Morning Brief

Buy Now Pay Later use is surging in Malaysia. Transactions jumped to 243 million last year, worth more than 21 billion ringgit, with outstanding BNPL borrowing now close to 5 billion ringgit. Young people and lower income households make up a big share of users, even as overdue loans remain relatively low. Wan Amirah Wan Usamah, Research Associate, Khazanah Research Institute explains what this rapid growth really means.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s military leadership is facing fresh upheaval by the purge of two of its most senior generals including Zhang Youxia, one of President Xi Jinping’s closest commanders. The shake up could leave China’s top military body smaller, raising new questions about power loyalty and control in Beijing. We speak to Dr. Yang Zi, Research Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University for insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts are under renewed scrutiny following claims of billions recovered in stolen public funds. Pushpan Murugiah of the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism joins us to discuss whether asset recovery is enough, the case for an Ombudsman, and the effectiveness of oversight over the MACC.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s three biggest banks have turned in a resilient but mixed performance as they closed out 2025. But with global rate cuts taking hold, what is their outlook for 2026 ? Sarah Jane Mahmud, Senior Industry Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence gives us her perspective whilst we also ask if Maybank's ROEs targets for 2030 are achievable.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Myanmar has concluded its latest general election under heavy restrictions, with major opposition parties banned and large parts of the country unable to vote due to ongoing conflict. Journalist Erin Cook joins us to assess how credible the polls were, what the results mean for Myanmar’s political future, and how regional and international actors are responding.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that middle powers need to move from being rule-takers to rule-shapers. From a trade and investment perspective, how realistic is that ambition for Asian middle powers? Jayant Menon, Visiting Senior Fellow, ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute tells us his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of political and legal uncertainty, TikTok has struck a deal allowing it to continue operating in the US under a majority American-owned joint venture. Dr Bradley Freeman, Professor of Creative Arts & Media, School of Arts, Sunway University, examines what this means for data security, algorithmic control, and if  this model addresses the original issue.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Applications to Malaysia’s civil service are falling even as the Public Service Commission plans to hire more in 2026. Syafiq Ridzwan, Chief of Information, Malaysian Youth Council, shares his insights into how changing entry requirements and attitudes of civil servants towards corruption, shape the quality of public service.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this month, Sunway Berhad launched a conditional takeover offer for IJM Corporation Berhad, valued about 11 billion ringgit, largely through a share swap. The deal is framed to create a larger ‘national champion’ in construction and property, but it comes at a tricky time as MACC has launched a probe on IJM. We ask Pankaj C. Kumar, Business Commentator for his view on the valuations and if the deal will materialise.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private healthcare costs are rising, insurance premiums have jumped, and the central bank has published a whitepaper proposing a base medical and health insurance plan (also known as MHIT) as part of a broader effort to rein in costs. We ask if this offers adequate protection and whether it can meaningfully address medical inflation. Dr. Khor Swee Kheng, Chief Executive Officer of Angsana Health and a specialist in health systems, will help us break this down.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Bank Negara Malaysia’s Monetary Policy Committee announced that the Overnight Policy Rate remains unchanged at 2.75%, saying the current policy setting remains appropriate and supportive amid price stability. Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist, Ambank will be sharing his perspective on BNM’s OPR decision, and the outlook for Malaysia’s economy.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, we saw a wipeout of about 700 billion US dollars from Magnificent 7 stocks due to US-Greenland uncertainty - though there’s been some recovery since. Be that as it may, the episode does call into question what the outlook of US tech stocks is, and Jonathan Curtis, Co-Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Equity will be sharing his thoughts with us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s rail ambitions are back in the spotlight, not just what we build, but how it performs and what it costs. In the Klang Valley, Rapid Rail carries millions of passengers on core urban routes, even as financial losses persist. At the national level, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is nearing operations, raising fresh questions about how big rail projects should ultimately be priced. For perspectives on our rail system, we’ll be speaking to Dato' Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd. Sadullah, Vice Chancellor, Universiti Putra Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is pushing forward with the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, with 70% of the framework already completed. But can it truly keep the waters safe and accessible when it does not resolve territorial disputes? For better understanding, we speak with Dr. Abdul Rahman Yaacob, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at Verve Research, Australia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Supreme Court is expected to deliver its ruling on President Donald Trump’s tariffs only by Feb 20, leaving importers, markets, and international partners in suspense. Dr Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation, unpacks the impact on businesses and global commerce, as well as how the US and Europe are navigating a tense trade landscape.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial markets are currently navigating what has been dubbed the 'Greenland Tariff Gambit', a significant geopolitical shock triggered by President Trump’s threat to impose 10% tariffs on eight European nations. We ask Christopher Wong, FX Strategist at OCBC Bank what impact all these geopolitical risks have on the FX market.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is tabling the National Climate Change Bill to give the federal government formal powers to regulate emissions and carbon markets. Climate change and sustainability expert Dr Renard Siew shares his insights into whether Malaysia’s emerging climate architecture can translate policy ambition into real-world outcomes.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government will table a Freedom of Information Act with free access to request documents and other information from government agencies. So, why does freedom of information matter and how will the act be implemented at the federal level that satisfies international standards and not just be a token reform measure? Professor Dr Joanne Lim, Digital Media, Communications and Cultural Studies lecturer and Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia gives us her insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has launched its National Education Plan 2026-2035, introducing earlier school entry, new centralised assessments and changes across the entire education pipeline. Danial Abdul Rahman, CEO of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute, joins us to unpack what these reforms could mean in classrooms and for the future generations of Malaysians.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vietnam’s 14th Communist Party Congress is ongoing in Hanoi and will determine the country’s leadership and policy direction for the next five years. Dr Nguyễn Khắc Giang, Visiting Fellow with the Vietnam Studies Programme at the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, explains what’s at stake, and how Vietnam plans to manage growth ambitions amid rising geopolitical tensions.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kuala Lumpur MPs will now play a more significant role in the city’s administration, as Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh has announced the formation of five MP-led monitoring committees to oversee the DBKL 2026 Budget. We ask Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, MP for Setiawangsa as to how this plan will change the running of KL and also if there are any updates  to his plan for  a council-based governance model.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s retail sector is showing signs of strain despite repeated stimulus measures. Catherine Lim, a senior analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence unpacks buyer fatigue, diverging spending trends between luxury and mass-market consumers, and what lies ahead for China’s household economy in 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump’s renewed push to acquire Greenland "the easy way or the hard way" has triggered a transatlantic crisis. Dr Benjamin Barton, Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, talks about the different scenarios that might unfold and what would happen in a post-Trump era for Europe.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past week, US President Donald Trump has floated a proposal he calls a Board of Peace, a new international body linked to Gaza that would sit outside the United Nations framework. Dr James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies tells us if this is a workable plan.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China closed 2025 meeting its headline GDP growth target of 5%, but beneath the surface the recovery looks uneven with the final quarter, expanding at its slowest pace since Covid. Heron Lim, a lecturer of economics at ESSEC Business School, shares his insights into these numbers and what to expect when China's National People’s Congress convenes in March.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Territories Ministry is partnering with Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia to redesign key urban infrastructure, encompassing public housing layouts and toilets to shower facilities aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles. Adrianta Aziz, the president of PAM, shares his insights into what this means for the future of KL.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia wrapped up 2025 on a stronger footing than expected. Flash estimates show the economy growing 5.7% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, beating market expectations and bringing full-year growth to around 4.9%. Can this momentum be sustained, and what is our growth outlook in 2026? Questions we pose to Julia Goh, Senior Economist, UOBThis episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda) Institute announced that homeownership among Malaysia’s middle-income M40 group has fallen below that of the low-income B40 rate.  Dr Consilz Tan, Research Fellow, Centre for Market Education & Senior Lecturer, Xiamen University Malaysia  helps us make sense of the data and if there is any validity to claims that the drop is due to a housing model that depends on cross-subsidisation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Umno’s General Assembly has wrapped, but the political signals are still unfolding. Tough rhetoric on the floor, cooperation at the top, delayed party elections and quiet symbolism around who appeared where all raise fresh questions about Umno’s direction as GE16 approaches. What really changed and what was just theatre? We’ll break it down with Dr. Azmil Mohd Tayeb, Political Scientist and Associate Professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taiwan will invest $250 billion dollars in US semiconductor manufacturing under a new trade deal, as tariffs on its goods are cut from 20% to 15%.  George Chen, Partner & Co-chair of the Digital Practice at The Asia Group gives us his insights on this and what it means for the wider semiconductor industry.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is proposing a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) mechanism for certain corruption cases, to allow those accused to pause criminal proceedings while repaying misappropriated funds and potentially avoiding lengthy trials. Criminal lawyer Goh Cia Yee helps us unpack the proposal, and what it could mean for the fight against corruption.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greenland remains a fixation for President Donald Trump, who insists the United States needs the island for national security. A recent meeting between the foreign ministers of Denmark, Greenland and the US produced little sign of compromise. John Zogby, founder of Zogby Strategies, unpacks what this standoff reveals about shifting global politics.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oil markets have been navigating a complex mix of geopolitics, supply dynamics and demand uncertainty with prices weak in 2025. Is the outlook different in 2026 due to possible regime change in Iran and the removal of President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. Sim Moh Siong, Commodity Strategist, OCBC Bank gives us his views.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to dissolve parliament next week, triggering a national election for all 465 seats, her first since taking office.The ruling party says details will be announced on Monday, with polling expected in February. The move comes as Japan enters a key policy period, with budget discussions underway and continued pressure on the yen. Markets have already begun reacting. To help us understand what’s unfolding and what to watch next, we speak to William Pesek, columnist with Nikkei Asia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As UMNO convenes its long-delayed general assembly, Malaysia’s oldest political party faces critical questions about its role within the unity government and its identity ahead of GE16. Adib Zalkapli, Managing Director, Viewfinder Global Affairs, shares his insights on what discussions will dominate at this year's gathering, and who stands to gain in the months ahead.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global markets are kicking off 2026 with record highs, shrugging off economic and political uncertainties. Gains in Japan and China, alongside surging silver and gold, have investors questioning whether this rally can be sustained. For analysis, we speak with Aidan YAO, Senior Investment Strategist, Asia, Amundi.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From June 2026, Malaysia is doubling the minimum salary thresholds for Employment Passes, reshaping eligibility, renewals, and the ability for expatriates to bring their families. Andy Davison of the Expat Group Media unpacks what this means for employers, foreign talent, and Malaysia’s competitiveness in the region.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s court system is under mounting pressure with criminal cases surging more than 60% and yet the country has just 147 superior court judges serving a population of 36 million, far below global benchmarks. Constitutional lawyer Lim Wei Jiet talks about the impact of judge shortages and whether Malaysia’s courts can realistically catch up.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s property market ended 2025 with price growth in the private residential segment moderating but what is the outlook for 2026? Will commercial property and also REITs be positively impacted by lower interest rates and stronger economic growth? Ken Foong, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence gives us his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian government has been pushing to streamline its digital services, this time hoping that its MyDigital ID can do that job, serving as a single hub where users can access multiple government services with one login. Amin Ashaari, CEO and Co-Founder of SoyaCincau, talks about the practical aspects of these ambitions.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After much speculation, Sunway Bhd will acquire rival IJM in a cash and share deal worth over RM11 billion. We ask Royce Tan, Senior Analyst, MBSB Research, if the deal is synergistic or value accretive, and what this means for the construction sector. We also ask him for his broad views on the sector and his top buy ideas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Elon Musk-backed chatbot Grok is under global scrutiny after being linked to the generation of sexualised and non-consensual images, including of minors, resulting in Malaysia and Indonesia imposing temporary blocks. Dr Benjamin Loh, Course Director, Bachelor of Digital Media & Communication at Monash University, shares his perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran is facing some of its deadliest unrest in years, with security forces reportedly using live ammunition against protesters, hundreds killed, and thousands detained. Washington has also weighed in, even suggesting military intervention. Dr James Dorsey of the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies gives his take on what might happen in the coming days.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's news that the Education Ministry plans to bring back the UPSR and PT3 exams, as they unveil Malaysia's Education Blueprint that will shape learning up to 2036. Shahnaz Al-Sadat, Chairperson of LeapEd Services, shares her views on these assessments making a comeback as well as what meaningful education reform should look like going forward.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers has decided that no further action is required following the discharge not amounting to an acquittal in the Yayasan Akalbudi case involving Umno President and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ragunath Kesavan, Former President of the Malaysian Bar Council, provides insight into the AGC’s decision.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electricity demand in Malaysia is rising, but changes in the energy mix are moving more slowly. Coal’s share has gone up, gas is expected to matter more only after 2030. At the same time, data centres are adding pressure and regional power sharing is back on the agenda. So is Malaysia ready for these changes? We’ll tap Cheah Wai Seng, Energy, Resources and Industrials Leader at Deloitte Malaysia, for his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has called for an urgent Perikatan Nasional supreme council meeting, following the recent resignation of Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as PN chair. That’s not the only meeting that’s happening as UMNO’s General Assembly is set to begin on Wednesday - what outcomes can we expect from these events? Dr. Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research will be sharing his thoughts with us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johor’s property market is booming, with residential transactions reaching RM9.9 billion ringgit in the first half of 2025. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur’s office market is under pressure, as new developments add supply and older buildings struggle to attract tenants. For insights on how these shifts are shaping Malaysia’s property market, we speak with Sulaiman Saheh, Director of Research & Consultancy Services at Rahim & Co.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is set to strengthen its economic ties with Europe as the long-awaited Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement nears completion this year. But with neighbouring countries also vying for the same FDI, can Malaysia do enough to stand out? We speak with Donal Crotty, Chairman of Eurocham MalaysiaImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore closed 2025 on a strong note - advance estimates show the economy expanded 4.8% for the full year,  beating the government’s earlier forecast of around 4% and marking the fastest pace of growth since 2021.  We ask Selena Ling, Chief Economist, OCBC Bank if Singapore can sustain that pace of growth into 2026, amid ongoing trade, policy and geopolitical uncertainties.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.