Morning Brief

Paetongtarn Shinawatra became the latest casualty of Thai politics in her family after she was removed as Prime Minister by the Thai Constitutional Court last week. What does this mean for the once-powerful Shinawatra dynasty and can the new Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul of the BJP steer the country to steadier waters? We discuss this with Dr. Greg Raymond of ANU.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo has announced that all liabilities of Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) will be fully borne by its three shareholder telcos — CelcomDigi, Maxis, and YTL Power International — once the government divests from the company. To unpack the implications of this move, we’ll be speaking with Ng Zhu Hann, CEO and Founder of investment firm Tradeview Capital.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China has hosted world leaders including Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un for its 80th Victory Day parade in Beijing, marking the end of World War II and Japan’s surrender. It was intended to showcase China's military might and global influence. Richard McGregor, a senior fellow at the Lowy Institute, talks about what a potential Beijing-led new world order might look like.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Second Finance Minister Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah announced that the government is drafting a new tax incentive framework to attract more high-value investments. Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, Senior Adviser on Tax Policy at KPMG. With the shifting global order and intense competition among governments for capital, are tax incentives the best tool for Malaysia to position itself as a preferred investment destination? We discuss this with tax expert Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Widespread protests in Indonesia have stretched on for a fortnight, while uncertainty over who will lead Thailand after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra was removed last week, have rocked these two nations' economies. Rena Kwok, a credit analyst for Asian financials at Bloomberg Intelligence, shares her insights into how financial institutions in this region are reacting.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Indonesian government is moving to ease public concerns over economic hardship and lawmakers’ housing perks. Lavanya Venkateswaran, Senior ASEAN Economist at OCBC, expects the economy to stay on track with 4.7% growth, supported by another policy rate cut from the central bank.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysians face rising living costs, the government has rolled out the SARA cash aid program and is set to introduce a targeted RON95 petrol subsidy for eligible households and motorists. Are these initiatives enough to ease the economic burden? We speak with Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Norma Mansor, Director of the Social Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Malaya.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump is taking a sledgehammer to the notion of Federal Reserve independence by putting immense political pressure on the central bank to cut interest rates. How might the loss of an independent Fed affect the US economy and market sentiment? We discuss this with Mark Spindel, Chief Investment Officer of Potomac River Capital. He co-authored the book "The Myth of Independence: How Congress Governs the Federal Reserve.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite having an estimated 16.1 million metric tonnes of rare earth elements, Malaysia has struggled to build a competitive industry. With China offering technical assistance, can the country boost its position in the global REE market? To explore this, we speak with Trung Ghi, Partner and Head of Energy & Utilities at Arthur D. Little Asia Pacific.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Protests have broken out in different parts of Indonesia and have grown increasingly violent and chaotic, even deadly. Erin Cook, a journalist for Southeast Asian Affairs based in Jakarta shares her views on how demonstrations over the government's spending policies escalated after the accidental death of a food delivery rider and where we are today.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Segamat area in Johor was hit by six earthquakes over the past week, raising concerns about whether Malaysian buildings, especially high-rise ones can withstand these seismic movements. Prof Dr Daniel Looi, Head of the School of Engineering at Sunway University, shares his thoughts on how Malaysian building laws address these issues, if at all.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Tuesday, the Federal Court unanimously dismissed a company’s application to reclaim part of a land acquired by the government about two decades ago for the Old Klang Road upgrade project. To help us understand the significance of this ruling, we speak to Aufa Radzi, Partner at the law firm Skrine.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nvidia posted record second-quarter earnings, but its outlook is clouded by stalled China sales under U.S. export curbs. George Chen, partner and co-chair of the Digital Practice at The Asia Group, shares his take on the road ahead.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite an opposition walkout during the reading of the controversial Government Procurement Bill 2025, the bill was passed. Alissa Rode, Senior Manager for Research at the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), pointed to loopholes in the bill, including provisions that concentrate procurement decisions in the hands of the Finance Ministry.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In light of the Public Accounts Committee report highlighting land development issues in Kuala Lumpur, a group of MPs are pushing for local government elections to be revived in the capital city. Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, MP for Setiawangsa details the rationale for the proposal.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Urban Renewal Bill promises faster redevelopment of ageing and unsafe buildings by lowering the consent threshold for property owners. Supporters say it’s a much-needed catalyst for urban regeneration, while critics warn it could open the door to abuse, displacement, and gentrification. Theebalakshmi Kunasekaran of the Khazanah Research Institute discusses the implications of the URA.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thailand’s most influential political dynasty is once again under pressure. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has just been acquitted of lese majeste charges, while his daughter, current PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, faces trial over a leaked conversation with Cambodia’s Senate President that has inflamed border tensions. Dr Michael Montesano of the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute discusses the Thai political situation and its impact on the country's economy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia has introduced major enhancements to its Claims Settlement Practices Policy Document, aimed at simplifying procedures, improving service standards, and accelerating approvals for motor insurance claims. Lailatul Akma, Deputy Director, Consumer & Market Conduct Department, Bank Negara Malaysia explains how these changes can help Malaysian consumers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The procurement of defence assets such as helicopters and warships has come under scrutiny following recent corruption scandals. Marhalim Abas, a freelance writer on defence and national security issues, stresses that strong political will is essential to ensure transparency and credibility in the country’s defence acquisitions.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FGV Holdings Bhd, a commercial arm of Felda, will be delisted from Bursa Malaysia this Thursday. This comes more than 13 years after its initial public offering (IPO) in 2012. What led up to this delisting, and what needs to be done for FGV to emerge from this as a better entity? We discuss this with Khor Yu Leng, Economist, Segi Enam Advisers.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The summit between South Korea’s President Lee and U.S. President Trump resulted in a wave of corporate investments in the United States, alongside Seoul’s agreement to purchase 103 Boeing jets. Dr. Hoo Chiew Ping, Co-Founder of the East Asian International Relations Caucus, discusses the broader implications of the summit and its impact on South Korea’s economy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is planning to offer incentives to property developers who adopt the "build-then-sell" policy, with the aim of eliminating abandoned projects by 2030. Dr Consilz Tan, Research Fellow at the Centre for Market Education, shares her views on what might make this work and who it ultimately benefits more : developers or buyers.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geetha Ranganathan, Senior Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, highlights that streaming giants Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery are starting to see results from their focus on sports and cost discipline. While earnings have improved, these companies are banking on bold bets to secure future revenueImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.