Morning Brief

The US is one of the biggest export destinations for Malaysia’s electrical and electronic products, and while our semiconductors have been exempted from the April 2nd tariffs, what knock on effects will we see affecting the sector? Although Malaysian semiconductors have been exempted from the US’s newly imposed 24% tariffs, broader concerns. remain. Discussing this with us is Andrew Chan, Director of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Korea is at a crossroads following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-Yeol last Friday. With a snap election most likely set for June, the country is also facing rising tensions with the U.S. and the ongoing threat from North Korea. What lies ahead for South Korea? We delve into this with Prof. Donald Leslie Baker, Professor in the Asian Studies Department at the University of British Columbia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah unveiled the Rural Agricultural Economic Revolution (RAER), a six-year initiative anchored in agro-based development and rural empowerment, backed by RM10 million in funding. Targeting idle land utilisation, RAER aspires to uplift local economies. But gaps in infrastructure and coordination question its feasibility. We seek clarity from Adrian Lasimbang, Founder of TONIBUNG and President of Pertubuhan Suara Anak Sabah.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump’s sweeping tariffs are hitting Asia hard, with China, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia facing hefty levies going up as high as 49%. Selena Ling, the Chief Economist at OCBC Bank, breaks down the economic impact, the hardest-hit sectors, and how countries might fight back.Image Credits: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seven of the world’s largest tech companies, which have already been experiencing a brutal quarter, were hit with another blow after U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs set to disrupt their supply chains. While the Magnificent Seven had a stellar run in 2024, will they be able to sustain the rally in 2025 on the back of Trump’s tariffs? For answers, we’ll turn to Dan Ives, Managing Director at Wedbush Securities. Image Credits: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is rolling out AI-powered point-to-point speed monitoring to curb accidents but is enforcement really the best way to address road safety and to reduce accidents on our highways? Dr Law Teik Hua, Associate Professor at the Road Safety Research Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia shares his views on this and what more can be done for road safety.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Marine Le Pen, the head of France’s far right National Rally party was convicted of embezzlement by a Paris Court on Tuesday. Is this truly the end of the road for Le Pen’s fight for French presidency, and who could take her place if her appeals fall through? We speak to Benjamin Barton, Head of School of Politics and International Relations, University of Nottingham Malaysia for some insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A minimum of 10% tariff on all exporters to the US will be imposed whilst additional duties will be slapped on 60 other countries. Preston Caldwell, Senior US Economist, Morningstar helps us breakdown what this annoucement means for the US economy and if this will cause the world's largest economy to slip into a recession.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A powerful gas explosion in Putra Heights ignited a massive blaze that took hours to bring under control. The incident caused extensive damage, affecting over 200 homes and displacing more than 300 residents. Assemblywoman for Subang Jaya, Michelle Ng Mei Sze shares updates on the ongoing relief efforts and the investigation into the cause of the explosion.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s electoral map may shift dramatically—not through legislation, but as voters update their addresses. Tindak Malaysia highlights potential rises in Malay-majority, mixed, and even Orang Asli-majority seats, while Chinese-majority areas may shrink. This raises concerns about overcrowding, underrepresentation, and systemic readiness. Danesh Prakash Chacko, Director at Tindak Malaysia joins us to share his insights on the issue and its broader implications.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is projected to add USD$1 trillion to South East Asia's GDP by 2030. Piyush Jain, Technology, Media & Telecommunications Industry Strategy, Risk & Transactions Leader, Deloitte Southeast Asia tells us why important for there to be the right infrastructure in place to benefit from this and how countries can also help their local companies to thrive from this.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A 7.7 magnitude earthquake hit Myanmar last Friday, leaving more than 2,000 casualties and 3,900 injured victims in its wake. Relief efforts are still ongoing, and rescuers from several countries have joined local efforts to locate survivors. We speak to Jaw Tu Hkawng, freelance Journalist, legal advocate & activist to get a clearer picture of the situation on the ground. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, was found via wastewater analysis in Lembah Subang on Wednesday. Just how dangerous can this ‘zombie drug’ be? Professor Dr. Vicknasingam Kasinather, Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia shares his insights on the matter. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra successfully passed a no-confidence vote, receiving support from 319 of the 488 lawmakers present. With allegations of economic mismanagement, foreign influence, and policy missteps, can she prove herself as a strong leader and maintain Thailand’s stability? Dr. Greg Raymond, Senior Lecturer, Australian National University shares his analysis on what’s next for Thailand.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s retail sector is rebounding ahead of Raya 2025, fueled by wage hikes, cash aid, and digital-first spending—especially in F&B and fashion. However, inflation, uneven rural recovery, and online fatigue may curb gains. Can retailers sustain this momentum beyond the festive boost, or is a post-Raya slowdown on the horizon? Michael Liew, Secretary-General, Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) weighs in on the outlook of the retail sector this festive season.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD surpassed the 100 billion US dollar mark in sales last year, leapfrogging US-based Tesla. However, can it sustain this performance in light of the 25% tariff on auto imports announced by the Trump administration on Wednesday? To discuss this, we’ll be speaking with Joanna Chen, Asia Auto Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Madani Government is setting up a committee to review three major pieces of criminal legislation with an 18-month timeframe. What are the key areas of reform that need urgent attention? Lawyer Edmund Bon of AmerBON Advocates. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s Labor government unveiled fresh tax cuts worth tens of billions of dollars, along with other sweeteners, in its latest federal budget, just a month or two before an election is expected to be held. How might this affect the outcome of elections? We discuss the dynamics with Dr. Jill Sheppard of the Australian National University.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PlanMalaysia, under the Housing & Local Government Ministry (KPKT), is creating a unified app to ease EV charging location and access across providers in Malaysia. What are the pain points in charging that the app aims to address and what’s needed for this to be effective? We get thoughts from Amin Ashaari, CEO and Co-Founder of SoyaCincau.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent cyber attack on Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, has raised concerns about the security of critical infrastructure. With cyber-attacks becoming more frequent and complex, how can Malaysia enhance its cybersecurity measures and what should businesses implement on their end? CF Fong, Executive Chairman, LGMS Berhad gives us his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fitch Ratings cut its forecast for global economic growth by 0.3 percentage points to 2.3% this year, adding that the expansion of the world’s economy will remain weak at 2.2% in 2026. We speak to one of the authors of this report as to what the impact will be on APAC economies. Alex Muscatelli, Director, Fitch Ratings’ Economics Team joins us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara’s 2024 report shows labour productivity rose to 2.4%, but wage growth slowed to 2.9%. Despite a recovering job market, conservative wage-setting driven by economic uncertainties raises concerns. Questions remain about the minimum wage’s broader impact and issues in wage stagnation that could affect talent retention and competitiveness. Dr. Geoffrey Williams, an Economist, Founder & Director of Williams Business Consultancy shares gives us some clarity on this matter.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been talks of a potential cabinet reshuffle happening since the end of last year, and after Investment, Trade & Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz confirmed on the Breakfast Grille this month, that he would step down as a minister in mid-December, these rumours have found new life. Dr Syaza Shukri, Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science & Madani Studies at the International Islamic University of Malaysia, shares her take on this.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.