Morning Brief

Over the past week, US President Donald Trump has floated a proposal he calls a Board of Peace, a new international body linked to Gaza that would sit outside the United Nations framework. Dr James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies tells us if this is a workable plan.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China closed 2025 meeting its headline GDP growth target of 5%, but beneath the surface the recovery looks uneven with the final quarter, expanding at its slowest pace since Covid. Heron Lim, a lecturer of economics at ESSEC Business School, shares his insights into these numbers and what to expect when China's National People’s Congress convenes in March.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Federal Territories Ministry is partnering with Persatuan Arkitek Malaysia to redesign key urban infrastructure, encompassing public housing layouts and toilets to shower facilities aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles. Adrianta Aziz, the president of PAM, shares his insights into what this means for the future of KL.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 wrapped up 2025 on a stronger footing than expected. Flash estimates show the economy growing 5.7% year-on-year in the fourth quarter, beating market expectations and bringing full-year growth to around 4.9%. Can this momentum be sustained, and what is our growth outlook in 2026? Questions we pose to Julia Goh, Senior Economist, UOBThis episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda) Institute announced that homeownership among Malaysia’s middle-income M40 group has fallen below that of the low-income B40 rate.  Dr Consilz Tan, Research Fellow, Centre for Market Education & Senior Lecturer, Xiamen University Malaysia  helps us make sense of the data and if there is any validity to claims that the drop is due to a housing model that depends on cross-subsidisation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Umno’s General Assembly has wrapped, but the political signals are still unfolding. Tough rhetoric on the floor, cooperation at the top, delayed party elections and quiet symbolism around who appeared where all raise fresh questions about Umno’s direction as GE16 approaches. What really changed and what was just theatre? We’ll break it down with Dr. Azmil Mohd Tayeb, Political Scientist and Associate Professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taiwan will invest $250 billion dollars in US semiconductor manufacturing under a new trade deal, as tariffs on its goods are cut from 20% to 15%.  George Chen, Partner & Co-chair of the Digital Practice at The Asia Group gives us his insights on this and what it means for the wider semiconductor industry.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is proposing a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) mechanism for certain corruption cases, to allow those accused to pause criminal proceedings while repaying misappropriated funds and potentially avoiding lengthy trials. Criminal lawyer Goh Cia Yee helps us unpack the proposal, and what it could mean for the fight against corruption.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greenland remains a fixation for President Donald Trump, who insists the United States needs the island for national security. A recent meeting between the foreign ministers of Denmark, Greenland and the US produced little sign of compromise. John Zogby, founder of Zogby Strategies, unpacks what this standoff reveals about shifting global politics.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.

Oil markets have been navigating a complex mix of geopolitics, supply dynamics and demand uncertainty with prices weak in 2025. Is the outlook different in 2026 due to possible regime change in Iran and the removal of President Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela. Sim Moh Siong, Commodity Strategist, OCBC Bank gives us his views.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to dissolve parliament next week, triggering a national election for all 465 seats, her first since taking office.The ruling party says details will be announced on Monday, with polling expected in February. The move comes as Japan enters a key policy period, with budget discussions underway and continued pressure on the yen. Markets have already begun reacting. To help us understand what’s unfolding and what to watch next, we speak to William Pesek, columnist with Nikkei Asia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As UMNO convenes its long-delayed general assembly, Malaysia’s oldest political party faces critical questions about its role within the unity government and its identity ahead of GE16. Adib Zalkapli, Managing Director, Viewfinder Global Affairs, shares his insights on what discussions will dominate at this year's gathering, and who stands to gain in the months ahead.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.

Global markets are kicking off 2026 with record highs, shrugging off economic and political uncertainties. Gains in Japan and China, alongside surging silver and gold, have investors questioning whether this rally can be sustained. For analysis, we speak with Aidan YAO, Senior Investment Strategist, Asia, Amundi.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From June 2026, Malaysia is doubling the minimum salary thresholds for Employment Passes, reshaping eligibility, renewals, and the ability for expatriates to bring their families. Andy Davison of the Expat Group Media unpacks what this means for employers, foreign talent, and Malaysia’s competitiveness in the region.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s court system is under mounting pressure with criminal cases surging more than 60% and yet the country has just 147 superior court judges serving a population of 36 million, far below global benchmarks. Constitutional lawyer Lim Wei Jiet talks about the impact of judge shortages and whether Malaysia’s courts can realistically catch up.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 property market ended 2025 with price growth in the private residential segment moderating but what is the outlook for 2026? Will commercial property and also REITs be positively impacted by lower interest rates and stronger economic growth? Ken Foong, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence gives us his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian government has been pushing to streamline its digital services, this time hoping that its MyDigital ID can do that job, serving as a single hub where users can access multiple government services with one login. Amin Ashaari, CEO and Co-Founder of SoyaCincau, talks about the practical aspects of these ambitions.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After much speculation, Sunway Bhd will acquire rival IJM in a cash and share deal worth over RM11 billion. We ask Royce Tan, Senior Analyst, MBSB Research, if the deal is synergistic or value accretive, and what this means for the construction sector. We also ask him for his broad views on the sector and his top buy ideas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Elon Musk-backed chatbot Grok is under global scrutiny after being linked to the generation of sexualised and non-consensual images, including of minors, resulting in Malaysia and Indonesia imposing temporary blocks. Dr Benjamin Loh, Course Director, Bachelor of Digital Media & Communication at Monash University, shares his perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran is facing some of its deadliest unrest in years, with security forces reportedly using live ammunition against protesters, hundreds killed, and thousands detained. Washington has also weighed in, even suggesting military intervention. Dr James Dorsey of the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies gives his take on what might happen in the coming days.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's news that the Education Ministry plans to bring back the UPSR and PT3 exams, as they unveil Malaysia's Education Blueprint that will shape learning up to 2036. Shahnaz Al-Sadat, Chairperson of LeapEd Services, shares her views on these assessments making a comeback as well as what meaningful education reform should look like going forward.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Attorney-General’s Chambers has decided that no further action is required following the discharge not amounting to an acquittal in the Yayasan Akalbudi case involving Umno President and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ragunath Kesavan, Former President of the Malaysian Bar Council, provides insight into the AGC’s decision.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electricity demand in Malaysia is rising, but changes in the energy mix are moving more slowly. Coal’s share has gone up, gas is expected to matter more only after 2030. At the same time, data centres are adding pressure and regional power sharing is back on the agenda. So is Malaysia ready for these changes? We’ll tap Cheah Wai Seng, Energy, Resources and Industrials Leader at Deloitte Malaysia, for his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has called for an urgent Perikatan Nasional supreme council meeting, following the recent resignation of Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as PN chair. That’s not the only meeting that’s happening as UMNO’s General Assembly is set to begin on Wednesday - what outcomes can we expect from these events? Dr. Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research will be sharing his thoughts with us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johor’s property market is booming, with residential transactions reaching RM9.9 billion ringgit in the first half of 2025. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur’s office market is under pressure, as new developments add supply and older buildings struggle to attract tenants. For insights on how these shifts are shaping Malaysia’s property market, we speak with Sulaiman Saheh, Director of Research & Consultancy Services at Rahim & Co.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 is set to strengthen its economic ties with Europe as the long-awaited Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement nears completion this year. But with neighbouring countries also vying for the same FDI, can Malaysia do enough to stand out? We speak with Donal Crotty, Chairman of Eurocham MalaysiaImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore closed 2025 on a strong note - advance estimates show the economy expanded 4.8% for the full year,  beating the government’s earlier forecast of around 4% and marking the fastest pace of growth since 2021.  We ask Selena Ling, Chief Economist, OCBC Bank if Singapore can sustain that pace of growth into 2026, amid ongoing trade, policy and geopolitical uncertainties.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A month from now, all Malaysian adults will receive the next 100 ringgit under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, or Sara, initiative. We speak with Economist Dr. Geoffrey Williams on the cost of living and whether government schemes such as Sara and Budi95 have helped alleviate the burden.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.

Tensions between China and Japan continue to heat up following Tokyo's comments about Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own province. Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science of the National University of Singapore, shares his perspectives on the latest posturing from China.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.

2025 was a mixed year for the auto sector in Asia Pacific, despite growth in China, Japan and India with cost challenges and intense competition. Joanna Chen, Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence tells us what her expectations are for this sector in 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's Armed Forces are under heightened scrutiny following a string of recent controversies, including the suspension of its army chief over alleged irregularities in procurement projects, and viral reports of misconduct at military camps. Ridzwan Rahmat, Principal Defence Analyst at Jane’s, talks about what reforms are needed and implications to national security if ignored.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the US’s dramatic abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, President Donald Trump has reiterated his ambition to acquire Greenland, citing strategic and security reasons, and not ruling out military action to achieve that. Dr Frederick Kliem, Director for Southeast Asia at the Corporate Network of The Economist, shares his views.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has delayed e-invoicing requirements by a year for small and medium enterprises with sales between  RM1mn to RM 5mn a year, citing high costs and difficult compliance rules. Chin Chee Seong, National President of the SME Association of Malaysia tells us if the policy flip-flopping frustates their members or if they welcome this move.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.

Iran has been facing widespread unrest since Dec 28, with economic hardship sparking protests across the country and policymakers attempting reforms amid US sanctions and a faltering currency. Dr James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, shares his analysis on the situation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three days after the US operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, questions now arise over what comes next and what the dynamics of power might look like going forward. Julia Sinitsky, a country risk analyst at BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, shares her insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the United States' military operation in Venezuela, capturing President Nicolás Maduro and transferring him to New York to drug and terrorism charges, questions about its legality arise. Dr Juliette McIntyre, Senior Law Lecturer at the University of South Australia, unpacks what the law allows, and what this moment could mean for the international order.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.

CES, the biggest tech trade show started yesterday in Las Vegas.  This annual event is expected to showcase the latest bells and whistles of the industry with a focus on all things related to AI. We ask Dan Ives, Managing Director, Wedbush Securities for his observations of this event and which companies will be the winners in the AI revolution.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since January 1st, new changes to Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund (or EPF) have come into effect.  These include the Retirement Income Adequacy (or RIA) framework, new policies for high balance accounts, and expanded coverage for gig workers and homemakers through i Saraan Plus and i Suri. Dr Paul Anthony Maria Das, Senior Lecturer, School of Accounting and Finance Faculty of Business and Law, Taylor’s University tells us if the impact of these changes are cosmetic or if legislative changes are needed to reduce the retirement gap.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a new slate of institutional reforms, most of which had been GE15 manifesto promises anyway. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s opposition is in flux, with leadership changes in Perikatan Nasional and renewed calls to revive Muafakat Nasional. Dr Azmil Tayeb, Associate Professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has  RE goals of 31% capacity by 2025, 40% by 2035, and 70% by 2050. To achieve this there are a myriad of initiatives and policies by different government agencies. We ask  Royce Tan, Senior Analyst, MBSB Research for details of these initiatives and which listed companies stand to benefit.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s sovereign wealth landscape is shifting. Khazanah Nasional remains the federal anchor, Sarawak has legislated its own fund with approval to invest globally, and Sabah has renewed plans for a state sovereign fund after years of discussion. What are the gold standards for governance, accountability and the importance of clear mandates ? We speak to Dr Elsa Satkunasingam, Director and Senior Lecturer at Iclif, Asia School of Business.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After months of mounting tensions, the United States launched a military strike in Venezuela capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Dr Kathryn Robison, Lecturer in American Studies, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney tells us what the implications and legality of this action is.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the clock ticking, the Madani Government has less than two years to implement reforms that strengthen Malaysia’s institutions. Dr. Wong Chin Huat, Political Scientist, Sunway University tells us the best way to ensure that this Government takes so that reforms are implemented effectively and also quickly.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.

In his New Year Eve speech to the top political consultative body, President Xi Jinping reiterated that China’s economy is expected to grow at 5% in 2025. Experts widely anticipate a similar growth target in 2026. Chen Zheng, Vice President and China Policy Analyst at CITIC Securities gives us his perspective on whether this is achievable and what the engines of growth will be.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perak is Malaysia’s sixth largest state economy, contributing just over five percent of national GDP.  It is not a traditional growth engine, nor a default destination for capital.  Yet the composition of that economy is changing. Adam Mohamed Rahim, Equity Research Analyst, RHB Research Sdn Bhd tells us what is the investment strategy to adopt for the state and the top equity buy ideas.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of our industry outlook series, today we explore the trends that defined the property sector last year. Amy Wong Siew Fong, Executive Director of Research & Consultancy at Knight Frank Malaysia walks us through the sector’s 2025 performance as well as the key things to look out for in 2026Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PAS looks set to take the lead in Perikatan Nasional following the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and several other senior leaders. But who will step up to guide the coalition, and can they keep the party united ahead of GE-16? For analysis, we speak with Dr. Lau Zhe Wei, Assistant Professor with the Department of Political Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM)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.

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is back in discussion to replace the Sales and Service Tax (SST) tax regime. Could this signal that GST will be reintroduced eventually? We speak to Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, Senior Advisor on Tax Policy, KPMG in Malaysia to discuss the potential return of GST.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.

Three Fed rate cuts and geopolitical tensions have meant volatile Fixed Income markets in the US. We ask Ang Beng Kuan, Head of Investment Strategy, Opus Islamic Asset Management for his 2026 outlook and if Malaysia will continue to see strong demand for MGS and GII after a record RM22.6bn inflow.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 was a challenging year for Malaysia's SMEs, as businesses grappled with higher operating costs, global trade uncertainty, and expanded compliance requirements. Chin Chee Seong, National President of the SME Association of Malaysia, reflects on the year that was and looks ahead to 2026 which brings with it the expansion of the SST framework, new digitalisation incentives and others.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.