Morning Brief

Gig workers in Malaysia will soon gain access to labour rights previously reserved for formal employees under the proposed Gig Workers Bill 2025. The bill covers a wide range of roles including photographers, freelance journalists, care workers and sign language interpreters. Calvin Cheng, Director of Economics, Trade and Regional Integration at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), highlights the key provisions and implications of the bill.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia enters aged-nation status, the 13th Malaysia Plan introduces the National Ageing Blueprint, recognising long-term care as a national strategy for the first time. Chai Sen Tyng, Senior Research Officer at Universiti Putra Malaysia's Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (myAgeing), shares his insights into these latest developments for Malaysia’s ageing strategy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim signalled that Malaysia may re-establish a dedicated Ministry of Law. Could the establishment of this Ministry speed up the pace of institutional and legal reforms? We discuss with criminal lawyer Goh Cia Yee. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boeing is reportedly close to securing a landmark order of up to 500 aircraft from China, potentially its first major breakthrough in the country in years. Shukor Yusof, Founder and Primary Analyst at Endau Analytics, shares his view on Boeing’s prospects amid strained US-China ties, Asia’s aviation outlook and the future of the Boeing-Airbus duopoly.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Renard Siew, Sustainability and Climate Change Specialist, discusses the significance of Malaysia’s first large-scale battery storage project, MyBeST. Designed to store solar-generated electricity, MyBeST is a critical step in enhancing grid stability and advancing the nation’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The prospects for a Palestinian two-state solution appear increasingly bleak as Israel presses ahead with its military campaign to seize control of Gaza City while advancing a major settlement project that would sever the West Bank from East Jerusalem. Dr. James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, weighs in on how international powers are responding and what could halt this devastating war.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s investment giant, Temasek Holdings, is reportedly mulling a major overhaul in a bid to improve returns and efficiencies. Dr Elsa Satkunasingam, Director and Senior Lecturer, Executive Education, Iclif Executive Education Center, Asia School of Business tell us what are the gold standards for sovereign funds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Woon Tai Hai, Advisor and Chair of Research at the National Tech Industry Association Malaysia (PIKOM), discusses the role of kill switches and highlights the careful balance required in implementing the National AI Action Plan, especially when it comes to regulation, ethics, and governance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya has decided to reopen foreign worker quota applications for selected sectors and subsectors to meet immediate industry need, sparking debate over its timing and implications. Adrian Pereira, Executive Director of the North South Initiative NGO talks to us about the shortcomings of Malaysia's migrant workers policies and how to improve them.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s infrastructure sector is facing headwinds due to a policy shift away from large-scale projects and toward consumption and technology, while also grappling with financial constraints and a property market downturn. We get an outlook of the sector from Denise Wong, Equity Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The statistics are very telling - Malaysia has nearly 11,000 patients currently waiting for life-saving transplants, and while over 400,000 Malaysians have pledged to donate their organs, only 46 posthumous donations were recorded last year. Dr Hasdy Haron, Deputy Director of the National Transplant Resource Centre (NTRC), outlines the challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The public outcry over Zara Qairina’s death underscores the urgent need to safeguard children who face criminal charges. Dr. Farah Nini Dusuki, the Children’s Commissioner at the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), stresses that under the Child Act 2001, the protection of minors is non-negotiable even when they are accused of serious offences.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The military junta in Myanmar is planning to hold elections in December, five years after the coup in February 2021. However with opposition groups barred from participating and with swaths of the country controlled by non-state actors, is this a futile exercise in performative democracy? Journalist Jaw Tu Hkwang weighs in.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twelve opposition groups have formed a loose coalition to put pressure on the Madani government and lobby on issues that they deem neglected by policymakers. Is this a genuine effort to strengthen opposition counterbalances to government? We get reactions from political scientist Prof. Dr. Wong Chin Huat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia proudly touts record-breaking “approved” foreign direct investments (FDI), but the reality often tells a very different story. Independent business writer P. Gunasegaram joins us to unpack the disconnect between flashy approvals and real inflows as well as what reforms are needed to attract high-quality, sustainable investments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump's trade war seems to be nudging Beijing and New Delhi closer together, despite a longstanding economic rivalry and border disputes. How sustainable is the momentum towards warmer India-China ties? For more insights on this unlikely alignment, we speak to Dr. Pradeep Taneja, Senior Lecturer in Asian Politics at the University of Melbourne.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World currencies have been on a tear year-to-date, with the USD/MYR in particular, strengthening 5.4% - this is the same with the Euro and Sterling Pound as well. However, is this due to the weakening US dollar or the strength of these currencies? Saktiandi Supaat, Head of FX Research & Global Markets at Maybank shares his views.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2023 reveals that vaping in Malaysia has risen sharply, with e-cigarette users increasing by over 600% since 2011. This has prompted some states in Malaysia to ban sales of vape products. Prof Dr Haniki Nik Mohamed, Leader of Smokefree Sejahtera Campus Community, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) talks about how serious vaping and smoking are to the nation's health and that no economic returns will be worth it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s economy continues to show resilience, with GDP growth holding firm at 4.4% in the second quarter of 2025. Can this momentum be sustained amid weaker exports and global uncertainties? We speak with Julia Goh, Senior Economist at UOB, for her outlook on what lies ahead for Malaysia’s economy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the first budget by President Prabowo Subianto,  the Indonesian government is set to spend USD $234 billion in 2026. The plan aims to boost the economy by 5.4% while keeping the fiscal deficit at 2.48% of GDP. Lionel Priyadi, Head of Research, PT Mega Capital Sekuritas gives us his impressions of this budget and what it means for the domestic equity market.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to recent figures from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), civil servants make up the largest group arrested for accepting bribes, with nearly 3,000 cases recorded between 2015 and mid-2025. Pushpan Murugiah, CEO, the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) gives us his assessment of the anti-corruption measures in Malaysia, and what more needs to be done to strengthen public service integrity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does the outcome of the U.S.–Russia summit in Alaska mean for Ukraine’s future? Joseph Camilleri, Emeritus Professor at La Trobe University in Melbourne and Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences, offers his analysis of the meeting and its implications.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teenage pregnancy continues to challenge Malaysia, with over 6,000 cases recorded between 2023 and March 2025. How effective are current programs in supporting at-risk teens, and what more needs to be done? We speak with Hafiza Abdul Samath, Advocacy Officer, Women Aid Organization (WAO) on policy interventions needed.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the implications of Trump’s unprecedented interventions in the US tech sector? George Chen, partner and co-chair of the Digital Practice at The Asia Group shares his take if the US's government's cut from semiconductor chip sales to China and investment in Intel will support or hinder growth of this hot industry?Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The interim government in Bangladesh has announced elections in February 2026, almost two years after the student-led protests brought down the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. We discuss the political developments in Bangladesh in the year since the revolution with Dr. Amit Rajan of NUS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homelessness is a challenge faced by many countries, and the reality is that it can happen to anyone, at any time. Dr. Nur Fareza Mustapha, Research Associate at the Khazanah Research Institute, discusses potential solutions to this chronic issue and why tackling it requires collective responsibility.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak could be closer to serving his prison sentence at home after the Federal Court dismissed the prosecution’s appeal in his judicial review over a royal addendum. What does this mean for his chances of house arrest? We speak with criminal lawyer Goh Cia Yee to explain the implications of this ruling.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold prices have been on a remarkable run this year, rising over 27% to hover near record highs, but recently bullion markets were thrown into brief turmoil after a surprise US Customs ruling suggested gold imports could face hefty tariffs. Christopher Wong, FX Strategist, OCBC will be telling us how this has impacted gold prices, and whether its rally so far will continue for the rest of 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The delisting of Evergrande, once the poster child of China’s property boom, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s struggling real estate sector. Brock Silvers, Managing Director of Kaiyuan Capital, weighs in on the deep-rooted challenges facing the market and why a rebound remains a distant prospect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Finance recently paid tribute to the high-income earners that contribute 86% of individual tax income, but this also highlights Malaysia's narrow tax collection base. What tax reforms are needed to make government revenue generation more sustainable? We discuss this with Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, Senior Advisor on Tax Policy at KPMG.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nursing shortages are putting Malaysia’s public healthcare under pressure, prompting calls to import foreign nurses, particularly from Indonesia. But how can the country balance urgent needs with protecting local jobs? We get insights from Prof. Dr. Chong Mei Chan, Head of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine at University of Malaya.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A holistic approach is needed to combat bullying in Malaysia, one that includes compassionate measures for both the bully and the victim, while moving away from a victim-blaming mentality. Dr. Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid, Criminologist and Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Universiti Malaya, discusses the finer points of tackling bullying, beginning with its very definition.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The once warm relationship between India and the U.S. now appears frosty, following hefty 50% tariffs imposed on Indian exports to America, the world’s largest economy. Priyanka Kishore, Director and Principal Economist at Asia Decoded, weighs in on the sectors most impacted by these tariffs and explores the potential for India to strengthen ties with China and Russia amid this shifting dynamic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are set to meet in Alaska this Friday to discuss the future of the war in Ukraine. What can we expect from this summit, especially with the conspicuous absence of Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelensky? Dr. Julia Roknifard, Senior Lecturer at the School of Law and Governance at Taylor’s University weighs in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Persistent vacancies in top public sector leadership positions across Malaysia raise questions about the effectiveness and credibility of the country’s governance framework. Shannon Teoh, Malaysia Bureau Chief at The Straits Times, discusses the possible causes and the long-term implications of these gaps.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Home Affairs recently revealed a surge in the number of Malaysians renouncing their citizenship for Singapore, reviving concerns about the brain drain to other countries. We speak to Dr. Lee Hwok Aun of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute about the push and pull factors that result in skilled labour leaving Malaysia and whether reframing the narrative would help.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gaza’s future looks increasingly bleak as Israel’s security cabinet agrees to assert military control over Gaza City. Dr. Ferooze Ali, Senior Fellow at the Asia Middle East Center for Research & Dialogue, examines possible outcomes amid growing condemnation from both Israelis and EU nations.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) schemes have seen explosive growth in Malaysia, a 30% jump from a year earlier. Dr Liew Chee Yoong, Associate Professor, Department of Accounting and Finance, UCSI University tells us if the Consumer Credit Act 2025 and the Consumer Credit Commission, or CCC are the right steps to regulate the industry.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Overlapping functions within government-linked companies or GLCs have sparked calls for a major overhaul. Could merging or restructuring these entities unlock new opportunities for Malaysia’s economy? To explore this, we speak with Lee Chean Chung, MP for Petaling Jaya.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) reported its highest revenue and net profit since listing. However, the group recorded only six new equity listings during the financial year, down from seven in FY2024. We ask Ng Yao Loong, Head of Equities, SGX as to the reasons for the good results, how do they intend to compete with the regional bourses who also want a share of listings and market volumes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Danial Abdul Rahman, CEO of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (ASLI), underscores both the promising initiatives and persistent gaps in the 13th Malaysia Plan’s education reforms, which span from preschool to tertiary levels.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore celebrates its diamond jubilee, commemorating 60 years of nationhood, on Aug 9, with this year’s theme : Building Our Singapore Together. Dr Mustafa Izzuddin, Senior International Affairs Analyst at Solaris Strategies Singapore, reflects on what it means to be Singaporean and what the island nation may have to navigate as it faces an uncertain geopolitical future.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Planning Rules 2025 came into force from June 16, granting the Datuk Bandar broad powers to approve developments. It was also passed without public consultation. Alliff Benjamin Suhaimi, a partner at Thomas Philip explains the implications.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the date for Sabah’s state election, which must be held before Nov 11, approaches, news has emerged that UMNO is considering running on its own. This is after Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) and Pakatan Harapan (PH) formed an electoral pact. Ariff Adi Putera Anwar, Research Associate at the Institute for Development Studies Sabah, shares his insights into how the political sands are shifting in the land below the wind.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Could peace emerge from Trump’s upcoming meeting with Putin and Zelensky? Dr. Sonia Mycak, Research Fellow at the ANU Centre for European Studies, explains why a peaceful resolution remains unlikely and unpacks the underlying motives driving Putin’s continued aggression toward Ukraine, despite mounting U.S. sanctions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy believes the recently tabled 13th Malaysia Plan falls short in several key areas of Putrajaya's plans to reform Malaysia's health sector. Azrul Mohd Khalib, the think tank's CEO, breaks down what the missed opportunities are.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has agreed to buy and invest over US$240 billion with the US which has resulted in the lower 19% tariff rate, down from the threatened 25%. Dr Carmelo Ferlito from the Centre for Market Education talks about the resulting strategic and economic implications there may arise from this deal.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia becomes an aged nation faster than expected, the government is mulling a major reform : monthly pension payouts on top of lump-sum withdrawals. Chai Sen Tyng, Senior Research Officer, Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (myAgeing), Universiti Putra Malaysia discusses this proposal and what more needs to be done.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Collins Chong, foreign affairs and security analyst at Universiti Malaya, unpacks the Kremlin’s orchestrated posturing and how provocative tweets by Russian military leader and former president Dmitry Medvedev rattled U.S. President Donald Trump into threatening the use of nuclear submarines.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite lofty valuations, the Magnificent 7 still have room to run. Dan Ives, Managing Director at Wedbush Securities, breaks down the key growth drivers and reveals his top five tech stock picks following the Q2 2025 earnings season.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.