Morning Brief

Global e-commerce is entering a more demanding phase with platforms having to deal with higher costs, tighter margins, tougher competition, and growing pressure to show not just scale, but sustainability. Poonam Goyal, Senior Equity Research Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence  tells us how companies intend to navigate this landscape and the companies better able to deal with the challenges ahead.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting January 2026, Malaysia will implement a Self-Assessment Stamp Duty System, moving the process fully online via MyTax, intended to simplify payments, improve transparency and broaden compliance. Kellie Allison Yap, Partner in the Tax & Customs Practice Group at Zaid Ibrahim & Co discusses what this all means to taxpayers.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’s tourism sector is rebounding strongly despite competition across ASEAN intensifying. MATTA President Nigel Wong discusses the outlook for this industry, with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 targeting 47 million international visitors, coming into focus, as well as what the industry must fix now to sustain growth beyond 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the conclusion of the 1MDB trial, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak can now expect to spend time behind bars until 2043, after being found guilty of all 25 charges. Shannon Teoh, the Straits Times' Malaysia Bureau Chief, shares his view on the marathon sentencing proceedings, the prospects of appeal, the future of Najib’s political influence.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 Jakarta Composite Index is up by more than 20% on a year to date basis. One of the best performing in Asean. Jerry Goh, Asia Equities Investment Director, Aberdeen Investments tells us why this market has outperformed after a slow start to the year whilst giving us his outlook and top buy ideas for 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 has been a year of change for Malaysia’s automotive industry, from soft sales to a surge in EV adoption. Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, President of the Malaysia Automotive Association, unpacks the market rebound, government incentives, and what’s ahead for local car makers and EVs in 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Myanmar's ruling military government, while seized power from a democratically-elected one nearly 5 years ago wants to hold its first nationwide election. Journalist Erin Cook joins us to unpack the players, the process, and the potential impact of the election and its outcome, while conflict, political restrictions, and questions over credibility continue to be issues.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.

Thailand’s central bank cut its key interest rate last Wednesday to 1.25% as it looks to shore up a slowing economy facing multiple headwinds. With 2026 growth forecast at just 1.5%,  what policy tools does it have to revive growth? Poon Panichpibool, Markets Strategist, Krung Thai Bank tells us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As US equities are ending the year on a high note, Asian stocks have also outperformed - the MSCI Asia Pacific Index of the region’s equities is up 27% this year. Lim Chia Wei, Associate Director of Equities, AHAM Asset Management tells us whether this momentum in global markets can be sustained into next year, and what strategies should investors pay attention to.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As competition intensifies and costs remain structurally high, Malaysia’s food and beverage sector heads into 2026 under tougher conditions. Patrick Sim, Council Member of the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) and Group CEO of Secret Recipe, shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court’s rejection of convicted felon Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s house arrest bid has sent ripples through Malaysia’s political landscape. Adib Zalkapli, Managing Director, Viewfinder Global Affairs, shares his insights into what this development means for UMNO, Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan Nasional, and the stability of the Madani government.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 has been a volatile year for the global semiconductor industry, with tariffs, export controls and renewed US–China tensions putting technology firmly at the centre of geopolitical risk. We ask Dato' Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) about the challenges that local semicon players faced this year, and the outlook for 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, the High Court rejected former Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Razak’s bid for house arrest, ruling the royal decree invalid. Could this mark the end of his political influence, and does he have other legal options? We’ll discuss this matter with Independent Business Writer, P. Gunasegaram.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.

Indian equities continue to command attention. The Nifty 50 is up more than ten percent year to date, even as global investors grapple with slower growth, trade tensions, and rising focus on currency risk. What lies beneath this resilience, and what does it mean for Indian equities as we look toward 2026. We explore these questions with Pramod Amthe, Head of Institutional Equity Research at InCred Capital.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s retail industry grew faster than expected in the third quarter of 2025, expanding almost 5% on a y-o-y basis, significantly exceeding the projected growth rate of 2.6%. Could this momentum carry over into 2026? We’ll be getting an outlook for the sector from Michael Liew, Secretary-General, Malaysia Retail Chain Association.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border have escalated beyond a familiar bilateral dispute, drawing renewed regional and international attention. Bunn Nagara, Director & Senior Fellow at the Renaissance Strategic Research Institute, examines why the conflict matters now, what is truly at stake for Southeast Asia, and what mediation might look like.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.

As the world’s second-largest producer, palm oil remains a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economy and its most important cash crop. But despite that importance, prices have struggled to find clear direction in 2025. What then is the outlook for 2026 and which planters have a better earnings profile. Alvin Tai, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence tells us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shipping companies in 2025 had to navigate geopolitical disruption, tighter environmental rules and uncertainty over future fuel choices. All of which reshaped trade flows and operating costs. Kenneth Loh, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence tells us if the outlook of 2026 will continue to be as challenging.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kuala Lumpur is entering a critical phase, with a new Federal Territories Minister, a new Mayor, and a long-term vision like the KL Structure Plan 2040 in place. Cha-ly Koh, founder and CEO of UrbanMetry, talks about whether this moment represents a true reset for KL or whether the city remains locked into past decisions.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.

Shipping companies in 2025 had to navigate geopolitical disruption, tighter environmental rules and uncertainty over future fuel choices. All of which reshaped trade flows and operating costs. Kenneth Loh, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence tells us if the outlook of 2026 will continue to be as challenging.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that Sabah's state election is out of the way and the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is in charge, the state's claim to a 40% special grant of federal revenue is back in focus. Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser at the Pacific Research Centre, share his views on the new administration's priorities going forward.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is about to see a significant shift in how online platforms are regulated. Under the Online Safety Act, global platforms with large Malaysian user bases such as WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube will now fall clearly under Malaysian law. CF Fong, Founder and CEO of LGMS Berhad gives us an update on the Act and the impact it will have.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the recent mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, questions have been asked about how strict are Australia’s gun controls.  Professor Andrew Hemming, Associate Professor in Law at the University of Southern Queensland, walks us through the current regulatory landscape and explains how Australian politicians might act next.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reaffirmed that a full ban on vape and e-cigarettes might happen as early as mid-2026, with implementation happening in phases. Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy gives us his thoughts on this move, and whether there might be unintended consequences as a result.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.

Asean equities are a tale of two halves with Singapore and Indonesia outperforming and Thailand and Philippines languishing while Malaysia is sandwiched in between. We speak to Khoo Hsien Liang, Senior Portfolio Manager at AHAM Capital as to the economic outlook of this bloc and which markets will do better in 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After weeks of speculation, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim finally announced a cabinet reshuffle following 4 ministerial vacancies. Dr. Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research gives us his perspective and which parties were the winners and losers of the changes.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s education system is undergoing reforms aimed at improving teacher welfare, enhancing infrastructure, and addressing student discipline. Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, Chairperson of the Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE) talks about changes she would like to see going forward.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A proposed development near Selangor’s Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve has captured national attention, touching on the broader issues of planning transparency and the future of green spaces in rapidly urbanising areas outside Kuala Lumpur. Wong Chen, the MP for Subang talks about the details of the project and clarity (or lack thereof) from the state government.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.

On a year-to-date basis, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia Small Cap Index is down 13%. However are valuations in this space too attractive to ignore? Lee Meng Horng, Senior Analyst, RHB Investment Bank tells us his perspective, the investment strategy to adopt and his top buy ideas.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The debate over recognising the Unified Examination Certificate, or UEC, for entry into Malaysia’s public universities has resurfaced once again, with questions about language, fairness, and national identity. Eddin Khoo, Founder of PUSAKA and Chairman of the UEC Policy Task Force helps us understand the issues at stake.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following recent peace talks in Berlin, both US President Donald Trump and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have expressed optimism for a real peace process to happen. Dr Sonia Mycak, Research Fellow at the ANU Centre for European Studies, shares her insights on these latest developments, analysing the conditions of the peace deal and how sustainable it might be.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 theme for Sabah's budget is ‘Driving Development, Prioritising the People’s Well-Being’. We ask Zafri Zulkeffeli, Deputy Chief Economist of BIMB Securities for his impressions of this RM6.4bn budget and which sectors stand to benefit.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over seven hundred contract pharmacists who were previously identified for eventual permanent roles recently had that status withdrawn, raising fresh questions about human capital planning in the public health sector.  Prof. Amrahi Buang, President of the Malaysian Pharmacists tells us what are some of the consequences and policy solutions to overcome this.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the border crisis with Cambodia still raging, Thailand plunges into early elections as Prime Minister Anu-tin Charn-vira-kul dissolves parliament. What’s really behind this sudden move, and how will it shake up the country’s political scene? We dig into the fallout with Dr. Michael Montesano, Associate Senior Fellow at ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is set to ban social media use for those under 16 years old next year. However, is this the best approach to achieve a safer screen society?  Professor Tricia Yeoh, Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Nottingham Malaysia's School of Politics & International Relations, walks us through these concerns.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.

ASEAN economies has shown surprising resilience in 2025 despite higher US tariffs and global uncertainty. Chua Hak Bin, Regional Co-Head, Macro Research, Maybank IBG gives us the outlook for 2026 and what could be the headwinds that derail growth.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SMEs that earn less than 1 million ringgit annually will no longer have to implement e-invoicing. Previously, the income threshold for e-invoicing was set at 500 thousand ringgit, Datuk William Ng, Chairman, Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA) explains why this was needed for the sector whilst giving us an outlook for 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Controversy is brewing as the government is reported to have quietly submitted draft amendments to the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act 2004 to an international body, raising alarm among farmers over their rights and food security. We speak with Nur Fitri Amir Muhammad, Coordinator of Forum Kedaulatan Makanan Malaysia (FKMM), on what these changes could mean for local agricultureImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should Malaysians be denied public services because of the way they are dressed especially in an emergency. A pertinent question we are posing to constitutional lawyer Kee Hui Yee from Kanesalingam & 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.

We’re taking a closer look at how Southeast Asian banks are positioned heading into 2026, a year shaped by shifting interest-rate expectations, uneven economic momentum across the region, and evolving credit-market conditions. To help us break down what this means, we’re joined by Rena Kwok, Senior Credit Analyst at Bloomberg IntelligenceImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s oil and gas sector has seen much volatility this year, with both external and domestic pressures weighing on the sector - but will these stress factors persist into 2026?   Imran Yusof, Head of Research, MBSB Research gives us an outlook for the sector and his buy ideas, if any. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Idea reports that modern influencers have become central to the dissemination of political messaging, with government and political party machinery increasingly pivoting towards commercial influencer engagement to reach audiences disengaged from mainstream media. What minimum transparency standards should Malaysians be demanding to differentiate between genuine or paid opinions. Sabrina Firdaus Aloysius, Senior Executive of Research and author of the report from Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) tells us.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With medical inflation rising steadily, the government is reviewing the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act and the way that private hospitals charge their patients. Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh, President of the Association Private Hospitals Malaysia, provides his perspective on the government’s plans.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has made history by introducing the world’s first ban on selected social media use for children under 16. Dr. Joanne Orlando, Digital Wellbeing Expert and Author of Generation Connected: How to Parent in a Digital World - At Every Age and Stage tells us the mechanics of the law, if it will prevent harms and if there are alternative models to consider to protect children under 16.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s rubber glove players saw strong earnings from the latest earnings quarter. Is this a sign that the sector is due for a positive re-rating? Maliana Shaharudin, Equity Analyst, BIMB Securities gives us her perspective whilst telling us her top buy idea for the sector.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even as Malaysia nears full eradication of hardcore poverty by early 2026, many low-income households remain at risk. To address this, the government has launched the People’s Welfare Insurance Scheme or SIKR 3.0. We’ll delve into the significance and effectiveness of this programme with Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Norma Mansor, Director of the Social Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Malaya. 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.

Recent developments in the transportation space include delays to the LRT3, a potential reduction in parking spaces in new developments near public transport stations, and JPJ's attempts to get you to pay your summons. We speak with Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua, Head of the Road Safety Research Centre at Universiti Putra Malaysia for further insight.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China has just posted a record-breaking trade surplus, more than one trillion US dollars, even as its economy at home shows signs of strain. What’s powering this export surge? We speak to Gary Ng of Natixis to understand what this means for China’s economy, its trading partners, and the outlook for 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thailand and Cambodia have resumed fighting after Thailand launched airstrikes on the Cambodian military. Dr. Greg Raymond, Senior Lecturer at the Australian National University, explains the crisis, why the Malaysia- and US-brokered peace deal fell through and is there any resolution to this century-old crisis.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southeast Asia has been battered by a string of storms, cyclones and heavy rain, resulting in more than a thousand deaths and billions in damage. But what do these compound climate events signal for our region’s future?Matt Sechovsky, Head of ESG Country Research at BMI, a FitchSolutions company, discusses the impact of compound climate disasters on the region now and in the future.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.