Morning Brief
Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.
Episodes
Sarawak Polls: GPS Dominance, MA63 & The Road to GE16
Sarawak's Legislative Assembly dissolves today, and with GPS holding 76 of 82 seats and a fresh RM14.8 billion election budget passed, the outcome is hardly in doubt. The real question is the margin of victory, whether controversies over a suspended DAP assemblyman and a VIP jet lease will dent the ruling coalition, and what a landslide means for the federal government ahead of GE16.Dr. James Chin
Haze & Accountability: Who Really Lit the Fires?
This year's haze is worse than usual, and pressure is hitting palm oil and forestry producers from three directions at once. Khor Yu Leng, Director and Senior Economist at Segi Enam Advisors, joins The Morning Run to unpack those forces.She discusses why satellite hotspots show where a fire started but not who lit it, breaks down the severe drought driving the blazes, explains why palm oil yields
Malaysia’s Rare Earths: Beyond Raw Exports
Malaysia has approved its first export of unprocessed rare earths under a new regulatory framework, signalling a shift in its approach to developing a strategically important industry. With growing interest from American investors and intensifying competition between the US and China for critical minerals, Malaysia faces a choice between exporting raw materials and building a higher-value domestic
The Rohingya Crisis Malaysia Can’t Solve Alone
Malaysia hosts around 130,000 registered Rohingya refugees, and unofficial estimates put the number above 200,000. Indonesia hosts fewer than 2,600, and Thailand fewer than 500. With other countries falling short on their promises to resettle refugees, Malaysia has been left to carry much of the load. We speak to Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman about how Malaysia can get more international s
Are Malaysian REITs Still Worth Holding?
Malaysian REITs are usually bought for steady income, but this year the sector has lagged the broader market by a wide margin. Rising bond yields and the end of the withholding tax break for retail investors have made REIT payouts look less attractive, and Budget 2027 didn’t bring that break back. So where does the sector go from here, and which corners still look promising? We speak to Aidil Puzi
Inside Zetrix's Stock Collapse & RM2B Sukuk Risk
Zetrix AI Founder Wong Thean Soon’s stake collapse below 2% has breached a covenant on its RM2 billion Sukuk. So what happens next?Emmanuel Samarathisa, founder of The Malaysianist, joins The Morning Run to trace the four-step downfall of Zetrix, from market rumours that wiped out billions in capitalisation to systemic margin calls.He highlights three critical areas demanding greater scrutiny, and
Israel’s Election: Can Palestinians Shape the Outcome?
Israel heads to the polls on October 27 in an election that could determine Benjamin Netanyahu's political future and the influence of the country's far-right parties. With neither major political bloc assured of a governing majority, Arab-led parties could play a decisive role in forming the next government. We examine growing political mobilisation among Palestinian citizens of Israel, the poten
ASEAN Equities: A Region Divided
ASEAN stock markets have struggled to keep pace with their North Asian peers, with the MSCI ASEAN index underperforming the broader Asia ex-Japan benchmark by more than 10% this year. Yet performance across the region has been sharply divided, with Thailand and Singapore leading while Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines lag behind. We examine what's driving these differences, the impa
Malaysia’s Tourism Industry Faces Haze Fallout
Malaysia's worsening haze is beginning to affect tourism, with inbound operators reporting cancelled trips, fewer group bookings and growing concerns among overseas travel agents. As unhealthy air quality disrupts outdoor activities and threatens visitor confidence, the industry faces another challenge in meeting its target of 47 million international visitors this year. We examine the financial i
Can the AG Crack the Corporate Mafia?
The government has set up a task force led by the Attorney General to probe alleged “corporate mafia” activity, with a public report promised in three months. It brings together the MACC, police, Bank Negara, the SC and LHDN, though some of these agencies have themselves faced allegations. Can it stay independent, reach politically connected players, and protect minority shareholders who may have
Gaza’s Aid Lifeline Is Shrinking
The World Food Programme is cutting monthly food aid for 500,000 people in Gaza as funding runs dry. A year into the ceasefire, families still depend heavily on aid, and getting supplies in remains a struggle. With the WFP warning it needs US$450 million just to keep critical operations running for six months, who fills the gap? We speak to Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, President of MERCY M
US Midterms: A Battle for Congress
Americans head to the polls on November 3 in midterm elections that will determine control of Congress for the remainder of President Donald Trump's term. With his approval ratings under pressure, rising living costs frustrating voters and Democrats seeking to overturn narrow Republican majorities, both parties face a critical electoral test. We examine the key battleground states, shifting voter
Perikatan Nasional Deregistered and What Happens Next
The Registrar of Societies has deregistered Perikatan Nasional after ruling that the coalition's response to a show-cause notice failed to adequately address the concerns raised. Dr Syaza Shukri, Associate Professor of Political Science at the International Islamic University Malaysia, discusses how this latest development might reshape coalition politics and if it might impact upcoming elections.
Haze: Are Plantation Companies Doing Enough?
Forest and peat fires in Indonesia have once again brought the regional haze crisis into focus, raising questions about the role of plantation companies and the effectiveness of fire prevention efforts. Rashyid Redza Anwarudin, Chief Sustainability Officer of SD Guthrie Bhd, discusses the company's response and what more the palm oil industry can do to prevent recurring fires.Image Credit: Shutter
China's Economy : Booming Exports, Cautious Consumers
China's economy grew 4.5% year-on-year in the third quarter, slightly ahead of expectations. Dig deeper and we see exports remaining a key growth driver, consumer spending is still subdued and the property downturn continues to weigh. Denise Cheok, Assistant Director and Economist at Moody's Analytics, examines China's economic outlook and the policy challenges facing Beijing.Image Credit: Shutter
What's Behind France's Protests
What began as student protests over teacher shortages and deteriorating school facilities has escalated into nationwide unrest, fuelled by anger over the cost of living and public services, leading to rioting and looting. Dr Benjamin Barton, Head of the School of Politics, International Relations & Economics, University of Nottingham Malaysia, shares his insights.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee
Tesla Roadster: RM1 Million to Reserve
Tesla's long-awaited Roadster is finally available for reservation in Malaysia, with deposits reaching more than RM1 million despite production not being expected until 2028. Promising extraordinary acceleration and even the ability to briefly leave the ground, the electric supercar raises questions about Tesla's ability to deliver after years of delays. We examine the financial risks for Malaysia
Malaysia's Exposure To The AI Stock Sell-Off
Malaysia's tech stocks just had a rough week as a global AI sell-off spooked investors. The worry centres on how AI infrastructure is being financed, with CoreWeave's borrowing costs surging and questions mounting over whether debt-funded data centre spending can keep going. If that cycle slows, the question is how hard Malaysia's semiconductor supply chain gets hit, and how fast.Peter Lim, Chief
Indonesia Market Plunge & South Korea's AI Chip Sell-Off
Indonesia's stock market plunged over 11% following an MSCI proposal to downgrade the country to Standalone Market status, alongside markets like Palestine and Lebanon, raising fears of billions in foreign capital outflows ahead of a final decision in June 2027. Meanwhile, South Korea's KOSPI remains under pressure, falling around 11% over the past week despite record earnings from semiconductor h
Asia Faces a Debt and Growth Squeeze
The IMF is warning of mounting global debt, rising borrowing costs and slowing growth across Asia, with the region's expansion forecast to ease from 4.8% this year to 4.4% in 2027. Higher energy prices, tighter financial conditions and uncertainty surrounding the AI investment boom are adding to the risks. We speak to Vishrut Rana, Senior Economist for Asia-Pacific at S&P Global Ratings, about
Breaking Down Malaysia's Latest GDP Numbers
Malaysia's economy grew by a stronger-than-expected 5.3% in July and August, marking its second consecutive quarter of beating forecasts. Felicia Ling, Chief Economist at Hong Leong Investment Bank, discusses the key growth drivers, sectoral challenges and the outlook for economic growth and interest rates, amid current economic challenges.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for
Fitch Ratings On Budget 2027
Budget 2027 trims Malaysia's fiscal deficit target to 3.3% of GDP from 3.6%, but credit rating agencies evaluate more than headline figures. With government debt projected near 74% of GDP in 2027, well above the 57% median for 'BBB'-rated sovereigns, The Morning Run speaks with Kathleen Chen, Associate Director in Fitch Ratings' Sovereigns team, to assess the budget.She breaks down the fiscal leve
Budget 2027: Can Developers Still Build Affordable Homes?
Budget 2027 extends the stamp duty waiver for first-time buyers of homes up to RM500,000, and widens it to cover purchases from abandoned housing projects. Developers have welcomed the incentives, but say rising construction costs, compliance charges and a higher minimum wage threaten to squeeze margins and push prices up. So will these measures actually make homes more affordable, or just cushion
TSMC Record Q3: Profit Surge on AI Chip Demand
TSMC reported another record-breaking quarter driven by relentless demand for AI chips, with Q3 revenue surging 41% year-on-year to US$46.7 billion and net profit margins reaching an extraordinary 51%. The Morning Run team breaks down TSMC’s latest earnings numbers.The conversation examines the massive US$60 billion to US$64 billion capex budget, aggressive global expansion, and production bottlen
Budget 2027: A Boost for SMEs?
Budget 2027 has been dubbed an SME-friendly budget, with RM57 billion in financing and guarantees, lower corporate tax rates and exemptions from the upcoming minimum wage increase. But with smaller businesses facing rising operating costs and tight profit margins, will these measures provide meaningful relief? We hear from Datuk William Ng, National President of SAMENTA, about access to financing,
Should Malaysia Let Refugees Work Legally?
Malaysia is considering allowing registered refugees to work in sectors facing critical labour shortages, potentially offering businesses much-needed workers while giving refugees a legal means of supporting themselves. But previous attempts have faced implementation challenges, and concerns remain over exploitation, job competition and border management. We speak to Joanne Chua, Executive Directo
The Mag 7 Split: Dan Ives on Nvidia, Apple & Tesla
The Magnificent 7 label is cracking. Between 2023 and 2025, these mega-cap tech stocks returned roughly double the S&P 500 and accounted for a third of the index by weight. Today, that unified trajectory has reversed, the group is trailing the broader benchmark and stock performances are diverging, with Nvidia and Apple surging while Tesla remains in negative territory.Dan Ives, Senior Managin
Budget 2027: What More Can Malaysia Do for Its Schools?
Education remains the largest recipient of government spending in Budget 2027, with the Education Ministry allocated nearly RM69 billion, 4% more from 2026. Nina Adlan Disney, Managing Director of LeapEd Services, shares her insights into whether or not Budget 2027 adequately addresses the needs of students and teachers and what more is needed to improve the quality of education in Malaysia.Brough
Whose Heads Should Roll For This Haze!?
Forest and peatland fires in Indonesia continue to damage the environment and send haze across Southeast Asia. A recent report by Greenpeace and Pantau Gambut has identified Malaysian and Singapore-linked companies among the entities connected to the fires. Albert Bansa, Greenpeace Malaysia Environmental Campaigner, takes us through the report.The Morning Brief is brought to you by CIMB Private We
Can Budget 2027 Spending Lift the Construction Sector?
Budget 2027 sets Malaysia’s development expenditure at RM83 billion, a bump up from last year, yet below the 13th Malaysia Plan's annual average.UOB Kay Hian Senior Equity Analyst Jack Goh joins us to evaluate where contract flow actually lands. The conversation dives into the post-election timing of major infrastructure rollouts, the distinct edge Borneo-based contractors hold over peninsular riv
Why Amova Bought AHAM: CEO Weighs In
In June, Amova Asset Management completed its acquisition of AHAM Capital. The Japanese asset manager now controls a business with over RM100 billion in assets under administration.Stefanie Drews, President and CEO of Amova Asset Management Group, joins us to explain why an acquisition in Malaysia made sense over other Asian markets, what role AHAM will play in the group's broader regional strateg
Malaysia's Pension Bill Hits RM45 Billion: What Happens Next?
Malaysia's federal government has successfully narrowed its deficit to 3.6% of GDP, but the revenue-to-GDP ratio has slipped to 16.4%, the lowest in six years. Meanwhile, emoluments and pensions now consume 40% of government spending, retirement charges are climbing toward RM45 billion, and federal debt sits above 65% of GDP with a 60% target two years away.Suhaimi Ilias, Group Chief Economist at
Budget 2027: Are We Spending Enough on Healthcare?
The Health Ministry will receive RM47.7 billion under Budget 2027, with more than 9,000 contract doctors set to be offered permanent positions and a new affordable MediAsas insurance plan due to launch in January. Dr Khor Swee Kheng, CEO of Angsana Health, assesses the budget's healthcare funding priorities, workforce challenges, the affordability of private healthcare and the reforms needed beyon
SC on The Funding Escalator: Bridging the MSME & MTC Capital Gap
Budget 2027 introduced incentives to broaden capital market access for Malaysia’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and mid-tier companies (MTCs), including a RM270 million matching fund allocation for equity crowdfunding (ECF) and peer-to-peer (P2P) platforms. Datin Paduka Azalina Adham, Managing Director of the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC), joins The Morning Run to outline how
US Q3 Earnings Preview: Can AI Justify High Valuations?
With US equities hovering near record highs, attention turns to Q3 earnings expectations for the S&P 500. As valuations remain resilient despite numerous headwinds, William Chang, Senior Client Portfolio Manager at Franklin Equity, joins The Morning Run to evaluate whether corporate earnings can continue to justify today’s lofty valuationsHe examines how AI infrastructure investments, projecte
Budget 2027 : Which Sectors Will Outperform?
Malaysia's stock market has struggled to sustain its gains this year, underperforming several regional peers. Can Budget 2027 provide the catalyst for a recovery? Alexander Chia, Head of Regional Equity Research at RHB Investment Bank, discusses the budget's implications for investors, the outlook for the FBM KLCI and where he sees opportunities in the market.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent S
Budget 2027 Through the Opposition’s Lens
Malaysia’s nearly RM460 billion Budget 2027 promises greater tax relief, higher minimum wages and continued development spending. But how does the opposition assess the government’s economic priorities, and what alternatives would it offer? We speak to PAS assemblyman and Kedah State Executive Councillor Prof. Haim Hilman Abdullah about the budget’s approach to living costs, taxation and wage grow
The Politics of Budget 2027
Budget 2027 comes at a critical juncture for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, following electoral setbacks for Pakatan Harapan and growing calls from within the Unity government for an early general election. Ibrahim Suffian, Co-founder and Programmes Director of Merdeka Center shares his views about the political calculations behind the budget, the government's standing among Malay voters
Budget 2027 Tax: M40 Reliefs, Top Rates & SST
Budget 2027 introduced modest changes to Malaysia's tax landscape, but with the government projecting tax revenue to grow by 5.8% (RM16.3 billion), where will that revenue come from? Sim Kwang Gek, Country Tax Leader at Deloitte Malaysia, joins The Morning Run to unpack the tax adjustments, and how these policy shifts will impact the middle-income group, corporate profits, and the broader tax refo
Budget 2027: Relief for the Rakyat?
Budget 2027 is expected to focus on easing the cost of living and strengthening household incomes, but the government faces limited fiscal room to deliver meaningful relief. With middle-income Malaysians feeling increasingly squeezed, attention is turning to personal income tax reforms, housing affordability, cash transfers and the burden of SST. We speak to tax consultant SM Thanneermalai about w
Malaysia’s Entertainment Industry Wants Tax Reform
With Budget 2027 set to be tabled, Malaysia’s live entertainment industry is calling for more than just additional funding. Industry players want the government to abolish outdated entertainment duties, simplify concert approvals and address inconsistent regulations across states. We speak to Rizal Kamal of ALIFE Malaysia about how these reforms could lower costs for promoters and consumers, attra
What’s Next for China’s Biotech Boom?
The Hang Seng Biotech Index has outperformed the broader market this year, fuelled by a wave of out-licensing deals with Western drugmakers, stronger R&D capabilities and attractive valuations. Eight years after the first biotech listing in Hong Kong, a growing number of these companies are turning profitable and moving from clinical-stage developers into commercial drugmakers. But profitabili
India’s Balancing Act Between Inflation, Oil and a Weak Rupee
The Reserve Bank of India has raised its benchmark repo rate by 25 basis points to 5.5%, its first hike in nearly four years, and signalled that more tightening could follow. Inflation has stayed above the RBI’s 4% target for three straight months, driven by higher oil prices from the Iran war and a weak monsoon, while the rupee hovers near record lows. Yet the economy grew 7.8% in the April to Ju
Sabah's Budget 2027 Wishlist
Sabah got RM6.9 billion in federal development money under Budget 2026. Even so, the Auditor-General found that only four of the 35 Pan Borneo Highway packages in Sabah were finished as of March 2026, and the project's cost has risen by RM1.1 billion to RM19 billion. With 16 of the 29 MA63 issues now resolved and Budget 2027 coming up, the state wants the rest of its 40% revenue entitlement, more
Hollywood’s Mega-Merger Faces an $80 Billion Test
Paramount Skydance has completed its US$110 billion takeover of Warner Bros Discovery, creating a Hollywood giant with franchises including Harry Potter, DC and Game of Thrones. But the combined company faces an enormous US$80 billion debt burden, ambitious cost-cutting targets and declining traditional television audiences. Can Skydance successfully integrate HBO Max and Paramount+, compete with
Malaysia’s Parliament Takes a Step Towards Independence
Malaysia’s Parliamentary Services Act is now in force, with appointments to the new Parliamentary Service Council expected to move forward next week. The reform aims to give Parliament greater control over its staffing, finances and institutional resources, reducing its dependence on the Executive. But how quickly can these changes be implemented, what will they mean for MPs and parliamentary staf
Tourism’s Budget 2027 Wishlist
Malaysia’s tourism industry entered 2026 with ambitious targets and substantial government support, but higher travel costs and geopolitical disruption have weighed on international arrivals. With Budget 2027 approaching and the Visit Malaysia campaign extended into next year, the industry is seeking further support ranging from promotion and infrastructure to tax relief and lower operating costs.
Is Parliament Independent Enough Under the New Act?
34 years after it was repealed, the Parliamentary Services Act came back into force on October 1st, promising to free Parliament's administration from Executive control. But with key details still missing, from how "sufficient funding" is defined to who actually belongs to the parliamentary service, questions remain over whether the legislature has truly gained genuine independence.Wo Chang Xi, Re
Why ASEAN Still Can’t Clear the Haze
More than two decades after ASEAN adopted its transboundary haze agreement, fires in Indonesia are once again affecting air quality across the region, with Sarawak particularly badly hit. Malaysia is pushing for stronger regional coordination, while attention is also turning to the responsibility of companies linked to plantation fires across borders. We examine whether ASEAN’s existing approach h
Budget 2027: What Do Malaysia's Semicons Need?
With Budget 2027 set to be tabled this Friday, Malaysia's semiconductor industry is pushing for bold measures to keep multinational investors expanding and help local suppliers climb the tech ladder. Amid a global race for capital and specialised talent, the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA) has laid out six core priorities.Dato' Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of MSIA, joins The Mo
Brazil’s Right Surges Into the Runoff
Brazil’s presidential election is heading to a second round after Flávio Bolsonaro finished ahead of incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, highlighting the enduring strength of the conservative movement built by his father. The October 25 runoff could have consequences well beyond Brazil, shaping its relationships with the US and China, its role in BRICS, and its approach to trade and climate polic
Staying Ahead of Financial Crime
As financial crime becomes increasingly sophisticated across Southeast Asia, criminal networks are using legitimate businesses, property and financial channels to move illicit funds. Cliff Lim, Director of Risk & Compliance, Southeast Asia at Dow Jones, assesses Malaysia’s AML framework and what more can be done to tackle cross-border financial crime.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.co
Could F1's RM300 Million Price Tag Be Worth the Hype?
Formula 1’s surprise return to Sepang over the weekend delivered high-octane excitement, but behind the spectacle lies a bigger economic question. With hosting fees pegged at over RM300 million, if Malaysia rejoins the F1 calendar, can the event consistently draw the high-spending international tourists Malaysia would need to make this worthwhile?Hannah Pearson, Founder of tourism consultancy Pear
Malaysia Holds Its A-Minus Rating
S&P Global Ratings has affirmed Malaysia’s A-minus sovereign credit rating with a stable outlook, supported by steady economic growth and gradual fiscal consolidation. But the assessment also highlights vulnerabilities, including rising private-sector external borrowing and the risk that elevated oil prices could increase the government’s subsidy burden. We speak to S&P Global Ratings abou
Budget 2027 : What Does Malaysia’s Education System Need?
With Budget 2027 set to be tabled this Friday, education is once again expected to be a major priority. Chan Soon Seng, CEO of Teach For Malaysia, talks about where education spending should be directed, strengthening teachers and school leadership, closing socioeconomic and geographical gaps, and ensuring funding translates into better outcomes.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance
Consumer Stocks and Rising Food Costs
Global food prices have climbed to their highest level in nearly four years, with wheat, sugar, palm oil and other key commodities rising sharply amid weather disruptions and geopolitical tensions. Imran Yassin Yusof, Head of Research at MBSB Research, talks about what’s driving input costs which consumer stocks could emerge as winners or losers.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listene
Where Should Malaysia Spend on Healthcare?
Malaysia allocated RM46.5 billion to the Health Ministry under Budget 2026, but calls are growing for Budget 2027 to tackle deeper structural pressures facing the healthcare system. From an ageing population and workforce shortages to primary care, long-term care and healthcare financing, the challenge is increasingly about how money is spent rather than simply how much. What should the government
Gain Access To Two Exchanges With Just One Application
Companies can now apply to list on both Bursa Malaysia and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with one application and one listing document. The new process puts into effect the dual-listing framework that the Securities Commission Malaysia and Hong Kong's SFC agreed in July. So does this make Bursa more attractive, or do the bigger problems of liquidity, valuations and analyst coverage remain? We speak
China’s Two-Speed Economy Tests Beijing
China is stepping up efforts to revive its economy with lower interest rates, expanded lending and mortgage subsidies aimed at supporting homebuyers. But while manufacturing and exports are showing resilience, domestic demand, investment and the property sector remain weak, leaving the economy increasingly reliant on external demand. Can Beijing’s latest measures restore confidence at home, and wh
Is It Time for Malaysia to Go Nuclear?
Nuclear power often conjures images of Chernobyl, Fukushima, and atomic weapons, but as Malaysia’s energy demand surges, is it time to reconsider nuclear power? Datuk N.K. Tong, Nuclear Energy Advocate, joins The Morning Run to discuss why shifting public perception away from fear and toward facts is crucial for the nation's energy security.Datuk N.K. Tong breaks down why he thinks nuclear is one
Trade Tensions Reshape Asia’s Shipping Routes
US-China trade tensions are redrawing Asia’s shipping map, with container lines shifting capacity towards intra-Asian routes and Southeast Asia handling a growing share of Chinese trade. Malaysia could benefit from rising cargo flows and manufacturing relocation, but tariff changes, vessel oversupply and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz are making the outlook increasingly unpredictable. Can Sout
Getting Paid to Expose Cartels
Cartels and bid-rigging happen behind closed doors, so the people most likely to catch them are insiders. Until now, though, they've had little to gain from speaking up and a job to lose. Amendments to Malaysia's competition laws are set to change that, with stronger protection and rewards for whistleblowers, and they're expected to be gazetted this year. We speak to Datuk Iskandar Ismail, CEO of
ASEAN and Canada Close In on a Trade Deal
ASEAN and Canada are pushing to conclude negotiations on a long-awaited free trade agreement by November, with a deal covering not only tariffs but investment, services, digital trade and regional supply chains. But several ASEAN economies, including Malaysia, already enjoy preferential access to Canada through the CPTPP. What additional opportunities could an ASEAN-wide agreement create, who stan
Does a Permanent F1 Return Make Economic Sense?
How could a single weekend of Formula 1 racing deliver over RM1 billion to Malaysia’s economy? Hong Leong Investment Bank economist Felicia Ling breaks down the numbers.As Sepang steps in to host the rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix during China’s lucrative Golden Week, Malaysia gets a rare, low-risk preview of F1’s revamped commercial power, without footing the usual USD 80 million price tag.Felici
Australia’s Inflation Fight Gets Tougher
The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised interest rates to a 15-year high of 4.60%, its fourth increase this year, as inflation remains stubbornly elevated despite weakening household spending and housing activity. Higher fuel prices and strong construction demand are complicating the central bank’s efforts to bring prices under control, while markets anticipate further tightening. How much more p
Asia’s Markets : Finding Opportunities
Asian equities are having a strong year, but the headline gains mask increasingly divergent performances across the region. Raj Singh, Portfolio Manager at Principal Asset Management, looks at what is driving the differences between China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Southeast Asia, and where he sees investment opportunities amid the AI boom.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener
Malaysia’s Freedom of Information Test
Malaysia’s proposed Freedom of Information Bill is under renewed scrutiny after civil society groups raised concerns over broad exemptions, existing secrecy laws and the effectiveness of its appeals process. A parliamentary townhall has now given stakeholders another opportunity to shape the legislation before it returns to Parliament. What needs to change for the Bill to deliver genuine access to
How Can SMEs Survive Cheap Foreign Sellers?
The explosion of global e-commerce platforms has transformed Malaysian retail, offering consumers unprecedented choice, but also flooding the domestic market with cheap foreign direct sellers. As local SMEs struggle to keep up, Dr. Chin Chee Seong, National President of the SME Association of Malaysia, joins The Morning Run to assess the real impact on domestic businesses.Dr. Chin highlights which
China’s New Canal Reshapes ASEAN Trade
China’s new 134-kilometre Pinglu Canal gives its southwestern provinces a much shorter route to the sea and potentially closer access to Southeast Asian markets. For ASEAN, the waterway could open new opportunities to reach consumers in China’s interior, but it could also deepen a trade imbalance that already heavily favours Beijing. What will determine who benefits from this new trade corridor, a
When Trump Met Xi - Again
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have met twice this year, with the latest talks producing agreements on trade, tariffs and AI. But major disagreements over technology, rare earths and Taiwan remain unresolved. Dr Benjamin Barton of the University of Nottingham Malaysia shares his insights into what the summit tells us about the direction of US-China relations.See omnystu
What's Happening to Malaysia's Freedom of Information Bill?
Malaysia's proposed Freedom of Information Bill has come under scrutiny from civil society groups and Parliament's Special Select Committee is now gathering public feedback. Arief Hamizan, an independent researcher on governance and civic space in Southeast Asia, shares his views on the FOI Bill's scope, exemptions, secrecy provisions and appeals process, and what would make it a meaningful right
Can Budget 2027 Expand Without Breaking Deficit Targets?
As Malaysia approaches Budget 2027 tabling amid pre-election expectations, the government faces a delicate balancing act between expanding fiscal support and maintaining medium-term discipline. Dr Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Chief Economist at Bank Muamalat, joins The Morning Run to evaluate the Madani government’s true fiscal room.Dr Afzanizam examines how the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility
New MyKad: Design Changes, eKYC Snags, & Readiness
Malaysia's redesigned MyKad hit an immediate snag: digital services including Touch 'n Go eWallet, three digital banks, and MyDigitalID all failed to recognise the new card during verification. Amin Ashaari, CEO and Co-Founder of SoyaCincau, joins The Morning Run to discuss the friction surrounding Malaysia’s updated national ID. He breaks down what his team's testing uncovered, where account
Cheaper Green Power for Corporates?
Malaysia has revamped its Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme, or CRESS, the programme that lets businesses buy green electricity straight from renewable energy developers. The changes include lower grid usage fees, a new 10-year power purchase agreement, and a deadline for plants to start operating by end-2028. That could improve developers' margins and meet the green power demand coming fro
Extreme Heat Tests Malaysia’s Poultry Farms
Prolonged hot and dry weather is putting Malaysia’s poultry farms under growing pressure, with heat stress potentially slowing chicken growth, reducing egg production and increasing the cost of keeping birds cool. While extreme temperatures do not automatically mean shortages, more frequent and prolonged heat could test the resilience of the wider food supply chain. How vulnerable is Malaysia’s po
Can Bank Indonesia Steady the Rupiah?
Bank Indonesia has kept its benchmark interest rate at 5.75% for a third consecutive meeting, balancing pressure on the rupiah against the need to support domestic growth. With oil above US$100, elevated US Treasury yields and lingering concerns over Indonesia’s policy direction weighing on investor confidence, the central bank faces a difficult external environment. Can it stabilise the rupiah wi
Melaka Votes: Who Teams Up?
Melaka's state assembly has been dissolved, setting up Malaysia's third state election this year. Barisan Nasional is defending the state after big wins in Johor and Negeri Sembilan, while Pakatan Harapan, which left the state government in July, is talking to Bersatu about a possible "PH Plus" alliance. We speak to Dr Syaza Shukri, Associate Professor of Political Science at International Islamic
Can Plantation Stocks Keep Climbing?
Plantation stocks have beaten the KLCI by almost 20 per cent this year, helped by higher CPO prices and better June-quarter earnings. But palm oil exports are slowing and El Nino is shaping up to be the strongest on record, so can the rally last? We speak to Nadia Subhan, Research Analyst at Affin Hwang Investment Bank, about the second-quarter results, her CPO price forecasts for 2026 and 2027, a
Is Europe Facing a Second China Shock?
Europe’s trade deficit with China has surpassed €1 billion a day, fuelling concerns that growing Chinese competition could accelerate the erosion of Europe’s industrial base. While the pressure is particularly visible in the automotive sector, Brussels argues the challenge is spreading across manufacturing and has promised to use its trade-policy tools to respond. With an October deadline approach
Rethinking Malaysia’s 30% Bumiputera Equity Policy
The Education Ministry’s decision to remove the 30% Bumiputera equity requirement for private educational institutions under its purview has reignited a much broader debate over Malaysia’s Bumiputera economic policies. Dr Lee Hwok-Aun, Senior Fellow with the Malaysian Studies Programme at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, takes a look at this five-decade-old policy.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omn
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Zonkuliah
《漫聊马来西亚》
Pagi On Point
Kamar Remang: Podcast Kisah Seram
哈哈SHOW
