General

The year 2022 wasn’t smooth sailing for proponents of ESG. The energy crisis stemming from the war in Ukraine underscored global dependence on fossil fuels for the medium term, while allegations of greenwashing by big brands also created public backlash towards ESG labels. Will 2023 be another year of reckoning for ESG? We discuss ESG themes and trends with Tan Zhai Yun, the Editor for ESG at The Edge Malaysia.

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Dato' Dr Colin Lee, Managing Director at KL Wellness City, shares with us about medical real estate and creating Southeast Asia's first fully integrated and interconnected ecosystem that blends medical care, healthcare, wellness and fitness into a purpose built hub. For more information: Visit klwellnesscity.com or call 03-80907799

The Prime Minister and his cabinet attended a one day retreat to bolster consensus and solidarity among Ministers whilst discussing the future direction of the government and set KPIs for each ministry. Such a retreat appears imperative as the government comprises parties that contested against each other at GE 15. Additionally, with six state elections due this year, Anwar’s ministers will have to strategize how to work together to show a united and stable federal government. But how will the KPIs be set? What should the priorities be, especially since the rakyat’s patience may wear thin if no results are forthcoming soon. For some thoughts on this we have with us Tricia Yeoh, CEO, IDEAS.

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In 2022 Malaysia saw the launch of Malaysia’s new low-cost carrier, MYAirline. From 3 destinations in December last year, the carrier aims to expand its fleet size to 50 in five years. CEO, Rayner Teo shares with us their path to profitability and how they are differentiating themselves from the other low cost carriers.

One of the biggest negatively impacted sectors from the pandemic was property which saw sales and launches decline. Recovery was seen in 2021 and also last year but still below pre-pandemic levels. Chan Ai Cheng, President, Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents tell us if recovery is in view for 2023 despite the economic slowdown and rising interest rates.

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There are strong expectations that the average Chinese consumer will be back with a vengeance with the relaxation of Covid-19 restriction and the opening of borders effective January 8. But this reopening has not been without its headwinds as we have seen higher hospitalisation rates and also deaths in China. China remains a crucial market for categories geared toward consumers with higher incomes on the back of rising affluence. But with a still uncertain environment and fluid nature of this reopening, how should investors be positioning for stocks within the consumer sector? For insights, we have Catherine Lim, Senior Analyst Bloomberg Intelligence.

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The Treasury Department warned that the U.S. will reach the debt limit on January 19 and will need extraordinary measures from Congress to avoid a default. How concerned should financial markets be with this upcoming event? Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist at the US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management tells us.

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With our eyes set on unearthing the freshest flavors from unexpected places, we widen our scope with hand-picked musical gems from all across Asia.

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Gas Lab, Kazumi Kaneda - Swell

BAP. - Small Love

Yukihiro Takahashi - Saravah

Yellow Magic Orchestra - Firecracker

Wobbebong - Kereta Terbang

Lil Asian Thiccie - LATE NITE SNACK

White Chorus - 404 Not Found - VIP Mix

Cayenne - Centrefold

Soft Soft Pillow - Have Fun

Ramayan - Moronic

Masdo - Inilah JalanNya

The Panturas - All I Want

Rub of Rub - Bersarang

HBO’s recent release of The Last of Us TV adaptation allows us the opportunity to talk about one of the most controversial and divisive video game sequels ever released, The Last of Us PT2. Tune in to find out our (2020) thoughts on the game and whether it is indeed divisive or not.

While too early to call them champions-elect, Arsenal pull away at the top of the table with a statement victory in the North London Derby. Now eight-points clear, Arteta's men continues their rich run of form however would have to exorcise their demons as this weekend they face the only team to beat them in the league, Manchester United. Speaking of exorcising demons, the Red Devils enacted sweet revenge albeit on a lesser scoreline as Rashford & Fernandes gave United a 2-1 win over City in a nail-biting Manchester derby. Elsewhere, Newcastle grabbed a late win over Fulham, while Chelsea dispatched Crystal Palace handily at Stamford Bridge with a Kai Havertz winner. All is not well with Liverpool & Jurgen Klopp as Brighton & Hove Albion trashed them 3-0 while city rivals Everton surrendered a lead going down to a James Ward Prowse inspired Southampton. All that and more on this week's Just For Kicks.