Morning Brief

Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has revealed that while Putrajaya is not hastily pursuing developed nation status, Malaysia is still on the right track to becoming an advanced nation by 2028 to 2029. Dr Hafezali Iqbal Hussain, Professor at the School of Management & Marketing Faculty of Business & Law at Taylor’s University helps us understand what this means. Image Credit: Shutte...

The upcoming ‘Himpunan Rakyat Benci Rasuah’ rally has sparked a legal debate, with authorities declaring it unlawful due to an incomplete notice. However, legal advisers insist the rally adheres to the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) 2012. N. Surendran, adviser at Lawyers for Liberty, clarifies assembly-goers' rights in such situations. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for pr...

Bank Negara Malaysia has maintained the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 3%, signaling confidence in Malaysia’s economic stability. The country continues to benefit from manageable inflation, strong domestic spending, and ongoing structural reforms. Julia Goh, Senior Economist, UOB shares her views on what this means for Malaysia’s economic future. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/l...

Despite the Myanmar military government, which ousted a democratically one in 2021, agreeing a ceasefire with the Beijing-backed Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), a return to stability is still ways away. Lucas Myers, Senior Associate for Southeast Asia at the Wilson Centre's Asia Programme gives us some context about the various factions involved in the current conflict as well a...

Unemployment and underemployment among graduates in Malaysia is on the rise, with many highly qualified individuals struggling to secure jobs that match their skills. What kind of policies are needed to close the mismatch? We discuss this with Wan Amirah Wan Usamah of Khazanah Research Institute. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After his inauguration, President Donald Trump wasted no time in implementing major changes to U.S. policy. He focused on reversing many of President Joe Biden’s initiatives, from addressing inflation and energy production to tighter immigration policies. John Zogby, Founder of John Zogby Strategies shares his insights into how these changes could shape the future of the U.S. Image Credit: Shutter...

Following delays in Gateway Development Alliance's offer to Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd private at RM11 per share, the conditional acceptance level for the deal was recently lowered from 90% to 85%. Khair Mirza, Head of Airport Investor Resource at Modalis Infrastructure Partners Inc, shares his perspectives. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the Nikkei 225 rallied by almost 20% last year, has the easy money been made for Japanese equities? Ken Nagano, Senior Portfolio Manager at Nomura Asset Management tells us his views, the investment strategy to adopt and their top ideas for 2025. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim recently called for the Electoral Commission to look into ways that would ensure all Malaysians can exercise their right to vote, including those residing abroad. What kind of reforms should be considered? We discuss this with Danesh Prakash Chacko of Tindak Malaysia. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently visited Brussels, where he announced the revival of Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations. Can the two sides bring the FTA to fruition after more than a decade in hiatus? We discuss the opportunities and challenges in bilateral ties with Karl Godderis of EUROCHAM Malaysia. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privac...

Asian economies are set to face an uncertain 2025 as they grapple with domestic challenges and "America First" policies under the Donald Trump administration. This is reflected in the weakening of many Asian currencies against a stronger U.S. dollar. We’ll be speaking with Khoon Goh, Head of Asia Research at ANZ Bank, about what these developments mean for economies in Asia and their respecti...

The High Court has ruled that pensions for retired civil servants should be adjusted based on their final salary, in line with the 2016 Public Services Department circular. This decision challenges the previous 2% flat annual increase introduced by the 2013 Pension Adjustment Act and requires the government to settle outstanding pension arrears within three months. We discuss the implications of t...

With the government considering a digital finance policy which could pave the way for Malaysia to recognize the use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, financial experts warn that this could present unnecessary risks. Aaron Tang, President of the Malaysian Digital Asset Platform Association (MDAPA) helps us unpack the implications of this potential policy change. Image Credit: Shutterst...

January 20th marks the official inauguration of Donald Trump as the 47th US President, and the lead-up to his second term is vastly different from 2017. What are the immediate moves expected once Trump returns to the White House? We discuss expectations for Trump 2.0 with Wendy Schiller of Brown University.  Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) launched the Belanjawanku Guide 2024/2025 in tandem with its new Retirement Income Adequacy (RIA) Framework to help Malaysians improve their financial management towards a decent living post-retirement. We speak to Balqais Yusoff, Head of Policy and Strategy Department at EPF for insights. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Joe Biden leaves the White House after one term in office with an approval rating at the lowest point of his presidency. Dr Adrian Ang, Research Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, takes a look at some of Biden's achievements and how he thinks the oldest US president ever will be remembered in the annals of history. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.c...

As the world seeks cleaner energy options, nuclear power is gaining attention as a potential solution to meet rising demands and reduce carbon emissions. While some countries like Germany are moving away from it, others including Malaysia are considering nuclear energy with an emphasis on safety and sustainability. We discuss these developments with Dr Alvin Chew, Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam Scho...

Annually, CLSA, a Hong Kong-based capital markets and investment group releases a tongue-in-cheek Feng Shui guide on how the Hang Seng index will perform. Susan Zhang, the Sorcerer’s Apprentice from CLSA, shares her tips on what zodiac signs and elements might do well or otherwise when the Year of the Snake slithers in next week. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...

The government has formed a committee to review the Contracts Act 1950 and bring it up to date with modern economic developments. What are the gaps in the law that need to be addressed? We discuss this with Dr. Adnan Trakic, Director of the Centre for Commercial Law and Regulatory Studies, Malaysia Hub, Monash University. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy infor...

After months of negotiations, a ceasefire deal in Gaza between Hamas and Israel has finally been agreed on, brokered by Qatar, the US, and Egypt. Will this agreement provide a foundation for stability in Gaza, or is the region facing more uncertainty ahead? We speak to Dr. James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies for immediate reactions. Image Credit...

Bank Negara Malaysia and the Finance Ministry have now approved all five licensed digital banks, with three of them - GXBank, AEON Bank and Boost Bank - already up and running. Ryt Bank and KAF Digital will follow soon. Ravi Kittane, Partner, Ernst & Young Consulting, assesses the impact of these 5 entities in shaping Malaysia's digital banking space. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystu...

Following a viral video where someone questioned the police for detaining a person and checking their phone, IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain has clarified that this is allowed under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998. Criminal lawyer, Sreekant Pillai, helps us understand the legality of mobile phone inspections and what your rights are. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See...

Absenteeism in schools has become a growing concern in Malaysia, with many students missing out on crucial educational opportunities. In response, the government is set to introduce a compulsory secondary education policy next month to reduce dropout rates and enhance the quality of education. Prof. Dr. Ismi Arif Ismail, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic and International at Universiti Putra Mal...

The Biden administration plans to introduce new export restrictions on artificial intelligence chips under a three-tier system based on country, in addition to limiting AI computing power coming out of providers based in the US to other countries. How will these restrictions impact global supply chains and the growth of Malaysia’s digital economy? Farlina Said, Senior Analyst, ISIS Malaysia shares...

The wildfires in Los Angeles and the floods in Malaysia have underscored the escalating effects of climate change on urban areas. What's needed to build climate resilience against future threats? We discuss this with Dr. Camelia May Li Kusumo of Taylor's University. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.