Morning Brief

A proposed development near Selangor’s Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve has captured national attention, touching on the broader issues of planning transparency and the future of green spaces in rapidly urbanising areas outside Kuala Lumpur. Wong Chen, the MP for Subang talks about the details of the project and clarity (or lack thereof) from the state 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.

On a year-to-date basis, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Small Cap Index is down 13%. However are valuations in this space too attractive to ignore? Lee Meng Horng, Senior Analyst, RHB Investment Bank tells us his perspective, the investment strategy to adopt and his top buy ideas.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The debate over recognising the Unified Examination Certificate, or UEC, for entry into Malaysia’s public universities has resurfaced once again, with questions about language, fairness, and national identity. Eddin Khoo, Founder of PUSAKA and Chairman of the UEC Policy Task Force helps us understand the issues at stake.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following recent peace talks in Berlin, both US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have expressed optimism for a real peace process to happen. Dr Sonia Mycak, Research Fellow at the ANU Centre for European Studies, shares her insights on these latest developments, analysing the conditions of the peace deal and how sustainable it might be.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 theme for Sabah's budget is ‘Driving Development, Prioritising the People’s Well-Being’. We ask Zafri Zulkeffeli, Deputy Chief Economist of BIMB Securities for his impressions of this RM6.4bn budget and which sectors stand to benefit.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over seven hundred contract pharmacists who were previously identified for eventual permanent roles recently had that status withdrawn, raising fresh questions about human capital planning in the public health sector.  Prof. Amrahi Buang, President of the Malaysian Pharmacists tells us what are some of the consequences and policy solutions to overcome this.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the border crisis with Cambodia still raging, Thailand plunges into early elections as Prime Minister Anu-tin Charn-vira-kul dissolves parliament. What’s really behind this sudden move, and how will it shake up the country’s political scene? We dig into the fallout with Dr. Michael Montesano, Associate Senior Fellow at ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is set to ban social media use for those under 16 years old next year. However, is this the best approach to achieve a safer screen society?  Professor Tricia Yeoh, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Nottingham Malaysia's School of Politics & International Relations, walks us through these concerns.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 economies has shown surprising resilience in 2025 despite higher US tariffs and global uncertainty. Chua Hak Bin, Regional Co-Head, Macro Research, Maybank IBG gives us the outlook for 2026 and what could be the headwinds that derail growth.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SMEs that earn less than 1 million ringgit annually will no longer have to implement e-invoicing. Previously, the income threshold for e-invoicing was set at 500 thousand ringgit, Datuk William Ng, Chairman, Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA) explains why this was needed for the sector whilst giving us an outlook for 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Controversy is brewing as the government is reported to have quietly submitted draft amendments to the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act 2004 to an international body, raising alarm among farmers over their rights and food security. We speak with Nur Fitri Amir Muhammad, Coordinator of Forum Kedaulatan Makanan Malaysia (FKMM), on what these changes could mean for local agricultureImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should Malaysians be denied public services because of the way they are dressed especially in an emergency. A pertinent question we are posing to constitutional lawyer Kee Hui Yee from Kanesalingam & 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.

We’re taking a closer look at how Southeast Asian banks are positioned heading into 2026, a year shaped by shifting interest-rate expectations, uneven economic momentum across the region, and evolving credit-market conditions. To help us break down what this means, we’re joined by Rena Kwok, Senior Credit Analyst at Bloomberg IntelligenceImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s oil and gas sector has seen much volatility this year, with both external and domestic pressures weighing on the sector - but will these stress factors persist into 2026?   Imran Yusof, Head of Research, MBSB Research gives us an outlook for the sector and his buy ideas, if any. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Idea reports that modern influencers have become central to the dissemination of political messaging, with government and political party machinery increasingly pivoting towards commercial influencer engagement to reach audiences disengaged from mainstream media. What minimum transparency standards should Malaysians be demanding to differentiate between genuine or paid opinions. Sabrina Firdaus Aloysius, Senior Executive of Research and author of the report from Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) tells us.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With medical inflation rising steadily, the government is reviewing the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act and the way that private hospitals charge their patients. Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh, President of the Association Private Hospitals Malaysia, provides his perspective on the government’s plans.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has made history by introducing the world’s first ban on selected social media use for children under 16. Dr. Joanne Orlando, Digital Wellbeing Expert and Author of Generation Connected: How to Parent in a Digital World - At Every Age and Stage tells us the mechanics of the law, if it will prevent harms and if there are alternative models to consider to protect children under 16.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s rubber glove players saw strong earnings from the latest earnings quarter. Is this a sign that the sector is due for a positive re-rating? Maliana Shaharudin, Equity Analyst, BIMB Securities gives us her perspective whilst telling us her top buy idea for the sector.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even as Malaysia nears full eradication of hardcore poverty by early 2026, many low-income households remain at risk. To address this, the government has launched the People’s Welfare Insurance Scheme or SIKR 3.0. We’ll delve into the significance and effectiveness of this programme with Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Norma Mansor, Director of the Social Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Malaya. This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent developments in the transportation space include delays to the LRT3, a potential reduction in parking spaces in new developments near public transport stations, and JPJ's attempts to get you to pay your summons. We speak with Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua, Head of the Road Safety Research Centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia for further insight.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China has just posted a record-breaking trade surplus, more than one trillion US dollars, even as its economy at home shows signs of strain. What’s powering this export surge? We speak to Gary Ng of Natixis to understand what this means for China’s economy, its trading partners, and the outlook for 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thailand and Cambodia have resumed fighting after Thailand launched airstrikes on the Cambodian military. Dr. Greg Raymond, Senior Lecturer at the Australian National University, explains the crisis, why the Malaysia- and US-brokered peace deal fell through and is there any resolution to this century-old crisis.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southeast Asia has been battered by a string of storms, cyclones and heavy rain, resulting in more than a thousand deaths and billions in damage. But what do these compound climate events signal for our region’s future?Matt Sechovsky, Head of ESG Country Research at BMI, a FitchSolutions company, discusses the impact of compound climate disasters on the region now and in the future.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of slowdown, Hong Kong’s property market is showing signs of comeback. Rents rose 4% in 2025 and could climb another 5% next year, while home prices have gained 3.3% since March. What risks lie ahead? We’ll discuss with Patrick Wong, Head of Hong Kong & Senior Analyst, Asia Pacific Real Estate, Bloomberg Intelligence.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, MCA held its annual general meeting where arguably one of the most notable resolutions that was passed - it will leave BN if any component party worked with DAP in GE16. Adib Zalkapli, Managing Director, Viewfinder Global Affairs gives us his thoughts on this development, as well as the imminent Cabinet reshuffling.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 continues to rely on migrant workers and uses quota applications  to recalibrate labour demand. Combined with tighter enforcement on accommodation and documentation standards, employers are struggling to employ the workers they need.  Dato’ Foo Yong Hooi, President, Association of Employment Agencies Malaysia tells us what changes are needed to ensure that businesses are not impacted negatively by this.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.

Precious metals are stealing the spotlight in 2026, with gold up 60% year-to-date and silver rallying strongly, while palm oil and Brent crude face a softer ride. What factors are driving these moves, and how does the outlook look for the year ahead? Christopher Wong, FX Strategist at OCBC, shares his analysis.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Felda is promoting a carbon-credit system for oil-palm plantations but is this workable in a Malaysian context? Khor Yu Leng, Economist, Segi Enam Advisers gives us her perspective whilst explaining the impact of the EU delaying its review of the deforestation regulation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Felda is promoting a carbon-credit system for oil-palm plantations but is this workable in a Malaysian context? Khor Yu Leng, Economist, Segi Enam Advisers gives us her perspective whilst explaining the impact of the EU delaying its review of the deforestation regulation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s property market saw continued momentum in the third quarter, with the Urban Redevelopment Authority reporting an uptick in both private and public home prices, although HDB prices saw moderated growth for the fourth straight quarter. What do these indicators mean for the city-state’s property market in 2026. Alan Cheong, Executive Director, Savills Singapore shares his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s economy posted a softer-than-expected expansion in the third quarter, with GDP rising 0.4%, yet the annual pace accelerated to 2.1% — the fastest in three years. What explains these mixed signals, and what does this mean for the Lucky Country’s economy in 2026? Sophia Angala, Economist, ANZ Research shares her insightsImage Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airbus has hit turbulence as its A320 jets face a software glitch in the ELAC flight-control system and fuselage panels that don’t meet specifications. How will these issues impact its operations and deliveries? Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Senior Aviation Consultant at Frost & Sullivan, explains how this has impacted passenger safety and Airbus’s reputation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the government is reviewing Malaysia’s household income classifications. Calvin Cheng, Director of the Economics, Trade, and Regional Integration Division, Institute of Strategic and International Studies tells us if and how this system should be changed.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DOSM has revealed that skill-related underemployment, where graduates work in positions below the level of their qualification, has increased by 3.9% to 1.6 million. Wan Amirah Wan Usamah, Research Associate, Khazanah Research Institute tells us the reasons for this and some of the policy solutions.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 recent raid on a health club in Chow Kit, which resulted in 208 arrests, has raised concerns over privacy and law enforcement protocols in Malaysia, with the Home Ministry insisting that all procedures had been followed. Criminal lawyer Goh Cia Yee, who had also aided those who were detained, speaks to us about the legality of PDRM's actions.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia are facing one of its deadliest waves of floods and landslides in recent memory. Nusrat Hassan, Operation Coordinator at the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), shares what's happening on the ground, the challenges of providing aid, and urgent lessons for disaster preparedness and prevention.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re taking a closer look at a document that will shape Subang Jaya for the next decade, that is, the Subang Jaya Local Plan 2035. It decides what gets built, how dense neighborhoods can be, and how the city evolves as it grows. We’ll be asking Michelle Ng Mei Sze, Assemblywoman for Subang Jaya, about what’s at stake, what rights residents have, and how transparent the process really is.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.

Recent tensions between China and Japan have led to fewer tourists numbers from the Mainland . This might have a signifcant effect as 24% of all tourists to the Japan for the first nine months of 2025 were from China. Catherine Lim, Senior Industry Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence tells us what impact it has on retail and tourism names. We also look if consumer sentiment has improved in China using the Single Day sales as an indicator.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Chief Minister of Sabah, unveiled his new cabinet, but some local assemblypersons have expressed anger over key appointments due to the inclusion of national party leaders, which they see as a betrayal of the “Sabah first” promise. We’ll discuss the stability of this new administration with Dr Vilashini Somiah, Senior Lecturer at University MalayaThis episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026 appears to be a year of transition as the impact of tariffs and geopolitical tensions take hold with global growth slowing. However are there still bring spots in Asia's economy ? Lavanya Venkateswaran, Senior ASEAN Economist, OCBC gives us her perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Bill 2025 introduces new taxes that will directly affect business owners, professionals, and higher-income earners. We’ll speak with Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, senior advisor on tax policy from KPMG, on what these changes mean in practical terms, who will feel them most, and what you should be preparing for ahead of the assessment year 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Vincent Fong, Chief Editor, Fintech News Network to discuss Malaysia's fintech industry, zeroing into critical segments like digital banks, cross-border payments and BNPL. As industry players seek to improve resilience of infrastructure and policymakers amending the Consumer Credit Act 2025, we discuss how these developments may impact the fintech industry.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government highlights that a third of Malaysia’s FDI now comes from the CPTPP economies. Is this genuinely improving Malaysia’s trade and investment outlook or is the CPTPP effect overstated? Dr. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education answers this questions whilst we also look at the recent PMI figures for clues as Malaysia's trade outlook.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DAP faced a wipeout in the Sabah state elections over the weekend, losing all 8 seats they contested in. Is this a trend that will be repeated in other state elections and GE16? And how can DAP win back its supporters? Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, DAP member and Adjunct Professor at Taylor's University gives us his perspective.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.

After a volatile year for bonds in 2024, returns have been good for this asset this year especially Malaysia where there was the additional forex gains. However what is the outlook for bonds in 2026, will this rally continue or is the uncertain US monetary policy a headwind. Winson Phoon, Head of Fixed Income Research, Maybank Investment Bank gives us his perspective and investment strategy to adopt.Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a rising wave of US involvement in Latin America, where public endorsements in Honduras’ election and military deployments near Venezuela might be reshaping regional dynamics. John Zogby, founder of Zogby Strategies, helps us understand the implications for stability, democracy, and the legality of it all.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has been rocked by high-profile corruption scandals, from the Sabah mining to the FAM naturalisation of players - all this under the current Madani government. Pushpan Murugiah, CEO of the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4), breaks down what these scandals reveal about the rule of law, the independence of the bfmMACC, and the urgent reforms needed to restore public trust.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week's high-rise fire in Hong Kong which has claimed more than 140 lives has prompted difficult questions about the safety of densely populated urban living, which applies to Malaysia as well. Edison Beh, a registered fire safety engineer from Safety Services and Logistics, shares insights into fire safety preparedness and how we can improve.Check out also : https://www.bfm.my/content/podcast/we-need-to-take-fire-safety-seriouslyThis episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asian currencies have had a mixed year with low-yielders like the Taiwan dollar, Korean won and Singapore dollar holding up relatively well, while several high-yielders such as the rupee, rupiah and peso have struggled.  Stephen Chiu, Chief Asia FX and Rates Strategist, Bloomberg Intelligence explains why whilst giving us an outlook for Asia FX for 2026 and if talk of the dedollarisation is premature. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With just twenty four hours to go before polling begins for the 17th Sabah state elections, all the major political parties have been out in force to win over the hearts of nearly 1.8mn registered voters. But what are the main campaign issues and who might emerge victorious? James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania gives us his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.