Morning Brief

Transboundary haze is back as several areas in the country report higher Air Pollution Index readings in the past week. How effective have ASEAN mechanisms been to address the root causes of transboundary haze and do we have the policy tools to ultimately eliminate this issue? We discuss this with Dr. Helena Varkkey of University Malaya.

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Transboundary haze is back as several areas in the country report higher Air Pollution Index readings in the past week. How effective have ASEAN mechanisms been to address the root causes of transboundary haze and do we have the policy tools to ultimately eliminate this issue? We discuss this with Dr. Helena Varkkey of University Malaya.

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Speculation has been rife of a possible reshuffle in the Anwar Ibrahim-led Unity Government cabinet, with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living portfolio still vacant since the passing of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub on July 23rd. Dr. Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser at the Pacific Research Centre offers his views on what might happen, if it happens.

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New Zealand will hold general elections on the 14 October, and the race to form government is between the incumbent Labour party, led by Chris Hipkins and the conservative National party headed by Christopher Luxon. With National currently leading in opinion polls, what will influence voters at the ballot box? Independent political analyst Grant Duncan gives us a preview of what to expect.

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Merchants that have enjoyed free usage of DuitNow QR payments will eventually have to endure a fee for this convenience as Payments Network Malaysia, majority-owned by Bank Negara, announced that it will impose a fee, that was initially waived to encourage usage. Vincent Fong, Chief Editor of Fintech News Malaysia explains what this might mean to the whole cashless payments ecosystem.

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Today is World Habitat Day, which is observed annually by the United Nations on the first Monday of October, to reflect on the state of towns and cities amid the global trend of urbanisation. Malaysia is no stranger to this with some 26 million Malaysians living in urban areas, accounting for 78% of the population. Mustapha Kamal, Urban Planner and Founder, Arkitek Mustapha Kamal tells us how Kuala Lumpur ranks in terms of liveability.

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Merchants that have enjoyed free usage of DuitNow QR payments will eventually have to endure a fee for this convenience as Payments Network Malaysia, majority-owned by Bank Negara, announced that it will impose a fee, that was initially waived to encourage usage. Vincent Fong, Chief Editor of Fintech News Malaysia explains what this might mean to the whole cashless payments ecosystem.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The years of Covid, conflict and climate have brought to the forefront the issue of keeping a growing population fed with challenges mounting as the months pass. Christy Tan, Investment Strategist with Franklin Templeton Institute breaks down the ramifications when Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the world's bread basket, stifled food supplies, while India imposed restrictions on its own rice exports.

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While the US Federal Reserve’s objective remains focused on engineering a soft landing, the economy is now faced with new headwinds like the auto workers strike, a possible government shutdown, the impending resumption of student loan payments as well as rising oil prices. Selena Ling, chief economist of OCBC shares with us if the US economy can withstand these 4 shocks at once and what the implications are for the rest of the world.

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Malaysia is growing old before its economy is getting rich, with 20% of the population projected to be over 65 by 2056. What are the policy frameworks that need to be in place to address the myriad issues that arise with a greater share of elderly in society? We discuss recommendations with Chai Sen Tyng of the Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing), UPM.

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