
ASEAN Speaks
ASEAN Speaks by Maybank presents conversations with market analysts and thought leaders across Southeast Asia on topics covering equities, fixed income, forex, economics, sustainability, and current affairs that impact regional markets.
Latest episodes

Feb 4, 2025 • 18min
Does DeepSeek Lead to Deep Trouble: Singapore Banks & Trump Tariffs
In today’s edition, we discuss the return of safe haven assets as Trump’s tariff agenda pressures markets. With gold and oil rising, we explore why Singapore banks are also in focus ahead of their 4Q earnings season.
Our analyst, Hussaini, breaks down the DeepSeek shockwave and its impact on ASEAN data centres. Plus, we dive into Sea and Grab’s upcoming results and what to watch for in the ASEAN Internet sector heading into 2025.
We also touch on CIMB’s 2025 outlook, as the bank gears up to unveil its new strategic plan in March.
Edited by Bruce/Dion/Xuan Hao

Jan 28, 2025 • 12min
Effect of Trump's Moves: ASEAN Highlights
In today's edition, we discuss about the likely impacts of some of Trump's moves on several sectors in the ASEAN market.
Fresh off our Hong Kong Marketing Event, our analyst Hussaini delivers several key takeaways that investors are focusing on regarding the 2025 outlook of the ASEAN TMT sector.
We also discuss certain key points regarding why, our REITs analyst, Krishna remains bullish on both FCT and MLT, with yields of 5.7% and 6.3% respectively.
Lastly, our SMIDs analyst Jarick covers on why we believe CSE Global is a great company to consider, especially with Trump coming on board with looser regulations on US production of Oil and Gas.
Edited by Bruce/Dion/Xuan Hao

Jan 21, 2025 • 13min
Year of the Snake: Guide to Prosperity
In this week's edition, we talk about our Feng Shui Guide to Prosperity as we usher in the Year of the Wood Sssnake.
Discover how astrological predictions, economic trends, and key sectors could shape the Year of the Wood Snake, featuring Master Ken Koh's advice for navigating 2025's challenges and opportunities.
Furthermore, three of our analysts join us today to talk more about their specific sectors around the ASEAN market.
Jocelyn is joining us today to talk about why the poultry market in Indonesia has a positive outlook and what her top picks are in that sector
Natasha will be talking about what her insights are from a site visit of IHH Healthcare and why those takeaways underscore her bullish stance on this healthcare giant.
While Eric joins us to explain more no why he believes the Healthcare sector in Singapore is a Neutral sector with growth catalysts being essential for stock re-ratings in this sector.

Jan 14, 2025 • 20min
Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone: This Time Will be Different
In this episode, we will be going through the newly signed JS-SEZ agreement and how Singapore's plan to invest money and policies behind it will make this time different.
With both Malaysia and Singapore setting up funds to develop infrastructure and subsidise companies transitioning into the JS-SEZ, as well as a joint target of 100 projects in the SEZ.
We also covered a selection of Singaporean and Malaysian companies that we believe would benefit the most from the agreement.
Two of our analyst are also joining us today. Krishna Guha who will be talking about why he thinks the outlook for REITs are getting better and Hussaini Saifee who will be talking about why he remains bullish on the ASEAN Internet sector.
Edited by Xuan Hao/Dion/Bruce

Jan 7, 2025 • 18min
Singapore's Market Horizon: Kicking Off 2025
In our first 2025 podcast, we discuss whether Singapore can maintain its market momentum in 2025.
Our Singapore economist, Brian Lee, shares his outlook for 2025, discussing expected growth drivers and why he forecasts resilient economic momentum for Singapore in the year ahead.
We also feature two of our analysts Krishna Guha and Hussaini Saifee who will each give insights of what trends and drivers we can expect in 2025. Covering Telcos & Internet and REITs & Industrials.
Edited by: Xuan Hao/Bruce/Dion

Dec 17, 2024 • 25min
Singapore’s Market Wonderland: A 2024 Festive Review
In this year's wrap-up of ASEAN Speaks we cover the key drivers that led to Singapore being the best performing market in Asia and how those drivers will impact next year.
We also feature three of our analysts Krishna Guha, Hussaini Saifee and Jarick Seet who will each give an overview of what key factors and trends drove their specific sectors this year. Covering REITs and Industrials, Telcos and Internet as well as Offshore & Marine and Tech Manufacturing respectively.
Our Singapore economist, Brian Lee also covers how 2024 fared, where he thinks growth will land as well as why his recent forecast on Singapore is to expect resilient growth in the upcoming year.
Edited by: Xuan Hao/Bruce/Dion
Note: This will be the final episode for Singapore's ASEAN Speaks for 2024. We will be taking a break and resuming in January 2025. Have a happy holidays!

Dec 10, 2024 • 23min
SPECIAL EDITION: US Insights with Wedbush
In today's special edition of ASEAN Speaks we start off with our SMIDs Analyst, Jarick Seet, giving us an insight into why SingPost deserves attention as the next top pick to release value despite S&P's recent move to place them on CreditWatch negative following the sale of its Australia business.
Next, we are joined by our special guest, Matt Bryson, Wedbush's Senior Enterprise Hardware Analyst. He will share his view on AI, memory, storage and where the big stocks like NVDIA and Intel are heading. So stay tuned! And do not miss out on this week's hot takes!

Dec 3, 2024 • 13min
ASEAN's Next Big Moves
As Asian shares decline for the second month due to Trump 2.0 policies and slow Chinese stimulus, there’s renewed hope in ASEAN markets. Our regional strategist, Anand Pathmakanthan, highlights why ASEAN is the place to watch, with Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia leading the charge.
Meanwhile, Jarick Seet discusses SingPost’s sale of its Australian assets—a move that’s the “worst-kept secret” in the market but could unlock significant value for shareholders. Don’t miss these insights!
Edited by Xuan Hao/Leslie/Dion

Nov 25, 2024 • 16min
Singapore’s Market Shake-Up
Markets rebound as a data-packed week stirs volatility, with Singapore’s economy hitting an 11-quarter high alongside a surge in manufacturing numbers. What does this mean for a stronger SGD and key opportunities? Our Co-Head of Research, Dr. Chua Hak Bin, breaks it all down.
Meanwhile, GLC restructuring and asset monetisation are unlocking value, with SingPost leading the charge asset sales and cost optimisation, while Frencken shines in the tech sector despite challenges. Jarick Seet dives into why these stocks are ones to watch. Don't miss out on these insights!
Edited by Xuan Hao/Leslie

Nov 19, 2024 • 13min
Shifting Sentiment and Strategic Rebounds
As inflationary concerns loom, Asia remains optimistic after Xi-Biden talks. Amidst this optimism, Grab Holdings and Sea Limited are making waves. Our telecom analyst, Hussaini Saifee, explores how these two standout companies are seizing growth opportunities in this evolving landscape.
Next, our Head of Research, Thilan Wickramasinghe, highlights how Sembcorp Industries is redefining its future with strategic divestments and a sharp focus on renewable energy, solidifying its position in the energy transition. Join us to uncover the strategies shaping tomorrow’s leaders.
- Edited by Xuan Hao/Leslie