Morning Brief

Beginning today in Beijing, the meeting of the heads of the two most powerful nations comes at a delicate moment in US-China relations, with both sides balancing trade tensions, technology rivalry and growing geopolitical pressure from the Iran conflict. As Washington pushes for economic wins and Beijing prioritises Taiwan and technology, will the Summit stabilise ties or merely manage deeper strategic competition?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US inflation is running hotter again, geopolitical tensions remain elevated, and leadership at the Federal Reserve is about to change, yet markets continue pushing to record highs. As AI-driven optimism powers equities and investors weigh the outlook for rates, commodities, and global growth, are markets accurately pricing the risks ahead?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASEAN’s automotive sector is being reshaped by electrification, shifting consumer demand, and the rapid rise of Chinese automakers across the region. As EV incentives evolve and competition intensifies, how sustainable is the industry’s growth momentum, and what will determine which markets and manufacturers emerge strongest in the years ahead?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, Malaysia’s fuel subsidy system has largely been broad based, with pump prices kept lower for everyone regardless of income level. It has become seen as an entitlement which even before the current crisis was a huge burden on the state. Girding its loins, Putrajaya has been signalling that painful changes for motorists are afoot. The government says it is finalising a proposal to review fuel subsidies for higher income groups, although the exact cutoff, whether T20, T15 or narrower, has yet to be decided. More crucially it isn't clear that systems like PADU can support a more targeted approach. So will it even happen?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the recently concluded 48th ASEAN Summit the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as Chair, called for a more “aggressive and effective” approach to the civil war in Myanmar. While the country’s leaders have been barred from high-level meetings since the military coup in 2021, ASEAN’s roadmap for normalisation - the Five-Point Consensus - remains the bloc’s primary but largely ineffective framework for engaging with the military junta. With relations between both sides turning sour for more than five years, what can ASEAN and Myanmar realistically expect from one another moving forward?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is studying a proposed Parents Care Act that could legally require children to care for their ageing parents as the country moves towards becoming an ageing society. As policymakers look at models from countries like Singapore and China, would such a law strengthen elder welfare or place greater strain on families already facing financial and caregiving pressures?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) recently published a policy paper examining the costs of running a political party in Malaysia. We discuss the key findings of the report and how they strengthen the argument for a Political Financing Bill with Syazwan Zainal, Assistant Manager for Research at IDEAS.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 48th ASEAN Summit hosted by the Philippines in Cebu last week took place against the backdrop of an energy crisis squeezing the economic outlook for the region. We discuss the key takeaways from the event and assess ASEAN's crisis coordination with Thomas Daniel of ISIS Malaysia.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we enter the third month of the conflicts in the Middle East, Malaysia finds itself at a complex economic crossroads, balancing the demands of a volatile global energy market with the necessity of domestic fiscal reform. Recent months have seen a significant surge in global oil prices, pushing the national fuel subsidy bill to a projected RM7 billion monthly, a nearly tenfold increase that has placed unprecedented pressure on the Treasury. In response, the government has announced that some federal ministries will have to streamline operating budgets.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore and New Zealand have signed The Agreement on Trade in Essential Supplies, a move aimed at keeping trade channels open even when global disruptions hit. But how far can such commitments go in practice when crises strain supply chains? We discuss the purpose and mechanism of such agreements with Aidonna Jan Ayub, Deputy Director of Research, Khazanah Research Institute.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Bank Negara Malaysia’s Monetary Policy Committee maintained the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 2.75%. According to the MPC’s statement, while global growth remains resilient, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have introduced risks through rising energy prices and supply chain disruptions. Conversely, a strong tech expansion and pro-growth policies offer upside potential. Having said that, what signs should we be watching for the health of the economy, and will BNM continue to hold rates for the foreseeable future?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s latest EV import rules are set to reshape the market by raising entry thresholds for fully imported electric vehicles in a bid to encourage local assembly and strengthen the domestic ecosystem. But as affordability and accessibility come into focus, will these measures accelerate industry development or slow EV adoption just as consumer interest is gaining momentum?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AirAsia’s massive Airbus A220 order comes at a time when the global aviation industry is facing rising fuel costs, geopolitical disruption, and growing pressure on the low-cost carrier model. As airlines rethink efficiency, fleet strategy, and regional connectivity, what does this deal signal about the future of budget aviation in Asia and the resilience of the sector ahead?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s highways are increasingly being viewed not just as transport links, but as critical economic infrastructure supporting logistics, supply chains, and industrial growth. But with congestion persisting, concessionaires facing losses, and sustainability goals pushing for greater public transport use, how should highways fit into the country’s long-term development strategy?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesia’s economy expanded 5.61% in the first quarter, its fastest pace in more than three years and well ahead of market expectations, boosted by government spending, household consumption and investment into downstream industries. But beneath the headline growth, cracks remain. The rupiah is still under pressure, consumers appear cautious, and concerns are growing over whether fiscal-driven momentum can be sustained. We unpack Indonesia’s economic outlook and the challenges ahead with Enrico Tanuwidjaja, ASEAN Economist for UOB Group.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rain Rave Water Music Festival drew huge crowds, major online attention, and claims of significant tourism revenue, but also sparked debate over culture, identity, and public spending. As Malaysia looks to build more large-scale tourism events under Visit Malaysia Year 2026, can festivals like this become a sustainable long-term draw for visitors, and what lessons need to be learned from the backlash and buzz surrounding the event?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the GE-16 approaches, scrutiny is intensifying across Johor, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan. In Melaka and Johor, where state polls are expected by February 2027, parties are already positioning themselves. Perikatan Nasional has declared it will contest all 56 seats, but Pakatan Harapan and Barisan National are even certain if they will go into the polls solo or with an electoral pact. With multi-cornered fights a certainty, how will it shape voter sentiment and what challenges are there for political parties?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s banking sector shown resilience in the first quarter of this year, but rising energy costs from the Middle East conflict now threaten domestic growth. Samuel Woo, Equity Analyst from MBSB Research discusses the potential impact on the banking sector and expectations for monetary policy in the weeks ahead.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia fell seven places in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, signalling growing concerns over censorship and legal pressure on media organisations. As journalists contend with police investigations and the rise of AI-driven disinformation, is our media landscape equipped to withstand these mounting legal and financial challenges?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As leading AI firms limit access to their most advanced models while scaling investment and deployment, questions are emerging over who controls the technology and who benefits from it. With growing focus on cybersecurity risks, infrastructure costs, and competitive advantage, what does this moment reveal about how AI power is being shaped and distributed?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thailand’s economic outlook has weakened amid rising oil prices, softer growth expectations, and a weakening baht, even as the central bank holds rates steady. With inflation edging higher and household debt remaining elevated, what policy options remain, and how resilient is the economy for the rest of 2026?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has introduced its National Carbon Market Policy to build on the existing voluntary carbon exchange and prepare for a broader carbon pricing framework. With clearer rules on measurement, reporting, and verification, and a national registry in place, how effectively can Malaysia align with global standards, and what gaps still need to be addressed as the policy evolves?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Putrajaya issued a directive for all ministries to cut operating expenditures amid the escalating Middle East conflict. The move follows a spike in the national subsidy bill, which is now projected to hit RM58.4 billion, four times the initial budget of RM15 billion. This comes as fuel costs are surging up to RM7 billion monthly, prompting the Ministry of Finance to preserve fiscal space through significant cuts in health and education. How can the government balance these drastic cost-saving measures without having too much of an impact on the nation’s economic growth and public well-being?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last Friday, Washington escalated its anti-Cuba policy again, with President Donald Trump signing an executive order broadening sanctions on the tiny Caribbean nation of 10 million. The move follows earlier US pressure on Venezuelan oil exports this year, which has further strained Cuba’s already fragile economy. Havana strongly condemned the measures, describing them as “collective punishment” against its population. Located just 95 miles from the US, Cuba has long lived under embargoes, with Washington pursuing regime change policies since the 1960s. Will Cuba reach its breaking point this time around?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s healthcare system is under mounting pressure as rising utilisation, rather than pricing, drives medical cost inflation. With hospitals nearing capacity and policymakers balancing expansion against reform, how can the system improve efficiency, manage costs, and ensure sustainable access to care amid growing demand?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UAE’s decision to leave OPEC marks a significant shift in the global oil landscape, raising questions about the cartel’s ability to coordinate supply and stabilise prices. As geopolitical tensions persist and new producers gain ground, what does this mean for OPEC’s future role, and how might the UAE reshape its oil strategy in the years ahead?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bank of Japan has kept interest rates unchanged at 0.75%, but markets are looking at a growing split within the policy board, rising inflation forecasts, and a weaker growth outlook, all pointing to an increasingly complex policy dilemma. Stefan Angrick, Head of Japan and Frontier Economic at Moody’s Analytics shares his insights.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since UMNO’s withdrawal of support for the Menteri Besar the party has sent mixed signals about the way forward, first signaling that it would cooperate with Perikatan National’s 5 ADUNS but subsequently backpedaling on that position. Without a coherent opposition in the 36 seat Assembly the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Utama Aminuddin Harun, two short of a majority, is set to hang on for time yet. We look at whether this double crisis might trigger a national one.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia and the European Union have revived long-stalled free trade negotiations, with both sides signalling renewed momentum after more than a decade. As talks advance amid familiar sticking points like palm oil and new challenges such as carbon-related standards, what will determine whether a deal is finally reached, and who stands to gain the most?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore's economy grew 4.6% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, showing steady resilience despite a moderate cooling from the previous quarter's expansion. This performance sets the stage for the Singapore Briefing 2026 report, which examines how the nation navigates a shifting global landscape - we discuss this report with its lead author,  Sarah Jane Mahmud, Senior Industry Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee 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.

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.

The Magnificent Seven were the main catalyst of a US equity market rally this year. Dan Ives , Managing Director of Wedbush Securities shares his insights on whether this trend will continue into 2024, his Christmas wishlist and if one should buy into the AI frenzy.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia Pacific economies are hoping for a China recovery in 2024 but they do not see a clear roadmap towards this. China’s Government plans to address the downturn their own way but the market thinks otherwise. Furthermore, state owned banks may be asked to bail out property developers which will strain the financial system. Peter Lewis, Founder & Director of Peter Lewis Consulting gives us an overview whether 2024 will be the year of the China dragon.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the long Hari Raya weekend, vegetable farmers in the country had to dump surplus fresh vegetables on a large scale,causing millions of ringgit in losses and unnecessary food waste. An ironic situation considering questions over the level of food security in Malaysia and the rising cost of food. Prof. Dr. Fatimah Arshad, Research Fellow at Laboratory of Agricultural & Food Policy Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia tells us what the solutions to resolve this.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The next presidential elections in the Philippines' is shaping up to be a clash of clans. Sara Duterte-Carpio, daughter of current President Rodrigo Duterte is running for Vice-President with Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as her running mate. The decision has revealed the faultlines in the Duterte political dynasty. How will it impact the trajectory of the elections? Philippines' political analyst Andrea Chloe Wong gives some insights. Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The theme for this year's World Children's Day, observed on 20th November is "A better future for every child." What kind of policies are needed to ensure a better future for Malaysian children? We discuss the proposal to set up a dedicated ministry for children's issues and other child-centric policies with former deputy minister for women, family and community development Hannah Yeoh. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chung Yi Fan, independent transport policy analyst discusses the challenges in improving public transport modal share and debates what actions are needed to encourage more public transport usage despite so much money and time spent already on building our transport system.  Image credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Philip Andrews-Speed, Senior Principal Research Fellow from the National University of Singapore shares with us his perspective on whether China's goal to be Carbon neutral by 2060 is achievable especially since there’s a lack of details on how exactly China plans to achieve them.Image credit: Zhang BinSir / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week, Health Minister Khairy Jamaludin said that the government would procure 150,000 treatment packages of a Covid-19 anti-viral drug produced by Merck called Molnupiravir. The drug is being described by many quarters as a gamechanger in the fight against Covid-19. Based on trials conducted so far, the medication was shown to reduce the risk of hospitalization or death by around 50% in patients with mild-to-moderate symptoms of the virus. We get the lowdown on Molnupiravir from Sam Fazeli, Director of Research at Bloomberg Intelligence. Image credit: Quality Stock Arts / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, Malaysia hit a significant political milestone with an MOU signed between PH and the Government. 6 key areas were agreed upon with specific timelines for delivery. Wong Chen, MP for Subang and PKR member tells us the rationale behind this MOU and does it affect their ability to be a formidable opposition. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia once had the largest weightage on the MSCI Emerging Markets Index at 33% but that has dropped to a 2.5% weight. Even from a market capitalisation perspective, Malaysia has been eclipsed by almost all other Asean countries except for the Philippines and Vietnam. Pankaj C. Kumar, business commentator tells us the hard truth as to how vibrancy can be returned to our capital markets. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Opposition leaders have met Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on ways to work together, and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has indicated that Pakatan would not complicate the upcoming vote of confidence for Ismail as long as people’s interests are prioritized. Wong Chen, Member of Parliament for Subang helps us understand if a bipartisan approach is realistic and fruitful, and whether in reality, it’s just a show. Image credit: Prime Minister OfficeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khor Yu Leng, Political Economist at Segi Enam Advisors speculates how the new cabinet would look like and its size under Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri as Prime Minister. Would it be sizeable to appease all parties? And who might become Deputy Prime Minister(s)? Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A sobering report by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that human activity is unequivocally changing the climate in unprecedented and irreversible ways. But is this adequate to influence the goals of COP26 in November? And how well is Malaysia doing in tackling climate change? Alizan Mahadi, Senior Director of Research, Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) discusses. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sensing weakness in the Perikatan government, UMNO is split down the middle: stay in a shaky coalition or forge a new and possibly more lucrative one?  Dr Hamidin Abdul Hamid, Research Fellow from the Ilham Centre discusses with us. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What are the rules with regards to reconvening Parliament during an emergency? Constitutional Lawyer, Dato’ Malik Imtiaz Sarwar, tells us while weighing in on what a hybrid Parliament might look like. Image credit: Lens Hitam / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, statements emerged from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and the Conference of Rulers, indicating support for the reopening of Parliament as soon as possible. What kind of political implications will this statement have? We speak to Dr. Hamidin Abd Hamid, Research Fellow, Ilham Centre to find out. Image credit: C.O / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Recovery Plan announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday was thin on details of support for vulnerable groups in order to achieve the target of exiting this pandemic in a 'reasonable' manner. We speak to Geoffrey Williams, Economist from the Malaysia University of Science and Technology for what this plan and the prolonged restriction it lays out will mean for businesses, and the larger economy. Image Credit: S.O / Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of the announcement of a National Recovery Plan, detailing a four-phase exit plan for the nation, we speak to Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO at Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy on whether the government's expectations are realistic and when we can hope to see an actual exit out of the current Covid-19 pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.