Morning Brief

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's to designate this coming Sep 15th an additional public holiday in celebration of Malaysia Day has sparked concern among business stakeholders. Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan, Advisor to the Malaysian Employers' Federation share his thoughts on this and the impact such last-minute public holidays can have on business operations.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dewan Rakyat has passed amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010. Key changes include allowing protection even if disclosures breach written laws, and giving agencies more discretion to protect whistleblowers involved in wrongdoing. Raymon Ram, President of Transparency International Malaysia discusses this development.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam have each announced new trade deals with the United States, signaling a significant shift in regional trade dynamics. But the agreements have also stirred concern, with several terms still vague or potentially contentious. Dr. Deborah K. Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation, unpacks what’s really at stake.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taiwan’s political landscape is under pressure as 24 Kuomintang lawmakers face an unprecedented recall vote. Could this political upheaval jeopardise Taiwan’s security? Brian Hioe, Co-Founding Editor of New Bloom Magazine, discusses the potential outcomes for the island’s future.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2nd 2025 Auditor General’s Report revealed a staggering 48.78 billion ringgit in mismanaged government projects, exposing deep-rooted failures across seven ministries. This raises urgent questions: Are laws and processes enough, or do we need a political and institutional overhaul?. Joining us to unpack this issues is Sri Murniati Yusuf, Senior Research Fellow, IDEAS Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A truly “liveable and loveable” city isn’t built on technology alone. It is shaped by people empowered by good technology. Hj. Ihsan Zainal Mokhtar, Registered Town Planner at IZM Consult, outlines the critical success factors that must accompany Kuala Lumpur’s AI push to ensure the city’s digital transformation serves its people, not just its systems.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel’s prolonged war on Gaza and expanding strikes in Syria are reshaping the region’s geopolitical fault lines, deepening humanitarian crises and igniting fresh instability. Dr James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, weighs in on the deepening turmoil in the Middle East.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has been US president for six months, and his second term is already marked by sweeping, radical change. Samuel Garrett, Senior Research Associate, United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney assesses Trump's performance so far, measured up against his stated goals and campaign promises.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parliament reconvened yesterday for the second meeting of the fourth session of the 15th Parliament, which runs until August 28 putting the spotlight back on its role in a functioning democracy. We ask Maha Balakrishnan, Parliamentary Researcher, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network, Sunway University  as to what to expect and how parliament's role can be made even more robust in Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s property sector continues to show strength in the first half of 2025, with resilient demand across residential, industrial, and hospitality segments. Yulia Nikulicheva, Head of Research & Consultancy at JLL Malaysia, joins us to break down the key drivers, emerging risks, and what investors should watch for when navigating Malaysia’s real estate market.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shares of Malaysian listed glove makers, including Top Glove, Hartalega, and Kossan Rubber, have each shed around 50% since the start of the year. Oong Chun Sung, Equity Research Analyst, RHB Investment Bank tell us if it's time to bottom fish or should we remain underweight the sector ahead of the existing headwinds.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Things are looking increasingly challenging for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba following the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s loss of control in the Upper House elections. William Pesek, columnist for Nikkei Asia, weighs in on the mounting pressures facing Japan, especially with the August 1 deadline for US tariff negotiations approaching.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Advance estimates by the Statistics Department show that Malaysia’s economy grew by 4.5% in the second quarter compared to a year earlier. Helping us unpack how the economy performed and what lies ahead with a potential tariff storm is Woon Khai Jhek, Head of Economic Research and Senior Economist at RAM Ratings.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Chief Justice of Malaya, Datuk Wan Ahmad Farid Wan Salleh, has finally been appointed after weeks of speculation, but vacancies remain within the country’s judicial system. Dato’ Sri M. Ramachelvam, lawyer and President of the National Human Rights Society, discusses the importance of maintaining judicial integrity and avoiding leadership vacuums in moments of transition like this.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Ir. Ahmad Fauzi Hassan, Advisory Board Member of the Malaysian Energy Professionals Association, discusses the growing problem of electricity theft linked to illegal cryptocurrency mining, as well as Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s (TNB) newly introduced electricity tariff system.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is facing mounting pressure to reform its water sector amid rising costs, ageing pipes, and climate volatility. S Piarapakaran, President of the Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia (AWER), talks about the challenges of non-revenue water and infrastructure backlogs, even as the government reviews water tariffs in 10 states.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International student enrollment continues to lag behind targets, even as Kuala Lumpur secured 12th place in the 2026 QS Best Student Cities ranking. Economist Dr. Geoffrey Williams, Founder of Williams Business Consultancy, discusses the challenges facing the sector, despite a rise in students from China.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With just two weeks to go before the extended tariff deadline, Malaysia may be forced to accept a one-sided trade agreement. Business writer Pankaj C. Kumar weighs in on what’s at stake for Malaysia and why, in the end, these tariffs could backfire on the American economy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world's largest publicly traded dating app companies have seen a drop in earnings and paid subscriptions, reflecting a shift in consumer behaviour resulting in a structural slowdown in user engagement. Nicole D’Souza from Bloomberg Intelligence breaks down what’s behind the slowdown, which platforms are still standing strong, and how AI might shape the future of online dating.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Freedom of Information Act set to be tabled by year’s end, Dr. Punitha Silivarajoo, Deputy Director General (Policy & Development) at the Legal Affairs Division, Prime Minister’s Department, discusses what it will take for the legislation to deliver true transparency and empower the rakyat with meaningful access to public information.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tech sector is still running hot with generative AI igniting unprecedented gains and propelling giants like Nvidia to new highs. Jonathan Curtis, CIO of Franklin Equity Group, talks to us about how with valuation as elevated as they are now, are there still legs to this rally?Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country is still waiting for the appointment of Malaysia's top judges. We ask Ragunath Kesavan, Former President, Malaysian Bar Council & Commissioner, SUHAKAM if there is a current judicial crisis and what should the priorities of this Madani government be to resolve the issues.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump is now threatening 100% tariffs on Russia and its trade partners unless the Ukraine war ends within 50 days, a 180° turn from his praises of President Vladimir Putin previously. Dr Alexey Muraviev, Associate Professor in National Security and Strategic Studies at Curtin University, for insights into the shifting dynamics of this global conflict.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As global technology trade intensifies, Malaysia is reinforcing its position as a critical, trusted hub in the semiconductor supply chain. Farlina Said, Senior Analyst at ISIS Malaysia, highlights essential factors namely robust enforcement and seamless industry transition in the implementation of the strategic trade permit on all US-origin high-performance AI chips.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s economy beat expectations with 5.2% GDP growth in the second quarter, buoyed by strong exports and robust industrial output. However, domestic demand remains weak and retail sales have disappointed. Gary Ng, a senior economist at Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking helps us sift through the numbers to see if Beijing can hit its full-year growth target of 5%.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Ghani has been tasked with temporarily overseeing the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability following the resignation of Nik Nazmi. With portflios seemingly at odds, how can conflict of interest and dilution of priorities be avoided? Meenakshi Raman, President, Sahabat Alam Malaysia tells us.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s economy grew by 4.3% year-on-year in Q2 2025, beating expectations and avoiding a technical recession. The rebound was driven by strong manufacturing and services performance but are there downside risks to growth for the rest of the year? Selena Ling, Chief Economist, OCBC Bank gives us her perspective whilst weighing in on whether Singapore economic model is at risk with the threat of tariffs.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the federal government allocates billions of ringgit to development projects in Sabah, alongside state efforts to reclaim 40% of its revenue rights; how might these moves reshape Sabah's economic landscape? For insights, we turn to Ariff Adi Putera Anwar, Research Associate at the Institute for Development Studies (Sabah)Image Credits: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid ongoing economic pressures, Indonesia is launching ambitious plans to boost growth and resilience, such as mass housing projects and free school meals. Challenges like weak consumer spending and tight banking liquidity continue to weigh on its outlook. Lionel Priyadi, Head of Research, PT Mega Capital Sekuritas, shares his analysis.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, U.S. President Donald Trump sent letters threatening steep tariffs on several countries — including key ally Japan. So, what went wrong, given that Japan was one of the first countries to engage in trade negotiations with the Trump administration? For insights, we speak with William Pesek, Columnist at Nikkei Asia.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EU member states are ramping up defence spending to meet ambitious new targets, even as they face mounting fiscal pressures and geopolitical uncertainty. Dr. Benjamin Barton, Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, examines the bloc’s internal cooperation and its capacity to respond to potential threats from Russia.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Public service outsourcing has been a longstanding practice in Selangor, but questions remain about whether these arrangements truly deliver value for money. We speak with Dr. Afif Bahardin, Taman Medan Assemblyman, to explore where improvements are needed and how to make these partnerships more effective.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, US President Donald Trump nominated Australian-born conservative commentator Nick Adams as the next US ambassador to Malaysia which has raised eyebrows. We speak to Dato' Dr Ilango Karuppannan, retired Malaysian ambassador and geopolitics & ASEAN analyst for his views on what the roles, responsibilities and qualities are needed of any ambassador be it appointed or career.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government's MyKiosk initiative may have started with good intentions, but its patchy implementation and the number of vacant units highlight deeper issues in how support for small businesses is designed and delivered. Chin Chee Seong, President of the SME Association of Malaysia, weighs in on the challenges and the potential solutions that could emerge from the MyKiosk experience.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Bar’s peaceful walk titled “Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence” on July 14 comes amid unexplained delays in judicial appointments and growing concerns over potential interference in the judiciary. In June 2022, the Bar organised a similar walk to defend judicial independence. Helping us better understand the broader significance of judicial independence is Anand Raj, Vice President of the Malaysian Bar.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia launched its biggest drone attack yet as President Trump resumed military aid to Ukraine, frustrated by failed talks with Russian President Putin. Meanwhile US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met his Russian counterpart Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrovat the sidelines of the ASEAN meeting in Kuala Lumpur amidst these tensions. Dr. Julia Roknifard, Senior Lecturer, School of Law and Governance, Taylor’s University joins us for an update on this. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Malaysia culminated in the signing of a strategic civil nuclear cooperation agreement, signaling Washington’s intent to deepen ties with Southeast Asia amid rising geopolitical competition. Elina Noor, Senior Fellow with the Asia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, helps us make sense of what this means for the region.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Home Ministry has announced plans to introduce a national refugee registration system known as the Refugee and Asylum Seeker Database, or DPP. Will this pave the way for greater rights and protections for refugees in Malaysia? To help us unpack this database, we speak with Aslam Abd Jalil, Senior Lecturer at the International Institute of Public Policy and Management, Universiti Malaya.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Kuala Lumpur hosts the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, senior officials from the US, China, Norway, Australia and Russia are in attendance. Can regional leaders find common ground on escalating tariffs and mounting geopolitical tensions? Sharon Seah, Senior Fellow, ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, shares her insights on what to expect from this high-stakes gathering.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump has issued a flurry of letters warning that steep import tariffs will take effect on August 1, unless they can agree to new trade deals with the United States. We speak to Katrina Ell, Director & Head of Asia-Pacific Economics, Moody's Analytics on what impact this will have on the economies of Asia Pacific and if a round of GDP downgrades are to be expected.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The war in Gaza has raged for nearly two years with no lasting ceasefire. U.S President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are pushing a proposed 60-day truce but face tough issues over aid and security guarantees. We get insights from Dr. Ferooze Ali, Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law and International Relations, Sultan Zainal Abidin University.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is set to roll out its Guidelines for Responsible AI Communication, aimed at media, public relations, and digital content professionals. What must be included to ensure meaningful protection against misinformation and manipulation? We speak to Professor Dr Joanne Lim, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and lecturer in Digital Media, Communications, and Cultural Studies at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently hotels in Malaysia asserted that they would need to raise room rates by up to 15% as a result of the revised tax structure. We ask Nigel Wong, President, The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA) if this price increase is warranted whilst getting an outlook on the tourism sector.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More Chinese nationals are travelling abroad, but spending per tourist is on the decline. Catherine Lim, Senior Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, explains where Chinese consumers are directing their spending and which sectors and companies stand to benefit from this shift in consumption trends.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tesla maintains a positive long-term outlook despite recent credit cuts under the Big Beautiful Bill. While the company — along with the broader tech sector — faces headwinds including tariffs, weaker tech spending, and a slowdown in U.S. AI investments, sentiment remains optimistic. Dan Ives, Managing Director at Wedbush Securities, continues to back top tech names and describes the coming six months as a potential “golden age” for software stocks.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nine PKR Members of Parliament, including former Cabinet members, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, are calling for a Royal Commission of Inquiry into alleged political interference and delays in judicial appointments. One of the other 9 MPs, Wong Chen, who represents Subang, joins us to warn us of this crisis of confidence in Malaysia’s judiciary and the urgent actions needed to be taken.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Robinhood launches tokenised equities tied to private firms like OpenAI and SpaceX, questions are mounting over the risks of unregulated digital assets. Varun Mittal, founder of Fintech Nation explains the issues as well as where he thinks bitcoin may be heading.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Major reforms are underway to elevate the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) to degree-equivalent status and guarantee apprentices a minimum wage of RM1,700 as Malaysia rethinks the role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Shazrul Ariff Suhaimi of Khazanah Research Institute explains the implications.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a year to date basis, the USD has depreciated against major currencies by almost 10%, the sharpest drop since 1973. We ask Peter Chia, Senior FX Strategist, UOB as if that trend will continue and also where Asian currencies are heading.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By the end of July, there will be three vacancies in Malaysia's top three judicial positions: the Chief Justice of the Federal Court, the President of the Court of Appeal, and the Chief Judge of Malaya, raising concerns about judicial independence and the need for timely appointments. Lim Wei Jiat, a constitutional lawyer, shares his perspectives on this issue.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.