Morning Brief

A month from now, all Malaysian adults will receive the next 100 ringgit under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, or Sara, initiative. We speak with Economist Dr. Geoffrey Williams on the cost of living and whether government schemes such as Sara and Budi95 have helped alleviate the burden.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.

Tensions between China and Japan continue to heat up following Tokyo's comments about Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own province. Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science of the National University of Singapore, shares his perspectives on the latest posturing from China.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.

2025 was a mixed year for the auto sector in Asia Pacific, despite growth in China, Japan and India with cost challenges and intense competition. Joanna Chen, Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence tells us what her expectations are for this sector in 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's Armed Forces are under heightened scrutiny following a string of recent controversies, including the suspension of its army chief over alleged irregularities in procurement projects, and viral reports of misconduct at military camps. Ridzwan Rahmat, Principal Defence Analyst at Jane’s, talks about what reforms are needed and implications to national security if ignored.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the US’s dramatic abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump has reiterated his ambition to acquire Greenland, citing strategic and security reasons, and not ruling out military action to achieve that. Dr Frederick Kliem, Director for Southeast Asia at the Corporate Network of The Economist, shares his views.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has delayed e-invoicing requirements by a year for small and medium enterprises with sales between  RM1mn to RM 5mn a year, citing high costs and difficult compliance rules. Chin Chee Seong, National President of the SME Association of Malaysia tells us if the policy flip-flopping frustates their members or if they welcome this move.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.

Iran has been facing widespread unrest since Dec 28, with economic hardship sparking protests across the country and policymakers attempting reforms amid US sanctions and a faltering currency. Dr James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, shares his analysis on the situation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three days after the US operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, questions now arise over what comes next and what the dynamics of power might look like going forward. Julia Sinitsky, a country risk analyst at BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, shares her insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the United States' military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and transferring him to New York to drug and terrorism charges, questions about its legality arise. Dr Juliette McIntyre, Senior Law Lecturer at the University of South Australia, unpacks what the law allows, and what this moment could mean for the international order.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.

CES, the biggest tech trade show started yesterday in Las Vegas.  This annual event is expected to showcase the latest bells and whistles of the industry with a focus on all things related to AI. We ask Dan Ives, Managing Director, Wedbush Securities for his observations of this event and which companies will be the winners in the AI revolution.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since January 1st, new changes to Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund (or EPF) have come into effect.  These include the Retirement Income Adequacy (or RIA) framework, new policies for high balance accounts, and expanded coverage for gig workers and homemakers through i Saraan Plus and i Suri. Dr Paul Anthony Maria Das, Senior Lecturer, School of Accounting and Finance Faculty of Business and Law, Taylor’s University tells us if the impact of these changes are cosmetic or if legislative changes are needed to reduce the retirement gap.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a new slate of institutional reforms, most of which had been GE15 manifesto promises anyway. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s opposition is in flux, with leadership changes in Perikatan Nasional and renewed calls to revive Muafakat Nasional. Dr Azmil Tayeb, Associate Professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has  RE goals of 31% capacity by 2025, 40% by 2035, and 70% by 2050. To achieve this there are a myriad of initiatives and policies by different government agencies. We ask  Royce Tan, Senior Analyst, MBSB Research for details of these initiatives and which listed companies stand to benefit.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s sovereign wealth landscape is shifting. Khazanah Nasional remains the federal anchor, Sarawak has legislated its own fund with approval to invest globally, and Sabah has renewed plans for a state sovereign fund after years of discussion. What are the gold standards for governance, accountability and the importance of clear mandates ? We speak to Dr Elsa Satkunasingam, Director and Senior Lecturer at Iclif, Asia School of Business.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After months of mounting tensions, the United States launched a military strike in Venezuela capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Dr Kathryn Robison, Lecturer in American Studies, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney tells us what the implications and legality of this action is.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the clock ticking, the Madani Government has less than two years to implement reforms that strengthen Malaysia’s institutions. Dr. Wong Chin Huat, Political Scientist, Sunway University tells us the best way to ensure that this Government takes so that reforms are implemented effectively and also quickly.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.

In his New Year Eve speech to the top political consultative body, President Xi Jinping reiterated that China’s economy is expected to grow at 5% in 2025. Experts widely anticipate a similar growth target in 2026. Chen Zheng, Vice President and China Policy Analyst at CITIC Securities gives us his perspective on whether this is achievable and what the engines of growth will be.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perak is Malaysia’s sixth largest state economy, contributing just over five percent of national GDP.  It is not a traditional growth engine, nor a default destination for capital.  Yet the composition of that economy is changing. Adam Mohamed Rahim, Equity Research Analyst, RHB Research Sdn Bhd tells us what is the investment strategy to adopt for the state and the top equity buy ideas.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of our industry outlook series, today we explore the trends that defined the property sector last year. Amy Wong Siew Fong, Executive Director of Research & Consultancy at Knight Frank Malaysia walks us through the sector’s 2025 performance as well as the key things to look out for in 2026Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PAS looks set to take the lead in Perikatan Nasional following the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and several other senior leaders. But who will step up to guide the coalition, and can they keep the party united ahead of GE-16? For analysis, we speak with Dr. Lau Zhe Wei, Assistant Professor with the Department of Political Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)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.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is back in discussion to replace the Sales and Service Tax (SST) tax regime. Could this signal that GST will be reintroduced eventually? We speak to Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, Senior Advisor on Tax Policy, KPMG in Malaysia to discuss the potential return of GST.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.

Three Fed rate cuts and geopolitical tensions have meant volatile Fixed Income markets in the US. We ask Ang Beng Kuan, Head of Investment Strategy, Opus Islamic Asset Management for his 2026 outlook and if Malaysia will continue to see strong demand for MGS and GII after a record RM22.6bn inflow.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 was a challenging year for Malaysia's SMEs, as businesses grappled with higher operating costs, global trade uncertainty, and expanded compliance requirements. Chin Chee Seong, National President of the SME Association of Malaysia, reflects on the year that was and looks ahead to 2026 which brings with it the expansion of the SST framework, new digitalisation incentives and others.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global e-commerce is entering a more demanding phase with platforms having to deal with higher costs, tighter margins, tougher competition, and growing pressure to show not just scale, but sustainability. Poonam Goyal, Senior Equity Research Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence  tells us how companies intend to navigate this landscape and the companies better able to deal with the challenges ahead.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting January 2026, Malaysia will implement a Self-Assessment Stamp Duty System, moving the process fully online via MyTax, intended to simplify payments, improve transparency and broaden compliance. Kellie Allison Yap, Partner in the Tax & Customs Practice Group at Zaid Ibrahim & Co discusses what this all means to taxpayers.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’s tourism sector is rebounding strongly despite competition across ASEAN intensifying. MATTA President Nigel Wong discusses the outlook for this industry, with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 targeting 47 million international visitors, coming into focus, as well as what the industry must fix now to sustain growth beyond 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the conclusion of the 1MDB trial, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak can now expect to spend time behind bars until 2043, after being found guilty of all 25 charges. Shannon Teoh, the Straits Times' Malaysia Bureau Chief, shares his view on the marathon sentencing proceedings, the prospects of appeal, the future of Najib’s political influence.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.

The Jakarta Composite Index is up by more than 20% on a year to date basis. One of the best performing in Asean. Jerry Goh, Asia Equities Investment Director, Aberdeen Investments tells us why this market has outperformed after a slow start to the year whilst giving us his outlook and top buy ideas for 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 has been a year of change for Malaysia’s automotive industry, from soft sales to a surge in EV adoption. Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, President of the Malaysia Automotive Association, unpacks the market rebound, government incentives, and what’s ahead for local car makers and EVs in 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Myanmar's ruling military government, while seized power from a democratically-elected one nearly 5 years ago wants to hold its first nationwide election. Journalist Erin Cook joins us to unpack the players, the process, and the potential impact of the election and its outcome, while conflict, political restrictions, and questions over credibility continue to be issues.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.

Thailand’s central bank cut its key interest rate last Wednesday to 1.25% as it looks to shore up a slowing economy facing multiple headwinds. With 2026 growth forecast at just 1.5%,  what policy tools does it have to revive growth? Poon Panichpibool, Markets Strategist, Krung Thai Bank tells us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As US equities are ending the year on a high note, Asian stocks have also outperformed - the MSCI Asia Pacific Index of the region’s equities is up 27% this year. Lim Chia Wei, Associate Director of Equities, AHAM Asset Management tells us whether this momentum in global markets can be sustained into next year, and what strategies should investors pay attention to.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As competition intensifies and costs remain structurally high, Malaysia’s food and beverage sector heads into 2026 under tougher conditions. Patrick Sim, Council Member of the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) and Group CEO of Secret Recipe, shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court’s rejection of convicted felon Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s house arrest bid has sent ripples through Malaysia’s political landscape. Adib Zalkapli, Managing Director, Viewfinder Global Affairs, shares his insights into what this development means for UMNO, Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan Nasional, and the stability of the Madani government.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.

2025 has been a volatile year for the global semiconductor industry, with tariffs, export controls and renewed US–China tensions putting technology firmly at the centre of geopolitical risk. We ask Dato' Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) about the challenges that local semicon players faced this year, and the outlook for 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, the High Court rejected former Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Razak’s bid for house arrest, ruling the royal decree invalid. Could this mark the end of his political influence, and does he have other legal options? We’ll discuss this matter with Independent Business Writer, P. Gunasegaram.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.

Indian equities continue to command attention. The Nifty 50 is up more than ten percent year to date, even as global investors grapple with slower growth, trade tensions, and rising focus on currency risk. What lies beneath this resilience, and what does it mean for Indian equities as we look toward 2026. We explore these questions with Pramod Amthe, Head of Institutional Equity Research at InCred Capital.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s retail industry grew faster than expected in the third quarter of 2025, expanding almost 5% on a y-o-y basis, significantly exceeding the projected growth rate of 2.6%. Could this momentum carry over into 2026? We’ll be getting an outlook for the sector from Michael Liew, Secretary-General, Malaysia Retail Chain Association.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border have escalated beyond a familiar bilateral dispute, drawing renewed regional and international attention. Bunn Nagara, Director & Senior Fellow at the Renaissance Strategic Research Institute, examines why the conflict matters now, what is truly at stake for Southeast Asia, and what mediation might look like.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.

As the world’s second-largest producer, palm oil remains a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economy and its most important cash crop. But despite that importance, prices have struggled to find clear direction in 2025. What then is the outlook for 2026 and which planters have a better earnings profile. Alvin Tai, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence tells us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shipping companies in 2025 had to navigate geopolitical disruption, tighter environmental rules and uncertainty over future fuel choices. All of which reshaped trade flows and operating costs. Kenneth Loh, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence tells us if the outlook of 2026 will continue to be as challenging.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kuala Lumpur is entering a critical phase, with a new Federal Territories Minister, a new Mayor, and a long-term vision like the KL Structure Plan 2040 in place. Cha-ly Koh, founder and CEO of UrbanMetry, talks about whether this moment represents a true reset for KL or whether the city remains locked into past decisions.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.

Shipping companies in 2025 had to navigate geopolitical disruption, tighter environmental rules and uncertainty over future fuel choices. All of which reshaped trade flows and operating costs. Kenneth Loh, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence tells us if the outlook of 2026 will continue to be as challenging.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that Sabah's state election is out of the way and the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is in charge, the state's claim to a 40% special grant of federal revenue is back in focus. Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser at the Pacific Research Centre, share his views on the new administration's priorities going forward.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is about to see a significant shift in how online platforms are regulated. Under the Online Safety Act, global platforms with large Malaysian user bases such as WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube will now fall clearly under Malaysian law. CF Fong, Founder and CEO of LGMS Berhad gives us an update on the Act and the impact it will have.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the recent mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, questions have been asked about how strict are Australia’s gun controls.  Professor Andrew Hemming, Associate Professor in Law at the University of Southern Queensland, walks us through the current regulatory landscape and explains how Australian politicians might act next.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reaffirmed that a full ban on vape and e-cigarettes might happen as early as mid-2026, with implementation happening in phases. Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy gives us his thoughts on this move, and whether there might be unintended consequences as a result.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.

Asean equities are a tale of two halves with Singapore and Indonesia outperforming and Thailand and Philippines languishing while Malaysia is sandwiched in between. We speak to Khoo Hsien Liang, Senior Portfolio Manager at AHAM Capital as to the economic outlook of this bloc and which markets will do better in 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After weeks of speculation, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim finally announced a cabinet reshuffle following 4 ministerial vacancies. Dr. Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research gives us his perspective and which parties were the winners and losers of the changes.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s education system is undergoing reforms aimed at improving teacher welfare, enhancing infrastructure, and addressing student discipline. Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, Chairperson of the Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE) talks about changes she would like to see going forward.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.