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Wander and be enlightened by the endlessly fascinating inner universe that is the human body. We speak with experts, Nobel laureates, cancer survivors and healthcare workers who share their unique perspectives on wellness and living and the latest medical research.
As the saying goes, something new every day. Listen to thought-provoking conversations with people who have something to share about their lives, about what connects heart, mind and soul, and values, culture and traditions.
We get you out of bed to your first cup of coffee with thought-provoking ideas shaping our lives.
As beautiful and bustling KL is, the capital city can also be scary & intimidating place for many. Providing a helping hand to explore the undiscovered gems and stories from in and around the greater valley is I Love KL, the show that brings you closer to the people and places of our beloved capital.
Climate change, ferocious weather and ‘the haze’ are now part our everyday lives. How are our lifestyles connected to them, and what can we do about it? What does the economy have to do with it? Earth Matters engages with activists and experts to explore our changing relationship with the planet that we only borrow from our children.
Don’t be afraid of the arts. You too can enjoy it! Don't believe us? Tune in to Front Row to find out about the best shows and exhibitions that will recharge your brain and restore your spirit, as told by the producers, performers and artists themselves.
Hosted by Ezra Zaid, Finding the Funny is a monthly show that takes a closer look at this funny business of entertainment and comedy. Based out of Kuala Lumpur, you'll hear conversations with stand-up comedians, actors, writers, hosts and beyond in an attempt to find the funny.
Our resident literary critic Umapagan Ampikaipakan not only blows dust off books by dead white men, he also roams among more current writers of all hues, often finding links between the written word and the word made film. After all, he's also a courter of the cinema.
A Sunday Kinda Love brings curated recommendations in books, tv, film and music, with a segment on storytelling, and a once monthly episode dedicated to Beauty.
Current Affairs goes behind the headlines in Malaysia to what is moving the news and why, with top academics, politicians, businesspeople and activists in the know. These socio-economic issues run the gamut, including press freedom, affirmative action policies, Islamisation, corruption, election reform, and political unrests. Past guests of Current Affairs include Khairy Jamaluddin, Shad Saleem Faruqi, Farish Noor, Uma Sambanthan and PG Lim. Any enquiries should be directed to morningrun@bfm.my.
Breaking Bread is a brand new food show that aims to foster any and all geeky discussions surrounding food. Whether it is figuring out the intricacies of our kuih-muih, deep-diving into Malaysian coffee culture, or hunting for the best Laksas in town, this show shines a light on the food we eat and how it ties to the very fabric of our Malaysian culture and identity.
Noooo ... not of the leather and chains variety, but a cheeky abbreviation of any of the following terms: Stocks, Shares, Syndicates, Stakes, Speculation or even Smart. 'M'? Well, Money comes to mind. So does Manipulation, Markets, Money, Mandate, Measure and, well, Moolah! The S&M Show: an honest and colourful analysis of who and what drives and makes the markets behave the way they do. A weekly show on BFM 89.9, the wide, wild world of investing has never been this colourful! Give us your ...
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BFM :: Health & Living
1
NCD Chronicles #6: Living With Cancer, And Living On A Knife Edge (Part 1)
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When you have cancer, there’s no telling whether your treatment will result in remission, and for how long. It can be like living on a knife edge, especially when the expensive cost of care is compounded by limited or lack of insurance coverage. On this episode of NCD Chronicles, Hiba Abdul Rahman, a 32-year-old breast cancer survivor, shares about…
We catch up on some of the top environmental news of January 2023, with the co-founders of environmental journalism portal, Macaranga. This month, we first discuss the implications of a Federal Court ruling which ruled in favour of Sungai Ara residents, who challenged the Penang island city council’s (MBPP) decision to grant planning permission to …
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BFM :: Earth Matters
1
Wild about Wetlands Part 1: What Are Wetlands?
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February 2nd marks World Wetlands Day, and 2023's theme is “It’s Time for Wetlands Restoration,” highlighting the urgent need to prioritise wetland restoration. Though they are called bogs, swamps, marshes, and a host of other unappealing names, wetlands are the most productive ecosystems in the world, and exist in every country and in every climat…
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BFM :: Morning Brief
1
Painful But Much Needed Reform For Malaysia’s Healthcare System
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Overcrowding in public hospitals have reached alarming levels in Malaysia. Azrul Khalib, Chief Executive, from Galen Centre gives us the reasons for it whilst sounding the warning bells on the urgency of critical holistic reform needed for healthcare. Image credit: Shutterstock
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BFM :: Morning Brief
1
Singapore's HDB Lessons Can Be Applied In Malaysia
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What makes Singapore’s HDB affordable housing scheme so successful, and can this model be replicated here? We discuss this with Alan Cheong, Executive Director of Savills Singapore with affordable housing being a long standing issue in Malaysia with Bank Negara noting that there has been severe mismatch of demand and supply. Image credit: Shutterst…
Can China lift Asia economies? The Covid lockdowns hampered the region’s economy hard. Asia was also unique in that it may have been the first to lockdown but it was also slow to reopen. Some of Covid holdouts like Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan only played catch-up in recovery with much of the world in the latter half of last year. What headwinds is …
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BFM :: Health & Living
1
In-Womb Surgery for Babies with Spina Bifida
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Spina bifida is a birth defect affecting the spine and spinal cord, which can lead to severe physical disabilities that the child has to live with. But with continued advances in treatments, including the option of surgery even before a baby is born, the odds have improved tremendously for babies with spina bifida. But what does the landscape look …
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BFM :: Front Row
1
L.O.V.E - Valentine's with Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia
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Valentines Day is fast approaching and if you're looking for ways to celebrate with your loved ones, the Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia have got you covered. The non-profit group is set to present L.O.V.E. - Valentine’s with Philwinds, promising three concerts of love songs, ranging from Disney hits and pop songs, to jazz standards and classic band…
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BFM :: Morning Brief
1
Want Bribe-Free Malaysian Elections? Regulate Political Financing
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What constitutes vote-buying under the Election Offences Act? Why are veteran politicians seemingly confused about what electoral corruption looks like? We discuss urgently needed reforms in political financing with Thomas Fann of Bersih. Image Credit: Shutterstock
The shock resignation of former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has shone a spotlight on the effects of burnout in the workplace. How can employers and employees address long-term fatigue in the corporate world? HR consultant Deepa George weighs in with tips on how to deal with burnout. Image credit: Shutterstock…
As the latest earnings season kicks in, what trends can we glean from early tech sector results, including from the likes of Tesla, Microsoft and Intel? Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities weighs in with his tech outlook. Image credit: Shutterstock
In this episode of I Love KL, we hone in on architecture and how it’s taught here in universities. What are the areas of focus and how does local context and culture influence the teaching and learning of architecture for students? We delve deeper to get a contextual overview of a field that’s important in shaping our built environment.…
What is mental health? You may think you know the answer, but how would you explain it to a pre-schooler, a primary schoolgoing child, or a teenager? We turn to consultant developmental paediatrician Dr Rajini Sarvananthan for advice on how to talk to children of all ages about mental health, and how to help them be aware of their emotions and when…
With the primary goal of eradicating learning poverty in Malaysia, Projek BacaBaca concentrates on early literacy for children aged six to nine, from low-income families. The programme aims to improve reading performance in Bahasa Melayu and English in particular, by empowering individuals and groups of children with their language, literacy, and c…
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BFM :: Morning Brief
1
How Smart Consumerism Can Temper Inflation
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Although the inflation rate is slowly moderating, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli believes that consumers can do more to arrest price increases. He recently singled out restaurant dining as one of the main contributors to inflation and urged customers to make educated purchases. Economist Dr. Geoffrey Williams weighs in on how smart consumerism can t…
OCBC is forecasting global growth to come in slightly below 2% for 2023. However its likely to be a tale of 2 halves with a better second half thanks to Federal Reserve inching close to the terminal rate. Selena Ling, Chief Economist at OCBC tells why she has this view. Image credit: Shutterstock
Standing at 291m, Bukit Dinding is described as one of the last green fortresses in Kuala Lumpur, and is a popular recreational spot for many. Back in late 2022 though, news broke that two blocks of 26-storey condominiums will be built there, even though the area has been known to be landslide-prone, and has an underground water source at the hill.…
Recently, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has defended the party’s distribution of cash to voters during the 15th general election (GE15), claiming that it was a charitable act and so, not prohibited by law. But is that actually charity or blatant bribery? Image Credit: Shutterstock
In 2021, 1650 cars were stolen which is actually a decline from 2020 but most are still avoidable. Daniel Fernandez, Managing Director, at online car portal, dsf.my gives us the reason why this remains an issue in Malaysia with the onset of new scams. Image credit: Shutterstock
The announcement of Jacinda Ardern's resignation as Prime Minister of New Zealand surprised political observers both locally and abroad. What legacy does she leave behind and can her successor Chris Hipkins lead the Labour party to victory when Kiwis vote in the October general elections? Grant Duncan of Massey University weighs in on the political…
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BFM :: Morning Brief
1
Will The Rabbit Breed More Prosperity For The Hang Seng Index?
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We discuss what’s ahead for Hong Kong equities in the coming year with Peter Lewis, Founder & Director, Peter Lewis Consulting in Hong Kong. Image credit: Shutterstock
Two weeks into the start of the new school term, it was reported that school canteen operators are struggling to cope with the rising cost of raw ingredients, with many operators bound to the prices set within their existing canteen tenders. How does this affect the quality of the meals provided in canteens, and how could this exacerbate the proble…
Psychosynthesis is a new dance production described as a powerful, dynamic, fast-paced theatrical show, which showcases the struggles faced by individuals and communities at large, during the pandemic. Presented by the Kenny Shim Dance Collective (KSDC) and Asia Ballet Theatre (ABT), the production features a fully local cast of established and eme…
Bank Negara Malaysia surprised markets by keeping the overnight policy rate at 2.75 percent yesterday. It revealed that data showed Malaysia recorded economic expansion in the last quarter of 2022 and headline inflation moderated slightly from high levels in recent months. However, with the FED still sticking to its hawkish stance, will we see BNM …
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BFM :: Morning Brief
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More Questions Than Answers For Greater Klang Valley?
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Selangor Menteri Besar recently announced plans to establish a Greater Klang Valley area comprising 4 cities in Selangor within the next decade. These four cities are Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, and Klang, which is still a municipality currently. What is driving this initiative and are there any synergies to be derived? For insights, we …
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BFM :: Morning Brief
1
Will The Year Of The Rabbit Deliver Hare-raising Returns?
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Justin Chan, Equity Research Associate CLSA helps us navigate CLSA's 2023 tongue in cheek Feng Shui Guide as we understand the months, sectors and asset classes that will likely outperform for the different element and zodiac signs. Image credit: Shutterstock
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BFM :: Health & Living
1
Brain Waves: Why Are Scientists Transplanting Human Neurons into Rat Brains?
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A team of scientists at Stanford University recently transplanted human neurons into rat brains, hoping to open new pathways of research into neuropsychiatric disorders like epilepsy and schizophrenia. But what exactly are these scientists doing? And is it ethical to create these human-rat chimaeras? We explore further with neurogeneticist Dr Azlin…
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BFM :: Live & Learn
1
Have You Heard of the Fulbright Scholarship Programme?
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MACEE or the Malaysian-American Commission On Educational Exchange is celebrating the 60th anniversary of their presence in Malaysia. If you’re unfamiliar with MACEE, this is the organisation that is behind the Fulbright scholarship programme. Curtis Johnson, Executive Director of MACEE, joins us to reflect on the past 60 years and also share about…
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BFM :: Morning Brief
1
Is The State Elections A Litmus Test For PH-BN?
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Six states that did not hold concurrent elections during the 15th general election last November must do so this year as their five-year mandate comes to an end. Aside from the dates, all eyes are on Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan as to whether their cooperation at the federal level will continue in these state polls. But can a collaboration …
A total of 3.8 million vehicles are expected to use expressways this Chinese New Year but with 4000 fatalities registered just from January to September last year, how can we make our roads safer? Professor Dr Kulanthayan Mani, Head of Putra Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Research Group under the Department of Community Health at Universiti…
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BFM :: Morning Brief
1
Can Macau Casinos Reach Pre-Pandemic Levels?
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Since late November 2022, share prices of Wynn Macau, MGM China Holdings and Sands China have risen sharply due to the award of new licenses to the city’s existing casinos. This outperformance continued with China reopening its borders on January 8. But can the gaming industry reach pre-pandemic levels this year and what casino stocks should invest…
In our open clinic segment, consultant geriatrician Dr Khor Hui Min joins us to answer questions about memory-related issues among older adults, as well as other concerns related to dementia and decreasing cognitive function. Image Credit: Shutterstock
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BFM :: Earth Matters
1
Hazen Audel - The More You Learn, The Less You Need
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Hazen Audel is a biologist, TV presenter, and natural history guide, who is Kootenai and Salish Native American and Greek by descent. He founded The Wild Classroom, a non-profit online web-series offering teachers and students quality, natural history educational videos for use in the classroom and home. As the host of National Geographic's Primal …
The UMNO General Assembly was held last week, following the party’s dismal performance at GE15. A lot of things were said and done during the General Assembly, including the fact that UMNO passed a no-contest motion for the top two posts at the upcoming party elections, and so Zahid Hamidi will remain party president. So, what does this mean for re…
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BFM :: Morning Brief
1
Know The Why's And Who's Before A Retreat
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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his cabinet had a one day' working retreat aimed at strengthening cooperation and unity among the ministers taking a cue from companies where for some it was an annual or even bi-annual affair. However before embarking on one, what are the critical questions that should be asked to ensure efficacy? Indira…
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BFM :: Morning Brief
1
Is A 25bps Hike By Bank Negara Malaysia A Given?
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Bank Negara Malaysia's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting starts today and will continue tomorrow. Most economists are expecting a 25 bp increase bringing the OPR to 3.0%. Another key event to watch is the tabling of a revised Budget on February 24 where the Prime Minister Anwar's statement that the national debt including liabilities has reac…
2022 was a year of volatile commodity prices, no thanks to the Russia-Ukraine war and an uncertain economic outlook. But will 2023 have a more positive outlook on the back of China's reopening and which metals should shine this year? Daniel Hynes, Senior Commodity Strategist from ANZ answers those questions. Image credit: Shutterstock…
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BFM :: Health & Living
1
Mind Matters: When Environmental Threats Threaten Your Mental Health
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The impact of climate change is far-reaching, from its impact on the environment to the economy and even our mental health. On this episode of Mind Matters, consultant psychiatrist Dr Ravivarma Rao Panirselvan joins us to discuss how climate change - and extreme weather events - are increasing the risk of mental health disorders as well as why more…
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BFM :: Live & Learn
1
Georgetown’s Heritage Buildings Shouldn’t Be Left as Empty Shells
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If asked to picture Georgetown, many of us would picture a bustling city filled with tourists and locals alike, milling about historic pre-war buildings housing businesses that have been there for decades, interspersed with newer, modern cafes and restaurants. But despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city is no stranger to the loss of he…
The Prime Minister and his cabinet attended a one day retreat to bolster consensus and solidarity among Ministers whilst discussing the future direction of the government and set KPIs for each ministry. Such a retreat appears imperative as the government comprises parties that contested against each other at GE 15. Additionally, with six state elec…
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BFM :: Morning Brief
1
Malaysian Property Market Poised For Recovery?
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One of the biggest negatively impacted sectors from the pandemic was property which saw sales and launches decline. Recovery was seen in 2021 and also last year but still below pre-pandemic levels. Chan Ai Cheng, President, Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents tell us if recovery is in view for 2023 despite the economic slowdown and rising interest…
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BFM :: Morning Brief
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Are Chinese Consumers Backed With A Vengeance?
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There are strong expectations that the average Chinese consumer will be back with a vengeance with the relaxation of Covid-19 restriction and the opening of borders effective January 8. But this reopening has not been without its headwinds as we have seen higher hospitalisation rates and also deaths in China. China remains a crucial market for cate…
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BFM :: Health & Living
1
My Mind and Me #1: How Do I Find a Trusted Mental Health Professional?
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If you’re struggling with your mental health, you’ve probably considered the idea of seeing a mental health professional - whether it’s a counsellor, clinical psychologist, or maybe even a psychiatrist. But making that decision to get help isn’t easy, and can be daunting if you don’t know where to start. On this new series My Mind and Me, we’ll be …
The Swap Project (TSP) was launched in late 2018 by Jayda Chong and Jamie Choy, two young women who "are passionate about sustainability in a fashionable way". Fashion of course has a huge environmental cost, and it's estimated that the fashion industry is currently responsible for more annual carbon emissions than all international flights and mar…
The Umno General Assembly concluded last Saturday where nearly 3,000 delegates convened and heard from party leaders on the future direction of the party. The biggest development was the passing of a resolution to not have the party’s top two positions open for contest in its upcoming election. But will this sit well with the grassroots and can thi…
The Malaysian government said it may consider a ban on exporting palm oil to the EU in response to the bloc’s latest law which bans imports of grown on deforested land including palm oil and its derivatives. Dr. Sathia Varqa, co-founder, Palm Oil Analytics tells us what this means for CPO prices and will such a ban work. Image credit: Shutterstock…
2022 was the era of the King Dollar led by the aggressive rate hiking cycle of 425 bps by the Fed. But there are expectations of the Fed being at the tail end of its hiking cycle and also supported by the modest inflation print for December. The Bloomberg dollar index is down 2% YTD. With this, we have seen Asia currencies appreciate across the boa…
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BFM :: Health & Living
1
Doctor in the House: Medical Brain Drain - What’s The Solution? (Part 2)
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Malaysia is losing our doctors. It’s a fact that we’ve known for years, as we’ve seen and heard stories of doctors leaving the public healthcare system not just for the private sector, but moving abroad as well. In the second part of this discussion, we dive into what are our options to put a stop to the medical brain drain, and whether we should b…
The ‘Bakul: Everyday Baskets from Sabah’ exhibition features a collection of traditional Sabah baskets from Sabahan author and collector, Jennifer P Linggi. Everyday baskets such as Tadang, Reng, Takiding, Wakid, Barait, Saiyon which are used for domestic activity, farming, hunting, gathering and ritualistic practices are among the many bakul on sh…
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BFM :: Morning Brief
1
Is A Hung Parliament Necessary A Bad Thing?
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Since 1959, Malaysia has seen 14 single coalition simple majority governments until the fateful GE15 that resulted in a hung parliament for the first time in our history. And after what seemed like a very long 5 days from the time we voted, the political uncertainty ended with the country’s five major parties, PH, BN, GPS, GRS and Warisan agreed to…
