Morning Brief

Fitch Ratings has downgraded its 2025 outlook for the APAC tech sector from 'neutral' to ‘deteriorating’ as global demand weakens and consumer confidence slips.  Steve Durose, Managing Director at Fitch Ratings weighs in on which companies could be most impacted.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jetstar Asia’s has just announced a sudden exit from Singapore skies raising alarm bells across the region’s aviation industry. However, AirAsia is looking to come out of PN17 status and wants to buy at least 100 Airbus planes. Brendan Sobie, an independent analyst and consultant at Sobie Aviation shares his insights into this very competitive sector.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was a deadly military clash last month near the Preah Vihear temple, claimed by both Thailand and Cambodia, which has once again spotlighted the unresolved border dispute between the neighbours. Sebastian Strangio, Southeast Asia Editor at The Diplomat, helps us understand the long-running dispute and if there might be a resolution to it.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Malaysia, palm oil stockpiles climbed to their highest level in eight months this May, while exports hit a six-month high but what does this mean for CPO prices? Alvin Tai, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence gives us his perspective and weighs in how tariffs impact supply-demand dynamics.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has completed 10 key sub-strategies under the National Anti-Corruption Strategy 2024–2028. Still, concerns persist over the slow pace of wider institutional reforms. Raymon Ram, President of Transparency International Malaysia, shares his insights on the effectiveness of these efforts and the road ahead.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee suggested that "Muslim countries" should give up some of their land to create a future Palestinian state. Do his remarks indicate that the US is backing away from being the peace broker in the Middle East conflict?  Mohd Amirul Asraf bin Othman of the Australian National University (ANU) weighs in.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's expanded Sales & Service Tax (SST) is set to take effect on July 1st and SMEs in the country are sounding alarm bells. Datuk William Ng, Chairman of the Small & Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA), joins us to discuss industry reactions, the push for a higher SST threshold and whether or not another GST regime might be a better option.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What initially started as small protests over raids by US Immigration & Customs Enforcement officers to round up undocumented migrants, has now erupted into explosive clashes involving the National Guard and military, called in unilaterally by President Donald Trump. Dr Adrian Ang, a research fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, explains the implications of these developments.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following news that graphic artist and activist Fahmi Reza had been recently barred from leaving Malaysia, despite no official travel ban being issued, questions have been raised about what authorities can or cannot do. Lawyer Kee Hui Yee from Kanesalingam & Co joins us to unpack the legal grounds for travel restrictions and what recourse individuals have when their constitutional rights are infringed.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Commission had to hold a media briefing to clarify its Mobile Phone Data initiative, after the South China Morning Post reported that MCMC had ordered local telcos to hand over specific data that could be easily misconstrued as personal or private. Amin Ashaari, CEO and Co-Founder, SoyaCincau.com, shares his concerns despite MCMC insisting all data requested are strictly anonymised and contain no Personally Identifiable Information.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From non-revenue water to ensuring sustainable supply amid booming data centre investments, Malaysia has its fair share of water-related challenges. We speak to Adam Saffian Ghazali, CEO of Air Selangor, about how the country’s largest water services provider is managing this vital resource.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s expanded Sales and Service Tax (SST) will take effect on July 1st, aiming to broaden the tax base and boost revenue for public services. We speak to Soh Lian Seng, President, Chartered Tax Institute of Malaysia as to implementation of this and how IRB can ensure a smooth rollout to avoid negatively impacting businesses and consumers alike.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached an unprecedented scale with people there on the brink of famine. However, the US-Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation ostensibly intended to provide aid, has resulted in more Gazans shot on and killed by Israeli military. Akshaya Kumar, Director of Crisis Advocacy at Human Rights Watch explains why HRW views it a as a front for broader crimes under international law, including genocide.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petronas announced last week that it will be reducing its global headcount by 10%, amounting to about 5,000 people, as well as implementing a hiring freeze until December 2026. How will these moves affect local oil and gas services and equipment companies? Jamalludin Obeng, President of Malaysia OSV Owners’ Association shares his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN) has once again pushed back the e-Invoice rollout to next year, giving businesses more time to prepare. But how will this delay impact tax compliance, and what improvements are needed to prevent further postponements? We speak with Eugene Chow, Business Process Solutions Leader at Deloitte Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senior U.S. officials are set to meet with a Chinese delegation later today in London for the next round of trade negotiations. In addition to tariffs and technology, both countries are now also attempting to break an impasse over global supplies of rare earth minerals. How will this latest round of talks impact the world’s two largest economies? For answers, we’ll speak with Sarah Tan, Economist at Moody's Analytics.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As digital transformation accelerates across Southeast Asia, the future of payments is becoming increasingly cashless, connected, and inclusive. Join us for an exclusive panel discussion featuring experts and leaders driving change in the region's financial ecosystem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) has called on the government to address critical issues affecting operators’ profit margins before rationalising RON95 fuel subsidies. We speak to Dato' Khairul Annuar, President of PDAM about the pain points being experienced and the potential impact on consumers.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia’s political tensions are rising as Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka faces impeachment calls over alleged nepotism. President Prabowo, meanwhile, confronts cabinet reshuffle pressure amid economic woes and coalition tensions, while advancing major programmes like free meals and stimulus efforts. Erin Cook, Journalist, Southeast Asian Affairs shares her perspective on these development. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim entered office in 2022 pledging to review political appointments to federal statutory bodies (FSB) and GLCs. But his recent comments defending the practice have raised eyebrows and cast doubt on the government's commitment to reform. We speak to Aira Azhari of IDEAS on why the practice of political appointments should be phased out.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US tariffs on imported steel and aluminum officially doubled from 25% to 50% on June 4th, affecting all countries exporting these metals to the US, except the UK. Michelle Leung, Head of Asia Metals & Mining at Bloomberg Intelligence, explains the impact of this on industries and consumers from the US, all the way to Asia and Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Korea has a new president following the victory of left-wing candidate Lee Jae-Myung of the Democratic Party, capping the drama that began when former president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law back in December 2024. Professor Donald Leslie Baker of the Asian Studies Department at the University of British Columbia, breaks down the challenges President-elect Lee can expect in addition to his own ongoing legal issues.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The federal government has announced plans for a major urban development in Putrajaya, called Kota MADANI which will be developed vertically and at high density integrating AI technology. We hear from Hj. Ihsan Zainal Mokhtar, Registered Town Planner at IZM Consult as he unpacks the vision behind this ambitious development and the challenges that lie ahead.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has been working hard to enhance ties with the UK with a number of high-level working visits this year by Prime Minister Datuk Sri Anwar Ibrahim in January and the ongoing visit of the Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Dr Benjamin Barton, Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, breaks down these visits as well as the UK's own approach to China.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has appointed career diplomat Tan Sri Shahrul Ikram Yaacob as Malaysia’s envoy to the US. What are the challenges he’ll be expected to navigate in the face of a mercurial White House? We discuss this with Dr Khoo Ying Hooi of Universiti Malaya.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s property slump continued in May, with major developers seeing an 8.6% drop in home sales. Weak demand, deflation, and cautious policy support suggest the sector’s recovery remains distant despite broader economic pressures. Kristy Hung, Senior Industry Analyst of Asia Real Estate, Bloomberg Intelligence gives us her perspective on the Chinese property market and outlook.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From rising tensions between local and federal powers to increasing demands for autonomy and justice under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), Ariff Adi Putera Anwar, Research Associate at the Institute for Development Studies, offers a deep dive into Sabah’s evolving political landscape. We look into Sabah’s political landscape, examining public sentiment toward Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, shifting party alliances, and key issues shaping the state’s electoral future.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has officially stepped down from the party and announced his intention to join Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR). This move was not a surprise, but we ask Adib Zalkapli, Managing Director, Viewfinder Global Affairs what this means for the dynamics between Umno and PH and the inevitable cabinet reshuffle.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue was recently held in Singapore gathering defense ministers, military chiefs, and senior officials from nearly 50 countries. Dr Malcolm Davis, a security analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, unpacks the key takeaways from this meeting with Beijing and Washington engaging in multiple diplomatic attacks during the event.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the back of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's civil case, there are now questions as to whether a sitting leader has legal immunity. Lim Wei Jiet, Constitutional Lawyer gives us his perspective whilst we also consider the appointment process of senior judges in this country.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 46th ASEAN Summit saw the bloc upgrade existing trade arrangements as well as explore new deals with China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Can these partnerships eventually offset the disruption caused by US tariffs? We discuss the ASEAN trade policies with Dr. Jayant Menon of ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Gaza faces a growing humanitarian crisis, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), supported by the U.S. and Israel, has stepped in with new aid programs that have sparked debate and unrest. Will GHF be able to deliver aid fairly amid political tensions, and how will this shape the future of relief efforts in Gaza? We speak with Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, President of Mercy Malaysia, to get his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Malaysia, the cryptoasset market has been active, with total trading volume more than doubling in 2024 from the previous year. More broadly, digital assets have the potential to benefit the economy. As such, central banks, including Bank Negara Malaysia, have also been harnessing the potential of emerging technologies such as blockchain through initiatives like Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) and asset tokenisation. Norasyikin Mohamad Razali, Deputy Director, Payment Services Policy Department, Bank Negara Malaysia tells us their priorities in this space.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the course of the ASEAN Summit, digitalization and AI were major focal points but how can this be championed? Calvin Woo, Director at MYCentre4IR tells us as a government agency how this can be achieved.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia began its latest round of airstrikes on Ukraine this week, launching its biggest air strikes since it invaded its neighbour in 2022, with over 700 drones and missiles in two nights. Dr Julia Roknifard, Senior Lecturer, School of Law and Governance at Taylor’s University talks about the latest developments including the name-calling between Washington and Moscow.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad have both tendered their resignation from their respective ministerial positions following their losses at the PKR internal elections. Dr Azmi Hassan of the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research joins us to unpack the political implications of these developments.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After applying for membership in 2011 and gaining observer status in 2022, Timor-Leste is set to become ASEAN’s 11th member this October. Despite challenges such as poverty and dependence on oil exports, can this young nation transform its membership into meaningful opportunities for itself and the region? To get insights on this, we speak with Chua Tian Chang, Director of Connect Timor.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent report by the Center for Market Education highlighted that migration presents investment opportunities, as governments across the world seek to maximise their tax base and stimulate their economies. We’ll be speaking with the author of the publication himself, Emile Phaneuf, Research Associate at the consulting firm, to discuss the benefits and challenges of investment migration in ASEAN.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asian markets have been in a flux recently with geopolitical tensions and tariff uncertainty. This was also felt in the bond market with yields rallying in Japan but what are the investment opportunities in this part of Asia? Christy Tan, Investment Strategist, Franklin Templeton Institute tells us her perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s fiscal deficit narrowed by 17% in the Q1 of 2025, talks that a RON95 subsidy rationalisation may soon be happening and the ringgit strengthening the most in recent years. Yet the road ahead looks far from smooth. Dr Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Chief Economist at Bank Muamalat, discusses these issues. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s economy shrank 0.6% in the first quarter, prompting recession concerns. Its banks may be showing early signs of strain as DBS, OCBC and UOB reported narrowing net interest margins. Sarah Jane Mahmud, Senior Industry Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence discusses the earnings trajectory of Singapore’s top banks amid current headwinds.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kuala Lumpur has seen a flurry of activity over the past few days with the 46th ASEAN Summit and related events taking place. We speak to Shannon Teoh, Malaysian Bureau Chief for the Straits Times for his observations of the high-level gathering and the expected outcomes.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PKR has chosen its new national leadership line-up, with Nurul Izzah Anwar defeating incumbent Dato’ Seri Rafizi Ramli for the post of deputy president, and a shake-up among elected vice-presidents. What does this mean for the direction of the party moving forward? We get analysis from Ibrahim Suffian of the Merdeka Centre.Image Creit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After Sarawak’s recent push for greater autonomy, Penang is ramping up its own efforts to gain more control over its finances and governance by reactivating a committee on state-federal relations. This move highlights growing demands for a fairer share of resources to support the state’s development goals. YB Gooi Hsiao Leung, State Assemblyman for Bukit Tengah shares his insights on this matter.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asian currencies, including the ringgit, are riding a wave of strength, buoyed by a sliding US dollar and improved regional sentiment. Christopher Wong, FX Strategist at OCBC, joins us to unpack the drivers behind the rally, from US fiscal concerns to China’s policy stance, and whether this momentum can last.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump’s $3.8 trillion tax bill narrowly cleared the House, exposing deep Republican divides over cuts to Medicaid and food aid. Despite GOP control, unity is fragile. As the bill heads to the Senate, questions remain over who benefits—and who pays the price. Sharing her insights is Dr Kathryn Robison, Lecturer in American Studies, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PKR members will vote today for a new central party leadership with key positions including the deputy presidency and vice-presidencies being contested. Dr Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, shares his perspectives, especially on the hotly contested deputy president post vying incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli against Nurul Izzah Anwar.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg appear to have buried the hatchet on the Petros-Petronas dispute, signing a joint declaration this week on the collaborative framework between the two entities. But does this fully resolve the friction between Putrajaya and Kuching on oil and gas rights? We get reactions from Dr. Tricia Yeoh of the University of Nottingham Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 46th ASEAN Summit is set to kick off in Kuala Lumpur from May 23 to 28, with Malaysia as chair. The regional gathering comes at a time of shifting geopolitical dynamics and an uncertain economic outlook. We speak to Dr. Khoo Ying Hooi from Universiti Malaya about expectations for the summit Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te marked his first year in office amid increased political polarisation and heightened tensions with Beijing. How is Lai addressing the internal and external pressures? Brian Hioe of New Bloom Magazine weighs in on the president's performance. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.