ASEAN Speaks

Maybank

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.

  1. 10 HR AGO

    Holding Strong: Sea Ltd's Earnings, Safe Haven Flows and Singapore Airlines

    In this episode, our host Ong Seng Yeow, discusses how renewed safe haven demand and shifting global capital flows are influencing Asian markets, even as Singapore corporates continue delivering resilient earnings and strategic growth ambitions. He examines what recent market movements suggest about investor positioning, whether inflows into defensive assets are likely to persist, and the implications for SGD interest rates and regional equity markets. We begin with our Regional Thematic Macroeconomist, Chua Hak Bin, who discusses the broader market backdrop, including signs of safe haven inflows across regional assets, the durability of those flows and whether foreign investor appetite currently appears stronger in bonds or equities. He also outlines what these dynamics could mean for Singapore interest rates and portfolio positioning over the coming quarters. Next, we turn to our Telcos and Internet Analyst, Hussaini Saifee, who breaks down Sea Ltd’s stronger-than-expected earnings performance, which drove the company’s biggest share price rally in nine months. He shares his observations across Shopee, Garena and Monee, highlighting improving monetisation trends, user engagement and fintech expansion. Finally, our Analyst, Eric Ong, discusses the latest developments surrounding Singapore Airlines and the aviation sector. He examines whether travel demand remains resilient, the outlook for jet fuel supply and pricing stability, and the key risks tied to SIA’s continued investment in Air India despite ongoing losses at the carrier. Finally, we close with a special pre-recorded video segment from our SMIDs and Technology Analyst, Jarick Seet, who will share more about AEM Holdings and UMS Integration.

    28 min

  2. 11 MAY

    Stronger Than Expected: OCBC, Singapore Tech and Market Catalysts

    In this episode, our host and Head of Research, Thilan Wickramasinghe, discusses how renewed uncertainty surrounding US-Iran peace negotiations is weighing on global sentiment, even as Singapore’s 1Q results season continues to point toward resilient corporate fundamentals and strong earnings expectations. He outlines the key themes emerging across the banking sector, including rising contributions from wealth management, trading income and AI-driven productivity gains. We begin with our SMIDs and Technology Analyst, Jarick Seet, who explains why improving expectations across the Singapore technology sector continue supporting upside for selected names despite recent share price strength. He discusses Maybank’s higher target prices for Frencken and Venture following recent developments, before sharing what could further catalyse Addvalue Technologies. Thilan then discusses Maybank’s upgrade of OCBC Bank to BUY, highlighting stronger non-interest income growth, accelerating wealth inflows and improving execution under the bank’s “Next Frontier” strategy. He also reviews the broader trends shaping Singapore banks this earnings season, including resilience in asset quality, stronger capital markets activity and growing AI deployment across banking platforms. Finally, our Analyst, Xuan Hao Toh, shares key takeaways from Maybank’s recent corporate day, including management commentary from AEM and construction-related names Ever Glory and Tiong Woon, before we close with fresh technical ideas from our Chart Guy.

    20 min

  3. 4 MAY

    Markets Rebound: Commodities, DBS and New BUY Calls

    In this episode, our host and Head of Research, Thilan Wickramasinghe, discusses how improving sentiment following US efforts to reopen the Straits of Hormuz is easing oil concerns and supporting markets. Commodities remain in focus, alongside key opportunities emerging across banks, healthcare and internet platforms. We begin with our Telco & Internet Analyst, Hussaini Saifee, who introduces Maybank’s new BUY initiation on Olam Group and explains why the market may be underappreciating the company’s transformation and long-term value. He also discusses Grab following Indonesia’s surprise move to cap ride-hailing commissions and why he continues to maintain a BUY call on the stock. We then turn to DBS, where strong 1Q26 results reinforced confidence in earnings resilience, wealth management growth and capital return visibility. Finally, we discuss our upgrade on Bumrungrad Hospital to BUY, as improving Middle East patient flows and resilient demand support a more constructive outlook for the Thai healthcare leader.

    15 min

  4. 27 APR

    A More Hopeful Start: Banks, REITs and Standout Stock Ideas

    In this episode, our host and Head of Research, Thilan Wickramasinghe, discusses how improving sentiment following reports of a potential reopening of the Straits of Hormuz is supporting markets as Singapore’s 1Q results season begins. He outlines what to expect for the banking sector, where earnings momentum may be mixed but supported by wealth fees, trading income and safe-haven inflows. We begin with our REITs Analyst, Krishna, who reviews early 1Q results from key names and shares his outlook for the sector amid ongoing rate-cut uncertainty. This is followed by our SMIDs Analyst, Jarick Seet, who explains his significant target price upgrade for Addvalue Tech after its strong share price performance and improving growth outlook. Our Analyst, Xuan Hao Toh, then discusses iFAST’s 1Q earnings miss and why he continues to maintain a BUY call on the stock, before we close with broader reflections on positioning into the results season. -Edited by ibrahim halil

    19 min

  5. 20 APR

    Policy Tightening and Oil Risks: REITs, Grab and Bank Outlook

    In this episode, our host Ong Seng Yeow examines how MAS’s first policy tightening since 2022, persistent oil-driven inflation risks and a resilient Singapore dollar are reshaping the investment landscape. We begin with Head of FX Research, Saktiandi Supaat, on why MAS opted to steepen the SGDNEER slope, the outlook for USDSGD, and why SGD basket longs may still be attractive. We then turn to our REITs Analyst, Krishna, who discusses how higher bond yields and volatility affect S-REITs, which subsectors are best placed in a stagflationary backdrop, and what to expect from the upcoming Q1 results season, including his read on Keppel DC REIT. Our Internet and Telco Analyst, Hussaini, also joins the show to unpack Grab’s 1Q26 outlook, the impact of higher fuel prices, its EV transition, financial services losses, and acquisition synergies. Finally, Head of Research, Thilan Wickramasinghe, closes with his views on the Singapore banks sector and how oil-shock uncertainty is shaping the outlook for the sector.

    34 min

  6. 13 APR

    Niche Value in Uncertain Markets: Energy, Gold and Hidden Winners

    In this episode, our host and Head of Research, Thilan Wickramasinghe, discusses how escalating Middle East tensions and rising oil prices are reinforcing the need for energy security and shaping investment opportunities. We begin with our Analyst, Xuan Hao Toh, who introduces Singapore Investment and Finance as a differentiated opportunity plus idea with strong niche positioning. This is followed by our Industrials Analyst, Jarick Seet, who highlights Marco Polo Marine as a key beneficiary of the renewable energy transition and offshore wind buildout. Our Analyst, Shaina Mahtani, then discusses MoneyMax as a proxy to rising gold prices, before our Telco & Internet Analyst, Hussaini Saifee, closes with his views on Singtel’s capital returns outlook and long-term growth opportunities.

    19 min

  7. 6 APR

    The Oil Shock Playbook: Energy Transition, Banks and CPO Upside

    In this episode, our host and Head of Research, Thilan Wickramasinghe, discusses how the ongoing oil shock and rising geopolitical tensions are reshaping market dynamics, with no clear resolution in sight. The focus turns to identifying opportunities across sectors as energy prices remain elevated. CEO of MIB Securities India, Jigar Shah, joins to explore how higher oil prices are accelerating energy security strategies and the transition towards EVs. We then turn to Malaysian banks, where stress tests suggest resilience despite elevated oil prices, supported by strong balance sheets and stable dividend outlooks. Finally, Head of Client Engagement, Alex Furber, shares his views on S&P 500, market volatility and how CFD strategies can complement investor portfolios in the current environment.

    20 min

  8. 30 MAR

    Rising Oil, Rising Risks: ASEAN Strategy and O&G Opportunities

    In this episode, our host and Head of Research, Thilan Wickramasinghe, discusses how escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising oil prices are increasing stagflation risks and reshaping market expectations. He explores how ASEAN should be positioned as the probability of a prolonged conflict rises. We are joined by Regional Head of Research, Anand Pathmakanthan, who shares his views on shifting investment themes across ASEAN, key sector winners, and his top conviction picks. Our Telco, Internet & Consumer Analyst, Hussaini Saifee, also walks through his latest initiation on the offshore & marine and shipping sector, highlighting opportunities in Seatrium, Yangzijiang Shipbuilding and Marco Polo Marine. The episode also revisits SATS, outlining why the company remains resilient despite Middle East exposure, with limited direct risk and potential upside from shifting cargo flows in a disrupted environment.

    21 min
See All (335)

Ratings & Reviews

3.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Maybank
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    335
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Maybank
  • Show Website
    ASEAN Speaks

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