Morning Brief

To combat online fraud and better protect users, especially minors, the government is urging social media platforms to adopt electronic know-your-customer (eKYC) verification. According to CF Fong, CEO of LGMS Berhad, the key challenge lies in determining who will carry out the process and how the validity of the submitted data will be verified.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The controversial proposal for both parties to be held accountable in statutory rape cases, including underaged girls has sparked outrage and heated debate. Chief Children's Commissioner Dr. Farah Nini Dusuki reminds us why statutory rape provisions are crucial to protect the interests of children, and also discusses diversion mechanisms for underaged boys.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bersatu’s internal rifts are spilling into the open, with statutory declarations, leadership intrigue, and questions over Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s hold on the party. Ariel Tan, Senior Fellow & Coordinator for the Malaysia Programme at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, discusses this and how PAS' urban push might shape Perikatan Nasional as we approach GE16.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The nascent digital asset market in Malaysia is expected to grow over time, but it will need the assistance of market makers to build depth and liquidity. Varun Mittal, founder of Fintech Nation, points out that markets like Hong Kong and Singapore have advanced more quickly, partly because they are not restricted by currency controls.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump’s latest move to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas has sent shockwaves through the tech world and beyond, alarming even companies like Amazon and Microsoft. Muzaffar Chishti, Senior Fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, unpacks the political motivations, economic risks, and long-term implications of America's immigration crackdown.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to Nigel Wong, President of the Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA), Visit Malaysia Year 2026 will highlight the country’s cultural richness and unique destinations, aligning with global travel trends. He added that Malaysia should focus on attracting high-value tourists who can contribute more spending during their visits.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 National Health Screening Initiative has revealed that nearly a third of Malaysians are overweight or obese, costing the nation an estimated RM64 billion annually in healthcare, lost productivity, and premature deaths. Dr Sapna Shridhar Patil, a senior lecturer at the School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences of Taylor’s University discusses the drivers behind this and what can be done.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Timor-Leste is set to become ASEAN’s 11th member at the upcoming summit in Kuala Lumpur, after more than a decade of waiting for accession. What will Timor-Leste’s entry mean for the bloc? Sharon Seah, Senior Fellow and Coordinator, ASEAN Studies Centre at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute shares her perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 80th United Nations General Assembly this month is taking place amid shifts in geopolitical dynamics and a general US pullback from the multilateral institution. We speak to Prof. Donald Rothwell of the ANU on how the high-level general debate has unfolded so far and how relations with the US could shape the future of the UN.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The BUDI95 fuel subsidy kicks off on September 30, with RON95 at just RM1.99 ringgit per litre. With 16 million Malaysians set to benefit, will petrol stations be able to handle the rush? We get the industry perspective from Dato' Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz, President of the Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM).Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's recent data points to a sharper-than-expected cyclical slowdown as industrial output, retail sales and investment all stumbled in August, adding to doubts over whether Beijing can sustain its 5% growth target. Heron Lim, Lecturer of Economics at ESSEC Business School tells us if policy makers will be initiating new policy measures to counter this.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s live entertainment scene has been in the spotlight recently, due to discussions over dress codes. Earlier this year, the government introduced new guidelines and incentives to position Malaysia as a concert hub. To unpack these initiatives, we speak with Para Rajagopal, Founder of ALIFE, a collective of concert promoters.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN is gaining momentum, with Australia, the UK and France joining over 145 countries in support. Yet major players like the US and Japan remain hesitant. What impact does this have on a long lasting solution to the war in Gaza? We’ll discuss this with Dr James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The redevelopment of Kampung Sungai Baru has reignited heated debate after a chaotic eviction operation early this month. However the eviction was not sudden, but rather the result of nearly a decade of planning, disagreements, and legal battles. Lawyer Aliff Benjamin Suhaimi breaks down the legal arguments in the case.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Budi Madani RON95 (Budi95) fuel subsidy does not primarily benefit lower-income households, as initially indicated by the government, but instead rewards those who consume less petrol. Economist Dr Geoffrey Williams explains how this scheme fits into the Madani government’s broader fiscal reform agenda.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heated nation-wide protests have erupted in the Philippines as frustration grows over unmaterialised flood-control projects despite billions of pesos allegedly being poured into them. To help us unpack what these protests reveal about sentiment and corruption in the Philippines is Erin Cook, Journalist for Southeast Asian Affairs.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Deborah K. Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation, says it is time for ASEAN countries to tackle non-tariff barriers to strengthen intra-regional trade,  as external pressures from the Trump administration intensify.Image Credit: Shutterstock.coSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Media authorities have fined Sin Chew Media and Sinar Karangkraf RM100,000 each. What does this mean for press freedom, and do we need clearer guidelines as AI becomes more mainstream in journalism? Joining us to discuss is Dr Benjamin Loh, Course Director of the Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication at Monash University Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Election spending limits under the Election Offences Act 1954 have remained unchanged since 2023. Bersih Chairman Faisal Aziz outlines his proposals for updated spending caps and the reforms he believes should be in place ahead of the next general election, GE16.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s consumption recovery is losing steam, with August retail sales rising only 3.4% and falling short of expectations yet again. Policymakers are leaning on vouchers, cheaper credit, and holiday demand to revive momentum. Will this be enough to turn sentiment around? Catherine Lim, Senior Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, shares her analysis.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three out of four local manufacturers are already feeling the pinch from U.S. tariffs on their exports. Datuk William Ng, Chairman of the Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA), describes how SMEs are responding by collaborating and sharing facilities to cut costs and stay competitive.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global rice prices have fallen to their lowest level in eight years, with the UN’s All Rice Price Index shedding 24% in August compared with the same period last year. Helping us make sense of what’s shaping global rice markets is Lucrezia Cogliati, Agribusiness Analyst from BMI.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has just completed his second state visit to Britain steeped in royal ceremony, but also met with public protest and diplomatic friction. Dr Benjamin Barton, Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia looks at what’s at stake for London, Washington, and beyond.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah has been hit by heavy rain over the past week, resulting in a series of floods and landslides in areas of the state. Ariff Adi Putera, Research Officer, Institute for Development Studies (Sabah) discusses reactions to government aid efforts and how this might inform voter decisions in the upcoming state elections.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia wants at least 30 tech companies to be IPO-ready by 2028, under a new initiative led by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC). Ng Zhu Hann, CEO and Founder of Tradeview Capital, shares his views on this ambition for tech firms to broaden access to capital markets, create more listed champions, and strengthen the digital economy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PAS wrapped up its 71st Muktamar in Kota Sarang Semut, Kedah, where the members called for the party to pushed to take a leading role in the Perikatan National coalition. We discuss the potential impact on PN and the Malaysian political scene with Adib Zalkapli, Managing Director of Viewfinder Global Affairs.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week US and China government officials announced that a framework agreement had been reached to enable TikTok to continue its American operations. We discuss what we know about the deal with George Chen, Partner & Co-chair of Digital Practice at The Asia Group.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the RON95 petrol subsidy rationalization seemingly forthcoming, the Ministry of Finance has said eligibility will be determined using PADU’s socio-economic database, along with income and asset data. Officials claim the move could save up to 8 billion ringgit a year, while costing about 20 billion ringgit annually. P Gunasegaram, independent business writer gives us his thoughts on its implementation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. political landscape has been shaken by the killing of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk last week. Against this backdrop, how is the Trump administration navigating the current political dynamics? For perspective, we’ll be speaking with Dr. Adrian Ang, Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASEAN-6 light vehicle market is seeing significant shifts in its competitive landscape, with Chinese OEMs rapidly gaining market share at the expense of Japanese brands. Patrick Ziechmann, PwC’s ASEAN Automotive Leader, describes how ASEAN is strengthening its role as a major consumer market and a regional production hub.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since September 10, Malaysia has decriminalised attempted suicide and strengthened protections for vulnerable groups. Crisis Intervention Officers are now on the frontlines offering immediate support. For more insights on the impact of these changes, we speak with Justin Victor, Former Chairman of Befrienders KLImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cabinet has decided in principle to fully separate the roles of the Attorney-General and Public Prosecutor. Lawyer Andrew Khoo weighs in on the reforms needed to ensure full independence for prosecutorial decisions in Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Currently Malaysians navigate 288 apps built by 125 government agencies.  MyGOV aims to change this by consolidating essential services into a single, secure hub, but is that possible? Alex Wong, Managing Editor & Co-Founder of SoyaCincau gives us his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the death toll in Gaza nears 67,000, Israel launched an airstrike on Doha, Qatar’s capital. We speak to Mohd Amirul Asraf bin Othman, research scholar at the Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, The Australian National University, on whether President Trump’s ceasefire ultimatum can bring peace — or deepen the conflict.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia’s second-quarter earnings season wrapped up on a muted note, coming in 1.8% below expectations. Yet investor reaction have been mild with minimal selling. Marvin Chen, Senior Asia Equity Strategist, Bloomberg Intelligence gives us his outlook for the rest of 2025 and what markets will outperform.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gig workers are set to receive stronger protections under the newly passed Gig Workers Bill. Dato’ Freddie Fernandez, President of the Malaysian Artistes’ Association (Karyawan), welcomed the move, highlighting the tripartite council established to determine income and working conditions as a key benefit for workers in the entertainment sector.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The EU-ASEAN Business Council has just released the latest iteration of its Business Sentiment Survey, which showed that ASEAN remains a bright spot in the eyes of EU businesses. Chris Humphrey, Executive Chairman of the Council joins us to discuss some of the survey’s findings.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nepal’s Prime Minister Sharma Oli has been forced to step down after fierce protests left 22 people dead and more than 100 injured, with roads blocked and parliament along with other government buildings set on fire. We’ll be speaking to Dr. Amit Ranjan, Research Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore, to discuss the political situation in the Himalayan nationImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year, PTPTN launched the Lestari Pendidikan Campaign to encourage borrowers to repay their higher education loans via restructuring programs. Ahmad Dasuki bin Abdul Majid, Chief Executive of PTPTN tells us about how the campaign works, and how successful it's been.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) remains at the heart of Malaysia’s retirement system, but with RM145bn withdrawn during the pandemic, many Malaysians are ill prepared for retirement. We speak to Dr. Paul Anthony, Senior Lecturer,  Faculty of Business & Law, Taylor’s University to find out what measures can be taken to overcome this issue against a backdrop of an aging population.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Digital Ministry and Transport Ministry have announced plans to introduce new legislation for autonomous vehicles (AVs), aimed at ensuring safety and establishing clear standards before driverless cars are allowed on Malaysian roads. Dr Law Teik Hua, Associate Professor, Universiti Putra Malaysia tell us the challenges of drating and implementing this legislation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) remains at the heart of Malaysia’s retirement system, but with RM145bn withdrawn during the pandemic, many Malaysians are ill prepared for retirement. We speak to Dr. Paul Anthony, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Business & Law, Taylor’s University to find out what measures can be taken to overcome this issue against a backdrop of an aging population.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thailand’s new Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul steps in amid weak growth, with just four months before voters return to the polls. With GDP forecasts at only 1.8% to 2.3% this year, what can he do to revive the economy within a short timeframe? Krystal Tan, Economist at ANZ Bank, weighs in on what lies ahead.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bersatu AGM was overshadowed by a scuffle during party President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's policy speech, which revealed frictions over the leadership of the party. Despite this, Muhyiddin Yassin was retained as the President and Prime Minister candidate for Bersatu. Does he represent the PN coalition overall? We discuss this with political scientist Dr. Azmil Mohd Tayeb.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Sunday, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced his resignation after less than a year in office following election losses. Who will emerge as the next leader, and what does this mean for Japan’s political landscape? We speak with Prof. Alexis Dudden, Visiting Professor, Department of Japanese Studies, National University of Singapore.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In France, Prime Minister François Bayrou has become the fourth to fall in just three years. This marks a deepening of a crisis that threatens President Emmanuel Macron’s ability to steer the country through mounting economic and geopolitical pressures. Dr Benjamin Barton, Associate Professor, University of Nottingham Malaysia tells us what to expect next and is France doomed to repeat this political deadlock again.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Google dodged a major penalty last week as a US court stopped short of breaking up the company in the case regarding its search engine monopoly. We speak to Dr. Rob Nicholls, Senior Research Associate in Media and Communications from the University of Sydney, about what this ruling means for parent company Alphabet and the wider tech industry.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s two pre-university pathways — STPM and matriculation — may need reform, as the tougher and longer STPM syllabus puts its students at a disadvantage. Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin suggests short-term solutions such as introducing a common entry exam for both streams or giving greater weighting to STPM results.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Urban Renewal Bill 2025 has sparked debate as it may concentrate too much power in the minister, favour developers, and leave homeowners vulnerable. Acknowledging these risks, seven PKR MPs have called for the Bill to be reviewed and only retabled when the Dewan Rakyat reconvenes in October. We speak to Dato' Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, MP for Balik Pulau, who is among the MPs that co-signed the call for review for his reservations on the URA and how this bill can be improved to benefit all.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia has kept the overnight policy rate unchanged at 2.75% in its second-last review of the year, as widely expected.The decision follows a pre-emptive 25-basis-point cut in July, the first since July 2020. Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist, AmBank Group tells us his monetary policy expectations and also the economic outlook for Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.