Morning Brief

22nd March marks World Water Day, observed annually by the United Nations to highlight the importance of access to water and sanitation. What investments are needed to ensure sustainable water supply for Malaysia? S. Piarapakaran of the Association of Water and Energy Research gives us his recommendations.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although Western countries have attempted to isolate Russia from the global economy, China provides an economic lifeline, with trade between the two countries surging to a record $190 billion US dollars in 2022. What do both sides gain from the alliance? We discuss the key takeaways from the summit between President Vladimir Putin and President Xi Jinping in Moscow this week with Dr. Alexey Muraviev of Curtin University.

Image credit: EPA-EFE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UMNO's recent party elections saw president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi cementing his grip on the party, with his loyalists sweeping most of the top posts, including two out of three vice-president posts. Ibrahim Suffian, Program Director at Merdeka Centre, helps us analyse what this means for the party's future as Perikatan Nasional seeks to oust Umno's self-declared position as champion of the Malay race and Islam.

Image credit: Shutterstock

UMNO's recent party elections saw president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi cementing his grip on the party, with his loyalists sweeping most of the top posts, including two out of three vice-president posts. Ibrahim Suffian, Program Director at Merdeka Centre, helps us analyse what this means for the party's future as Perikatan Nasional seeks to oust Umno's self-declared position as champion of the Malay race and Islam.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan and South Korea have long had a frenemy-type relationship as a result of historical grievances. Does the recent visit to Tokyo by President Yoon Suk Yeol herald a new age in their bilateral relations? We discuss the outcome of this landmark visit with Tokyo-based journalist William Pesek.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Works Ministry has announced that the Multi Lane Free-Flow system may be implemented at all highways enabling non-stop toll collection while also allowing users to use payment systems other than Touch'n Go, which is currently the only option. The Transport Ministry also says Touch'n Go might also not be the only option to pay for rides. Alexander Wong, Managing Editor & Co-Founder of SoyaCincau tells us what this means for consumers.

Image credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The SVB banking meltdown in the US sparked a wave of negative sentiment across the world, with banking stocks taking a hit. How much exposure does the Malaysian banking industry have to the crisis? We discuss this with economist Firdaos Rosli.

The government is looking to set up an independent commission for children’s rights. What should be the mandate of this body and how will it strengthen the enforcement of child protection legislation? We discuss this with children’s rights advocate Srividhya Ganapathy of CRIB Foundation.

Image credit: Bernama & NST

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Chancellor for the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt tabled the Spring Budget last week, touting it as a “budget for growth" as he highlights ambitious plans to revamp childcare, pensions and business investments. We discuss the implications of this for the UK economy and markets with Craig Erlam of OANDA.

Photo credit: EPA-EFE

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The SVB banking meltdown in the US sparked a wave of negative sentiment across the world, with banking stocks taking a hit. How much exposure does the Malaysian banking industry have to the crisis? We discuss this with economist Firdaos Rosli.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.