Morning Brief

Deloitte’s latest report on Southeast Asia’s IPO markets shows that in the first 10.5 months of 2025, 102 IPOs across six exchanges have raised around US$5.6 billion. Wong Kar Choon, Capital Markets Services Partner, Deloitte Malaysia explains why capital markets were so active and if the pipeline remains strong in 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When cloud network services company, Cloudflare, crashed this week, there was a worldwide outage taking major websites offline and exposed the fragility of the internet. CF Fong, CEO of LGMS Berhad shares his view on what went wrong and how businesses can build stronger cybersecurity and infrastructure resilience.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is set to introduce the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) system, allowing vehicles to pass tolls without stopping. To implement this, amendments to key transport laws are required, but challenges like technology reliability and highway operator cooperation remain. We delve into these and other developments with Transport Consultant, Wan Agyl Wan Hassan.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.

Erin Cook, a journalist covering Southeast Asian affairs, explains the massive Manila protest that drew up to 650,000 people over alleged multibillion-dollar kickbacks in flood-control projects and whether this unrest could spark a leadership shake-up.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1.8 million people will be voting in the Sabah elections, of which more than half a million will be under the age of 30. However, voter turnout for this segment is low at just 55%. We speak to grassroots movement HAI MANDAK, as to why this is the case and what are the issues facing young Sabahans.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia is in the middle of a rapid data centre boom, driven by accelerating digitalisation, cloud demand and the spillover from Singapore’s capacity constraints.  Malaysia has been a beneficiary of this but what are the bottlenecks we face? Linda Zeng, Senior Power & Renewables Analyst, BMI gives us that answer and some solutions so we can stay ahead of the competition.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EPF has just posted one of its strongest performances in years for the first nine months of 2025. With two-tier pension reforms, rising voluntary contributions, and the growing influence of social media and finfluencers, the investment landscape is shifting. Ng Tzu Hann, CEO of Tradeview Capital, joins us to unpack it all.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Azmil Tayeb, Political Scientist at Universiti Sains Malaysia, discusses MIC’s potential exit from Barisan Nasional after nearly seven decades, where the party might head next, and whether it still holds relevance among Indian voters.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China and Japan are locked in a new confrontation, sparked by Tokyo’s comments on Taiwan and escalated by Beijing’s tourism bans, market pressure, and military moves near the Senkaku Islands. Professor Alexis Dudden, a visiting professor at the Department of Japanese Studies, National University of Singapore, helps us understand what's at stake.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian markets have been like a yoyo this year, dropping by 10% in April to 7,343 points to then recover and hit a year to date high of 9,094 points in late October. However recent selling of late has meant the ASX 200 year to date gains are currently just 5.3%. Matt Ingram, Senior Industry Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence gives us the 2026 outlook and also if banks are the sector that will outperform.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the departure of Datuk Seri Dr Maimunah Sharif as Kuala Lumpur mayor, 9 months short of her 2-year term, questions abound as to why this has happened, especially as she has been one of the most qualified persons for this job. Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, MP for Setiawangsa, shares his thoughts on working with Maimunah and whether or not local council elections might be a feasible future solution.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vietnam’s property market is entering a new phase as sweeping land and housing reforms reshape investment flows and urban growth. Trang Le, Country Head & Head of Research and Consulting at JLL Vietnam talks about where demand is rising, and how foreign developers are positioning themselves, and what lies ahead for the next property cycle.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia reported the country’s economy grew 5.2% in the third quarter, which suggest that  Malaysia is on course to hit the upper end of the 4% to 4.8% growth target for this year. Dr Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Chief Economist, Bank Muamalat tells us the house view of GDP growth and Ringgit outlook for 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, the Federal Court dismissed Semantan Estate’s appeal to reclaim ownership of the 263-acre plot in Bukit Semantan, Kuala Lumpur. Haniff Khatri, practising lawyer explains why the court made that decision and how compensation might be determined.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah heads to the polls at the end of this month with nomination day tomorrow. We break down the shifting alliances and explore what’s at stake with Professor James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If successful, Visit Malaysia Year 2026 could contribute as much as 16% to Malaysia’s GDP next year. Imran Yusof, Head of Research at MBSB Research, discusses the key growth drivers, potential risks, the sectors poised to benefit, and shares his top five stock picks tied to this theme.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private credit has expanded rapidly since the global financial crisis, growing into a US 1.7 trillion dollar market as tighter banking regulations pushed more lending activity outside traditional finance. Thomas Cheong, President of Principal APAC & Middle East and Executive Vice President of Principal Financial Group helps us understand where the opportunities are in this asset class and what investment strategy to adopt.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Felix Neoh, Director of Financial Planning at Finwealth Management, explains the objectives and expected impact of the new 15-minute financial education module that consumers applying for personal loans above RM100,000 will be required to complete starting in 2027. Nonetheless, there isn’t a test at the end.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The BBC’s ongoing controversy comes amid rising licensing fees paid by UK viewers and increasing scrutiny over the company’s editorial integrity. Dr. Benjamin Barton, Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, outlines the challenges facing the broadcaster and believes it is unlikely to settle former US President Trump’s US$1 billion lawsuit threat.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is news that the government plans to amend the MARA Act 1966 to improve governance and centralise oversight. The 59-year-old agency has faced scrutiny over transparency, overlapping functions, and underperformance. Ahmad Yazid Othman, Senior Fellow at the Majlis Tindakan Ekonomi Melayu (MTEM), shares his views on this.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has had some recent wins from the strength of the Ringgit to strong economic growth despite the geopolitical tensions and trade war. So,  has Malaysia found its glory days again. A question that was posed by Daniel Moss, a Bloomberg commentator in his op-ed piece entitled "Malaysia Got Its Mojo Back. But for How Long?" . We ask him why he wrote the article and if there are challenges ahead.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Associate Professor Dr Te Kian Keong, Principal Practitioner and Director of Traditional & Complementary Medicine Centre at UTAR Hospital tells us about the new law regulating traditional and complementary medicine facilities. Active dialog between the regulator and practitioners is key to ensuring this law effectively improves standards and safety for patients.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asian equities have delivered one of the strongest rallies globally this year, but weeks of volatile trading across Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai, seem to indicate some hesitation. Vis Nayar, Chief Investment Officer at Eastspring Investments, talks about the factors behind Asia’s market momentum, the outlook for 2026, and where investors should be positioning next.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah’s political scene is once again in motion with UPKO’s exit from Pakatan Harapan, following party president Datuk Ewon Benedick’s resignation from Cabinet. All this ahead of the state's election at the end of the month. Ariff Adi Putera Anwar, Research Associate at the Institute for Development Studies (Sabah), shares his views.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto marks one year in office and Thailand’s Anutin Charnvirakul wraps up his second month as prime minister, both leaders are confronting early tests of leadership. Journalist Erin Cook joins us with an analysis of some of the latest developments in these two ASEAN member nations.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan’s new government under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is signalling a significant shift in economic policy, preferring to take a longer lens. We ask Alvin Liew, Senior Economist & Senior Vice President, UOB what are the implications of this change and what are the next steps the BOJ will take.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The excise duty exemption for CKDs is due to be removed while the RM100,000 selling price floor for EVs will be scrapped. What does this mean for the auto sector in Malaysia. Iftaar Hakim, Equity Analyst at RHB Investment Bank gives us his perspective whilst we also ask about EV penetration rates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The process to end the 41-day US government shutdown is ongoing as the Senate works towards a deal. Next the House of Representatives will need to weigh in before President Donald Trump puts his signature. Dr Kathryn Robison, a lecturer at the United States Studies Centre of University of Sydney, shares her views on this.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Media Council has officially commenced its work with the election of 12 board members at its inaugural Annual General Meeting last Friday. With this establishment, what changes can be expected in the standards and direction of Malaysia’s media? We’ll get an insider’s look with Radzi Razak, Founding Board Member of the Malaysian Media Council.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s classrooms are set for a big change in 2027 with a new subject called Nature and Humanity, and a co-teaching model where two teachers share one class. What will that look like in practice? We speak with Chan Soon Seng, CEO of Teach for Malaysia to better understand the impact it will have on students, parents and educators when this kicks in 14 months. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s three biggest banks have turned in mixed results for the latest quarter, with all of them flagging margin pressures ahead of 2026 as interest rates trend lower. Sarah Jane Mahmud, Senior Industry Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence tells what to expect from the sector in 2026 and which bank is most resilient.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a record 596 candidates fighting for just 73 seats, the outcome of Sabah’s 2025 state election is anyone’s guess, says Prof. Dr. Lee Kuok Tiung of Universiti Malaysia Sabah.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's never a dull weekend in politics. Upko President Ewon Benedict resigned as Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development. We also saw some tense scenes at the Amanah party conference yesterday. Ibrahim Suffian, Co-Founder & Programme Director at the Merdeka Center, gives us his take on these events, what it means for Sabah state elections and who could be the new ministers.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COP30 is taking place in Belem, Brazil this year with the notable absence of many world leaders. We ask Dr Renato Lima de Oliveira, Faculty Director of the Center for Technology, Strategy & Sustainability, Asia School of Business if this means that this UN Climate Change Conference is still relevant and do the commitments of  1.5-degree target still matter.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As expected, Bank Negara Malaysia kept the overnight policy rate at 2.75%. We ask Lavanya Venkateswaran, Senior ASEAN Economist, OCBC for her views on this decision and what could be gleaned from their statement as to the broader economy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US government shutdown now in its second month, forcing the Federal Aviation Administration to consider cutting flights at major airports by up to 10%. Could these disruptions ripple through Asia’s aviation sector? We discuss the implications with Shukor Yusof, Founder and Primary Analyst, Endau Analytics. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cliff Lim, Director of Risk & Compliance for Southeast Asia at Dow Jones, explains how transnational scam networks and money laundering operations exploit gaps in cross-border regulations. His insights underscore the urgent need for stronger government-to-government (G2G) cooperation and greater regulatory harmonisation to keep pace with kingpins and scammers who increasingly take advantage of digital finance systems.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Polly Cunanan, Communications Manager for Asia Pacific at Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), says that despite the ceasefire, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with almost no functioning medical facilities and far less humanitarian aid entering than what was agreed upon with Israel. She adds that conditions in Sudan are equally alarming, with large numbers of people still unaccounted for since the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control of El Fasher on October 26.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hong Kong’s economy grew 3.8% in the third quarter, outpacing expectations and keeping the city on track to meet its annual growth target of 2–3%. What does this mean for equity markets and who are the  winners?   Peter Lewis, Director, Peter Lewis Consulting Limited tells us whilst telling us what could be some of the speedbumps ahead.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

States can help ease the burden of rising healthcare costs currently shouldered by the federal government, says Dr. Kelvin Yii, Member of Parliament for Bandar Kuching. In the near term, this support could come in the form of covering housing and allowances for healthcare professionals, while in the longer term, states could co-fund the development of hospitals and medical infrastructure.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s new Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the US promises deeper economic ties and supply chain resilience, but critics have warned that it could compromise sovereignty and tilt in favour of Washington. Liew Chin Tong, the Deputy Investment, Trade & Industry Minister, joins us to unpack what the deal really entails and why it matters for local industries.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Polls are happening in New York City (for its mayor) and the states of Virginia and New Jersey (for their governors), and Democrats appear to be regaining some momentum. Wendy Schiller, a professor of political science at Brown University, breaks down what these potential results might say about America’s political mood and maybe an assessment of the current Trump administration.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent landmark court ruling has awarded RM760,000 in compensation to 93 migrant workers stranded in Malaysia after falling victim to a worker quota fraud. This comes as Malaysia signed a new trade agreement with the US that includes stronger labour protection standards aligned with the ILO. Adrian Pereira, Executive Director of the North-South Initiative, explains what all this could mean for migrant justice.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The northeast monsoon is expected to begin this month and last until March next year, and with it, the risk of floods and landslides disrupting major transport routes once again. Dr. Choy Peng Ng, Associate Professor,  Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia tells us what changes need to be done to ensure safety on the roads.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s political scene is heating up again, this time with Khairy Jamaluddin's possible return to Umno, two years after his sacking. Meanwhile, Bersatu's continued internal dissent continues to make headlines. Dr Azmi Hassan from the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research breaks down how this may or may not reshape the balance of power.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past two years, AI-linked firms have driven much of the global equity rally, while earnings from other sectors have lagged behind. Do the recent tech earnings flash any signs that the AI rally might be over? Dan Ives, Managing Director, Wedbush Securities gives us his perspective whilst giving us his top tech buy ideas.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The string of crimes involving underaged perpetrators is still fresh in our minds, as well as the government’s, because they are mulling several measures to regulate online games, as well as the installation of CCTVs in schools. Sharmila Sekaran, Chairperson, Voice of the Children - this is a local NGO that advocates for children’s rights - gives us her perspective on whether these measures will be effective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 19th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) wraps up as Malaysia hands over the chair to the Philippines. With regional defence and cyber threats on the agenda and US support offered on South China Sea issues, can ASEAN maintain its core value of centrality? We’ll discuss this with Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, National University of Singapore.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is on the cusp of becoming an aged society, and it’s happening faster than many expected. Are we ready for this silver tsunami? Questions we pose to Philip O’Keefe, Professor of Practice at the University of New South Wales and Director of the Ageing Asia Research Hub at the Centre for Population Ageing Research (CEPAR), lead author of a recently release report by the World Bank entitled, “Should Malaysia Expand Its Social Pension?”Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump met on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in South Korea for their long awaited trade talks - and parted ways in what both sides are calling a breakthrough. Sarah Tan, Economist, Moody's Analytics gives us her perspective on the outcome from the meeting and what it means for both their economies.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.