Morning Brief

Malaysia has reported 10 new tuberculosis clusters across seven states within the first month of 2026, with Selangor and Johor in focus. Prof Dr Rafdzah Ahmad Zaki, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at Universiti Malaya, discusses what the latest data reveal and what more needs to be done, because TB remains a persistent public health concern.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a stronger-than-expected finish to 2025, the Ministry of Trade and Industry has raised Singapore’s economic growth forecast for 2026 to between 2 and 4 per cent, pointing to a global AI investment boom, resilient trade, and firm performance in sectors like manufacturing and finance. Selena Ling, Chief Economist, OCBC Bank helps us break down and the data and what we can expect from Budget 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khazanah Nasional recorded a 5.2% return in 2025 and paid out RM2 billion to the government, despite global volatility. Ng Tzu Hann, CEO of Tradeview Capital, discusses how the fund balances long-term wealth creation with supporting strategic national priorities, the risks of domestic focus versus global diversification, and what Malaysians should expect from Khazanah’s investment strategy going forward.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.

In Malaysia, there is more than one pathway to becoming a lawyer. Anishaa Sundramoorthy, Co-Chairperson of the National Young Lawyers and Pupils Committee , Malaysian Bar explains this to us whilst we also consider if we should include other reforms to raise the standards of the legal profession.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The debate over whether Kuala Lumpur should have a directly elected mayor is gaining momentum, with Perikatan Nasional cautioning that elections alone may not solve the city’s governance challenges. Dr Afif Bahardin, PN Selangor Secretary and Taman Medan Assemblyman, shares his views on why his party doesn't think it would work.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 Nikkei 225 hit a new high on the back of Prime Minister's Sanae Takaichi big election win. Ivailo Dikov, Head of Japan Equities, Eastspring Singapore tells us what sectors stand to benefit from her economic policies and if we can expect more in terms of corporate reform.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent developments involving a senior figure at a listed company have brought renewed attention to the roles, responsibilities, and liabilities of executive and non-executive directors. Dr Ismet Yusoff, CEO of Minority Shareholders Watch Group, gives us some clarity on the concerns at stake and how boards should strengthen governance and oversight frameworks.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing mounting political pressure following the sudden resignations of key senior aides, renewed scrutiny over Peter Mandelson’s diplomatic appointment, and growing dissent within Labour’s ranks. Dr Benjamin Barton of the University of Nottingham Malaysia share some insights into this issue.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan’s political landscape has shifted as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party secured a two-thirds majority. What does this mean for Japan’s future policies and its role in the region? We analyze the election outcome with Michael Cucek, Assistant Professor of Asian Studies, Temple University, Japan Campus.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, India and Malaysia signed 11 MOUs in an expansion of the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Covering areas such as trade and investment, science and technology, and defence and security cooperation, what might we hope to see as the outcome? Discussing this further, we have Dr. Jayant Menon, Visiting Senior Fellow, ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, to delve deeper into this. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The preliminary results for Thailand’s general election point to caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party emerging with a commanding lead. Dr. Greg Raymond, Senior Lecturer, Australian National University (ANU) tells us if the results were expected and what would be the priorities of this administration.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, Malaysia has just fully banned all electronic waste imports to tackle rising e-waste dumping. But will this policy significantly reduce the country’s e-waste problem? And how will authorities ensure its enforcement? We'll be discussing this with Dr. Renard Siew, Climate Change & Sustainability Expert. 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.

Japan heads to the polls this Sunday in a high-stakes snap election for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first female leader. With rising tensions over Taiwan, economic uncertainty, and shifting political alliances, what could be the outcome? We discuss what’s at stake with Prof. Alexis Dudden, Visiting Professor of Japanese Studies, National University of Singapore.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan’s not the only country having elections this Sunday - our neighbors up north, Thailand, are as well. Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions with Cambodia and a shaky economy, what’s the mood of Thai voters on the ground right now, and who might be the frontrunner in this race? We’ll be discussing this with Dr. Michael Montesano, Associate Senior Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump has just unveiled a major shift in how the US approaches critical mineral with the launch of Project Vault and  a trade zone with partners such as Japan and the European Union. Trung Ghi, Partner and Head of the Energy & Utilities with Arthur D. Little in Asia Pacific helps us understand how significant these initiatives are and how Malaysia should navigate this with our own mineral earths policy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is again attempting to reform how migrant workers are recruited, amid longstanding concerns over debt bondage, misleading job promises and weak enforcement. Adrian Pereira, Executive Director of North-South Initiative, shares his views on whether proposals like direct hiring, virtual interviews and AI translation can address exploitation on the ground.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.

Hong Kong’s housing market is emerging from a deep multi-year correction, with prices bottoming out in 2025 and rents at record highs. Patrick Wong, Head of Hong Kong & Senior Analyst, Asia Pacific Real Estate, Bloomberg Intelligence, discusses how falling interest rates, a revived stock market and renewed mainland demand may shape what happens.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peace talks appear increasingly difficult as Russia ramps up its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and comes at a time when temperatures fall below -20°C. Dr Sonia Mycak, a research fellow, ANU Centre for European Studies shares her views on what realistic solutions could finallwary bring an end to the war, even as peace talks continue in Abu Dhabi.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PM Term Limits, Just the Bare MinimumThere are plans to limit the Prime Minister’s tenure to 10 years aimed at reducing the concentration of power, strengthening institutions, and responding to public calls for greater accountability. Danesh Prakash Chacko, Chairperson, Persatuan Bertindak Pilihan Raya Bebas Dan Saksama (TINDAK) tells us if this reform is sufficient and if Kuala Lumpur should have mayoral elections.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 government has avoided another shutdown after President Donald Trump signed a US$1.2 trillion funding bill, but political tensions remain high. Dr Kathryn Robison, of the United States Studies Centre at University of Sydney shares her views into what Trump's falling approval ratings and other developments mean going into the 2026 midterm elections.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s digital banks were given five years by Bank Negara to reach profitability and one year has already gone by. Ravi Kittane, Partner at Ernst & Young Consulting, shares his views on the performance of these entities in Malaysia's landscape.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Incentive Framework will replace a system that’s been around since the 1980 with incentives are now time bound, tiered, and tied to national outcomes. Soh Lian Seng, Head of Tax, KPMG in Malaysia tells us what to expect from the NIF and how it will be implemented.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has launched the National Food Security Policy 2030, alongside plans for a National Food Security Act to address global food systems affected by climate volatility, geopolitics and rising costs. Professor Datin Paduka Dr Fatimah Mohamed Arshad of Universiti Putra Malaysia assesses if this policy can truly strengthen resilience and safeguard Malaysia’s food security.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As tensions between the United States and Iran surge over Tehran’s nuclear programme and the brutal crackdown on domestic protests, both sides are locked in a high-stakes standoff that could reshape Middle Eastern geopolitics. Amin Saikal, Emeritus Professor of Middle Eastern and Central Asian Studies at The Australian National University, shares his views on this.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Immigration enforcement in the United States is under legal strain. In Minnesota, a month-long surge by ICE has involved armed arrests, civilian deaths, and growing court scrutiny, with challenges from state governments and international bodies. So what are the rights of immigrants, are the actions of ICE legal? For a clearer picture, we speak to Eric Sustad, Senior Attorney at Bashyam Global Immigration Law Group.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

India and the European Union announced that they finally concluded a major Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after nearly 20 years of stalled negotiations. We ask Sanjay Mathur, Chief Economist for Southeast Asia and India, ANZ Bank as to the structure of this FTA and which industries stand to benefit.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin stepped down as PN chair earlier this month, the question of who leads the coalition has become increasingly contested, with Bersatu and PAS offering different versions. Associate Professor Dr Syaza Shukri, Department Head of Political Science and Madani Studies, International Islamic University Malaysia will shed some light on the turmoil within the coalition, and how the situation will affect them in the coming GE.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Buy Now Pay Later use is surging in Malaysia. Transactions jumped to 243 million last year, worth more than 21 billion ringgit, with outstanding BNPL borrowing now close to 5 billion ringgit. Young people and lower income households make up a big share of users, even as overdue loans remain relatively low. Wan Amirah Wan Usamah, Research Associate, Khazanah Research Institute explains what this rapid growth really means.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s military leadership is facing fresh upheaval by the purge of two of its most senior generals including Zhang Youxia, one of President Xi Jinping’s closest commanders. The shake up could leave China’s top military body smaller, raising new questions about power loyalty and control in Beijing. We speak to Dr. Yang Zi, Research Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University for insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s anti-corruption efforts are under renewed scrutiny following claims of billions recovered in stolen public funds. Pushpan Murugiah of the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism joins us to discuss whether asset recovery is enough, the case for an Ombudsman, and the effectiveness of oversight over the MACC.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s three biggest banks have turned in a resilient but mixed performance as they closed out 2025. But with global rate cuts taking hold, what is their outlook for 2026 ? Sarah Jane Mahmud, Senior Industry Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence gives us her perspective whilst we also ask if Maybank's ROEs targets for 2030 are achievable.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Myanmar has concluded its latest general election under heavy restrictions, with major opposition parties banned and large parts of the country unable to vote due to ongoing conflict. Journalist Erin Cook joins us to assess how credible the polls were, what the results mean for Myanmar’s political future, and how regional and international actors are responding.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, the Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said that middle powers need to move from being rule-takers to rule-shapers. From a trade and investment perspective, how realistic is that ambition for Asian middle powers? Jayant Menon, Visiting Senior Fellow, ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute tells us his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After years of political and legal uncertainty, TikTok has struck a deal allowing it to continue operating in the US under a majority American-owned joint venture. Dr Bradley Freeman, Professor of Creative Arts & Media, School of Arts, Sunway University, examines what this means for data security, algorithmic control, and if  this model addresses the original issue.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Applications to Malaysia’s civil service are falling even as the Public Service Commission plans to hire more in 2026. Syafiq Ridzwan, Chief of Information, Malaysian Youth Council, shares his insights into how changing entry requirements and attitudes of civil servants towards corruption, shape the quality of public service.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this month, Sunway Berhad launched a conditional takeover offer for IJM Corporation Berhad, valued about 11 billion ringgit, largely through a share swap. The deal is framed to create a larger ‘national champion’ in construction and property, but it comes at a tricky time as MACC has launched a probe on IJM. We ask Pankaj C. Kumar, Business Commentator for his view on the valuations and if the deal will materialise.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private healthcare costs are rising, insurance premiums have jumped, and the central bank has published a whitepaper proposing a base medical and health insurance plan (also known as MHIT) as part of a broader effort to rein in costs. We ask if this offers adequate protection and whether it can meaningfully address medical inflation. Dr. Khor Swee Kheng, Chief Executive Officer of Angsana Health and a specialist in health systems, will help us break this down.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Bank Negara Malaysia’s Monetary Policy Committee announced that the Overnight Policy Rate remains unchanged at 2.75%, saying the current policy setting remains appropriate and supportive amid price stability. Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist, Ambank will be sharing his perspective on BNM’s OPR decision, and the outlook for Malaysia’s economy.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, we saw a wipeout of about 700 billion US dollars from Magnificent 7 stocks due to US-Greenland uncertainty - though there’s been some recovery since. Be that as it may, the episode does call into question what the outlook of US tech stocks is, and Jonathan Curtis, Co-Chief Investment Officer, Franklin Equity will be sharing his thoughts with us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s rail ambitions are back in the spotlight, not just what we build, but how it performs and what it costs. In the Klang Valley, Rapid Rail carries millions of passengers on core urban routes, even as financial losses persist. At the national level, the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is nearing operations, raising fresh questions about how big rail projects should ultimately be priced. For perspectives on our rail system, we’ll be speaking to Dato' Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd. Sadullah, Vice Chancellor, Universiti Putra Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is pushing forward with the Code of Conduct for the South China Sea, with 70% of the framework already completed. But can it truly keep the waters safe and accessible when it does not resolve territorial disputes? For better understanding, we speak with Dr. Abdul Rahman Yaacob, Non-Resident Senior Fellow at Verve Research, Australia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Supreme Court is expected to deliver its ruling on President Donald Trump’s tariffs only by Feb 20, leaving importers, markets, and international partners in suspense. Dr Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation, unpacks the impact on businesses and global commerce, as well as how the US and Europe are navigating a tense trade landscape.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Financial markets are currently navigating what has been dubbed the 'Greenland Tariff Gambit', a significant geopolitical shock triggered by President Trump’s threat to impose 10% tariffs on eight European nations. We ask Christopher Wong, FX Strategist at OCBC Bank what impact all these geopolitical risks have on the FX market.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is tabling the National Climate Change Bill to give the federal government formal powers to regulate emissions and carbon markets. Climate change and sustainability expert Dr Renard Siew shares his insights into whether Malaysia’s emerging climate architecture can translate policy ambition into real-world outcomes.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government will table a Freedom of Information Act with free access to request documents and other information from government agencies. So, why does freedom of information matter and how will the act be implemented at the federal level that satisfies international standards and not just be a token reform measure? Professor Dr Joanne Lim, Digital Media, Communications and Cultural Studies lecturer and Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia gives us her insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has launched its National Education Plan 2026-2035, introducing earlier school entry, new centralised assessments and changes across the entire education pipeline. Danial Abdul Rahman, CEO of the Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute, joins us to unpack what these reforms could mean in classrooms and for the future generations of Malaysians.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vietnam’s 14th Communist Party Congress is ongoing in Hanoi and will determine the country’s leadership and policy direction for the next five years. Dr Nguyễn Khắc Giang, Visiting Fellow with the Vietnam Studies Programme at the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, explains what’s at stake, and how Vietnam plans to manage growth ambitions amid rising geopolitical tensions.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kuala Lumpur MPs will now play a more significant role in the city’s administration, as Federal Territories Minister Hannah Yeoh has announced the formation of five MP-led monitoring committees to oversee the DBKL 2026 Budget. We ask Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, MP for Setiawangsa as to how this plan will change the running of KL and also if there are any updates  to his plan for  a council-based governance model.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s retail sector is showing signs of strain despite repeated stimulus measures. Catherine Lim, a senior analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence unpacks buyer fatigue, diverging spending trends between luxury and mass-market consumers, and what lies ahead for China’s household economy in 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump’s renewed push to acquire Greenland "the easy way or the hard way" has triggered a transatlantic crisis. Dr Benjamin Barton, Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, talks about the different scenarios that might unfold and what would happen in a post-Trump era for Europe.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.