Morning Brief

The opt-in AstraZeneca vaccination programme commenced yesterday in four centres in the Klang Valley. However, at the same time Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, cautioned that Phase 3 of the National Covid Immunisation Programme could be delayed due to a supply shortage. We reached out to Asst Prof Dr Farhan Rusli, Public Health Medicine Specialist from Internati...

The Savills Asia Pacific Investment Q1 report this year, which looked at the real estate market in the APAC region, found that transaction volumes are on the rise. Does this signal grow confidence among real estate investors in the region? We speak to Simon Smith, Asia-Pacific Regional Head of research and Consultancy from Savills to find out. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/list...

The various movement control orders have significantly dampened the tourism industry. Nigel Wong, Honorary Secretary-General of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents discusses the potential impact of MCO 3.0 on his members, and wonders when the bottom will be. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The courtroom showdown between Epic Games and Apple began this week, with Epic Games saying they deliberately violated Apple's marketplace rules to showcase the disproportionate power that Apple wields over developers. So the question is: Does Epic Games have a case? We speak to Professor David Olson, associate professor, Boston College Law School to find out. Image credit: Camilo Concha / Shutter...

Recently, it came to light that the accreditation for more than 20 courses under LimKokWing University have been revoked. Teo Nie Ching, Kulai MP and former Deputy Education Minister discusses the implications and how students can better protect themselves before enrolling into universities. Image Credit: Nirat.pix | Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Transparency International Corruption Perception Index indicates that Malaysians perceive politicians and the police to be most corrupt. Dr Muhammad Mohan, President, Transparency International-Malaysia discusses the priorities for stamping out corruption, making a case for introducing a Misconduct In Public Office Act and having a more powerful Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Com...

In the midst of a massive Covid-19 surge in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP party have been defeated in state elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. Mass campaign rallies have been blamed for the spike in coronavirus cases, giving rise to questions over whether this is the beginning of the end of Modi's political journey. We speak to X to find out. Image Credit: EPA-EFE...

In March, the World Bank said that Malaysia would become a high-income economy between 2024 and 2028. Geoffrey Williams, Professor at Malaysia University of Science and Technology discusses how the pandemic sets us back, and other more pressing issues to address. Image Credit: f11photo | Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hot on social media was tweets about Better Malaysia Foundation’s affordable housing project. We discuss with Hamdan Abdul Majeed, Managing Director, Think City on the challenges of providing affordable homes in Klang Valley and possible solutions for this long-standing problem. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the Securities Commission of Malaysia updated the Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance, focusing on the nomination of board members and sustainability, among others. Another addition discouraged public-listed companies from appointing active politicians to their board of directors. We speak to Azmir Zain, private investment director and frequent commentator on corporate governance, fo...

We're now seeing uneven 5G development as policymakers’ across the world have taken varying approaches on spectrum management. How does Malaysia's shared 5G infrastructure framework compare with the more typical spectrum auction method? The Morning run speaks to Janice Chong, Senior Director at Fitch Ratings, on this, as well as thoughts on Digital National Berhad, the effectiveness of spect...

Dato’ Ahiruddin Attan, President of the National Press Club discusses Malaysia’s large decline from 101st to 119th spot on the World Press Freedom Index, and the challenges ahead for media players. Image Credit: Afif Abd. Halim / Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato’ Ahiruddin Attan, President of the National Press Club discusses Malaysia’s large decline from 101st to 119th spot on the World Press Freedom Index, and the challenges ahead for media players. Image Credit: Afif Abd. Halim / Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sharifah Zaida Nurlisha, President of the Malaysia Oil & Gas Services Council (MOGSC), discusses the country's National Oil & Gas Services and Equipment Blueprint, in the context of a sub-sector which has only half of its 4,000-strong membership still active as well as beset by a number of policy and industry woes. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...

Dr Helmy Haja Mydin helps address the concerns over the Astra Zeneca vaccine and shares his perspective on the proposal to set up a dedicated vaccination centre for those who want to take it by the Malaysian Government. Image Credit: Marc Bruxelle | Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Biden marked his 100th day in office with his first formal address to Congress. Robert Shapiro, Professor of Government at Columbia University reviews his performance against campaign promises and tells us what the priorities are for the rest of this term. Image credit: EPA-EFE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 233 Fintech companies in Malaysia, who will be the winners in this growing sector? Vincent Fong, Chief Editor of Fintech News Malaysia tells us whilst revealing whether any Malaysian companies have the potential to be a unicorn. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Tan Hai Hsin on whether the surge of e-commerce will prevail post-pandemic and gauge the current performance of the retail sector as different omnichannel strategies are adopted. Image credit: Tooykrub/Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Biden has proposed a series of tax hikes to pay for childcare and education programs. Markets were initially sold down on this news but have since recovered. Ed Clissold, Chief US Strategist at Ned Davis Research tells us if this has a significant long-term impact on markets and will this see a shift towards more passive investing. Image credit: EPA-EFE/ Stefani Reynolds / POOL See omnys...

Katrina Ell, Senior APAC Economist at Moody's Analytics, discusses higher-than-expected March CPI numbers, even as Malaysia grapples with a slow vaccine rollout and an uncertain economic outlook. Image credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawrence Wong has been announced as Singapore's new Finance Minister in a major cabinet reshuffle. With that, is he the new heir apparent to the Prime Minister's post? Nydia Ngiow, Bower Group Asia weighs in on this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent Merdeka Center survey results showed Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s approval rating at a steady 67 percent. We speak straight to the source, Merdeka Centre’s Programme Director, Ben Suffian on what this survey result means and the demographics behind this figure. Image Credit: S.O. | Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent Merdeka Center survey results showed Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s approval rating at a steady 67 percent. We speak straight to the source, Merdeka Centre’s Programme Director, Ben Suffian on what this survey result means and the demographics behind this figure. Image Credit: S.O. | Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home-based learning and teaching will be implemented for 2 weeks after the Hari Raya holidays. Previously the government decided to close schools for two days when any cases have been reported. Are these the right decisions? We speak to Harry Tan, Secretary-General, National Union Of The Teaching Profession (NUTP). Image Credit: Mejini Neskah / Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

Home-based learning and teaching will be implemented for 2 weeks after the Hari Raya holidays. Previously the government decided to close schools for two days when any cases have been reported. Are these the right decisions? We speak to Harry Tan, Secretary-General, National Union Of The Teaching Profession (NUTP). Image Credit: Mejini Neskah / Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...