General

Budget 2022 received the highest allocation in the nation’s history at RM332 billion. Malaysia witnessed a 6.9% growth in the GDP for the first half of 2022 and is projected to exceed annual growth targets this year. How much of this is due to the implementation of Budget 2022 policies? Farah Rosley of EY gives us her review.

For more information on Budget 2023, visit budget.mof.gov.my.

From October 11 onwards, Japan will finally open its borders to individual tourists, and resume visa free entry for short term travellers, thus marking the end of their cap on daily arrivals. Will this mean Japan’s tourism sector seeing a light at the end of the tunnel? We speak to Denise Wong, Equity Analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence for some outlook on Japan’s prospects.

According to police statistics, more than 71,000 scams amounting to over RM5.2 billion in losses were reported between 2020 and May 2022. In response, Bank Negara is introducing a slew of initiatives to curb financial scams, including instructing banks to migrate away from SMS OTP authentication. How effective are these measures? We get reactions from Munira Mustaffa of Chasseur Group.

Image credit: Shutterstock

With markets in a bear market, are there still opportunities to bottom fish? Jack Kouzi, Director for Strategy at VFS Group gives us his views whilst telling us the impact of a strong dollar on other currencies.

We get you out of bed, to your first cup of coffee or to your first destination of your day with thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping all our lives.

03:13: The rise of male beauty rebellion

09:12: Can you avoid ultra-processed food?

15:13: International headlines

21:46: Local headlines

Image credit: Shutterstock

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 our favourite duets.
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Tracklist:
Azlina Aziz & Ahmad Fauzee - Jangan Menjeling

Nona Asiah & Zainal Alam - Oh Abang

Uji Rashid & Hail Amir - Asmara Bergelora

Sean Ghazi & Ida Mariana - Jikalau Kau Tahu

Kartina Dahari & Julie Sudiro - Burung Nuri

Roy & Francissca Peter - Hingga Kau Kembali

P. Ramlee & Saloma - Gelora

R. Azmi & Rokiah Wanda - Pemuda Pemudi

Sharifah Aini & Sweet September - Kau Datang

Sudirman & Anita Sarawak - Bercanda Di Pasiran Pantai

At the recently concluded 20th SUKMA (Malaysia) Games, one of the biggest controversies was on the news that three weightlifters (one from Perlis, two from Terengganu) tested positive for banned substances throwing the entire event into uncertainty. The Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF) ultimately pulled out from conducting the event, leaving a group of weightlifting enthusiasts to run it.

One of the three sports - alongside sepak takraw and taekwondo - that were dropped from the list of core sports due to doping issues in 2017, this week on the programme, we explore why doping is still prevalent in sports with Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz, the founding CEO of the National Sports Institute.

Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters revolves around the evolving relationships between Reese, Ames, and Katrina. Reese and Ames were in a loving relationship until Ames detransitioned. When Katrina tells Ames she's pregnant with his baby, all three of them are forced to re-examine their ideas of family and womanhood. We discuss the pleasures of reading the book, and how it blends the personal and the political seamlessly. We close off the conversation by sharing how we decide what to read next.

Described as his most personal film, Belfast is written and directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh, and explores the coming-of-age of a young boy in Belfast during The Troubles. Starring Caitríona Balfe, Judi Dench, Jamie Dornan, Ciarán Hinds, Colin Morgan and Jude Hill, the film received very warm reviews and a lot of awards buzz. We discuss our experience of watching this film, and how it captures a city and its people.

From beautiful beaches and mountains, to adventurous activities and delicious food - Langkawi is a great holiday destination, and one that suits every budget. Join us as we explore the island and its possibilities with Nadge Ariffin, tourism consultant. For more information, visit malaysia.travel