Morning Brief

Amendments to the Communications and Multimedia Act came into effect earlier this week after it was passed by Dewan Rakyat. These are aimed at creating a more secure internet ecosystem to provide better protection for users, especially minors. Wathshlah Naidu, Executive Director, Centre for Independent Journalism, shares her perspectives on the impact of these amendments to journalistic freedoms.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has wrapped up a two-day official visit to Malaysia holding discussions with PM Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Topics ranged from the reconstruction of Gaza as well as doubling bilateral trade from the current 24 billion ringgit. Dr Julia Roknifard, Senior Lecturer with the School of Law and Governance at Taylor’s University, shares her insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rise in influenza cases has put the Ministry of Health on alert, with free flu vaccinations offered for eligible individuals including senior citizens. How concerned should we be about the uptick? We discuss measures to enhance public healthcare with Dr Haji Helmy Haja Mydin, Consultant Respiratory Specialist, Pantai Hospital.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian government is facing intense backlash over recent measures to address the nurse shortage, particularly the lowering of entry requirements for nursing diplomas and the proposed 45-hour work week. Critics argue that these changes would only exacerbate burnout and brain drain, while compromising the quality of patient care. We speak with Chairman of the Malaysian Medical Association, MMA SCHOMOS Dr Timothy Cheng, for insight into how Malaysia can best tackle this growing issue.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had suggested the formation of a Asean stock exchange to bolster the 10-nation group’s economic growth. We speak to P Gunasegaram, Independent Writer and Founding Editor of Kinibiz for the feasibility of such a proposal and what would be the benefits of it.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's top economic planning agency said on Sunday it was taking steps to scale back subsidies for renewable energy (RE) projects after a boom in solar and wind power installations. This announcement came after China broke its own records for new solar installations in 2024, and meeting targets that were meant for 2030. Pieter E. Stek, Senior Lecturer at the Asia School of Business explains what this pullback in subsidies for the Chinese RE sector means for industry players and global supply chains.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s Department of Environment, or DoE, estimates that 24.5 million units of electronic waste will be discarded this year alone, driven by rapid digitalisation. With mounting economic, legal, and health concerns, what steps should Malaysia take to address the growing e-waste issue and improve its recycling and disposal systems? Mohamed Tarek El-Fatatry of ERTH weighs in with his recommendations.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To enhance financial transparency, Malaysia has rolled out four new auditing guidelines following amendments to the Audit Act 1957. These changes give the Auditor General expanded authority to audit over 1,800 entities that receive public funds, including government-linked companies and investment firms. Dr Veerinderjeet Singh, Senior Advisor on Tax Policy at KPMG shares his insights on how these changes could impact financial accountability and governance.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite an uptick in China's consumer inflation for this CNY, signs are emerging that this might not be sustainable amid persistent deflationary pressures. Angela Han Lee, Senior Industry Analyst, Gaming & Hospitality, Bloomberg Intelligence, shares her insights into how these may impact China's F&B, gaming and travel segments.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a new joint report between the World Bank and the Ministry of Economy, income inequality in Malaysia remains a major challenge, despite economic growth. Hawati Abdul Hamid, Head, Social Policy Research Section, EPF helps us distill the report and what policy measures are needed to improve economic mobility and in turn income inequality.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The proposal for Malaysia's Senior Citizens Bill has been under consideration since March 2023 and has yet to be tabled. Meanwhile, there has been a steady rise in cases of children abandoning their parents at hospitals in recent years peaking during festive seasons. Chai Sen Tyng, a senior research officer at Universiti Putra Malaysia shares his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trumps' proposal to 'take over' the Gaza Strip and turn it into the 'Riviera of the Middle East' has drawn backlash from Palestinian officials, several world leaders and human rights organizations. Israel has unsurprisingly thrown support for this plan. Dr Eyal Mayroz, Senior Lecturer of Peace and Conflict Studies from The University of Sydney, shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US Tariffs against China were implemented this week which was swiftly followed by retaliatory action by Beijing. We examine in detail why China appears to have taken a muted response and what implications tariffs have on global trade. We would be talking to Tommy Xie, Head of Asia Macro Research, OCBC Bank. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two of the region's biggest e-hailing platforms, Grab and Goto have long been said to be in talks over a potential merger. What would be the implications of the consolidation? We discuss the challenges and opportunities for both companies with Nathan Naidu of Bloomberg Intelligence. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is expected to table amendments to the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 (Act 711), but how far do these improvements go? We discuss the needed reforms to the legislation with Dr. Muhammad Mohan of Transparency International Malaysia. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is set to implement a mandatory 2% EPF contribution for foreign workers, instead of the initially proposed 12%. However, the increase in the minimum wage to RM1,700 and potential electricity tariff hikes might impact businesses. To gain industry views, we speak with Datuk William Ng, National President of Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia (SAMENTA).Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to set up a US sovereign wealth fund within the next year. What could this look like and does the US need one? We discuss what makes an effective sovereign wealth fund with Dr. Elsa Satkunasingam of the Asia School of Business.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration is overhauling the US Agency for International Development (USAID), disrupting ongoing humanitarian projects around the world. What will happen to USAID moving forward and how will this impact US relations with recipient countries? We discuss the implications with Grace Stanhope of the Lowy Institute.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unlike Thailand, Singapore and Laos, Malaysia does not have a blanket ban on the use and sale of vapes; but should it? We discuss the present regulatory framework for vapes and e-cigarettes as well as the gaps in implementation with Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest Dewan Rakyat sitting will run for 18 days and among the issues in focus will be the long-anticipated revival of the Parliamentary Services Bill. We speak to Aira Azhari of IDEAS about the expectations for the session and measures to enable MPs to be more effective in their law-making duties.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After announcing tariffs against Canada and Mexico over the weekend, President Donald Trump delayed its implementation after speaking to the leaders of the respective countries. Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO, Center for Market Education tells us how tariffs are now a political tool and how countries affected might respond in this new world order.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has scrapped the point-based system for foreign spouses applying for permanent residency, shifting to criteria based on marriage duration and children. Advocacy groups welcome the move but stress the need for clearer guidelines and fairer implementation. We speak to Bina Ramanand, Co-Founder of Family Frontiers to know if these changes will be enough to ensure a more inclusive and transparent process for binational families.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parts of Sabah and Sarawak are undergoing unprecedented flooding, following heavy rainfall since January 28th, which has displaced thousands across 26 districts. We get updates on the situation and efforts to channel aid on the ground from Dato' Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, President of MERCY Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Border control in Malaysia is now under the newly established Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), which started operations on February 1st. Its objectives include strengthening national security, protecting the economy, improving public health, and reducing congestion at key borders like Malaysia-Singapore. What needs to be in place for this unified agency to be effective? Munira Mustaffa, Executive Director at Chasseur Group weighs in.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Saturday, India tabled its Budget against a backdrop of a complex economic landscape, with global headwinds and domestic inflationary pressures putting pressure on the country’s GDP. Sanjay Mathur, Chief Economist for Southeast Asia and India, ANZ Bank gives us his initial impressions of the Budget and if it does hit the mark in terms of helping India achieve developed nation status.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Road safety is a pressing issue across ASEAN with over 97,000 deaths annually. This comes with significant human and economic costs to the countries in the region. With Malaysia as the Chair of ASEAN in 2025, are our leaders able to strengthen regional road safety measures? We discuss ways to make roads safer with Dr Nurrul Hafeezah Sahak, Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Federal Reserve keeping rates higher for longer, the reign of King Dollar is undisputed. What does this mean for Asian currencies? Saktiandi Supaat, Head of FX Research, Global Markets, Maybank tells us the answer whilst diving specifically at the Ringgit.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since taking office less than two weeks ago, Donald Trump has signed a series of immigration-related executive orders, outlining a crackdown on migration in the U.S. From declaring an invasion at the border to ending birthright citizenship, these actions have sparked significant attention and pushback. We discuss the implications of these initiatives with Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh, Associate Policy Analyst at the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Retailers in Malaysia are gearing up for a busy Chinese New Year season, with the government implementing price controls on essential items and expanding the Rahmah Madani Sales Program. These initiatives are designed to make shopping more affordable for consumers. We speak to Michael Liew, Secretary-General of the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), to get his insights on how these measures may affect the retail industry.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US stocks plunged on Monday with Wall Street darling Nvidia down 17% after the surprise emergence of a low-cost artificial intelligence model by Chinese start up, DeepSeek. Dan Ives, Managing Director, Wedbush Securities tells us whether this start up will cause the the end of the tech bull cycle whilst giving us a preview of the results of the Magnificent 7.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In less than a week since the start of his presidency, Donald Trump has made several controversial foreign policy announcements. From a 25% emergency tariff and visa restrictions against Colombia, to wanting Egypt and Jordan to take in Palestinians from Gaza and making claims on Greenland and the Panama Canal. Wes speak to Dr Prashanth Parameswaran, Fellow, Wilson Center & Founder, ASEAN Wonk Newsletter as to what to expect from US foreign policy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli said that the government plans to introduce additional incentives in the 13th Malaysia Plan to stimulate the economy, based on policies aimed at driving changes in societal and behavioural economics to support national transformation. For more insights into how behavioural economics could work in Malaysia, we speak with Alex Clark, Head of International for APAC at The Behavioural Insights Team.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Typically, Chinese New Year is a busy time for the F&B but news that some outlets will be raising their service tax from 10% to 15% has not gone unnoticed. We speak to Jeremy Lim, Vice-President & Media Liaisons, Persatuan Pemilik Restoran & Bistro, for his views on this and also the outlook for 2025.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore has launched the process for its 2025 general election by forming the Electoral Boundaries Review Committee, with polls expected between May and November. The election could prove pivotal, as the rise of the Workers' Party in 2020 presents a growing challenge to the People’s Action Party. We speak with James Gomez to gain his insights on what the future holds for Singapore’s political landscape.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Malaysia’s data centre industry rapidly expanding, there’s growing concern over the rising demand for water, particularly in Johor and Selangor. Data centres use vast amounts of treated water for cooling, putting pressure on local resources. We speak to S. Piarapakaran, President of the Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia, to discuss how this surge in demand could strain our water infrastructure and what steps can be taken to ensure sustainability.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Media Law Reform Blueprint by the Canadian NGO Centre for Law and Democracy, has called for RTM and the MCMC to be independent in the interest of freedom of expression and journalism in Malaysia. Dr Joanne Lim, Communications, Media and Cultural Studies Professor, University of Nottingham Malaysia, shares her input into how the proposed Malaysian Media Council bill might move the needle (or not).Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO), by President Donald Trump, has sparked concern about the future of global health cooperation and the role of the U.S. in shaping health policies worldwide. Prof. Tikki Pangestu, Visiting Professor, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore shares his perspective on the potential consequences of this decision.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has revealed that while Putrajaya is not hastily pursuing developed nation status, Malaysia is still on the right track to becoming an advanced nation by 2028 to 2029. Dr Hafezali Iqbal Hussain, Professor at the School of Management & Marketing Faculty of Business & Law at Taylor’s University helps us understand what this means.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The upcoming ‘Himpunan Rakyat Benci Rasuah’ rally has sparked a legal debate, with authorities declaring it unlawful due to an incomplete notice. However, legal advisers insist the rally adheres to the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012. N. Surendran, adviser at Lawyers for Liberty, clarifies assembly-goers' rights in such situations.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia has maintained the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 3%, signaling confidence in Malaysia’s economic stability. The country continues to benefit from manageable inflation, strong domestic spending, and ongoing structural reforms. Julia Goh, Senior Economist, UOB shares her views on what this means for Malaysia’s economic future.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the Myanmar military government, which ousted a democratically one in 2021, agreeing a ceasefire with the Beijing-backed Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), a return to stability is still ways away. Lucas Myers, Senior Associate for Southeast Asia at the Wilson Centre's Asia Programme gives us some context about the various factions involved in the current conflict as well as Asean's role in any potential resolution.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unemployment and underemployment among graduates in Malaysia is on the rise, with many highly qualified individuals struggling to secure jobs that match their skills. What kind of policies are needed to close the mismatch? We discuss this with Wan Amirah Wan Usamah of Khazanah Research Institute.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After his inauguration, President Donald Trump wasted no time in implementing major changes to U.S. policy. He focused on reversing many of President Joe Biden’s initiatives, from addressing inflation and energy production to tighter immigration policies. John Zogby, Founder of John Zogby Strategies shares his insights into how these changes could shape the future of the U.S.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following delays in Gateway Development Alliance's offer to Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd private at RM11 per share, the conditional acceptance level for the deal was recently lowered from 90% to 85%. Khair Mirza, Head of Airport Investor Resource at Modalis Infrastructure Partners Inc, shares his perspectives.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the Nikkei 225 rallied by almost 20% last year, has the easy money been made for Japanese equities? Ken Nagano, Senior Portfolio Manager at Nomura Asset Management tells us his views, the investment strategy to adopt and their top ideas for 2025.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim recently called for the Electoral Commission to look into ways that would ensure all Malaysians can exercise their right to vote, including those residing abroad. What kind of reforms should be considered? We discuss this with Danesh Prakash Chacko of Tindak Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently visited Brussels, where he announced the revival of Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Can the two sides bring the FTA to fruition after more than a decade in hiatus? We discuss the opportunities and challenges in bilateral ties with Karl Godderis of EUROCHAM Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asian economies are set to face an uncertain 2025 as they grapple with domestic challenges and "America First" policies under the Donald Trump administration. This is reflected in the weakening of many Asian currencies against a stronger U.S. dollar. We’ll be speaking with Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research at ANZ Bank, about what these developments mean for economies in Asia and their respective monetary policies. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court has ruled that pensions for retired civil servants should be adjusted based on their final salary, in line with the 2016 Public Services Department circular. This decision challenges the previous 2% flat annual increase introduced by the 2013 Pension Adjustment Act and requires the government to settle outstanding pension arrears within three months. We discuss the implications of this decision with Dr Lee Hwok-Aun, Senior Fellow, Malaysian Studies Programme, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the government considering a digital finance policy which could pave the way for Malaysia to recognize the use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, financial experts warn that this could present unnecessary risks. Aaron Tang, President of the Malaysian Digital Asset Platform Association (MDAPA) helps us unpack the implications of this potential policy change.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.