Morning Brief

Philippine equities are among the stronger performers in ASEAN this year, but questions remain over whether the rebound signals a lasting recovery. Alfred Dy, Head of Philippines Research at CLSA, joins us to assess market valuations, slowing bank lending, and where investors may find opportunities and sectoral strength in the months ahead.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 19 million Nepalese voters went to the polls yesterday in the country’s first general election since the 2025 protests that toppled the government. How will this vote shape Nepal’s political future? We’ll discuss this with Dr. Amit Ranjan, Research Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia has kept the OPR unchanged at 2.75%, maintaining the level set after last year’s July rate cut as policymakers judge the current stance supportive of growth and price stability. But with fresh geopolitical risks emerging and global markets facing renewed volatility, what could this mean for Malaysia’s growth outlook, inflation and the path of interest rates? We discuss this with Woon Khai Jhek, Vice President and Senior Economist at RAM Ratings.The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya has warned that the main contractor for the LRT3 Shah Alam Line could incur RM475 million in penalties for the continued delay in the operation of this line. Dato’ Professor Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah of Universiti Putra Malaysia explains how complex system integration and land acquisition to coordination challenges, might be behind these delays.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the Israel-Iran War intensifies, Europe is faced with big questions. University of Nottingham Malaysia's Dr. Benjamin Barton unpacks the continent's deep divide: Spain's refusal to aid US strikes, Germany's strategic silence to protect Ukraine funding, and Donald Trump's retaliatory tariff threats against the EU. Are we witnessing the limits of European strategic autonomy?The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has renewed Lynas’ operating license for 10 years, allowing the Australian firm to continue producing rare earths at its Gebeng plant. Datuk Chang Lih Kang, Science, Technology & Innovation Minister, explains the rationale for this decision from the need to secure a non-Chinese supply chain to explaining to voters why this decision was taken.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, Brent crude has surged past $80 a barrel, reigniting the geopolitical risk premium. Sim Moh Siong, a commodity strategist at OCBC explains how the protracted disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, OPEC+’s production response, and what elevated oil prices could mean for global growth and Asian economies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The debate for the bill to separate the AG and PP was put on hold after the government announced a Parliamentary Special Select Committee to discuss this matter after opposition from even within the government. Member of Parliament for Muar, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman who is also a member of this PSC gives us his views.The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Middle East tensions are driving oil higher, lifting volatility and reviving safe haven demand. How far could this shock spill into global growth, inflation and financial markets? And what does it mean for rate cuts, the US dollar, and Asean FX? We speak with Barnabas Gan, Group Chief Economist and Head of Market Research at RHB Bank, on the risks, scenarios and policy implications.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the launch of Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, the United States and Israel have moved beyond containment to a direct military campaign for regime change in Tehran - and Dr Malcolm Davis, Security Analyst, Australian Strategic Policy Institute will be joining us to discuss the military capabilities shown by the US, Israel and Iran.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2025, more than 60,000 New Zealand citizen left the country including their former Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern and her family. Sharon Zollner, Chief Economist, ANZ Bank New Zealand, tells us the economic reasons for this and what measures have been put in place to slow the tide which, if left unchecked, could lead to negative consequences for this island country.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s political reform agenda hit a setback yesterday, when the bill proposing constitutional amendments to cap the prime  minister’s tenure failed to secure enough votes for the bill to pass. What does this say about the unity of the Madani government? We discuss this and political trends in Malaysia with Dr. Oh Ei Sun of the Pacific Research Center.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The escalating war in Iran perpetrated by the US and Israel have shut down airports and airspaces in the region, impacting Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, among the busiest in the world. Capt Mohd Radzi Mohd Alias of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, takes us through the passenger protection frameworks that are in place, when crises like these happen.The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent attack on Iran by the US and Israel has not only caused oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices to soar, but also shipping carrier rates as the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed off. We speak to Kenneth Loh, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence about the outlook for the shipping sector and what it means for global trade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran is confronting its most serious leadership crisis since 1979 after the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israel air strikes on Saturday. What options does Tehran have to ensure regime survival and how are neighbours in the Gulf region reacting to the crisis? We discuss this with Middle East expert Dr. James Dorsey.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the American public onboard with President Donald Trump's military strikes on Iran? We discuss public sentiment and how the Middle East conflict could influence voter decisions in the November mid-term elections with independent pollster John Zogby.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News that the government is setting aside RM480 million from the 2025 development budget to support loss-making Vantris Energy Bhd, ostensibly to safeguard vendors and industry capacity, has raised some questions. Independent business writer, P Gunasegaram, talks about the implications of this development.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Employees' Provident Fund has declared a 6.15% dividend for 2025 for both its shariah and conventional accounts, which some contend as being below expectations. Ng Zhu Hann, founder & CEO of Tradeview Capital shares his perspectives on the payout amid a stronger ringgit, shifting membership dynamics, and overall equities performance in 2025.The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is set to revamp its pre-university admissions with a “single window, single offer” system and standardise First Class degree awards. But will these changes really level the playing field and improve our higher education system? We get insights from Prof. Zaharom Nain, Director & Adjunct Professor, Allianz Centre for Governance at Universiti Malaya.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The start of 2026 has signalled a diplomatic "thaw" as a parade of world leaders, including those from the UK, Canada, and Germany, descend on Beijing. What do these visits signal? Angeline Tan, Analyst, Institute Of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia, gives us her perspective whilst we also discuss the upcoming US-China meeting at the end of March.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Telekom Malaysia is switching its 5G wholesale partner from Digital Nasional Berhad, to U Mobile, a move that comes as Malaysia advances its shift from a single to a dual network model. The announcement has unsettled the market and raised fresh questions about ownership, competition and the economics of 5G. We unpack the implications with Alex Wong, Managing Editor and Co-Founder of SoyaCincau.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DAP is pushing for a Royal Commission of Inquiry to look into allegations of a “corporate mafia” involving businessmen and senior MACC officials. Syahredzan Johan, DAP's national vice-chairman and MP for Bangi, explains why the party views the corporate mafia allegations as serious and what an RCI can realistically achieve, and how the government should respond.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The escalating bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery is heating up as Paramount Skydance has made a "best and final" $31-per-share all-cash offer, officially pressuring the Warner Bros. board to reconsider its existing merger agreement with Netflix. Geetha Ranganathan, Senior Media Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence, tells us who might emerge victorious and what the outlook is for the rest of the sector in 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent high-profile cases have brought domestic and sexual violence back into public focus, raising difficult questions about enforcement, transparency and institutional accountability. Gandipan Gopalan, Advocacy Manager at the Women's Aid Organisation talks about how the existing legal framework operates in practice and the barriers survivors face in seeking justice.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has tabled a constitutional amendment to separate the Attorney General and Public Prosecutor roles, ending decades of concentrated prosecutorial power in a single office. But does it truly strengthen independence and accountability? We speak to constitutional lawyer Lim Wei Jiet to examine the safeguards, the gaps and what this reform could mean for the rule of law in Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 24 years without revision, the Dewan Rakyat has passed the Capitation Grant Bill 2026, updating how federal funds are distributed to states based on population and introducing a 10-year review cycle. Professor Tricia Yeoh, from the University of Nottingham Malaysia, shares her view on how this marks a meaningful step toward fairer and more transparent state funding.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The political landscape in Philippines has shifted from a fragile alliance to political rupture, between its two most powerful dynasties, the Marcos and the Dutertes, because the "UniTeam" that dominated the 2022 elections is officially dead. Erin Cook, Southeast-Asia Based Journalist gives us her views on what this means for the country's political future.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump delivers his first official State of the Union address in his second term on Tuesday. Can his messaging change the mood of the American public that has grown uneasy with his economic and immigration policies? We get a preview of what to expect from Dr Stephen J. Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science & International Affairs, at the University of Mary WashingtonImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JKOM or the Community Communications Department, is under renewed scrutiny as it sharpens its focus on political security and public trust, raising questions about its evolution and relevance in Malaysia’s crowded digital communications landscape. Dr Benjamin Loh, a lecturer in Media & Communications at Monash University, talks about whether or not JKOM has truly evolved and what its really purpose today is.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Supreme Court delivered a stunning blow to the Trump administration by ruling that the President has no unilateral authority to impose broad tariffs. Although the decision has technically invalidated the legal basis for the trade barriers Malaysia had been navigating for the past year, how should we tread? Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Adjunct Professor at Taylor's University and former Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry gives us his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although US-Iran nuclear talks continue, the US is building up its military presence in the region while Iran has reportedly secured missiles from Russia. Is there a diplomatic path to prevent tensions from boiling over? We discuss these developments with Dr James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perikatan Nasional has appointed Terengganu Chief Minister and vice-president of PAS, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar, as chairman of the coalition, replacing Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. What does this signal about the direction of PN? We speak to Dr. Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow at the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research, for insights.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs imposed under emergency powers. Since then Trump has moved to preserve his trade agenda by raising global tariffs by 15%. We ask Dr. Deborah K. Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation the repercussion of this and what this means for existing trade deals.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eight PKR lawmakers have been very vocal over the alleged corrupt practices within the MACC and share ownership by their Chief Commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki. We speak to Setiawangsa MP, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as to why this matter is so urgent, what type of investigation is required and what should we make of the government’s silence on the issue.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mass expulsion of former Bersatu Deputy President Dato' Sri Hamzah Zainuddin and 16 other members has triggered uproar and mass resignations among the party grassroots. What options are the exiled members considering to maintain political relevance? We hear from Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fahysal on the fallout and his next steps.Image Credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s retail sector ended 2025 on a stronger note,  with growth picking up in December. However, what is the outlook for 2026? Damien Yeo, Senior Consumer & Retail Analyst, BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions gives us their house view and the catalysts for this sector.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The survival of Bersatu is in question after the expulsion of prominent leaders last week, including heir apparent Dato' Sri Hamzah Zainudin. Who then will succeed Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as party leader? We discuss Bersatu's future with Dr. Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month’s earnings reports from Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Meta, and Apple revealed a combined staggering USD700 billion capital expenditure for 2026. This caused a massive sell down in tech space. We ask Dan Ives, Managing Director, Wedbush Securities if this is actually a buying opportunity or is the tech boom cycle over.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, President Donald Trump declared that the build-up of greenhouse gas emissions would no longer be considered a public health issue. This effectively reverses the basis of US climate change regulations, which Trump says could save the government trillions of dollars. But will this come at the cost of irreversible climate change? We discuss the implications of this with Romany Web, of the Sabin Center for Climate Change.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SMEs in Malaysia are facing challenges on multiple fronts this year, with increased cost pressures and compliance requirements -  Datuk William Ng, Chairman, Small and Medium Enterprises Association tells us how SMEs are faring and if the available financing is adequate.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the ringgit rising 14% against the US dollar and GDP growing 5.2% this year, many Malaysians are still feeling the pinch of high prices. Will government intervention make imported goods more affordable? We’ll discuss this with Yugendran T. Kannu Sivakumaran, Economic Analyst in the Economics and Sustainability Impact Department at Bait Al Amanah.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Securities Commission Malaysia is finalising a new framework to clarify when cash trust schemes investing in capital market products must be licensed, amid growing concerns over investor protection and market confidence. Business commentator Pankaj C Kumar gives us some perspective about how cash trust structures actually work and the risks they carry.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s anti-corruption chief Tan Sri Azam Baki is once again under scrutiny following fresh allegations reported by Bloomberg linking MACC officers to possible collusion in corporate control matters, alongside renewed questions over his shareholdings. Independent business writer P Gunasegaram shares his thoughts on the government's response so far.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026 sees Chinese New Year falling on the heels of Ramadan. How is Malaysia’s F&B sector gearing up for these back-to-back peak periods? We discuss what’s ahead with Jeremy Lim, Vice-President & Media Liaisons, Persatuan Pemilik Restoran & Bistro.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The infighting within Bersatu reached a head last Friday, when party President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin expelled his deputy, Dato’ Sri Hamzah Zainuddin and other supporters in a shock move. What does this mean for the future of Bersatu? We get analysis from Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director of the Merdeka Centre.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US markets have begun to lag parts of Asia, after outperforming on the back of mega cap tech and the AI trade in 2025.We ask Rika Naito, Senior Portfolio Manager of the Global Growth Equity Team at Nomura Asset Management Tokyo, if this is the beginning of a trend and what are the investment themes we can adopt for the year.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up to 2.8 million vehicles are expected to hit the roads for CNY and the start of Ramadan. What regulations is the government going to enforce to ensure the safety of Malaysians on the road? We speak to Dr. Ng Choy Peng, Associate Professor at the Department of Civil Engineering, National Defence University of Malaysia, on the safety measures taken by authorities, as well as road improvements Malaysia might benefit from.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent Court of Appeal ruling held that a single Joint Management Body must oversee the entire developments, even mixed ones, which is a departure from previous practices. What does this mean for developers, parcel owners, and existing mixed-use projects? Questions we pose to Alliff Benjamin Suhaimi, Partner, Thomas Philip.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has inched up three spots in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index, from 57th to 54th. It’s a modest gain against a bold pledge to crack the global top 25 by 2033. Pushpan Murugiah, Chief Executive Officer of Center to Combat Corruption & Cronyism (C4) tell us what serious reform is needed whilst we discuss share ownership linked to the MACC Chief Commissioner, Tan Sri Azam Baki.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bangladeshis head to the polls today in what is widely seen as its most consequential election in nearly two decades, coming two years after Sheikh Hasina was ousted as prime minister and now lives in exile in India. Dr Amit Ranjan, from the National University of Singapore's Institute of South Asian Studies, shares his insights into what to expect.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.