BFM :: Morning Brief

Following the announcement by the Health Minister that the government will no longer award pharmaceutical procurement contracts to just one company, we speak to Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy whether this will be the much needed panacea to our sustained supply of affordable drugs?Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Singapore's private home prices fell for the first time in five quarters in the July to September period as the private home price index fell 1.1%. Meanwhile, the latest URA data has shown that the office rental index (Central Region) registered a 0.5% quarter-on-quarter decline as vacancy spiked by almost 8%. So is it all doom and gloom for Singapore property and what is the outlook for 2025? Alan Cheong, Executive Director, of Savills Singapore tell us his perspective.Image Credit: shutterstock.com

The issue of abolishing subsidies for packet cooking oil has been discussed numerous times at the cabinet level with no firm decision on this matter despite it costing the government more than RM800mn. We ask Prof. Dr. Mohd Nazari bin Ismail, Honorary Professor, Department of Management & Marketing, Faculty of Business and Economics at Universiti Malaya for his views on this.Image Credit: shutterstock.com

In the final weeks of his term, US President Joe Biden has given the greenlight for Ukraine to use American-made long-range missiles on Russian targets. How will this impact the trajectory of the war in Ukraine and will a Trump presidency change the dynamics? We discuss the latest developments with Dr. Alexey Muraviev of Curtin University.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Incoming President Donald Trump has been vocal with his intentions to impose 60% tarrifs on Chinese imports and duties of 20% on all other imports. What impact will this have on Malaysia's Semiconductor industry? We discuss this with Dato' Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association, and Dr. Tay Kheng Chiong, Group Managing Director of D&O Green Technologies Berhad whilst asking if we have the right policies in place to take the sector to the next level.

The government is mulling a proposal to introduce a code of conduct for athletes, especially regarding social media use to enforce better discipline and balance between training and personal lives. Would this be an effective solution? We discuss the challenges of implementation and broader issues on Malaysian sports' performance with Haresh Deol, Editor with the news portal Twentytwo13.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

The National Assembly of Vietnam approved the government's 2025 economic plan with total central budget revenue being set at over US$39.4 billion, with the goal of of helping one of Asia's fastest growing economies to hit 7-7.5% growth. However, is incoming President Donald Trump with his tariff plans an obstacle to this goal and how should the Vietnamese government navigate this new world order? Dr Nguyen Khac Giang, Visiting Fellow, Vietnam Studies Programme, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute gives us his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

The biggest event on the climate change agenda, COP29, is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan over the next two weeks. What are the policy priorities that Malaysia is pushing for on this platform, and what international support is needed for us to achieve the national targets that we've set for ourselves? We hear from Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Education Ministry is looking to improve the Reproductive and Social Health Education (PEERS) module to be implemented in 2027, in response to the rise in teen pregnancy. What would an effective and meaningful syllabus look like? Sex educator June Low weighs in.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

This year's Singles' Day was said to be the biggest yet, as financial data from China's e-commerce giants showed strong sales growth. Independent tracker Syntun estimated that transactions across all platforms in the weeks leading up to November 11th rose by nearly 27%. So, has consumer sentiment improved, or are people just waiting for this once-a-year discount? We review the data with Catherine Lim, Senior Industry Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence.Image Credit: shutterstock.com

The government is looking to finalise a code of conduct for social media platforms that sets out the rules for the license regime that's due to kick in on 1 January 2025. Does the code provide sufficient clarity for platforms? We discuss the implications of the regulatory regime with Dr. Benjamin Loh of Taylor's University.Image Credit: shutterstock.com

US President-elect Donald Trump has wasted no time appointing his Cabinet with people to execute his “America First” policies. With less than 70 days to build out his team before Inauguration Day on January 20th, we examine those appointments with Dr Kathryn Robison, Lecturer in American Studies, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Malaysiakini has been reporting on an anonymous whistleblower who has video evidence allegedly showing discussions between a businessman and various state assemblymen about bribes for a project licence. The whistleblower has also asked for a written guarantee from the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission for immunity from prosecution. Ramkarpal Singh, the former Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and the current MP for Bukit Gelugor, shares his thoughts on this development.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

How much progress can Malaysia make on the long-stalled Code of Conduct on the South China Sea during its ASEAN Chairmanship? We discuss this and how a Trump presidency could affect regional security dynamics with Dr. Rahman Yaacob, Research Fellow with the Lowy Centre.Image Credit: shutterstock.com

Putrajaya is considering using nuclear energy as a power source for the country in the future, as part of the efforts towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Work is already ongoing to develop a legal and regulatory framework to govern the use of nuclear energy. Dr Nahrul Khair Alang Rashid, Professor of Nuclear Engineering Programme at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, gives us some context into what lies ahead for Malaysia's nuclear ambition.Image Credit: shutterstock.com

With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office for his second term in January, there is a lot of speculation on what his foreign policy might look like, particularly US-Asean relations. Dr Prashanth Parameswaran, a fellow at the Wilson Center and founder of the ASEAN Wonk newsletter, looks at the various possible scenarios when the Trump administration gets to work for the next four years.Image Credit: shutterstock.com

Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 US presidential election brings with it potential shifts in how Asian fixed income markets will behave. For one, Trump's stance on fiscal expansion and trade protectionism could keep US interest rates higher for longer with a stronger dollar, creating pressure on regional debt. Jason Yu, Head of Multi Asset and Fixed Income Management, Asia at Schroders, shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Germany's governing coalition has collapsed after Chancellor Olaf Scholz sacked his finance minister, following disagreements over the country's weak economy. To address the crisis, Scholz has called for a confidence vote on Jan 15 and if he fails to secure support, Germany could face elections as early as March. Dr Frederick Kliem, Managing Director of Episteme Consultants, shares his views.Image Credit: shutterstock.com

The award of the second 5G spectrum has taken many by surprise when U Mobile, the smallest of telco players won it. However, this has raised more questions as to the reasons, technical specifications and also the benefit to the country for this award that the regulator, MCMC has yet to answer. Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice Chancellor for External Engagement, at Taylor's University gives us his perspective and the implications of this on Malaysia Inc.Image Credit: shutterstock.com

China has announced a five-year package totaling CNY10 trillion to tackle local government debt problems, while signalling that more economic support would come next year and the year after that. Ho Woei Chen, an economist & senior vice president at UOB, shares her views on how effective Beijing's stimuli might be in the wake of slowing China growth and an impending Trump administration until 2028.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Following the death of an 18-year-old boy on a Penang express bus after being electrocuted while charging his phone, concerns have been raised over the safety of electrical components in public transport. What are the regulations that apply and could this be better enforced? We speak with Dr Law Teik Hua, Associate Professor at Road Safety Research Centre of Universiti Putra Malaysia for more insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Despite the political uncertainty in Japan after a shocking LDP loss and a Trump Presidency, the Japanese equity markets continue to do well, up 18%. We speak to Max Godwin, Portfolio Manager, Japan Equities, Eastspring Investments Singapore as to what is the best investment strategy to adopt and what sectors to pay attention to.Image Credit: shutterstock.com

Since 2023, the Ministry of Health received more than 300 complaints over complications from aesthetic procedures done at illegal beauty premises. Despite existing legislation, why are these cases becoming more prevalent? We discuss the state of enforcement and public awareness about cosmetic procedures with Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo, President-Elect, at the Malaysian Medical Association.Image Credit: shutterstock.com

Republican candidate Donald Trump has been elected the 47th president of the United States. The 78-year-old pulled off a stunning political comeback in one of the most polarised contests for the White House in the country's history. Joining us to discuss the results of the 2024 US presidential election is John S. Jackson, Visiting Professor at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Ringgit has been one of the best performing currencies in Asia this year although some of the earlier gains have been returned. We speak to Dr Cassey Lee, Senior Fellow and Coordinator, Regional Economic Studies Programme, ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute to understand how the Ringgit can appreciate in a sustainable manner for the long term.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Who will be the next resident of the White House? We discuss expectations for the presidential elections, including the timeline of results and trends to watch with Samuel Garett, Research Associate at the United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney. Image Credit: shutterstock.com

Kemi Badenoch has been voted the new leader of the U.K.'s opposition Conservative Party with the hope that she can revive the party's fortunes after securing just 121 seats in the 650-seat Parliament in the last elections. Dr Benjamin Barton, Head of School of Politics and International Relations at University of Nottingham Malaysia gives us his perspective on what changes she will make and an overview of the recently tabled UK Budget.Image Credit: shutterstock.com

The US presidential race is going down to the wire, with Kamala Harris and Donald Trump neck-and-neck in opinion polls. We catch up with Dhanya Nair of BFM News on the eve of voting to gauge the mood and expectations of the elections.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Bersatu held party elections over the weekend, but the process was far from smooth sailing. Some 10 divisions were suspended at the eleventh hour while 15 division committee members, announced they quit the party. Dr Azmil Mohd Tayeb, Political Scientist and Associate Professor, Universiti Sains Malaysia gives us a glimpse as to the reasons for this and what this means for their political future.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Madani Government is reviving the National Service Training Programme (PLKN) 3.0 beginning January 2025 at a cost of RM50 million ringgit. Can the implementation of the national service programme truly improve nation building and unity among Malaysian youth? We speak with Syafiq Ridzwan, Chief of Information, Malaysian Youth Council for more insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

The U.S. is set to elect a new leader in just a couple of days but concerns are growing that additional tariffs under a second Donald Trump presidency would dampen global growth. What impact however will it has specifically on the Asean 6 countries? Lavanya Venkateswaran, Senior ASEAN Economist, OCBC gives us her perspective whilst telling us if emerging market currencies would also see weakness as a result.Image Credit: shutterstock.com

There have been several developments in the Middle East this week, including the banning of UNWRA in Israel, as well as Israeli strikes on Iran, Gaza and Lebanon. We speak to Dr. Ghada Soliman of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies to discuss the implications of these events and whether the outcome of the US elections could impact what happens in the Middle East.Image Credit: shutterstock.com

Is the media acting responsibly when they chase stories involving children or are there cases where their rights are ignored? We speak with Dr Farah Nini Dusuki, Children's Commissioner at SUHAKAM about the implementation of regulations under the Child Act 2001 related to media reporting on cases involving children.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

International rice prices have dropped following India's decision to resume exports of non-basmati rice for the first time in 14 months. With adverse climate conditions and volatile rice prices becoming the norm, how can the industry adapt to ensure food security? We speak to Dr. Paul Teng, Professor & Adjunct Senior Fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies for insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

The High Court will decide today whether or not there is a prima facie case against former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, for 25 counts of abuse of power and who has been charged with four counts of abuse of power and 21 counts of money laundering. Giving his thoughts on the matter is P. Gunasegaram, Independent Business Writer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

The upcoming US elections are being seen as the most consequential in recent history, with Vice-President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump what is the sentiment in the US ahead of elections? We speak to BFM correspondent Dhanya Nair on factors that could influence the outcome. Image Credit: shutterstock.com

The Minister of Housing and Local Government Nga Kor Ming announced that under new anti-corruption criteria introduced this year, twelve local authorities (PBTs) have had their ratings downgraded. How are PBTs assessed for their anti-corruption efforts? We get views from Pushpan Murugiah, CEO of the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) on how these developments could reshape accountability in local governance.Image Credit: shutterstock.com

Big Tech earnings are in the spotlight as 5 of the 7 Magnificents report their third quarter results, amid a focus on the AI revolution and how the upcoming US presidential elections might impact future performances. Dan Ives, Managing Director at Wedbush Securities, shares his views.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living is looking to review commission fees imposed by e-commerce platforms on sellers. Eng Kin Hoong, President of Malaysia Cross Border E-Commerce Association discusses whether the government should indeed step in to regulate the commission e-commerce platforms take from sellers.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Budget 2025's focus on Malaysia's real estate sector included a RM10 billion ringgit allocation for the Housing Credit Guarantee Scheme as well as tax relief and RM900 million ringgit for affordable home initiatives. Datuk Chang Kim Loong, Honorary Secretary-General of the National House Buyers Association shares his thoughts on the budget announcement.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Japan's ruling coalition, the Liberal Democratic Party, led by PM Shigeru Ishiba, has failed to secure a parliamentary majority following a snap election he decided to call. Voters appear to be punishing the LDP over a funding scandal and inflation. Michael Čuček, Assistant Professor of Asian Studies at Temple University, Japan Campus shares his insights into what might transpire in the coming days and weeks. Image Credit: さかおり / Wikimedia Commons

There have been a spate of human trafficking cases reported of late, most prominently stemming from the GISB probe. How robust is Malaysia's anti-trafficking regime and what are the gaps that need to be addressed? We discuss the situation with Dr Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid, criminologist at Universiti Malaya.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com