Morning Brief

The UN Climate Change Conference has been ongoing for about a week, and the focus in the last few days has been on fossil fuels. Shazana Mokhtar, Presenter & Producer on the Morning Run who is there in Dubai tell us why this issue has flared up, what are the other significant announcements so far especially from the Malaysian contingent.

Image credit: Reuters

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya is set to announce a quota increase for its 7-year-old Net Energy Metering Scheme by year's end. This comes as the existing quota that was expanded by 630 megawatts back in March this year has already been fully taken up. Davis Chong, President of the Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association talks about the growing demand for rooftop solar installations for residential, commercial and industrial buildings driving this latest decision.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shopping traffic has returned back to pre-Covid levels. Lines are forming outside popular stores but their purchasing power is weakened by the cost of living crisis. The Retail Group Malaysia has lowered its retail sales growth rate estimate for the fourth quarter of 2023 to 2.1%. This is down from the 3% the group had estimated back in September. Tan Hai Hsin, Managing Director of Retail Group Malaysia shares with us his views about the retail sector.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A white paper outlining the progressive wage policy has been introduced by the government, scheduled for implementation in June next year. Dr. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center For Market Education provides his insights into the potential impact of this policy on our wage landscape which is only for those earning RM5000 and below.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is expected to come up with a framework soon to facilitate the registration and regulation of social media platform providers. We discuss how this framework could affect the industry with Alexander Wong, managing editor and co-founder of SoyaCincau.

Image credit: MCMC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese property developers are on the edge of collapse and to salvage the battered sector, the Chinese government is proposing a rescue package that is sending shivers down the banking industry. Will this cloud China's pathway to recovery? Eric Yee, Senior Portfolio Manager, Atlantis Investment Management (Singapore) Pte Ltd discusses about the recent events as well as all things related to the Chinese economy.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kemaman parliamentary by-election just ended with Terengganu Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri emerging as victor thus propelling him onto the national stage as possibly the future face of PAS politics. How will the Prime Minister change tack to entice traditional PAS voters? We speak with Dr Azmil Mohd Tayeb, Political Scientist and Associate Professor, Universiti Sains Malaysia for an analysis of the road ahead for Malaysian heartland politics.

Image credit: Bernama

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For COP 28, Malaysia has sent its largest contingent led by Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. Malaysia's theme this year is “Going beyond: Green growth, resilient community and sustainable planet”. Shazana Mokhtar, Presenter & Producer on the Morning Run who is there, gives us an update on this event and what we can expect over the next few days.

Image credit: EPA-EFE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2022 was an anomaly with both equities and fixed income performing poorly. This has meant that the 60/40 investment portfolio that has been a cornerstone of a well-diversified portfolio has underperformed but should we dismiss this asset allocation strategy? Abel Lim, Head of Wealth Management Advisory and Strategy at UOB tells us his perspective whilst weighing in on the themes to pay attention to in 2024.

Wealth Advice That Matters is brought to you by UOB Privilege Banking. Visit www.uob.com.my/bfm to find out more about upcoming topics.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Dec 3rd, we look at the discrimination faced by this community especially in workplaces. Despite Malaysia implementing the Persons with Disabilities Act in 2008, guaranteeing equal access for PWDs to public facilities, healthcare, and recreation, what issues remain? V. Murugeswaran, President, of the Damai Disabled Persons Association Malaysia, reflects on this.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.