Morning Brief

Spending in China has shifted from volume to value, creating a complex landscape for global investors. We explore whether Alibaba’s massive $1.4 billion bet on AI assistants successfully move the needle on consumer conversion, how record tourism numbers mask cautious per-trip spending, and if global luxury giants like LVMH can defend their territory against "affordable premium" local champions lik...

A recent report by the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) revealed that 78% of chairperson roles on federal statutory bodies lacked formal qualifications and political appointments remain widespread. Why have reforms been slow to take shape? We speak with Aira Azhari, Chief Executive Officer of IDEAS. The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priori...

Japan’s economy grew 0.3 percent quarter on quarter in the fourth quarter, stronger than first estimated, with domestic demand and business investment revised higher. But risks are building from weaker global trade, higher oil prices and pressure on real wages. We discuss what this means for Japan’s economy and policy with Stefan Angrick, Head of Japan and Frontier Economics at Moody’s Analytics....

With mounting speculation that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim may call early GE16 elections to coincide with state polls in Melaka and Johor, we speak to Adib Zalkapli of Viewfinder Global Affairs to unpack recent developments. He weighs in on the internal tremors within Bersatu following the strategic suspensions of Dato Sri Ronald Kiandee and Dato Mas Ermieyati, Dato Sri Hamzah Zainudin's search f...

China is setting its economic course under the 15th Five-Year Plan, with a stronger push toward technology led growth, industrial upgrading and efforts to curb excess competition across manufacturing. At the same time, Beijing is targeting 4.5 to 5 percent GDP growth this year while navigating weak domestic demand and a more uncertain global backdrop. So what does this mean for China’s macro outlo...

War in the Middle East has pushed oil prices sharply higher, fuelling concerns about supply disruptions and volatility across financial markets. How might sustained energy price shocks affect Asian equities and key sectors? Ahmad Maghfur Usman, Equity Analyst at Nomura Malaysia, joins us to unpack the market implications. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...

Escalating tensions in the Middle East are disrupting global aviation and tourism, leaving thousands of travellers stranded and forcing airlines to reroute flights longer. What does this mean for the global aviation sector and its recovery? We examine the situation with Shukor Yusof, Founder and Primary Analyst at Endau Analytics. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

Nine days after the US‑Israeli strikes that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Assembly of Experts in Iran has named his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, as its new supreme leader. Can he secure the survival of the Iranian regime amid bombardment by US and Israel forces? We’ll discuss this with Mohd Amirul Asraf Othman, Research Scholar, Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, The Australian National Universit...

The Securities Commission's Capital Market Masterplan 2026-2030 was launched yesterday, a five-year roadmap to build a larger, more inclusive, sustainable and globally connected capital market, supporting the nation’s transition to a resilient high-income economy. Ng Zhu Hann from Tradeview Capital shares his take on what was unveiled. The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what...

Brent crude oil futures have surged amid escalating conflict in the Middle East, almost hitting US$110 a barrel before easing on hopes of de-escalation. Dr Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Chief Economist at Bank Muamalat Malaysia shares his insights into the impact of oil prices on Malaysia's fiscal position and Putrajaya's ability to continue providing subsidies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

The defeat of the Prime Minister’s term-limit bill failed in Parliament last week has cast doubts on the Madani government’s commitment to pass much needed institutional reforms. What are the lessons learned from this debacle and what does this mean for other more controversial reform initiatives? We hear from Thomas Fann, co-founder of the civil society group Projek SAMA on why reform efforts mus...

All eyes were on the political elite of China as they convened for the annual Two Sessions meetings last week. The 2026 growth target was set at 4.5 to 5 percent and Beijing also underlined a renewed push into AI and strategic industries. What does this signal about the trajectory of China’s economy? We discuss the economic, political and geopolitical implications with Dr. Pradeep Taneja from the...

After reaping the rewards of a “higher for longer” interest rate environment over the past few years, the banking sector is facing new headwinds as lower benchmark rates and competitive pricing squeeze lending margins. How are the big three Singapore banks navigating this new landscape? We check in with Sarah Jane Mahmud, Senior Industry Analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence for the Singapore bankin...

Philippine equities are among the stronger performers in ASEAN this year, but questions remain over whether the rebound signals a lasting recovery. Alfred Dy, Head of Philippines Research at CLSA, joins us to assess market valuations, slowing bank lending, and where investors may find opportunities and sectoral strength in the months ahead. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener fo...

More than 19 million Nepalese voters went to the polls yesterday in the country’s first general election since the 2025 protests that toppled the government. How will this vote shape Nepal’s political future? We’ll discuss this with Dr. Amit Ranjan, Research Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, National University of Singapore. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for...

Bank Negara Malaysia has kept the OPR unchanged at 2.75%, maintaining the level set after last year’s July rate cut as policymakers judge the current stance supportive of growth and price stability. But with fresh geopolitical risks emerging and global markets facing renewed volatility, what could this mean for Malaysia’s growth outlook, inflation and the path of interest rates? We discuss this wi...

Putrajaya has warned that the main contractor for the LRT3 Shah Alam Line could incur RM475 million in penalties for the continued delay in the operation of this line. Dato’ Professor Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah of Universiti Putra Malaysia explains how complex system integration and land acquisition to coordination challenges, might be behind these delays. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystu...

As the Israel-Iran War intensifies, Europe is faced with big questions. University of Nottingham Malaysia's Dr. Benjamin Barton unpacks the continent's deep divide: Spain's refusal to aid US strikes, Germany's strategic silence to protect Ukraine funding, and Donald Trump's retaliatory tariff threats against the EU. Are we witnessing the limits of European strategic autonomy? The First Look is bro...

The government has renewed Lynas’ operating license for 10 years, allowing the Australian firm to continue producing rare earths at its Gebeng plant. Datuk Chang Lih Kang, Science, Technology & Innovation Minister, explains the rationale for this decision from the need to secure a non-Chinese supply chain to explaining to voters why this decision was taken. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnys...

Since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, Brent crude has surged past $80 a barrel, reigniting the geopolitical risk premium. Sim Moh Siong, a commodity strategist at OCBC explains how the protracted disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, OPEC+’s production response, and what elevated oil prices could mean for global growth and Asian economies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...

The debate for the bill to separate the AG and PP was put on hold after the government announced a Parliamentary Special Select Committee to discuss this matter after opposition from even within the government. Member of Parliament for Muar, Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman who is also a member of this PSC gives us his views. The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real pr...

Middle East tensions are driving oil higher, lifting volatility and reviving safe haven demand. How far could this shock spill into global growth, inflation and financial markets? And what does it mean for rate cuts, the US dollar, and Asean FX? We speak with Barnabas Gan, Group Chief Economist and Head of Market Research at RHB Bank, on the risks, scenarios and policy implications. Image Credit:...

With the launch of Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, the United States and Israel have moved beyond containment to a direct military campaign for regime change in Tehran - and Dr Malcolm Davis, Security Analyst, Australian Strategic Policy Institute will be joining us to discuss the military capabilities shown by the US, Israel and Iran. Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener...

In 2025, more than 60,000 New Zealand citizen left the country including their former Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern and her family. Sharon Zollner, Chief Economist, ANZ Bank New Zealand, tells us the economic reasons for this and what measures have been put in place to slow the tide which, if left unchecked, could lead to negative consequences for this island country. Image Credit: Shutterstock S...

Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s political reform agenda hit a setback yesterday, when the bill proposing constitutional amendments to cap the prime  minister’s tenure failed to secure enough votes for the bill to pass. What does this say about the unity of the Madani government? We discuss this and political trends in Malaysia with Dr. Oh Ei Sun of the Pacific Research Center. Image...