Morning Brief

The roar of Formula 1 engines is set to return to the Sepang International Circuit, after the Bahrain Grand Prix was confirmed to be moving there due to the conflict in West Asia. Dato’ Razlan Razali, former CEO of Sepang International Circuit, talks to us about the challenges and the positive spin-offs we can expect when the race is staged this October.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia and Hong Kong have signed a new agreement designed to make dual listings between Bursa Malaysia and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange more seamless, paving the way for greater cross-border investments. Ng Zhu Hann, CEO and founder of TradeView Capital discusses what this could mean for corporate Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China’s latest AI model, Kimi K3, is challenging assumptions about America's lead in AI tech. Believed to deliver performance comparable to top US models at a fraction of the cost, it has fuelled speculation that China's AI ecosystem is entering a new phase of global competitiveness. We speak to Selina Xu, Head of China, AI Research and Strategic Initiatives at the Office of Eric Schmidt, about where Chinese AI stands today and the broader geopolitics of technology.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is rolling out its own refugee registration system, the Dokumen Pendaftaran Pelarian (DPP), while asking the UNHCR to temporarily suspend new registrations. Joanne Chua, Executive Director of Asylum Access Malaysia, discusses what this means for refugees and asylum seekers, and what it means for their safety and wellbeing.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration has imposed fresh tariffs on imports from 60 economies, including Malaysia, citing concerns over forced labour enforcement under Section 301 of the US Trade Act. The move marks another expansion of Washington's trade toolkit, raising questions over its legal basis, implications for global supply chains, and the future of multilateral trade rules. How should affected economies respond, and what does this signal about the direction of US trade policy?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week the 59th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting wrapped up in Manila, with discussions ranging from the crisis in Myanmar and the war in the Middle East to tensions in the South China Sea. With so many complex issues on the agenda, what progress was actually made? We unpack the outcomes with Thomas Daniel, Director of Foreign Policy and Security Studies, ISIS Malaysia.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's shelters and rescue groups are stretched thin as costs are rising, and there are too many strays around. Now the government is weighing a special fund and tax incentives to ease the burden on both rescuers and pet owners. But will money alone fix a problem this big, and where should it actually go? We speak to Associate Professor Arie Dwi Andika, President of the Malaysian Animal Association, on what meaningful support would really look like.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US House has narrowly passed its version of the $1.15 trillion National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), authorising the largest military budget in US history. Is Congress simply funding today's conflicts, or is it preparing for a fundamentally different security landscape? We speak with Dr Alexey Muraviev, Adjunct Associate Professor of Strategic Studies at Edith Cowan University, about what this record defence budget reveals about Washington's strategic priorities and the implications for global security.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Starting today, China will stop offering retail paper gold and leveraged gold trading. Physical gold is untouched — but millions of retail traders now have to close their positions, sell up, or take delivery. Beijing calls it investor protection, after gold's wild swings this year caught a lot of leveraged traders off guard. We speak to Christopher Wong, Precious Metals Strategist at OCBC Bank, to unpack what the clampdown actually changes — and what it signals about where gold goes from here.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah's just added RM1.6 billion to its spending for the year, with more of it going towards development and infrastructure. We talk to Dr. Saizal Pinjaman of Universiti Malaysia Sabah about what that tells us about the state's finances — and what should come first in the next budget.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has made significant strides in digitising government services, with initiatives such as MyGovApp and MyDigital ID laying the foundations for a more connected public sector. Dr Marco Larizza, Lead Public Sector Specialist at the World Bank, discusses the latest surveys outlining the strengths and weaknesses of Malaysia's approach to this.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Korea has unveiled a roadmap to internationalise the won — allowing foreigners unlimited won transactions through registered firms from January 2027, on the heels of extending trading to 24 hours a day. The goal: shed the barriers that have kept the world's 13th-largest economy classified as an emerging market by MSCI. But can Seoul open up its currency without inviting the volatility it has long guarded against? Stephen Chiu, Chief Emerging Markets FX Strategist at Bloomberg Intelligence, weighs in on what these reforms mean for the Won, foreign investors, and Korea's long-awaited developed-market upgrade.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bilateral trade between Malaysia and Bangladesh stands at roughly $3 billion US dollars, but remains heavy in Malaysia's favour. Following Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit, talks of a Free Trade Agreement have gained fresh momentum. So what will it take to correct this imbalance and unlock new areas of cooperation? We discuss this with Mohammad Anwar Shahid, President of the Bangladesh-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has become one of Southeast Asia's leading data centre destinations, attracting billions in investment as demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence accelerates. But the industry's next phase of growth will depend on more than capital, with power, water, financing, and community acceptance emerging as critical constraints. As regional competition intensifies, what must Malaysia do to remain an attractive and sustainable hub for data centre investment?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The escalating US-Iran conflict is putting global energy supplies under growing pressure, with disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea raising concerns over oil markets. How much further could crude prices rise if tensions continue to intensify? Muyu Xu, Senior Crude Oil Analyst at Kpler shares her analysis.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andy Burnham has become Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade, taking office after an uncontested Labour leadership contest that followed Keir Starmer's resignation. He inherits a government grappling with weak poll numbers, a sluggish economy, and growing pressure from Reform UK, while promising a renewed focus on devolution and public services. Can Burnham revive Labour's fortunes and restore political stability, or will he face the same constraints that have defined recent British prime ministers?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KWAP was one of several  investors deceived by eFishery, an Indonesian start-up that was found to have inflated their financial records. KWAP lost its investment of RM163.4 million and is now being investigated by the MACC. Where's the line between acceptable investment risk and unacceptable governance failure in public investment institutions? Independent business writer P. Gunasegaram weighs in. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US-Iran war is now back in full force, after a brief lull, when a 14-point ceasefire MOU was signed. Trita Parsi, Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, discusses why diplomacy broke down, whether another agreement is still possible and what the conflict means for the future balance of power in the region.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's ambitions to position Johor as a regional investment hub have come under scrutiny after the Network School controversy prompted the company to pause its planned RM500 million investment. The episode has raised broader questions about regulatory certainty, investor confidence, and how Malaysia balances national security concerns with its efforts to attract foreign capital. What will it take to reassure global investors and keep Malaysia competitive in the regional race for investment?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Campaigning has begun for the Negeri Sembilan state elections following Nomination Day on Saturday, 18 July. We break down the trends to watch amid fluid political alliances with Adib Zalkapli of Viewfinder Global Affairs.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dewan Rakyat has passed a bill to overhaul legislation governing the National Trust Fund or KWAN. How far do the proposed changes go to strengthen the fund for future generations? We get reactions from Dr. Nungsari A. Radhi. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's economy grew a stronger-than-expected 5.8% in the second quarter, beating forecasts as manufacturing, mining, and exports powered broad-based expansion. While the figures point to resilient domestic fundamentals, questions remain over whether this momentum can be sustained amid a slowing global economy, geopolitical uncertainty, and softer consumer activity. What will drive Malaysia's next phase of growth, and where do the biggest risks lie?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Madani government's push to limit a prime minister's tenure to 10 years was billed as a cornerstone of its institutional reform agenda. But after the constitutional amendment failed to secure enough support in March, the promised re-tabling during the latest parliamentary sitting never materialised. As Parliament adjourns until October, questions are growing over whether the government's reform momentum is stalling and what this means for its broader credibility ahead of the next general election.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent violent incidents involving students have renewed concerns about whether Malaysian schools are adequately equipped to identify and support young people facing mental health challenges. While bullying, emotional distress, and behavioural issues have become more visible, schools continue to grapple with limited resources, growing demands on teachers, and uneven access to professional support. What more can be done to strengthen early intervention and create safer, more supportive learning environments for students?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bank of Korea has raised its policy rate to 2.75% — its first hike in three and a half years — as inflation hits a two-and-a-half-year high of 3.2%. But the real story is what's driving prices: Governor Shin says Korea's trillion-dollar AI and chip investment boom is no longer just fuelling growth, it's fuelling inflation. Ho Woei Chen, Economist and Senior Vice President at UOB Group, tells us why UOB now expects rates to hit 3.25% by January, whether a quarter-point hike can cool Seoul's runaway housing market, and what happens when an energy shock and a demand shock collide.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melaka's Unity Government has been thrown into uncertainty after DAP withdrew from the state administration over a proposed constitutional amendment allowing appointed state assemblymen. The dispute has raised broader questions about democratic representation, state-federal political dynamics, and the cohesion of the Unity Government as UMNO seeks to consolidate its political gains. What does this latest fallout mean for governance in Melaka, and could its implications extend well beyond the state?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China grew just 4.3% in Q2 — its weakest since 2022, even as exports surged 27% and the trade surplus hit a record. Beijing's solution to this is its first-ever five-year plan devoted entirely to consumption — but will it work where past efforts haven't? Moody's Analytics economist Sarah Tan unpacks the two-speed economy, Beijing's new consumption plan, and what it all means for Malaysia.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's consumers have remained resilient despite a prolonged period of elevated prices, supported by a strong labour market and targeted government assistance. But businesses are facing mounting cost pressures from higher commodity prices, logistics, and operating expenses, raising questions over how long profit margins can be protected before higher costs are passed on to consumers. As the second half of the year unfolds, which parts of the consumer sector are best positioned to weather the squeeze?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rice remains central to Malaysia's food security, but the sector continues to face structural challenges, from low self-sufficiency and climate risks to market disruptions and heavy import dependence. The latest amendments to the Control of Padi and Rice Act strengthen enforcement and increase penalties, but questions remain over whether regulation alone can address deeper issues in production, productivity, and supply resilience. What reforms are needed to build a more secure and sustainable rice industry?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The MCMC (Amendment) Bill 2026 introduces new powers for the regulator to audit licensees and activities, disclose information and increase spending limits. How far does this go in improving the effectiveness of the MCMC? We discuss these reforms with Professor Dr Joanne Lim, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Nottingham Malaysia.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US-Iran conflict has exposed sharp differences in how ASEAN economies are coping with higher energy prices and inflation. While some countries have tightened monetary policy to defend growth and currencies, others have held rates steady despite mounting external pressures. As the region also benefits from rising AI-related investment, can ASEAN maintain its growth momentum if energy prices surge again, or are some economies more vulnerable than others?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 10,000 Malaysians are currently waiting for life-saving organ transplants, yet donor numbers remain among the lowest in the region. Despite growing calls for reform, challenges ranging from family consent and public awareness to system coordination continue to limit the number of successful transplants. What changes are needed to build a more effective organ donation system and give more patients a chance at life?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The landslide victory of Barisan Nasional in the Johor state election is affecting the political calculus in the country and the fragile truce holding together the Madani coalition. What clues do the Johor results tell us about the shift in voter sentiment and how might this play out in the upcoming Negeri Sembilan state polls? We discuss this with Dr. Azmi Hassan of the Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The future of North America's biggest trade pact has been thrown into doubt after President Donald Trump declined to renew the USMCA in its current form, opting instead for annual reviews and pushing for tougher terms with Canada and Mexico. The move has reignited uncertainty over tariffs, automotive supply chains, and regional manufacturing at a time when businesses are already navigating a more fragmented global trading system. What does this mean for North American trade, and could the uncertainty create new opportunities for economies such as Malaysia?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Dato' Sri Anwar Ibrahim and his Thai counterpart, Anutin Charnvirakul, showcased their rapport in a musical performance during the latter's visit to Malaysia last week. What does this signal about the tenor of bilateral relations and how the two sides will navigate friction? We discuss the state of play with Dr. Phar Kim Beng, Professor of ASEAN Studies at IIUM.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has approved sweeping amendments to its competition laws, giving the Malaysia Competition Commission broader powers to investigate anti-competitive conduct and strengthen enforcement. The reforms mark the biggest overhaul of the country's competition regime in more than a decade, although questions remain over merger control, whistleblower protections, and regulatory capacity. What do these changes mean for businesses, and will they lead to more effective competition enforcement in Malaysia?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The likelihood of a severe El Niño has increased sharply, raising fresh concerns over global agricultural production and commodity prices. For Malaysia's palm oil industry, the prospect of prolonged dry weather comes as producers are already facing higher input costs and shifting global demand dynamics. Could tighter supply keep crude palm oil prices elevated, and which plantation companies stand to benefit most if the weather risks materialise?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Johor voters heading to the polls, attention is increasingly turning to what happens after the ballots are counted. PAS has indicated it is prepared to support Barisan Nasional if the election produces a hung assembly, raising fresh questions about the future of its relationship with UMNO and the implications for Perikatan Nasional. Is this simply post-election pragmatism, or could it reshape the political landscape in Johor and beyond?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Just weeks after agreeing to a 60-day framework aimed at ending months of conflict, the United States and Iran are once again exchanging military strikes, casting serious doubt over the future of the ceasefire. Renewed attacks around the Strait of Hormuz have heightened concerns over global energy supplies, shipping, and regional stability, while markets are reassessing the risk of a prolonged conflict. Has diplomacy run its course, or is there still a path back from a wider regional war?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara's decision to hold the OPR at 2.75%. But behind the non-event sits a genuinely unusual position: Malaysia is one of the few ASEAN economies that hasn't been forced to tighten, thanks to inflation running at a tame 1.7% while its neighbours battle price and currency pressures. We break down what's keeping Malaysia steady with Dr Afza-nizam Abdul Rashid, Chief Economist at Bank Muamalat.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AirBorneo is entering a new chapter with the launch of commercial jet services, marking a major step in Sarawak's ambition to strengthen its position as a regional aviation hub. But breaking into one of Malaysia's most competitive domestic routes will require more than competitive fares, as the airline seeks to build passenger confidence, expand its network, and balance growth with operational reliability. Can AirBorneo carve out a sustainable niche alongside established carriers?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Johor voters prepare to cast their ballots, what do the latest polls reveal about voter sentiment, party strength and the issues shaping the election? Dr Kelvin Goh, Founder and CEO of Vodus Research, helps us unpack the numbers and what they can - and cannot - tell us about the race.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China's latest submarine-launched ballistic missile test into the Pacific marks another milestone in Beijing's military modernisation and has drawn concern from regional powers including the US, Japan, and Australia. As China advances towards its 2027 defence goals and strengthens its nuclear deterrent, questions are growing over whether the region is entering a new phase of strategic competition. What does this test reveal about China's long-term ambitions, and how should countries such as Malaysia respond to a more contested Indo-Pacific?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ringgit was Asia's worst-performing currency in June, sliding 4.5% to a seven-month low as a hawkish Fed under new chairman Kevin Warsh keeps the dollar bid. Saktiandi Supaat, Head of FX Research, Global Markets at Maybank, unpacks what the Fed's split committee means for US rates, whether Bank Negara's measures to attract FX inflows are working, and where USD/MYR heads through 2026 — with the OPR decision and two state elections in the mix.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For many Malaysians, having medical insurance is becoming increasingly difficult as healthcare costs and premiums continue to climb. Now, the government is stepping in with a new initiative aimed at making basic medical protection more accessible and affordable. Medi-Asas, the government’s Base Medical and Health Insurance and Takaful (MHIT) plan, will enter its pilot phase in the Klang Valley by the end of this month before a nationwide rollout in January 2027. With premiums expected to start from around RM60 ringgit a month, the plan aims to provide wider coverage, including protection for individuals up to the age of 85.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are once again restructuring how foreign worker quotas are approved and managed. This follows a Cabinet decision on July 1, moving the One-Stop Centre (OSC) from the Home Ministry to the Ministry of Human Resources, with applications now processed through the eQuota module under the Foreign Workers Centralised Management System. The government says this will reduce congestion at the OSC and end case-by-case approvals. The platform, however, has previously faced allegations of extortion involving migrant workers, raising questions over whether shifting oversight between ministries actually changes outcomes on the ground. With a new foreign worker management division being set up and physical verification counters potentially going digital, what would it take for this reform to be more than an administrative change?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NATO leaders are gathered in Turkiye’s capital Ankara against the backdrop of an increasingly challenging global security environment. Ukraine remains a central focus, but the agenda stretches well beyond the war, with discussions expected on strengthening Europe's defence capabilities, boosting military spending, and adapting the alliance to new security threats. Leaders are also looking at the industrial and logistical capacity needed to sustain future conflicts, including plans to extend NATO's fuel pipeline network further into Eastern Europe. The summit comes as European allies weigh the reliability of America's long-term security commitment, while countries such as Canada increase defence spending after years of missing NATO's targets.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia is phasing out proprietary QR payment networks in favour of a shared interoperable platform run by Paynet within 2 years. What does this mean in practice and how will this shape the digital payments landscape? We discuss this and trends in digital banking with Ravi Kittane of EY Consulting.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Madani government is placing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at the heart of Malaysia's industrial strategy, with new funding, a proposed National TVET Commission, and a stronger focus on high-technology industries. Yet the system remains fragmented, with hundreds of programmes administered across multiple ministries and providers. As Malaysia seeks to build a workforce for semiconductors, digital technology, and advanced manufacturing, what reforms are needed to make TVET more industry-driven, internationally recognised, and fit for the future?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vietnam has reached a new milestone after being reclassified as an upper-middle-income economy, capping decades of rapid industrialisation and export-led growth. Despite a strong second quarter, the country is also contending with rising energy costs, a widening trade deficit, and uncertainty over US tariffs as it pursues an ambitious double-digit growth target. Can Vietnam sustain its remarkable momentum, or are signs emerging that its next phase of development will be more challenging?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.