Pressing Matters

We highlight the worsening humanitarian crisis in Myanmar in the Rakhine State and beyond with Shinjiro Murata, General Director, MSF Japan. As the world has been overwhelmed with crisis after crisis, we in Malaysia seem to have forgotten that we are witnessing one right at our doorstep. Shinjiro speaks to Philip See about how the situation has been evolving and why it is so desperately important for us and the international community to take action.Image Credit: freepik.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's Pressing Matters, we go behind the scenes with journalist Ira Porter from the Monitor about the recently concluded Paris Olympics. We ask him how the games delivered for the audience and athletes as well as get his take on what does Los Angeles need to learn to from the recently concluded greatest show on Earth.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the conclusion of voting in Venezuela's presidential elections, the streets erupted with protests as conflicting results emerge with both the government and the opposition claiming victory. Philip See speaks to Luis Fernando Angosto-Ferrández a lecturer in the departments of Anthropology and Latin American Studies at the University of Sydney about what to anticipate in the coming weeks ahead and why these elections are so critical for Venezuela.Image Credit: freepik.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a series of violent protests triggered by job quotas, we speak to Michael Kugelman, director of the Wilson Center's South Asia Institute about how the protests grew so fast and what does it mean for the ruling party of Awami League led by Sheikh Hasina. Michael unpacks whether these protests would lead to lasting damage to Bangladesh's fragile economy and political structure.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s show, we do a post mortem on the unprecedented IT outage that created chaos throughout the world a little over a week ago. The outage resulted in massive disruptions from healthcare to banking to airlines as a result of a relatively simple single software update by cybersecurity firm Crowdstrike. To help us unpack what really happened Philip See speaks to Dashveenjit Kaur Editor at TechForge Media and contributing editor at Digital News Asia to get an account of the chain of events that resulted in the calamity we witnessed across the world.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss with Dr Adrian Ang from the S Rajaratnam School of international studies on the recently concluded Republic Convention which anointed President Donald Trump as the Republic Candidate to face Democrat Joe Biden in the upcoming November Polls. Adrian helps us unpack how the convention went and the different scenarios that the Democrats could take if President Joe Biden does decide to exit the race.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's show Pressing Matters Philip See speaks to Romen Bose an international correspondent and former political communications consultant about his latest book Shattered Hopes. He gives us a blow by blow account about the turbulent times that faced the then Pakatan Harapan PH1.0 government and goes into details about the dysfunction and power struggles that rocked the coalition.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Prof. Zaharom Nain, author of the Malaysia country report of the Reuters Institute's 2024 Digital News Report. We discuss with Zaharom the multitude of challenges that the media industry is facing and how the Government's actions or lack off has made it more difficult for the media to thrive here.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Louw Nel, Senior Political Analyst, Oxford Economics Africa about the recently concluded elections in South Africa where the incumbent African National Congress or ANC suffered deep losses forcing it into a power sharing agreement with the opposition DA Democratic Alliance. Louw helps us unpack what this unprecedented coalition will mean for South Africa and whether the spells the end of the ANC once considered invincible in South African politics.Image Credit: freepik.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Dr Rahul Mishra from University of Malaya to unpack the recent Indian general elections. Many had expected Narendra Modi and his BJP / NDA alliance to win convincingly in the polls. He in the end didn't, with the NDA alliance falling far short of their hope to secure 400+ seats and instead just got under 300. Rahul helps us unpack when it clear throughout the counting process that the tide seemed to turn away from the incumbents and how different will Modi 3.0 be different vs Modi 2.0 and Mod 1.0?Image Credit: freepik.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Pressing Matters, Philip speaks to Dr. Olsi Jazexhi from the Department of History at the International Islamic University Malaysia, discussing the potential ripple effects, both regionally and globally, following the recent demise of former Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Additionally, Dr. Olsi weighs in on whether this event might signal a forthcoming shift in the power structure away from conservative factions in the upcoming elections to replace Ebrahim Raisi.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue our discussion on press freedom. Last week Philip See spoke to Watshlah Naidu on Malaysia’s drop in press freedom ranking and on today’s show we take a more global view and get the perspective from Reporters without borders RSF Asia-Pacific Bureau Director Cédric Alviani to really understand how press freedom has been faring all around the world.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Wathshlah Naidu, Executive Director, Center for Independent Journalism to get her perspective on the recently announced results from the Reporters without Borders RSF World Press Freedom Index. Malaysia’s ranking dropped 34 spots from its 73rd position last year and we get her perspective whether the excuse by Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil's comments about taking into consideration 'Eastern Values' really is valid?Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philip See speaks to Yanitha Meena, analyst at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia (ISIS Malaysia) about the upcoming general election in India which will be the largest polls held this year with over 970 million people having an opportunity to decide if they would like to give Prime Minister Narendra Modi a 3rd term.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philip See speaks to Dr Anas Iqtait from the Middle East and Central Asia Studies of Australian National University to shed some light on the governance structure of the Palestinian Authority, its revenue streams and its ability to deliver these services that we normally take a government would deliver for granted. With the current conflict in Gaza, we get his perspective on the challenges of governing Palestine and what dual-rentierism means!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to former US ambassador Gerald Feierstein who is currently a senior fellow on U.S. diplomacy at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC as we get his take on the developing crisis taking place in the Middle East. In today’s episode we deep dive in to the tensions between Israel and Iran on the back of the recent attacks launched by both sides on  their respective territories.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Pressing Matters, we continue our deep dive on how this Palestine - Isreal conflict is shaping our lives.  We speak to Phyllis Bennis, a writer, activist, and political commentator as well as fellow from the Institute for Policy Studies at Washington DC as we get her take on how the Palestine- Israel conflict is shaped by and also shaping the broader international community. We get her perspective on how this war is testing multi-lateral institutions and whether there will be a rise of militarism all across the globe as a result of this conflict.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philip See speaks to Raja Khalidi, Director General of the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute about the state of Palestine’s economy before and after the current conflict. We get his take on the structure of Palestine’s economy and how it is intertwined with Israel and whether it can leverage on its diaspora to rebuild the economy that has been ravaged.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Gordon Fairclough World Coverage Chief from the Wall Street Journal on the wrongful detention Wall Street Journal Journalist Evan Gershkovich. Evan was detained by Russia's Federal Security Service on charges of espionage in March 2023, marking the first time a journalist working for an American outlet had been arrested on charges of spying in Russia since the Cold War. In conjunction with the 1 year anniversary of his detention, we discuss Gordon how Evan is doing and what is likelihood of him being released soon.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Pressing Matters, Professor Dwight H. Perkins from Harvard University sheds some light on Vietnam’s political power structures and how it impacts the economic and foreign policy trajectory of the country. We have this timely conversation, following the sudden resignation of its President Vo Van Thuong who resigned from the post which he has held for less than a year.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Jean Encinas-Franco, Professor in the Department of Political Science, College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, University of the Philippines as we get her perspective on the dynamics of politics in the Philippines and the ongoing feud taking place between President Marcos Bong Bong Junior and his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte. We ask her how is it that political families and dynasties are much more powerful than political partiesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Ben Bland director of the Asia-Pacific programme at Chatham House as we get his take on the recently concluded Indonesian Presidential Election where Prabowo Subianto will succeed Joko Widodo. Ben shares with us his perspective on how exciting the election campaign was on the ground and whether he expects Prabowo to be Jokowi 2.0.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Michael Montesano, Associate Senior Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute as we have a discussion with him about Thailand’s political landscape and get his take on how Prime Minister Sreetha Thavisin has been doing after taking power last October. We ask Michael as well whether we will see the return of Thaksin Shinawatra as PM againImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philip See speaks to Dr. James Gomez, Regional Director at Asia Centre as we dissect their latest report titled “ Online Content Regulations in Asia-Pacific” as James walks through with us how some regulations have been heavy handed in stifling discussions among civil society and NGOS that challenge the status quo.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Lucas Myers, Senior Associate for Southeast Asia at the Wilson Center's Asia Program about how a group of armed rebels is putting significant pressure on Myanmar’s military junta. We also take this opportunity to reflect this month on the 3-year anniversary of the military seizing power from Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected governmentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hong Kong-based Reporter at The Wall Street Journal shares with us how Chinese automaker BYD overtook Tesla to become the world’s largest EV maker. She helps us understand how its CEO Wang Chuanfu built this business from scratch. Hopefully she will share with us what the acronym BYD stands for.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We delve into the evolving landscape of philanthropy in Asia with Keeran Sivarajah, a Partner at The Bridgespan Group, discussing the nuances between Eastern and Western philanthropic approaches, and how philanthropy intersects with and complements business and governmental initiatives throughout the region.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Brian Hioe, editor from New Bloom Magazine about the latest Taiwanese presidential election results and what the election of William Lai and third consecutive win for the Democratic Progressive Party will mean for Taiwan and the region.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Greg Poling, Senior Fellow and Director, Southeast Asia Program and Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies to reflect on the extent of deterioration of US – Sino relations in 2023 and whether we expect the tensions between both superpowers to ramp up this year following the recently concluded Taiwanese presidential elections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's Pressing Matters, Philip speaks to Shannon Teoh, the Malaysia Bureau Chief of Straits Times as we do a quick reflection on the 2023 political developments that took place in Malaysia. From the state elections to a cabinet reshuffle, to cap 2023 we ask Shannon whether 2024 will be able to match the excitement of 2023, or would it be rather dull, but perhaps much welcomed, year?Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Ushar Daniele a broadcast journalist based in Malaysia to unpack the progress or lack of from the recent United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties or in short COP28. We get a sense of what was achieved and the work still required to meet the 1.5 Celcius goal set out by the Paris Agreement in 2015.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Medicine San Frontier (MSF), or Doctors Without Borders regional director Paul Brockman gives us a sense of the situation of the Rohingya crisis taking place, and talks about the motivation behind their recently produced short animation film titled “Lost at Sea” about a story that reflects the atrocities faced by the Rohingya as they seek refuge.Image credit: Doctors Without BordersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's all about unpacking the two of the biggest stories that took place this year in the crypto industry. Philip See speaks to Sam Reynolds, Journalist at Coin Desk, as he helps us unpack the imposition of FTX and the downfall of the two major dominant figures of the crypto industry names, Sam Bankman Fried, short for SBF from FTX and Chan Peng Zhou, short for CZ from Binance. Sam helps us contrast and compare the journey of these two very consequential leaders.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Dr Benjamin Loh, senior lecturer at the School of Media and Communication at Taylor's University on the state of our media and the effectiveness of the government's plan and proposed media council.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Nat Tan Zhai Yun, editor of ESG at the Edge Malaysia. We get a sense from her on how ESG, short for Environmental Social and Governance is covered by journalists in Malaysia and whether Corporate Malaysia risks being accused of greenwashing.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Dr. James Gomez, Regional Director at Asia Centre as we reflect how national and global citizenry can be embedded within Malaysia’s youth. This issue comes to the fore in view of how our public education has decided to embrace social causes such as the Solidarity with Palestine week. We get James’s perspective and views on whether these efforts really help us reinforce the ideals of what it takes to be a global citizen in our next generation.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Dr Abdul Rahman Yaacob, Research Fellow in the Southeast Asia Program at the Lowy Institute, on how ASEAN governments have been responding to the Israeli-Palestine conflict taking place in Gaza. They will be discussing the impact on domestic politics and the repercussions it may have on other conflicts within ASEAN as well as whether there will be a shift in strategic alliances between China and the West.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philip See speaks to Khalil Majeed, Co-Founder & Project Director of Faqcheck, as we have a broad ranging conversation about disinformation. Khalil helps us unpack how he is building a mini-army of fact-checkers and we ask him how easy is it to get to the root cause of disinformation.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philip See speaks to Sha Hua, a reporter from The Wall Street Journal's Singapore bureau as we have a discussion with her on her recent article titled ‘A nation goes for dominance – of World’s stinkiest fruit’. We get her insights into the Chinese Love affair of the Durian and we ask her the lengths the Chinese have gone to to meet their growing appetite for this thorny fruit.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Nazri Noran, Chief Executive Officer, Media Prima Audio to get a sneak peek of Media Prima’s strategy on its radio business. We ask him whether former Minister Khairy Jamaluddin’s gig as guest DJ in Hot FM has helped the station and whether his radio presenters feel threatened by the presence of Aina Sabrina, Malaysia’s first AI Radio DJ.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Cliff Lim, Director of Risk & Compliance at Dow Jones to get a sense of how financial crimes have evolved in the region and whether we learnt the lessons from 1MDB. Cliff will also try to connect the dots if the recent unearthing of corruption scandals in Singapore could have been aided by improved compliance following the 1MDB saga.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philip See speaks to Kris Cheng, a journalist based in the UK, who used to work for Hong Kong Freedom Press and now works for Voice of America. They discuss the level of freedom of the press in Hong Kong and the difference in coverage between a journalist based in and away from Hong Kong.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Angela Christian-Wilkes, researcher from Deakin University about the press coverage of the recently concluded Women’s World cup and how the beautiful game has begun taking on a broad range of social issues.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Pressing Matters, Philip See speaks to Simon Huang, journalist and Chief Analyst from Tech in Asia as he helps us unpack how the big ASEAN unicorns, Grab, SEA and Goto,  have performed so far this year and whether the next generation of unicorns will be difficult to emerge as the era of cheap money is over.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For Pressing Matters, we speak to Malek Ali Founder of BFM Media, with 15 questions about BFM. We trace the ups and downs of the station and ask him how the station has evolved and what his hopes for the future are for the next 15 years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the military ousted the democratically elected government in Myanmar in February 2021, press freedom in that country has been shoved down the sewers, forcing many journalists, both local and international to exit the country. Sonny Swe the founder of Frontier Myanmar, now operates from just across the border, in northern Thailand, to provide its readers with balanced, in-depth reporting and insights from the ground to help make sense of what’s happening in the country.Image Credit: Frontier MyanmarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ibrahim Sani and Luqman Hariz, anchors of Astro Awani and hosts of the Tiber podcast join a discussion on the evolving role of the new room following the latest report from the Reuters - Oxford Institute for the Study of Journalism about the growing role of Digital influencers in breaking and shaping news.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philip See speaks to Norman Goh, a journalist from Nikkei Asia, about the outcome of the recently concluded state elections. He recounts the campaign and reflects on the tensions that took place throughout the day. So what's next? When the dust settles, what are the lessons and post mortem of this pivotal vote?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Pressing Matters, our guests are no strangers in Malaysia’s media industry as Philip See gets into conversation with Datuk Ahirudin bin Attan aka Rocky Bru and Terence Fernandez about their latest news portal the Scoop as we have a wide ranging conversation and understand their motivations behind the birth of this portal. Phil tries to get the Scoop on the Scoop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bradley C. Freeman, Media Professor & Associate Dean at Sunway University debates with us on whether tech giants should pay online news and local media content. Will Malaysia follow the pathway taken by Australia and Canada?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.