General

Budget 2023 demonstrated Malaysia's commitment towards the adoption of electric vehicles that included the extension of the current import and excise duties exemption for EVs for another year. That covers fully-imported models but there was no mention for locally-assembled EVs. We speak to Jim Lim, Equity Research Analyst at RHB Banking Group for his take on how these measures including initiatives to ensure more charging infrastructure is put in place, might impact Malaysia's automotive sector.

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

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Many quarters were opposed to holding the 15th general election during the monsoon season, especially given the unprecedented floods in December last year, but Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri has finally dissolved parliament. What does this say about who really is in charge of UMNO, and is this election theirs to lose? Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Centre gives us his views.

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Accounting firms today have expanded their business to more than just auditing, with many of the major firms like the Big Four expanding into digital services, risk assurance and even consulting. Are we also seeing smaller firms follow suit? Philip See speaks to Francesca Lagerberg, the newly appointed CEO of Baker Till, and also the tenth largest accounting network in the world by revenue, on the industry landscape and the company’s plans moving forward.

盗提、骇客等问题，在如今的网络世界中层出不穷，即便是国际级的公司都防不胜防。然而，在资安科技愈加发达的情况下，即便是中小企业也成为了骇客眼中的目标，但多数的公司抱持着庆幸的心态，忽略网络安全对公司未来长远的发展。本期的节目，我们邀请到网络安全专家，同时也是LGMS公司的创办人冯宗福跟我们分享，为什么网络安全对公司发展如此重要。

Budget 2023 included proposals to make Malaysia more business-friendly to attract more foreign direct investments. These included the extension of various tax incentives on eligible green projects and the implementation of a 15% global minimum tax to be implemented in 2024. Michel van Crombrugge, Vice President of the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce & Industry talks to us about what Budget 2023 got right and what it missed, as well as the ongoing labour issues Malaysia continues to face.

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

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The war in Ukraine has taken another turn after Russian forces launched air strikes across the country, in the most extensive attack by Russia since the beginning of the war. Although Russia said that it only targeted military, energy and telecommunications facilities, there is evidence that civilian infrastructures such as residential buildings and schools were also hit. Does this indicate a changing of tactics from the Russian military? We discuss the latest developments with Alexey Muraviev of Curtin University.

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The Australian dollar is down 14% against the greenback on a year to date basis while the property markets is in the doldrums. What does this mean for the lucky country's economy? How resilient is it against a global recession. Jack Kouzi, Director for Strategy at VFS Group tells us.

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A music programme focusing on vintage big band and classic swing sounds from the yesteryears. Hosted by the dynamic duo Sean Ghazi & Ida Mariana. This week, we present a selection of our absolute favourites by the late great Allahyarham Tan Sri P. Ramlee.
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Tracklist:

Ramlee, Sudin & Aziz - Bujang Lapok
Sheila Majid - Dimana Kan Kucari Ganti
Saloma & Pancha Sitara - Bila Larut Malam
Muchsin Alatas - Engkau Laksana Bulan
P. Ramlee & Saloma - Gelora
P. Ramlee - Jeritan Batinku
P. Ramlee & Saloma - Malam Bulan Dipagar Bintang
P. Ramlee - Bunyi Gitar
Anita Sarawak - Dengar Ini Cerita
Sean Ghazi - Getaran Jiwa

After budget allocation for sports was cut by almost 70% in 2022, the 2023 Budget promises more goodies in all sectors of the ecosystem with RM332million allocated to the industry. Notwithstanding the fact that the budget will be retabled/tweaked following the dissolution of parliament & the upcoming general elections - this week, we dive deeper into the allocation covering all facets of the industry - from the elites, grassroots, esports, parasports, as well as sports operators/associations. We also ask the age old question, will there be transparency with the trickling of funds?

Noraseela Khalid from MOA (Malaysian Olympians Association) & Haresh Deol from twentytwo13 joins us.

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

Every so often, a movie comes out of nowhere and gathers enough buzz to break into the mainstream. Such is the case of French action drama Athena, which received a warm reception at various festivals before making its way to Netflix. The film, directed by Romain Gavras, revolves around the tragic killing of a young boy from the community of Athena, which sparks a larger conflict involving his three siblings who search for answers. We review the movie.