Morning Brief

Markets were disappointed with the anticipated Federal Reserve Rate cut of 25 bps with declines across Asia and the US. This despite the conclusion of US-China trade talks where President Donald Trump claimed a victory of sorts. Aidan YAO, Senior Investment Strategist, Asia, Amundi tells us how investors can navigate these crosswinds and what investment strategy to adopt.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US government shutdown has entered its 29th day, paralysing federal agencies, delaying pay for hundreds of thousands of workers, and threatening key welfare programmes. Bryan DeAngelis, Partner & Head of the Washington Office at Penta Group, talks about the political stalemate gripping Capitol Hill as well as the economic and social fallout.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bursa Malaysia has filed legal action to stop MAA Group from holding an EGM  on KNM Group which is a PN17 company. We ask Dr Ismet Yusoff, CEO of Minority Shareholders Watch Group as to what this PN 17 status entails and why does Bursa intervene in cases like this.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As US President Donald Trump wraps up his three-nation tour of Asia, he got nearly $900 billion in investment pledges from Japan and South Korea, in exchange for cutting US tariffs to 15%. Alexis Dudden, Visiting Professor at the National University of Singapore, unpacks who truly benefits from these as well as how they reshape America’s economic and strategic leverage in Asia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is back in Asia for the second time since May, visiting Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, and South Korea in a bid to reinforce Washington’s Indo-Pacific strategy amid escalating tensions with China. Thomas Daniel, Director of the Foreign Policy and Security Studies Programme at ISIS Malaysia, analyses the wider implications.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's semiconductors were excluded from the recent deal with the US and currently enjoys a tariff holiday. However how long will this exmption remain and how can Malaysia prepare for this? Questions we pose to Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association whilst also getting a 2026 outlook.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s new digital trade agreement with the United States promises closer cooperation in technology and innovation, but comes with the removal of digital taxes, data localisation bans, and trusted supplier clauses. Farlina Said, Director of the Centre for Technology and Policy at ISIS Malaysia, breaks down what this means for Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, the US and China reached a preliminary consensus on easing some of the trade restrictions each had imposed on the other ahead of Presidents Xi Jin Ping and Donald Trump in South Korea next week. Does this indicate the beginnings of a recovery in trade ties between the two countries? Angeline Tan, Analyst, Institute Of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia gives us her view.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, leaders of countries in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership  (RCEP) gathered in Kuala Lumpur for the first summit since the world’s largest trade pact was signed in 2020. What does this mean for both Malaysia and the region’s economic growth? We ask Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Adjunct Professor at Taylor's University and former Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bersatu’s leadership turmoil shows no signs of easing, as Indera Mahkota MP Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and six other division leaders, publicly urged Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin to resign as party president. Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri, Department Head of Political Science and Madani Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia tells us why this chorus of dissent is getting louder, what it means for internal dynamics and if it still has traction with voters.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s National Day and Mid-Autumn Festival holidays saw a strong rebound in travel and dining, hinting at a long-awaited recovery in consumer sentiment after months of cautious spending. But will that trend continue for retail names as we approach the most important day for retail, Singles Day. Catherine Lim, Senior Industry Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence tells us her perspective and which companies will see top line growth and margin expansion.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A number of trade deals have been signed over the weekend between the US and Malaysia, Thailand, and Cambodia. China has also indicated willingness to work with ASEAN for China on the success of a 3.0 FTA. For more insights on these trade deals, we speak to Julia Goh, Senior Economist, UOB.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Was the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accord truly a landmark peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, as claimed by U. President Trump, or merely a symbolic gesture to project diplomatic success? We speak to Dr. Greg Raymond, Senior Lecturer, Australian National University for his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Flood risk has been made a key factor in approving all new housing developments in Malaysia as of last week. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof says the move aims to protect homebuyers from projects built in flood-prone areas. How will this affect developers and consumers moving forward? We find out from Dr. Joshua Netto, Director, Blue Stone Management, a company that specialises in construction services.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The spotlight was on Kuala Lumpur this week as world and regional leaders, including US President Donald Trump, gathered for the 47th ASEAN Summit. While the agenda focused on cooperation and sustainability, ongoing challenges, from the South China Sea to Myanmar, continue to test the bloc’s resolve. We speak to Shannon Teoh, Malaysia Bureau Chief at The Straits Times, for his take on what unfoldedImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia’s two biggest oil companies, to cut off funding for Moscow’s war in Ukraine. The decision comes just days after Russia launched 28 missiles and more than 400 drones across multiple Ukrainian cities. Dr. Sonia Mycak, Research Fellow at the ANU Centre for European Studies, joins us to share her insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 47th ASEAN Summit will take place shortly in Kuala Lumpur, against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty and shifting trade dynamics. We interview Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, on how global geopolitics and geoeconomics have redefined this summit and Malaysia’s economic trajectory.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US markets were roiled a week ago amid growing investor concerns of credit risks affecting US regional banks following the failure of  car loan company Tricolor and car parts maker First Brands. We ask Herman Chan, Senior Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence if US regional banks are under stress and which under his coverage are more resilient.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GLCs and GLICs play an outsized role in the Malaysian economy - but is there more chaff than wheat in the crowded ecosystem? And how can we hold these entities which have both commercial and social mandates to better account? We discuss this with independent business writer P. Gunasegaram.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As U.S. tariffs take effect, how are China’s tech giants holding up, and can their growth keep pace with or even surpass their American rivals? For insights, we speak with Steven Tseng, senior analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sanae Takaichi has made history as Japan’s first female prime minister, a landmark moment in a political landscape long dominated by men. Michael Cucek, Assistant Professor of Asian Studies at the Japan Campus of Temple University, talks about how her leadership might reshape Japan’s economy, gender politics, and role on the global stage.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As China tightens export controls on rare earths, the global supply chain is being reshaped, with the US turning to allies like Australia to secure new sources of this critical resource. To understand what’s at stake we speak with Trung Ghi, Head of Energy and Utilities Practice at Arthur D. Little in Asia Pacific.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kuala Lumpur is set to host the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings in a few days, the pinnacle of Malaysia’s chairmanship of the bloc. The event is touted as one of the largest in history, with a long-list of world leaders in attendance, including US President Donald Trump. What might be the outcomes of the summit? We discuss this with Dr. Khoo Ying Hooi of Universiti Malaya.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday, the Kota Kinabalu High Court ruled in favor of Sabah,  declaring that the federal government acted unlawfully by withholding 40% of the state’s revenue from 1974 to 2021. Prof. James Chin, Professor in Asian Studies, University of Tasmania tells us what the ramifications of this are especially since the Sabah elections will be held soon.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FTSE Russell  has announced that Vietnam will  be upgrading from frontier to Emerging markets in September 2026 after a final review in March. This upgrade is expected to draw strong investment interest, with passive inflows estimated at around 1.5 billion US dollars and potentially more from active investors. Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research, ANZ tells us how the Vietnamese economy will do in 2026 and the direction of the Dong.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that the government is considering several measures, including a ban on smartphones for students under 16, in the wake of several shocking crimes involving underaged perpetrators. Goh Cia Yee, criminal lawyer, joins us in discussing the legal and social aspects of juvenile crime.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The KLIA aerotrain continues to make headlines for the wrong reasons having suffered nearly two dozen disruptions in just 3 months since it resumed services. Who bears the responsibility for these mishaps and what does it say about broader upgrades to the national airport? We discuss this with aviation infrastructure specialist Khair Mirza, Modalis Infrastructure Partners. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alvin Tai, Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, remains positive on the palm oil sector for the rest of the year, despite weaker soybean prices after China stopped buying from the U.S. However, he notes that the 2026 outlook will hinge on Indonesia’s B50 biodiesel mandate and its implementation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is looking to introduce legislation that would hold senders and recipients of goods accountable for overloaded lorries, closing a loophole that some in the industry have long been pointing out. How far will this go to prevent accidents caused by the overloading of haulage vehicles? We hear from Prof. Dr. Farhan Sadullah of University Putra Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perikatan Nasional has tabled its own response to Budget 2026 under the theme “Fixing the Structure, Revitalising the Economy, and Easing the People’s Burden”. Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, the MP for Machang from Bersatu discusses PN’s key criticisms of the government’s fiscal strategy and its alternative. Wan Ahmad also clarifies his recent suspension from his party.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance LifeImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Similar to previous years, the education sector is the biggest beneficiary under Budget 2026 with a headline allocation of RM66 billion. But are funds being channelled to address the structural issues that plague our education system? We get reactions to the education budget with Dr. Wan Chang Da of Taylor’s University.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance LifeImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Defence was allocated RM21.7 billion ringgit, a 3% increase from last year. How far will this funding go in enhancing Malaysia’s defence capabilities and safeguarding national security? We get insights from Marhalim Abas, Freelance Writer On Defence and National Security Issues. Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance LifeImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. and China have been trading blows this week over cooking oil, soybeans and renewed tariff threats, a confrontation that could have serious repercussions for the global economy. Dr. Deborah K. Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation, believes Trump’s gamble that Xi will back down is unlikely to pay off.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A string of headlines highlighting bullying, physical violence, and even murder in schools has shaken public confidence in the safety of our education system. Are our national schools truly equipped to protect their students? We explore the policies and frameworks necessary to ensure that every child can learn in a safe environment, with Alina Amir, CEO & Co-founder of Arus Academy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bersatu ranks have been shaken by the expulsion of key leaders, including Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Saiful Wan Jan and four division chiefs, as well as the suspension of Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fahysal for one term. What does this mean for party unity and also the Perikatan Nasional coalition? Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director of Merdeka Centre, shares insights on this political fallout.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s EV companies are seeing slowdowns in their sales domestically, even though their numbers are positive overseas. What’s causing this downturn in the sector at home, and what is its outlook in the coming months? Joanna Chen, Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence shares her insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business writer Pankaj C. Kumar says the lack of substantive tax reforms and the continued rise in debt service charges are among the key issues Budget 2026 fails to address. He also highlights other missed opportunities in the latest budget tabled by the Madani government.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government’s 40% increase in doctors’ and dentists’ on-call allowances under Budget 2026 is long overdue, says Dr. Khor Swee Kheng, CEO of Angsana Health and Public Policy Specialist. He provides an in-depth analysis of the key healthcare initiatives introduced in the budget and their potential impact on the sector.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two years after the events on October 7th, the remaining Israeli captives have been released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees under phase 1 of President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. But is the hardest part still to come in securing lasting peace and independence for Palestine? We discuss this with Dr. James Dorsey of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

East Malaysia took center stage in Budget 2026, with Sabah receiving RM6.9 billion ringgit and Sarawak RM6 billion ringgit in record allocations. But is this enough to address the region’s development challenges? Dr. Saizal Pinjaman of Universiti Malaysia Sabah weighs in.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is targeting RM270 billion in tax revenue next year, but with no new taxes introduced, can this be achieved? Sim Kwang Gek, Country Tax Leader at Deloitte Malaysia tells us her perspective whilst also weighing in on incentives to help businesses and also the goodies for the rakyat.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 marks the first under the 13th Malaysia Plan and possibly the last before the next general election. With spending rising to RM419 billion and the deficit narrowing slightly to 3.5% of GDP, can Malaysia strike the right balance between fiscal discipline and growth? Dr Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Bank Muamalat's Chief Economist shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 has been lauded as a positive and pragmatic plan for Malaysia’s small and medium enterprises, with billions channelled toward financing guarantees, microloans, digitalisation, and export expansion. Chin Chee Seong, President of the SME Association of Malaysia, unpacks he opportunities and challenges for SMEs under this fourth MADANI Budget.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s F&B sector is facing mounting cost pressures from higher wages, ingredient prices, and the expanded 8% SST. Will Budget 2026 deliver the relief the industry needs? Patrick Sim, Council Member of the Food & Beverage Division at the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), shares his insights on what measures he hopes to see in the upcoming budget.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week President Donald Trump has deployed National Guard troops to Chicago in response to rising protests against immigration enforcement actions by federal authorities. How far can Trump push the limits of his Presidential office? We discuss the potential scenarios with Dr. Kathryn Robison of the United States Studies Centre under the University of Sydney.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antony Lee, Deputy Chairman of the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM), explains the factors contributing to higher repair costs for electric vehicles and their implications for long-term ownership and insurance premiums. He also highlights how medical costs are rising faster than insurance premiums.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s construction sector has had a standout year so far. More than RM126 billion worth of contracts have already been awarded year-to-date. Will 2026 Budget see the rollout of more projects? Chong Tjen San, Director, CGS International  gives us his view and also his top stock picks.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has launched the Elderly Action Plan 2026–2030 to improve care and support for senior citizens across Malaysia. With life expectancy now at 76, up from 63, fifty years ago, how prepared are we to meet the needs of our ageing population? We speak with Delren Douglas, President, Association for Residential Aged Care Operators of Malaysia (AGECOPE).Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is visiting India this week to build upon the free trade agreement secured between London and New Delhi in July. How might geopolitics shape the nature of UK-India relations in the future? We discuss expectations with Dr. Benjamin Barton of the University of Nottingham Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The semiconductor sector makes up 70% of Malaysia’s total E&E exports accounting for nearly RM440 billion ringgit in 2024. With the threat of US tariffs still looming, can Budget 2026 provide measures to fortify the Malaysian semiconductor industry to weather economic storms? We discuss Budget 2026 expectations with Andrew Chan, Executive Director of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.