Morning Brief

After years of slowdown, Hong Kong’s property market is showing signs of comeback. Rents rose 4% in 2025 and could climb another 5% next year, while home prices have gained 3.3% since March. What risks lie ahead? We’ll discuss with Patrick Wong, Head of Hong Kong & Senior Analyst, Asia Pacific Real Estate, Bloomberg Intelligence.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, MCA held its annual general meeting where arguably one of the most notable resolutions that was passed - it will leave BN if any component party worked with DAP in GE16. Adib Zalkapli, Managing Director, Viewfinder Global Affairs gives us his thoughts on this development, as well as the imminent Cabinet reshuffling.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 continues to rely on migrant workers and uses quota applications  to recalibrate labour demand. Combined with tighter enforcement on accommodation and documentation standards, employers are struggling to employ the workers they need.  Dato’ Foo Yong Hooi, President, Association of Employment Agencies Malaysia tells us what changes are needed to ensure that businesses are not impacted negatively by this.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.

Precious metals are stealing the spotlight in 2026, with gold up 60% year-to-date and silver rallying strongly, while palm oil and Brent crude face a softer ride. What factors are driving these moves, and how does the outlook look for the year ahead? Christopher Wong, FX Strategist at OCBC, shares his analysis.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Felda is promoting a carbon-credit system for oil-palm plantations but is this workable in a Malaysian context? Khor Yu Leng, Economist, Segi Enam Advisers gives us her perspective whilst explaining the impact of the EU delaying its review of the deforestation regulation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Felda is promoting a carbon-credit system for oil-palm plantations but is this workable in a Malaysian context? Khor Yu Leng, Economist, Segi Enam Advisers gives us her perspective whilst explaining the impact of the EU delaying its review of the deforestation regulation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s property market saw continued momentum in the third quarter, with the Urban Redevelopment Authority reporting an uptick in both private and public home prices, although HDB prices saw moderated growth for the fourth straight quarter. What do these indicators mean for the city-state’s property market in 2026. Alan Cheong, Executive Director, Savills Singapore shares his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s economy posted a softer-than-expected expansion in the third quarter, with GDP rising 0.4%, yet the annual pace accelerated to 2.1% — the fastest in three years. What explains these mixed signals, and what does this mean for the Lucky Country’s economy in 2026? Sophia Angala, Economist, ANZ Research shares her insightsImage Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airbus has hit turbulence as its A320 jets face a software glitch in the ELAC flight-control system and fuselage panels that don’t meet specifications. How will these issues impact its operations and deliveries? Shantanu Gangakhedkar, Senior Aviation Consultant at Frost & Sullivan, explains how this has impacted passenger safety and Airbus’s reputation.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the 13th Malaysia Plan, the government is reviewing Malaysia’s household income classifications. Calvin Cheng, Director of the Economics, Trade, and Regional Integration Division, Institute of Strategic and International Studies tells us if and how this system should be changed.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DOSM has revealed that skill-related underemployment, where graduates work in positions below the level of their qualification, has increased by 3.9% to 1.6 million. Wan Amirah Wan Usamah, Research Associate, Khazanah Research Institute tells us the reasons for this and some of the policy solutions.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 recent raid on a health club in Chow Kit, which resulted in 208 arrests, has raised concerns over privacy and law enforcement protocols in Malaysia, with the Home Ministry insisting that all procedures had been followed. Criminal lawyer Goh Cia Yee, who had also aided those who were detained, speaks to us about the legality of PDRM's actions.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia are facing one of its deadliest waves of floods and landslides in recent memory. Nusrat Hassan, Operation Coordinator at the International Federation of Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), shares what's happening on the ground, the challenges of providing aid, and urgent lessons for disaster preparedness and prevention.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re taking a closer look at a document that will shape Subang Jaya for the next decade, that is, the Subang Jaya Local Plan 2035. It decides what gets built, how dense neighborhoods can be, and how the city evolves as it grows. We’ll be asking Michelle Ng Mei Sze, Assemblywoman for Subang Jaya, about what’s at stake, what rights residents have, and how transparent the process really is.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.

Recent tensions between China and Japan have led to fewer tourists numbers from the Mainland . This might have a signifcant effect as 24% of all tourists to the Japan for the first nine months of 2025 were from China. Catherine Lim, Senior Industry Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence tells us what impact it has on retail and tourism names. We also look if consumer sentiment has improved in China using the Single Day sales as an indicator.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Chief Minister of Sabah, unveiled his new cabinet, but some local assemblypersons have expressed anger over key appointments due to the inclusion of national party leaders, which they see as a betrayal of the “Sabah first” promise. We’ll discuss the stability of this new administration with Dr Vilashini Somiah, Senior Lecturer at University MalayaThis episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2026 appears to be a year of transition as the impact of tariffs and geopolitical tensions take hold with global growth slowing. However are there still bring spots in Asia's economy ? Lavanya Venkateswaran, Senior ASEAN Economist, OCBC gives us her perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Finance Bill 2025 introduces new taxes that will directly affect business owners, professionals, and higher-income earners. We’ll speak with Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, senior advisor on tax policy from KPMG, on what these changes mean in practical terms, who will feel them most, and what you should be preparing for ahead of the assessment year 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Vincent Fong, Chief Editor, Fintech News Network to discuss Malaysia's fintech industry, zeroing into critical segments like digital banks, cross-border payments and BNPL. As industry players seek to improve resilience of infrastructure and policymakers amending the Consumer Credit Act 2025, we discuss how these developments may impact the fintech industry.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government highlights that a third of Malaysia’s FDI now comes from the CPTPP economies. Is this genuinely improving Malaysia’s trade and investment outlook or is the CPTPP effect overstated? Dr. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education answers this questions whilst we also look at the recent PMI figures for clues as Malaysia's trade outlook.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DAP faced a wipeout in the Sabah state elections over the weekend, losing all 8 seats they contested in. Is this a trend that will be repeated in other state elections and GE16? And how can DAP win back its supporters? Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, DAP member and Adjunct Professor at Taylor's University gives us his perspective.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.

After a volatile year for bonds in 2024, returns have been good for this asset this year especially Malaysia where there was the additional forex gains. However what is the outlook for bonds in 2026, will this rally continue or is the uncertain US monetary policy a headwind. Winson Phoon, Head of Fixed Income Research, Maybank Investment Bank gives us his perspective and investment strategy to adopt.Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a rising wave of US involvement in Latin America, where public endorsements in Honduras’ election and military deployments near Venezuela might be reshaping regional dynamics. John Zogby, founder of Zogby Strategies, helps us understand the implications for stability, democracy, and the legality of it all.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has been rocked by high-profile corruption scandals, from the Sabah mining to the FAM naturalisation of players - all this under the current Madani government. Pushpan Murugiah, CEO of the Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4), breaks down what these scandals reveal about the rule of law, the independence of the bfmMACC, and the urgent reforms needed to restore public trust.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week's high-rise fire in Hong Kong which has claimed more than 140 lives has prompted difficult questions about the safety of densely populated urban living, which applies to Malaysia as well. Edison Beh, a registered fire safety engineer from Safety Services and Logistics, shares insights into fire safety preparedness and how we can improve.Check out also : https://www.bfm.my/content/podcast/we-need-to-take-fire-safety-seriouslyThis episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asian currencies have had a mixed year with low-yielders like the Taiwan dollar, Korean won and Singapore dollar holding up relatively well, while several high-yielders such as the rupee, rupiah and peso have struggled.  Stephen Chiu, Chief Asia FX and Rates Strategist, Bloomberg Intelligence explains why whilst giving us an outlook for Asia FX for 2026 and if talk of the dedollarisation is premature. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With just twenty four hours to go before polling begins for the 17th Sabah state elections, all the major political parties have been out in force to win over the hearts of nearly 1.8mn registered voters. But what are the main campaign issues and who might emerge victorious? James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies, University of Tasmania gives us his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Deputy Works Minister has revealed that twelve out of thirty-three highway concessions recorded losses in 2024, spanning both newer expressways and some long-established routes. We speak to independent business writer, P. Gunasegaran as to whether the BOT model that Malaysia employs is flawed and what we can do to prevent loss making highways.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves unveiled her first full UK Budget, presenting a £26 billion package aimed at balancing fiscal responsibility with support for households and businesses. How will it affect the UK’s economy, as well as citizens on the ground? We find out from Andy Williams, Managing Director of Corporate Affairs, Penta Group. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government will introduce next-generation MyKad equipped with security upgrades to curb forgery and misuse. This upgrade includes a QR code to verify their authenticity. Given MyKad’s integration with aid initiatives and Malaysia’s anxiety with data security, we discussed the safety and necessity of this upgrade with Amin Ashaari, CEO & Co-founder of SoyaCincau.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a year to date basis, the FBMKLCI is still in negative territory yet the outlook for 2026 still remains positive. We ask Munirah Khairuddin, CEO Principal Asset Management Berhad what investment strategy to adopt globally and in Malaysia in light of this cautious optimism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Regular users of e-hailing services have been noticing fewer cars on the road and higher charges, as drivers themselves experience rising insurance premiums, mounting costs, and platform pressures. Jose Rizal from the Malaysia E-Hailing Coalition shares insights about what’s happening on the ground and why drivers are struggling today.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 Sarawak Budget that was just tabled is focused on development spending, rural uplift, and human capital, while also marking a shift toward new forms of revenue generation as the state positions itself for a lower-carbon future. We ask Zafri Zulkeffeli, Deputy Chief Economist of BIMB Securities as to what this means for growth and fiscal position.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 United Nations has estimated that rebuilding Gaza will cost at least US$70 billion, which is now in ruins after Israel destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and essential public services over the past 2 years. Dr Anas Iqtait, of the Middle Eastern & Central Asia Studies at Australian National University, shares his view on what reconstructing Gaza might entail.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Sabah goes to the polls this weekend, the focus is on ensuring a clean and fair election. From money politics to threats or misuse of government resources, what violations have emerged so far? We discuss this with Faisal Aziz, Bersih Chairman.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia plans to ban children under 16 from signing up for social media accounts starting next year, using strict eKYC verification, hoping to address rising school violence. Dr Benjamin Loh, Course Director for the Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication, Monash University Malaysia, shares his take on this seemingly hurried put together legislation.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.

Tensions in the Indo-Pacific have been rising steadily but in recent months, Taiwan has become the focal point of both geopolitical friction and economic concern. Dr. Adrian Ang, Research Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies tells us what the consequences of this is for Asia and if the rift between Japan and China will escalate.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Donald Trump back in power, broadcasting and publishing companies in the US are expecting a different environment next year, including a more deregulated landscape. We speak to Geetha Ranganathan, Senior Media Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence on what 2026 will look like for these companies.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Securities Commission has released a consultation paper proposing a major update to Malaysia’s listing requirements for both the Main and ACE Markets. We ask Pankaj Kumar, Managing Director of Datametrics Research & Information Centre as to what these revisions means for capital markets and if it enhances Malaysia as a destination for IPOs.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.

Heavy rainfall has triggered widespread flooding across seven Malaysian states, displacing nearly 17,000 people. Dato’ Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, President of Mercy Malaysia, shares his insights about the situation on the ground, ongoing relief efforts, and the challenges of cross-border evacuations.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COP30 in Belém, Brazil, which brought together 194 countries to discuss climate action, has concluded with the summit falling short of binding fossil-fuel reduction commitments. Climate change and sustainability expert, Dr Renard Siew, who was at the event, shares his take on whether or not the COP process is still effective in driving global climate solutions.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump has posted that "something good may be happening" following news of a 28-point peace plan for Ukraine put forward by Washington and Moscow which requires a decision by Nov 27. Dr Sonia Mycak, a research fellow at the ANU Centre for European Studies discusses this along with a new counter peace plan suggested by Ukraine and European leaders.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crypto markets are seeing major developments as the Singapore Exchange (SGX) launches perpetual futures for Bitcoin and Ethereum today. At the same time, the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is easing its exam focus on crypto for 2026. We speak with Varun Mittal, Founder of Fintech Nation, on these developments and the outlook of cryptos.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The structure and independence of Malaysia’s legal profession have come under renewed national attention as the government has proposed amendments to the Legal Profession Act that would give the Law Minister new powers over the Legal Profession Qualifying Board. Anand Raj, Vice President of the Malaysian Bar Council explains why there are concerns over this and also the lack of transparency over JAC appointments.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The annual G20 Summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa over the weekend. The event, meant to be a gathering of the world's biggest economies, was boycotted by the United States. Bunn Nagara, Director and Senior Fellow at the Renaissance Strategic Research Institute and Honorary Fellow of the Perak Academy, walks us through the events of the summitImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The halfway mark for the Sabah polls has been crossed with 5 days left till polling day on 29 November. We check in with Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Centre for an update on the campaign strategies of the different parties and if policies matter more than loyalties and familial ties.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.

Aluminum prices have surged to about 2,800 US dollars a ton since April, a 3-year high. What is driving prices and will this rally continue in 2026? For some insight into this metal, we speak to Michelle Leung, Head of Asia Metals & Mining, Bloomberg IntelligenceImage Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COP30 is now entering its final stretch in Belém and while the summit remains anchored to the Paris goal like all previous COPs, this year’s summit has unfolded somewhat differently. We speak to Hong Jinghann, Adaptation Coordinator, Malaysian Youth Delegation on what is happening on ground and what the main points of contention are.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seven KL MPs have submitted a Private Members’ Bill to amend the Federal Capital Act 1960 to allow for councillors to be appointed by MPs to effectively manage the KL. We ask, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, MP for Setiawangsa and also sponsor of the bill as to why there should be a revamp and the benefits of the councillor system.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

All unclassified documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case are now awaiting President Donald Trump’s final approval for release, after both the Senate and Congress overwhelmingly voted in favour of making them public. Dr Kathryn Robison, a lecturer in American Studies at the United States Studies Centre shares her thoughts on the impact this has on the Republican party.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.