Morning Brief

Since January 1st, new changes to Malaysia’s Employees Provident Fund (or EPF) have come into effect.  These include the Retirement Income Adequacy (or RIA) framework, new policies for high balance accounts, and expanded coverage for gig workers and homemakers through i Saraan Plus and i Suri. Dr Paul Anthony Maria Das, Senior Lecturer, School of Accounting and Finance Faculty of Busines...

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a new slate of institutional reforms, most of which had been GE15 manifesto promises anyway. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s opposition is in flux, with leadership changes in Perikatan Nasional and renewed calls to revive Muafakat Nasional. Dr Azmil Tayeb, Associate Professor at Universiti Sains Malaysia shares his insights. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See...

Malaysia has  RE goals of 31% capacity by 2025, 40% by 2035, and 70% by 2050. To achieve this there are a myriad of initiatives and policies by different government agencies. We ask  Royce Tan, Senior Analyst, MBSB Research for details of these initiatives and which listed companies stand to benefit. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s sovereign wealth landscape is shifting. Khazanah Nasional remains the federal anchor, Sarawak has legislated its own fund with approval to invest globally, and Sabah has renewed plans for a state sovereign fund after years of discussion. What are the gold standards for governance, accountability and the importance of clear mandates ? We speak to Dr Elsa Satkunasingam, Director and Senio...

After months of mounting tensions, the United States launched a military strike in Venezuela capturing President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. Dr Kathryn Robison, Lecturer in American Studies, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney tells us what the implications and legality of this action is. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the clock ticking, the Madani Government has less than two years to implement reforms that strengthen Malaysia’s institutions. Dr. Wong Chin Huat, Political Scientist, Sunway University tells us the best way to ensure that this Government takes so that reforms are implemented effectively and also quickly. This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates...

In his New Year Eve speech to the top political consultative body, President Xi Jinping reiterated that China’s economy is expected to grow at 5% in 2025. Experts widely anticipate a similar growth target in 2026. Chen Zheng, Vice President and China Policy Analyst at CITIC Securities gives us his perspective on whether this is achievable and what the engines of growth will be. Image Credit: Shutt...

Perak is Malaysia’s sixth largest state economy, contributing just over five percent of national GDP.  It is not a traditional growth engine, nor a default destination for capital.  Yet the composition of that economy is changing. Adam Mohamed Rahim, Equity Research Analyst, RHB Research Sdn Bhd tells us what is the investment strategy to adopt for the state and the top equity buy ideas....

As part of our industry outlook series, today we explore the trends that defined the property sector last year. Amy Wong Siew Fong, Executive Director of Research & Consultancy at Knight Frank Malaysia walks us through the sector’s 2025 performance as well as the key things to look out for in 2026 Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PAS looks set to take the lead in Perikatan Nasional following the resignation of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and several other senior leaders. But who will step up to guide the coalition, and can they keep the party united ahead of GE-16? For analysis, we speak with Dr. Lau Zhe Wei, Assistant Professor with the Department of Political Science, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) This ep...

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) is back in discussion to replace the Sales and Service Tax (SST) tax regime. Could this signal that GST will be reintroduced eventually? We speak to Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, Senior Advisor on Tax Policy, KPMG in Malaysia to discuss the potential return of GST. This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates Image Credit: Shut...

Three Fed rate cuts and geopolitical tensions have meant volatile Fixed Income markets in the US. We ask Ang Beng Kuan, Head of Investment Strategy, Opus Islamic Asset Management for his 2026 outlook and if Malaysia will continue to see strong demand for MGS and GII after a record RM22.6bn inflow. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 was a challenging year for Malaysia's SMEs, as businesses grappled with higher operating costs, global trade uncertainty, and expanded compliance requirements. Chin Chee Seong, National President of the SME Association of Malaysia, reflects on the year that was and looks ahead to 2026 which brings with it the expansion of the SST framework, new digitalisation incentives and others. Image Cred...

Global e-commerce is entering a more demanding phase with platforms having to deal with higher costs, tighter margins, tougher competition, and growing pressure to show not just scale, but sustainability. Poonam Goyal, Senior Equity Research Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence  tells us how companies intend to navigate this landscape and the companies better able to deal with the challenges ahead...

Starting January 2026, Malaysia will implement a Self-Assessment Stamp Duty System, moving the process fully online via MyTax, intended to simplify payments, improve transparency and broaden compliance. Kellie Allison Yap, Partner in the Tax & Customs Practice Group at Zaid Ibrahim & Co discusses what this all means to taxpayers. This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirate...

Malaysia’s tourism sector is rebounding strongly despite competition across ASEAN intensifying. MATTA President Nigel Wong discusses the outlook for this industry, with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 targeting 47 million international visitors, coming into focus, as well as what the industry must fix now to sustain growth beyond 2026. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...

Following the conclusion of the 1MDB trial, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak can now expect to spend time behind bars until 2043, after being found guilty of all 25 charges. Shannon Teoh, the Straits Times' Malaysia Bureau Chief, shares his view on the marathon sentencing proceedings, the prospects of appeal, the future of Najib’s political influence. This episode of The First Look was...

The Jakarta Composite Index is up by more than 20% on a year to date basis. One of the best performing in Asean. Jerry Goh, Asia Equities Investment Director, Aberdeen Investments tells us why this market has outperformed after a slow start to the year whilst giving us his outlook and top buy ideas for 2026. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 has been a year of change for Malaysia’s automotive industry, from soft sales to a surge in EV adoption. Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, President of the Malaysia Automotive Association, unpacks the market rebound, government incentives, and what’s ahead for local car makers and EVs in 2026. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Myanmar's ruling military government, while seized power from a democratically-elected one nearly 5 years ago wants to hold its first nationwide election. Journalist Erin Cook joins us to unpack the players, the process, and the potential impact of the election and its outcome, while conflict, political restrictions, and questions over credibility continue to be issues. This episode of The First L...

Thailand’s central bank cut its key interest rate last Wednesday to 1.25% as it looks to shore up a slowing economy facing multiple headwinds. With 2026 growth forecast at just 1.5%,  what policy tools does it have to revive growth? Poon Panichpibool, Markets Strategist, Krung Thai Bank tells us. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As US equities are ending the year on a high note, Asian stocks have also outperformed - the MSCI Asia Pacific Index of the region’s equities is up 27% this year. Lim Chia Wei, Associate Director of Equities, AHAM Asset Management tells us whether this momentum in global markets can be sustained into next year, and what strategies should investors pay attention to. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com S...

As competition intensifies and costs remain structurally high, Malaysia’s food and beverage sector heads into 2026 under tougher conditions. Patrick Sim, Council Member of the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) and Group CEO of Secret Recipe, shares his insights. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The High Court’s rejection of convicted felon Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s house arrest bid has sent ripples through Malaysia’s political landscape. Adib Zalkapli, Managing Director, Viewfinder Global Affairs, shares his insights into what this development means for UMNO, Pakatan Harapan, Perikatan Nasional, and the stability of the Madani government. This episode of The First Look was brought to you...

2025 has been a volatile year for the global semiconductor industry, with tariffs, export controls and renewed US–China tensions putting technology firmly at the centre of geopolitical risk. We ask Dato' Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) about the challenges that local semicon players faced this year, and the outlook for 2026. Image Credit: Shu...