Morning Brief

Bank Negara highlights the need for structural reforms to address rising medical costs, warning of pressure on insurers' underwriting income. With premiums rising and claim payouts increasing, the Health Ministry is reviewing private hospital regulations to promote price transparency. Could this move help curb medical inflation and ensure more affordable healthcare and insurance for Malaysians? Mark O’Dell, CEO of Life Insurance Association of Malaysia shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buy Now Pay Later transactions in Malaysia surged to RM7.1 billion in the second half of 2024. While Bank Negara says risks remain contained, concerns over consumer debt persist. The upcoming Consumer Credit Bill 2025 aims to tighten oversight and boost protection. We get some perspective from Shereen Hazirah Hishamudin, Senior Research Associate, Khazanah Research Institute. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia’s parliament has recently ratified a law allowing members of the military to hold more government roles. This has prompted protests over what is perceived as a threat to democracy. Erin Cook, a journalist for Southeast Asian Affairs, talks to us about what these revisions actually mean.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara has just released its 2024 annual, alongside the Economic & Monetary Review which showed Malaysia's economy demonstrating strong resilience, exceeding initial projections. Julia Goh, Senior Economist at UOB breaks down some of the findings of the report and what we can expect for the rest of 2025.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan, China, and South Korea met in Tokyo for their first economic talks in years, calling it a potential “turning point.” With global trade shifting and US-China tensions rising, the hope is to revive a stalled trilateral free trade deal. Is this real progress or just symbolic diplomacy? William Pesek, Columnist at Nikkei Asia joins us to share his insights and the broader implications.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The arrest and subsequent imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu has sparked protests across Turkey. Some claim it is politically motivated, seeing his arrest as a move by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to silence his strongest rival. We unpack this with Dr. James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is expected to become an ‘aged nation’ much sooner than previous estimates, posing critical challenges not only to economic activity but also to the capital market. Ng Zhu Hann, CEO & Founder, Tradeview Capital explains why this is an issue and suggestions on how it rectified.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PM Anwar Ibrahim urges closure of unprofitable GLCs, citing unsustainable practices and calling for stricter monitoring. While acknowledging GLCs' non-profit goals like the Bumiputera agenda, he stresses profitability. Past reforms, sought improvements, but questions remain on ensuring GLC performance and avoiding losses. P Gunasegaram offers insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Securities Commission issued the Annual Report for 2024 showing that capital markets are in the pink of health. That however cannot be said for their financials. We speak to Pankaj C. Kumar, a business commentator if it’s time to relook at their fees and levies and what should be included in the new capital master plan.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia or FINAS Act 1981 is being revised to adapt to the changing film industry. The updates aim to modernize regulations, strengthen worker protections, and foster industry growth. We discuss the amendments needed with Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, CEO of FINAS.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s ‘Sekolah Angkat Madani’ initiative aims to have corporate and GLC partners adopt 500 public schools, guided by the Ministry of Education. As stakeholders push for clear frameworks that balance values and expertise, Shahnaz Al-Sadat, Chairperson of LeapEd Services, shares her insights on its potential impact.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does Israel gain from reneging on the ceasefire deal with Hamas brokered by US President Donald Trump? We discuss the developments in the war in Gaza with Prof. Amin Saikal of the Australian National University.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, the Jakarta equity market experienced a sharp correction, down by 7% at one point. This is driven in part over the economic concerns over a budget deficit and weakening Rupiah. We speak to Brian Lee, an economist from Maybank Investment Banking Group about why the central bank decided to keep rates unchanged and what is his outlook for Indonesia's GDP.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The proposed Urban Renewal Act continues to spark debate. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reassures homeowners they’ll receive upgraded properties, fair compensation, and living support. Advocates, like Sim Tze Tzin, see it as a lifeline for the urban poor, citing the Mahsuri project. Yet, critics warn of potential land grabs. Will this Act truly drive equitable redevelopment and economic growth? Discussing this topic is Dr. Consilz Tan, Research Fellow at Centre for Market Education.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last November, the Defence Ministry scrapped its Black Hawk helicopter lease deal after the contractor failed to meet delivery deadlines. Now, the government is retendering the project, keeping the original terms—a five-year lease for four helicopters worth RM200 million. What does this indicate about Malaysian defense procurement and the accountability process? Giving us some clarity and insight is Marhalim Abas, a freelance writer on defense & national security issues. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a highly contested DAP election, the results have reshaped its Central Executive Committee (CEC). Among the notable changes, two Malay leaders - Bangi MP Syahredzan was appointed as one of the party’s four vice-chairmen, while Bentong MP Young Syefura was named assistant publicity secretary. Their election signals a shift in the party’s leadership, alongside the departure of Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng from the party’s chairmanship.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Sunday, Beijing launched a “Special Action Plan” to boost domestic consumption in a bid to reverse weak confidence and deflationary pressures. How impactful is the latest stimulus plan in light of the growing risks of the global trade war? We get analysis from Heron Lim, Economist with Moody’s Analytics.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electoral reform group Bersih is calling for a two-term limit on the Prime Minister’s tenure, requiring a constitutional amendment and two-thirds parliamentary support. A similar 2019 proposal failed. Now, with PM Anwar Ibrahim’s cautious backing, the debate resurfaces—raising questions on bipartisan support, and the prospects for institutional reform. Will this drive reform or hit familiar roadblocks? Bersih Chairman Faisal Aziz shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last 25 years, the price of bullion has risen tenfold, outperforming the US S&P 500 benchmark, which only quadrupled over the same period. With gold hitting a new all time high above USD3000 does this rally still have legs? Christopher Wong, FX Strategist at OCBC tells us.Image Credit: Shutterstocks.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government is ramping up STEM education, setting an ambitious target of 70% enrolment in boarding schools to build a tech-savvy workforce. While participation has risen to 50%, it remains below the 60:40 STEM-to-arts ratio set decades ago. Dr Mas Sahidayana Mokhtar examines key challenges, from teacher training and curriculum quality to industry alignment, that must be addressed for lasting impact.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this month, a video posted by the Seremban City Council went viral, showing officers removing the doors of several homes in Public Housing Projects. The tenants had reportedly failed to pay the monthly rent, resulting in arrears of tens of thousands of ringgit. We speak with Dr. Nur Fareza Mustapha, Research Associate at Khazanah Research Institute, to identify the flaws in Malaysia’s current social housing system, as well as the reforms needed.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the US managed to get Ukraine to agree to a 30-day ceasefire after more than three years of war. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he is amenable to the idea, but he has drawn a hard line in the sand as to his own demands. Discussing the Ukraine-Russian peace talks is Dr Alexey Muraviev, Associate Professor, National Security & Strategic Studies, Curtin University.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, the Democratic Action Party (DAP) wrapped up its latest party election, with some new faces in the CEC. We speak to Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director, Merdeka Centre on the new leadership of DAP, the legacy of the Lim family and what direction the party will take as we head into GE16.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1MDB mastermind Jho Low has eluded the dragnet of authorities for over a decade. Could a crowdsourcing initiative harnessing the hype of cryptocurrency succeed in tracking down the fugitive financier? We speak to investigative journalist Bradley Hope on the $JHOLOW memecoin and why it's been so hard to arrest Jho Low.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent study by Universiti Malaya’s Social Wellbeing Research Centre has revealed that a minimum-wage worker in Malaysia must work four times longer than their Australian counterpart to afford 1kg of chicken. Dr Amjad Rabi, a visiting expert at the Social Wellbeing Research Centre of Universiti Malaya, shares his insights into how this research highlights issues with food affordability as well as access to nutritious food.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DAP will hold elections for 30 spots in the party's Central Executive Committee on Mar 16th. Prof Dr Azmi Hassan, a political analyst and senior fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research shares his observations on what appears to be a situation where supporters of Sec-Gen Anthony Loke will go up against supporters of Chair Lim Guan Eng.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore will host four Lady Gaga concerts, her only stop in Asia. We look at which listed property companies stand to benefit. Ken Foong, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence gives us his perspective whilst we also ask what is the outlook for City Developments after the family lawsuit was dropped.Image Credits: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Carbon, Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Bill 2025 is a key milestone in Malaysia’s low-carbon transition, but uncertainties linger over its execution and impact. The government sees it as crucial for carbon regulation, while industry leaders argue it’s vital for competitiveness. Critics warn of weak oversight, and with Sabah and Sarawak excluded, its broader economic and environmental implications remain in question. Senior Lecturer at Asia School of Business (ASB) weighs in.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After AirAsia's decision to move all its domestic flights from Subang Airport to KLIA2, after seven months, only four jet operators - Firefly, Batik Air, TransNusa and Scoot - remain. Brendan Sobie, Independent Analyst and Consultant at Sobie Aviation shares his thoughts on SZB's dreams of becoming a city airport serving up to 8 million passengers by 2030.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, is set to be charged by the International Criminal Court with crimes against humanity during a brutal war on drugs perpetrated during his term in office. Dr Aries Arugay, Professor and Chair at the Department of Political Science, University of the Philippines Diliman, talks about the domestic political implications from this development.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) has shed more than 17% year-to-date, the worst in Asia. In an effort to stabilise the local equities market, the Thai government has unveiled several tax incentives and is disbursing more cash handouts to boost domestic consumption. to give more insights on this we speak to Naphat Chan, Head of Thailand Research at CLSA. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite structural headwinds, China has maintained its 5% growth target. We discuss how that figure will be achieved and other pronouncements that were made at the NPC with Chen Zheng, Policy Analyst, CITIC Securities.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has proposed £5 billion welfare cuts to address the nation’s financial shortfall, a move that has sparked debate within the Labour party. While some support the plan, others argue it will disproportionately impact vulnerable groups. Prof. Peter Taylor-Gooby, Research Professor of Social Policy at University of Kent tells us what impact that it will on society and what cuts can be expected.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After five negotiation sessions, Muar MP, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, finally got an assurance from Putrajaya that his constituency will receive government allocations. This highlights how unequal distribution of funds meant for ALL voters is. Syed Saddiq talks about why it is important to address this disparity, as the welfare of all should be paramount.Image Credits: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the Malaysian government unveiled that it had signed a deal with British chip giant Arm Holdings, allowing us to acquire the company’s chip design plans. Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said that the agreement aims to accelerate the development of our own home-grown chips and strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global semiconductor space. Farlina Said, a Fellow at ISIS Malaysia, will join us to discuss what needs to be in place to fully capitalise on this government subsidy for chip design.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ongoing negotiations between Petros and Petronas have signaled a major shift in Malaysia’s oil and gas sector. With Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim acknowledging Sarawak’s ambitions, questions have been raised about federal-state power dynamics and their impact on investors. What then will be the outcome of talks between the national and Sarawak oil and gas company? Prof. Tricia Yeoh, Associate Professor of Practice, Uni of Nottingham Malaysia's School of Politics & Intl Relations joins us to share her analysis and the outlook arising from this.Image Credits: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rally in the Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) last week was a welcome break after four straight weeks of decline in February. Is this momentum sustainable and are there opportunities for investors in this market? We discuss the trends with Alfred Dy of CLSA.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Carney, former central banker, has been elected leader of the Liberal Party and will become Canada’s 24th Prime Minister, securing 86% of the vote. Dr. Cristine de Clercy, Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at Trent University shares her insights on how his leadership may shape Canada’s political landscape.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump Administration has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, while granting a temporary reprieve to the auto industry. The one-month pause under the USMCA trade agreement offers short-term relief, but rising costs and supply chain disruptions are forcing automakers to reassess production, innovation, and investment strategies. As companies navigate tighter margins and shifting trade policies, Vivek Vaidya, Associate Partner and Senior Vice President of Mobility at Frost & Sullivan, joins us to unpack the broader implications for the industry.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, the Dewan Rakyat passed a bill making EPF contributions mandatory for non-citizen workers. Set to be implemented in the fourth quarter of 2025, the policy will require employers and workers to contribute 2% each to the retirement fund. Adrian Pereira, Executive Director of the North-South Initiative, will join us to discuss the importance of this move and what else is required to improve social protection for our migrant workers so that we are on par with international standards.Image Credits: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Environmental crimes are on the rise in Malaysia and to counter this, the police will be granted enforcement authority under the Environmental Quality Act 1974. But is this enough to crack down on illegal activities, including e-waste smuggling? We discuss the government's strategy on this with Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dato' Sri Azalina Othman recently affirmed in Parliament that the Prisons Act 1995 already allows for home arrest sentences. Is a standalone Home Detention Bill then required? We unpack the law with criminal lawyer Goh Cia Yee.Image Credits: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Women, Family & Community Development Ministry recently reported that cases of domestic violence have hit a three-year high, with over 7,000 cases in 2024. It is also important to note that violence against women and girls can be perpetrated physically or online. Jayamalar Samuel, Capacity Building Director, at the All Women's Action Society (AWAM), shares her thoughts on what needs to be done to address this.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Malaysia, only 20% of enterprises are women-owned, despite government programmes designed to help kickstart women-led businesses. Andal Krishnan from the NGO, NAWEM (National Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia) helps us understand the reasons behind this and what could be done to improve the situation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia has maintained the overnight policy rate (OPR) at 3% after its most recent Monetary Policy Committee meeting, while signalling that inflation remains under control despite uncertainties from major economies and geopolitical developments. Dr Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, the chief economist at Bank Muamalat, shares his assessment.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Black gold has taken a tumble, dropping to a 3 year low. We ask Vandana Hari, Founder & CEO, Vanda Insights for the reasons for this dip and what is the outlook for the rest of 2025.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Consumer Credit Bill 2025 was tabled for the first reading in Parliament, with the intention of forming a Consumer Credit Commission (CCC) as the new authority regulating conventional and shariah non-bank credit providers and credit service providers. Jonathan Lim, Secretary of Fintech Association of Malaysia (FAOM) & Partner at Zaid Ibrahim & Co helps us understand how this bill helps to create a structured regulatory framework to protect borrowers. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysians have embraced the electric vehicle revolution, but this comes with new challenges. It is estimated that nearly 900,000 EV batteries will need recycling by 2050 - does Malaysia have the right infrastructure and ecosystem in place to handle this waste? We discuss this with Amin Ashaari, CEO & Co-founder SoyaCincau.com. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bitcoin rebounded to $94,000 after US President Donald Trump proposed a 'Crypto Strategic Reserve' including other major cryptocurrencies. This recovery came after Bitcoin experienced a nearly 18% decline in February. Andy Baehr, Managing Director and Head of Product at CoinDesk Indices, shares his insights on the market’s outlook. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All eyes are on the National People's Congress that kicked off this week for signs on Beijing's priorities in 2025. Can China revive its lagging economy on the back of an escalating trade war with the US? We discuss the policy expectations and outlook with Harry Murphy Cruise, Head of China and Australia Economics at Moody’s Analytics.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.