unsplash.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past few weeks, rumours have been flying about the possibility of snap polls being called in Johor, following the death of Kempas state assemblyman Dato’ Osman Sapian in December. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad has said any decision for snap polls must be done with proper justification, but he has not discounted calling for elections to ensure the stability of the government. Ho...

The Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted blood donation drives and prevented regular donors from contributing blood. How do blood shortages impact the provision of public medical services? Dr. Alvina Lau of the National Blood Centre explains the importance of ensuring a sustainable blood supply to hospitals and gives tips for first-time blood donors. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.c...

The Securities Commission (SC) concluded its enquiry on MACC chief Tan Sri Azam Baki's controversial share purchases, and said they were unable to conclusively establish any breach under Section 25(4) of the Securities Industry (Central Depositories) Act 1991 (SICDA). What does the SC statement mean and what are the implications of this? We get reactions from Subang MP Wong Chen. Image credit...

In response to pandemic pressures, in April 2020 Bursa Malaysia introduced a number of relief measures and fundraising flexibilities to help businesses stay afloat. We discuss share placements, rights issues and the consequences of a PN17 classification with Pankaj C Kumar, business commentator. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Joe Biden has put forth his nominations to fill the vacancies on the Board of the Federal Reserve namely former Fed governor Sarah Bloom Raskin, as well as academic economists Lisa Cook and Philip Jefferson. How will the composition of the Fed Board affect policy-making moving forward? We discuss the Fed's policy direction as well as the fall out of the trading scandal with Bloomberg...