Morning Brief

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.

More funds are expected to flow into Asian equities if US interest rates continue to decline and the de-dollarisation trend persists. Michael Chang, Head of Investments at Eastspring Investments Bhd, says he favours the technology and industrial sectors in North Asian markets, adding that corporate earnings in China are beginning to show signs of stabilisation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has made major strides in digital infrastructure, data governance, and institutional coordination as guided by the Public Sector Digitalisation Strategic Plan (PSDSP) 2021–2025. Ayesha Khurshid,  Public Sector Specialist for the World Bank tells us if our  digital capabilities have started translating into real economic payoffs.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Incentives for Budget 2025 introduced several incentives for homebuyers, including first-time owners, and similar measures could be on the way, says Jamie Tan, Managing Director of JLL Malaysia. With housing affordability still a key concern, he notes that additional incentives may also be needed to offset the impact of the expanded SST on developers, landlords, and ultimately, buyers and tenants.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tech sector has been the main engine of recent U.S. growth, but a downturn could quickly rattle markets as tech stocks now account for around 40% of the S&P 500. Adam Slater, Lead Economist at Oxford Economics, explains how severely U.S. growth could be hit if the tech sector falters and whether the impact could rival the 2000 dot-com crash.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian football has fallen to a new low after the FAM and seven foreign-born players were rapped by FIFA for forged documentation. What are the legal consequences that could ensue? We discuss accountability measures with sports lawyer Richard Wee.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All eyes are on tourism as Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026. Nigel Wong, President of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), outlines the key support measures the industry hopes to see in Budget 2026 to attract more high-value and repeat visitors.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Saturday, residents of Bukit Damansara gathered to protest a proposed plan to redevelop Wisma Damansara into two 60-storey towers. We ask  podcaster and former Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin as to why residents object, what are the next steps forward and how can all KLites be protected from overdevelopment.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s three major banks turned in a mixed set of results for the second quarter of 2025, reflecting resilience in some areas but also pressure from narrowing interest margins and global uncertainty.  Sarah Jane Mahmud, Senior Industry Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence tells us what to expect in this tougher operating environment and which bank will do better.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 16th Sabah state assembly has been dissolved, setting the stage for state elections within 60 days. This will be a crucial test for Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his embattled GRS coalition. Political analyst Dr James Chin from the University of Tasmania shares his analysis of what’s at play.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sanae Takaichi is poised to become Japan’s first female prime minister. However, William Pesek, columnist at Nikkei Asia, says she is unlikely to champion women’s rights or push for greater gender equality. Her biggest challenges may instead come on the diplomatic front if she seeks to renegotiate trade deals with the US.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 for the transport sector should prioritise improving existing infrastructure rather than building more, says Transport Consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan. He highlights three key initiatives he hopes to see included in the Budget: a National Bus Priority Programme, the establishment of a Road Safety Fund, and the smooth implementation of the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link between Johor and Singapore. Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance LifeImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The GRS ruling coalition in Sabah is facing turbulence ahead of the state elections, with the exit of two member parties, STAR and SAPP last week, on top of the ongoing controversy of the Sabah mining scandal. How will this shape the dynamics of the state polls? We discuss the scenarios with Jo-Anna Henley Rampas of UNIMAS.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) marks its 58th anniversary, the question remains whether it has truly lived up to its mandate of combating corruption and abuse of power. Raymon Ram, President of Transparency International Malaysia, weighs in on the commission’s achievements and shortcomingsImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US State Department’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report, has kept Malaysia at Tier 2. Criminologist Dr Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid of Universiti Malaya discusses the progress that's been made, where the gaps are and what reforms might be needed for for Malaysia to reach Tier 1 - and sustain it?Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the Court of Appeal’s landmark decision in the Iris Corp case, the role and accountability of company directors are once again in the spotlight. Dr Ismet Yusoff, CEO of the Minority Shareholders Watch Group (MSWG), talks about what this means for directors in Malaysia and the reforms needed to strengthen governance while still attracting capable leaders to serve.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump came into office vowing to reduce the cost of prescription drugs for the American consumer. But will that relief come at the expense of pharmaceutical balance sheets? We discuss the implications of US policy for pharma companies with Sam Fazeli of Bloomberg Intelligence.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Malaysiakini investigation has uncovered a network of Facebook accounts allegedly used to artificially boost support for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. We speak with Digital Political Communications Consultant Tai Zee Kin about how this kind of coordinated manipulation can shape public opinion. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The governments of Indonesia and Thailand have recently unveiled stimulus measures to boost consumer spending and investor sentiment, at a time when both countries are experiencing social and political unease. How much impact might these initiatives have on economic growth? We get economist Krystal Tan of ANZ Bank to weigh in.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Veerinderjeet Singh, Senior Advisor on Tax Policy at KPMG, explains the shadow or underground economy and how the government can tackle tax leakages arising from itImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gold has surged past $3,800 US dollars per ounce, breaking record as investors rush to secure safe havens. But how long can this rally last? For insights on what’s driving the momentum, we speak with Christopher Wong, FX Strategist at OCBC.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Hamas Accept the Latest Peace Plan?The White House has unveiled a 20-point plan to end the Gaza war, from a ceasefire to the release of hostages. But is this proposal truly feasible? We delve into the details with Dr Anas Iqtait, Senior Lecturer of Middle Eastern Studies at the Australian National UniversityImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, the government unveiled the Steel Industry Roadmap 2035, introducing a carbon tax mechanism that makes steel one of the first targeted sectors. How will this be implemented, and could it be expanded to other industries? For insights, we’ll be speaking with Dr. Renato Lima, Associate Professor at the Asia School of Business.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Currently, only the Prime Minister can decide when to dissolve the Federal Parliament, giving one person significant control over the timing of elections, says Wong Chin Huat, Deputy Head of Strategy at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Asia Headquarters. He recommends setting fixed election dates rather than holding simultaneous federal and state elections.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yet again, the US government is poised to shutdown as Congress struggles to reach a funding agreement before the start of the new fiscal year on October 1st. How severe could this shutdown be, and what positions are the Democrats and Republicans taking in this big stakes political showdown? Wendy Schiller, Professor of Political Science at Brown University, offers her insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s property developers still hold 5.3 trillion yuan in inventory as of June 2025, yet impairments of high-cost stock amount to just under 900 billion yuan, raising doubts over whether losses are being fully recognised. Andrew Chan, Credit Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence tells us if recovery is in sight or if we can expect more defaults.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Football Association of Malaysia was fined by the global football body FIFA  for submitting doctored documentation on seven field players in an Asian Cup qualifier. Avineshwaran Taharumalengam, Senior Writer, Sports Desk, The Star tells us what this case reveals about challenges in the Malaysian football landscape and what is the path to sports greatness.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia is close to securing a landmark commitment: persuading major powers like China, Russia, and potentially the US to sign the Treaty on the Southeast Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone (Bangkok Treaty). Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor of Political Science at the National University of Singapore, shares his insights into what this means for the region’s security.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.