General

While there were certainly monetary benefits, grants and tax cuts, could there more to be done to address other softer issues? For some context we speak to Datuk William Ng, Chairman, Small and Medium Enterprises Association.

Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.

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President Ferdinand “Bong Bong” Marcos Jr. marked 100 days in office last week. To the surprise of some, he has opted for a path of traditional statesmanship and policy moderation in his first 3 months, especially when compared to his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte, who was known for his firebrand politics and violent crackdown on drugs. However, amid deteriorating economic conditions in the Philippines, the president’s jet-setting and his family’s love of parties has been heavily criticised by the public. We speak to political analyst Andrea Chloe Wong for her review.

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All eyes will be on the US CPI data as it gives us an indication of the quantum and pace of rate hikes. But is the Federal Reserve too slow to see if inflation is coming down when there is anecdotal evidence of slowing car and homes sales? Tony Nash, CEO of Complete Intelligence tells us.

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TAPAUfest is back and stronger than ever with a whole new concept that brings festival goers to the beautiful site of Lenggong Perak for a 2-day experience like no other. We speak to Ahmad Faris from TAPAUasia to learn more about the festival's comeback, some of the challenges faced, curating the music lineup and more.

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The Times - Pesona Algebra

Sobs - Air Guitar

Sweetass - Crop Top 

ABANGSAPAU, Charlie Lim - Boyhood

Hindia -  Rumah Ke Rumah 

By The Way is a rapid-fire segment that gives you a snapshot of developing stories in the music world. This week, stories on Blink 182 reuniting and Sade going back into the studio, Beliebers seeking for a refund after Justin Bieber postpones the rest of his Justice tour, Duran Duran releasing a 40th annivesary documentary and Liverpool hosting 2023 Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine.

This week on Cruise Control, our petrolheads look ahead to some beautiful new launches in the local market, while also discussing Malaysia's roadmap to EV infrastructure, in light of the recent Budget 2023.

We start with a preview of some fresh releases, namely a new generation Toyota Harrier, dropping in the market to beef up Toyota's upsurge in sales numbers. Big families and transport companies will also be pleased as Hyundai launches their spaceship-inspired 10 seater, the Staria; promising space and comfort in one big MPV. Mazda also has a new and improved CX 30, announcing their proponent in a busy compact segment with a sporty SUV.

Next, we turn our attention to Malaysia's Budget 2023. Notwithstanding the fact that it will be re-tabled & tweaked following the dissolution of parliament & the upcoming general elections, we discuss the extension of the tax-free incentives for EVs and mull over its suitability to our local automotive industry.

Finally, Daniel waxes lyrical on Kia's in-demand electric 'fastback', turning many heads as he drove around in the beautiful Kia EV6.

David O' Russell's latest comes, predictably, with a stacked cast featuring, just to name a few, Christian Bale, Margot Robbie, John David Washington, Anya Taylor-Joy, Zoe Saldaña, and Timothy Olyphant. Set in 1930s, the plot is inspired by the Business Plot, a 1933 political conspiracy in the US, and tells the story of three friends who witness a murder, end up becoming suspects themselves, and get caught up in the goings-on. We review the movie, and talk about whether it lives up to the hype. 

What kind of candidates should parties push forward? This comes amidst a call for age limits to be imposed, and BN are saying at least 30% of their candidates will be women. So first, we look at the question of age, and whether there should be a limit. And then, the question of how more female participation in politics can be achieved.

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A video of Dato Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, president of UMNO, saying that it’s imperative that they win the election, to avoid more BN politicians being prosecuted has gone viral. We look at the responses.

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在过去的10年终，亚洲是全球最大的旅游地区。然而由于近年来疫情的肆虐，亚洲各个国家都采取了管制措施，导致旅游业遭遇瓶颈。虽然在后疫情时代下，大部分的国家都重新开放门户，欢迎外来游客，但同时各地旅游业也遭遇了旅游隐患的问题，即旅游业人员不足、语言沟通不良等。在重新开放旅游的同时，各国是否应该进行充分的准备呢？