General

Yesterday, statements emerged from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Rulers, indicating support for the reopening of Parliament as soon as possible. What kind of political implications will this statement have? We speak to Dr. Hamidin Abd Hamid, Research Fellow, Ilham Centre to find out.

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As we continue the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, it has become quite apparent that public-private partnerships have become an important part of the ongoing struggle. The Morning Run speaks to Ahmad Shahizam bin Mohd Shariff, President and Managing Director of KPJ Healthcare Bhd, for KPJ's vaccination efforts, challenges, and more.

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15 months into the Covid-19 crisis, retailers still face constant challenges with the ever-changing SOPs and sluggish consumer sentiment. But with the recently announced National Recovery Plan, is the future more optimistic? Datuk Wira Dr. Ameer Ali Mydin, Managing Director of Mydin gives us his views whilst also telling us what assistance is most needed during these times.

Yap Lip Seng, CEO of the Malaysian Association of Hotels discusses if the National Recovery Plan is helpful for the tourism and hospitality industry, and further support that is needed.

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Under the weight of a surge in Covid-19 cases, Indonesia's economic outlook is looking even more dire than initially expected. Jakarta is also aiming to bring the state budget deficit to below 3% of GDP in 2023. We speak to Jerry Goh, Investment Manager Asia Equities of Aberdeen Standard Investments about whether the pandemic will derail Indonesia's economic outlook in the months to come.

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At last night’s FOMC meeting, the US Federal Reserve brought forward rate hikes with 2 rate increases by 2023. What is the implication here? The Morning Run speaks to Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy with Mizuho Bank, about this. They also get into whether the market has priced in U.S-China geopolitical risks and Dollar-Yuan dynamics. Additionally, they touch on how the FOMC’s statements will influence BNM’s policy decision when they meet next month.

We check in with Ian Cook, one-third of the Scottish synth-pop band Chvrches. They are set to release their forthcoming album titled “Screen Violence” - their first since 2018. The band is back with two singles so far, their latest one being ‘How Not To Drown’ featuring Robert Smith of The Cure. Ian shares his experience and the process of recording the release amid a global pandemic with travel restrictions in place.

IMAGE SOURCE: Chvrches

Over the weekend, Sony Music Entertainment made an unprecedented move releasing digital streaming royalties to artists who signed deals in the pre-streaming era. This falls under their initiative “Artists Forward” which aims to enhance industry practice and transparency among creatives. With Sony making the move, will other major record labels follow suit? NME Asia’s journalist Adrian Yap joins us to share his thoughts.

IMAGE SOURCE: Sony Music Entertainment 

By The Way is a rapid-fire segment that gives you a snapshot of developing stories in the music world. This week, updates on Eric Clapton experience getting his AstraZeneca shot, two forthcoming music documentaries, "Whole Lotta Love" has been voted the 'Greatest Guitar Riff Of All Time' & Rainforest World Music Festival is back and going virtual for the first time.

On this week's show, we'll be speaking with Keem Ooi, a music teacher that has gained quite a following on social media for her delectable, patterned cakes. Over the pandemic, Keem has captured the attention of keen bakers across the globe, from adorable animal crossing characters on silky-soft sponges, to a drawing of the Bernie Sanders meme on a Chinese New Year roll cake, to an artsy, accurate replication of The Great Wave off Kanagawa. On the episode, Keem shares about her newfound fame, and love for baking.

IMAGE SOURCE: Keem Ooi / INSTAGRAM