

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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 6, 2026 • 20min
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.

Mar 30, 2026 • 21min
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.

Mar 23, 2026 • 23min
Markets Under Pressure: Oil, Conflict and Investment Strategy
In this episode, our host and Head of Research, Thilan Wickramasinghe, examines how the Iran conflict, now in its fourth week is keeping oil prices above $100 and driving uncertainty across global markets. Economist Brian joins the show to assess the macro impact on ASEAN economies, including growth, inflation and relative winners and losers.We then take a deep dive into the Singapore market, analysing short war versus long war scenarios and their implications across sectors, from financials and REITs to transport and tech manufacturing. Our Industrials Analyst, Jarick, also highlights key stock ideas including Addvalue Technologies and Marco Polo Marine, outlining the drivers, risks and potential upside in the current environment.

Mar 16, 2026 • 17min
Defence, REITs and Resilient Stocks in Uncertain Times
In this episode, our host and Head of Research, Thilan Wickramasinghe, examines how the escalating Middle East conflict is driving higher oil prices, rising inflation risks and travel disruptions, while highlighting areas of resilience within the Singapore market.Our REITs & Industrials Analyst, Krishna, joins the show to discuss rising global defence spending and why he has upgraded ST Engineering, with Addvalue Technologies as another key beneficiary. He also reiterates his positive outlook on S-REITs following the recent market pullback.Our Research Analyst, Miaomiao, introduces her BUY initiation on SATS, explaining how the company could benefit from shifting cargo dynamics despite ongoing travel disruptions.Finally, Our Telco & Internet Analyst, Hussaini, discusses his upgrade on Wilmar, outlining why higher oil prices and improving fundamentals support a more constructive outlook for the stock.

Dec 3, 2025 • 47min
Dominance of China's EV Supply Chain
This episode is a deep dive into the real power shifts in China's EV supply chain and how competitive forces are shaping up in the battery chemistry labs, EV gigafactories and in energy-storage systems.

Nov 10, 2025 • 24min
Banking on Resilience
In this week's ASEAN Speaks, our host Thilan breaks down the key developments shaping Singapore’s markets as the US government shutdown nears resolution and expectations rise for a December Fed rate cut.In light of that, we review Singapore banks’ 3Q results, highlighting why OCBC has been upgraded to BUY, while DBS remains a BUY and UOB a HOLD. Thilan explains the trends driving net interest income, non-interest income, and capital returns across the sector.Our TMT analyst Hussaini, then joins to discuss SingTel, sharing insights from its Associate performance and how that could influence upcoming results.Covering for Samuel, our gaming analyst, Sheryl covers Genting Singapore's strong 3Q results, reiterating its BUY call due to upcoming 4Q seasonality, and expansion in non-gaming attractions as key drivers for continued growth.Promo: Don’t miss our Punchy Techy Offer! Win up to SGD5,000 in shopping vouchers by executing BUY trades on Azeus Systems, Info-Tech Systems, or AvePoint until 31 January.

Nov 3, 2025 • 27min
Momentum, Money & Markets
The countdown to year-end has begun and markets are showing momentum. In this week’s episode of Market Monday, host Thilan breaks down the key movers and macro shifts shaping Singapore’s investment landscape.Xuan Hao shares his BUY initiation on iFAST with a target price of SGD11.95, highlighting the catalysts behind the fintech’s strong outlook.Next, we turn to Sheng Siong, which surged nearly 6% after strong 3Q results. Analyst Hussaini reiterates a BUY rating, calling the supermarket chain one of the best proxies for Singapore’s domestic growth story.Special guest Tim Philips, founder of TimTalksMoney and SGX Academy Trainer, joins to discuss SaaS and cloud stocks such as AvePoint and what makes this sector appealing to investors.Promo: From now until 31 January, investors who trade AvePoint, Azeus Systems, or Info-Tech Systems on SGX will receive a SGD20 shopping voucher.

Oct 27, 2025 • 13min
Singapore Pulse: From Bank Earnings to Market Value-Up
In this week’s episode of ASEAN Speaks, Thilan Wickramasinghe, our Head of Research, introduces the 3Q25 Singapore banks outlook, and discussed "value-up" reforms that could unlock value and sustain the SMID rally. We then turn to Hussaini Saifee, our TMT analyst, who breaks down his decision to downgrade SEA Limited to a HOLD, citing slower margin recovery.Finally, our host, Jarick Seet, discusses his decision to maintain a BUY on Marco Polo Marine, highlighting their new growth opportunities. Stay tuned for more insights on ASEAN markets in our next episode.

Oct 13, 2025 • 19min
Exhaustion or Opportunity?
In this week’s episode, Seng Yeow hosts, joined by Erica and Hussaini. Seng Yeow opens the discussion with the week’s key geopolitical and macro developments — including renewed Israel–Hamas tensions and the U.S. plan to impose 100% tariffs on Chinese imports by November 1 — framing them as signs of growing strain in global markets. He notes that “markets don’t die of altitude — they die of exhaustion,” reflecting the cautious investor sentiment seen lately. Erica shares insights on China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, highlighting the country’s push for long-term self-sufficiency and structural reforms. Hussaini wraps up with a defensive view, reiterating a BUY rating on Sheng Siong for its resilient fundamentals and steady performance amid uncertainty.

Oct 6, 2025 • 16min
ASEAN’s Digital Shuffle: Commerce, Banks, and Beyond
In this week’s episode of ASEAN Speaks, Hussaini Saifee, our TMT analyst, introduces the emerging concept of Agentic Commerce — what it means for the future of online shopping, how it compares to existing e-commerce platforms, and the implications for key regional players such as Sea Ltd.We then turn to Malaysia, where our host, Thilan, breaks down the state of digital banks. With five new licensees, competition is heating up, but profitability remains a distant goal. Jarick Seet shares insights from his recent roadshow with Sanli Management, outlining key growth drivers and the rationale behind his strong BUY call on the company.Finally, Krishna Guha discusses his upgrade on Lendlease Global Commercial Trust, highlighting company-specific drivers, the impact of falling benchmark rates, and his quick take on the overall REIT sector outlook.


