Morning Brief

The scientific community is racing to better understand the latest Covid-19 variant, dubbed Omicron that was first reported in South Africa. We discuss the available data, the outstanding questions and how governments should respond to the risks of contagion with epidemiologist Ben Cowling. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Nazir Razak gives us a perspective on Better Malaysia Assembly as they request for the formation of a non-partisan assembly to propose reforms for systemic national change, but will this bring about the change that Malaysians want? Or will this just be another exercise in futility? Image credit: EPA-EFE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia saw 13 Initial Public Offerings in the 1st half of this year creating a market capitalisation of RM1.5 billion on the Bursa Malaysia. A total of RM395 million was raised which was 102% more than the same period last year. But will this positive trend continue in 2022 and from what sectors? Wong Kar Choon, IPO Leader, Audit & Assurance Partner from Deloitte Malaysia gives us his views...

The US Dollar had been already gaining strength prior to news of this Covid 19 variant, Omicron. But will emerging currencies face more headwinds over this new uncertainty and how will the Ringgit react? Saktiandi Supaat, Head of FX Research at Maybank tells us. Image credit: Pexels.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the median savings for all EPF members below age 55 stands at RM13,000, which translates to RM54 a month for their retirement years. We speak to Dr Geoffrey Williams, economist at the Malaysia University of Science and Technology on the possible solutions for this issue. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Election Commission has set December 18th as polling day for the upcoming 12th Sarawak state election. More than 1.2 million voters will be eligible to cast their ballot. Political commentator Dr James Chin discusses the parties to watch and logistical challenges for the state elections. Image credit: EPA-EFE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billions of dollars are pouring into English Premiership football, which naysayers are killing The Beautiful Game. Professor Simon Chadwick, Director of the Centre for Eurasian Sport, Emlyon Business School, discusses. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Charles Fine, Dean of Asia School of Business gives us an update on whether the supply chain disruptions taking place globally is easing and whether these disruptions will likely persist at the end of the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to statistics from the Home Affairs Ministry, some 2 million prisoners have been released in Malaysia over the past decade. What are the challenges to reintegration and what policy measures are needed to give ex-inmates a genuine second chance in society? We discuss ways to reduce the stigma with Prof. Datuk Dr. Denison Jayasooria. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listen...

Food prices are rising in Malaysia, raising concerns that households, already struggling with the pandemic, cannot cope.  Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education (CME), discusses causes and solutions. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed said that the National Energy Policy is in the final phase of development. This policy was first introduced in the 12th Malaysia plan and it has the ultimate aim,for Malaysia to be carbon neutral while achieving long-term energy security at competitive pricing. Yin Shao Loong, Senior Research Associate from Khazanah Resea...

The next presidential elections in the Philippines' is shaping up to be a clash of clans. Sara Duterte-Carpio, daughter of current President Rodrigo Duterte is running for Vice-President with Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as her running mate. The decision has revealed the faultlines in the Duterte political dynasty. How will it impact the trajectory of the elections? Philippines' political analyst Andrea C...

The next presidential elections in the Philippines' is shaping up to be a clash of clans. Sara Duterte-Carpio, daughter of current President Rodrigo Duterte is running for Vice-President with Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as her running mate. The decision has revealed the faultlines in the Duterte political dynasty. How will it impact the trajectory of the elections? Philippines' political analyst Andrea C...

The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections or Bersih marked 15 years since its inception on 23 November 2021. Bersih started out focusing on issues of voting and elections, but it has also become a standard-bearer for the principles of freedom of speech and public assembly. We discuss democratic change and the next chapter for Bersih with Thomas Fann. Image Credit: aizaq abdullah / Shutterstock.co...

Studies from Transparency International have shown that whistleblowing is the most effective way of detecting serious wrongdoings such as corruption and fraud. So how can the current Whistleblowing Act be better improved to enhance overall corporate governance of Malaysian businesses? Devanesan Evanson, CEO of the Minority Shareholders Watch Group tells us. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnys...

DJ Gribbin from Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners shares with us how the 1 trillion dollars infrastructure deal that was signed by President Biden will transform the US economy. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the disastrous results of the Melaka State election, will this prove to be a reflection point for Pakatan Harapan? And what will DAP do moving forward? Ong Kian Ming, MP for Bangi and DAP member shares his perspective.  Image credit: shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The economic recovery story for ASEAN has been mixed at best this year, due to the resurgence of Covid-19 and slow vaccination rates across the region. However, countries are easing restrictions as vaccination rates improve. Could the worst be over for ASEAN, and how do the fortunes of different countries stack up in 2022? We discuss the prospects with economist Joseph Incalcaterra. See omnystudio...

PKR's Communications Director Fahmi Fadzil shares why Pakatan Harapan and PKR suffered a heavy defeat for the coalition and how can it recover in time for GE22 after winning only five seats in the Melaka State Election. Image credit: shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We ask UMNO's info chief, Shahril Hamdan about Barisan Nasional's emphatic victory in Melaka State election and whether this signifies the great comeback for UMNO.   Image credit: shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Melaka state elections will be held on Saturday, 20th November, amidst muted campaigning due to pandemic restrictions. With multi-corner fights in all 28 seats, which coalition will emerge victor? We discuss the potential scenarios with political commentator Dr. Hamidin Abdul Hamid. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The theme for this year's World Children's Day, observed on 20th November is "A better future for every child." What kind of policies are needed to ensure a better future for Malaysian children? We discuss the proposal to set up a dedicated ministry for children's issues and other child-centric policies with former deputy minister for women, family and community development Hannah Yeoh. Image Cred...

The theme for this year's World Children's Day, observed on 20th November is "A better future for every child." What kind of policies are needed to ensure a better future for Malaysian children? We discuss the proposal to set up a dedicated ministry for children's issues and other child-centric policies with former deputy minister for women, family and community development Hannah Yeoh. Image Cred...

Convicted ex-PM Najib Razak's RM100m house and land request might splinter a fragile PH-Govt pact that PH says offered a chance of much-needed reform. And which also threatens the nation's economic recovery if Budget '22 fails to pass. Wong Chen, MP for Subang, discusses. Image credit: EPA-EFE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the eve of Children's Day, Educational Psychologist Tan Cheng Yi addresses the challenges kids have been facing following nearly two years of lockdowns and virtual learning. Image credit: shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.