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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.

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All Episodes

13:20

Big Education Budget But To What Ends?

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/15

Similar to previous years, the education sector is the biggest beneficiary under Budget 2026 with a headline allocation of RM66 billion. But are funds being channelled to address the structural issues that plague our education system? We get reactions to the education budget with Dr. Wan Chang Da of Taylor’s University.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance LifeImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

11:09

More Transparency on Defense Spending Needed

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/15

The Ministry of Defence was allocated RM21.7 billion ringgit, a 3% increase from last year. How far will this funding go in enhancing Malaysia’s defence capabilities and safeguarding national security? We get insights from Marhalim Abas, Freelance Writer On Defence and National Security Issues. Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance LifeImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

9:07

Trump’s High-Stakes Trade Gamble Unlikely to Pay Off

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/15

The U.S. and China have been trading blows this week over cooking oil, soybeans and renewed tariff threats, a confrontation that could have serious repercussions for the global economy. Dr. Deborah K. Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation, believes Trump’s gamble that Xi will back down is unlikely to pay off.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

9:41

School Safety Under Scrutiny

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/15

A string of headlines highlighting bullying, physical violence, and even murder in schools has shaken public confidence in the safety of our education system. Are our national schools truly equipped to protect their students? We explore the policies and frameworks necessary to ensure that every child can learn in a safe environment, with Alina Amir, CEO & Co-founder of Arus Academy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

9:21

Is Bersatu Imploding?

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/14

Bersatu ranks have been shaken by the expulsion of key leaders, including Tasek Gelugor MP Datuk Saiful Wan Jan and four division chiefs, as well as the suspension of Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fahysal for one term. What does this mean for party unity and also the Perikatan Nasional coalition? Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director of Merdeka Centre, shares insights on this political fallout.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

10:47

China's EV Market at Inflexion Point

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/14

China’s EV companies are seeing slowdowns in their sales domestically, even though their numbers are positive overseas. What’s causing this downturn in the sector at home, and what is its outlook in the coming months? Joanna Chen, Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence shares her insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

7:51

Budget 2026: More Misses Than Hits

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/13

Business writer Pankaj C. Kumar says the lack of substantive tax reforms and the continued rise in debt service charges are among the key issues Budget 2026 fails to address. He also highlights other missed opportunities in the latest budget tabled by the Madani government.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

13:01

Budget 2026: Healthcare Initiatives a Positive Step...

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/13

The government’s 40% increase in doctors’ and dentists’ on-call allowances under Budget 2026 is long overdue, says Dr. Khor Swee Kheng, CEO of Angsana Health and Public Policy Specialist. He provides an in-depth analysis of the key healthcare initiatives introduced in the budget and their potential impact on the sector.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

9:34

Breakthrough in Gaza, but Palestine in Limbo

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/13

Two years after the events on October 7th, the remaining Israeli captives have been released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and detainees under phase 1 of President Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza. But is the hardest part still to come in securing lasting peace and independence for Palestine? We discuss this with Dr. James Dorsey of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

9:13

East Malaysia Infrastructure Boost in Budget 2026

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/13

East Malaysia took center stage in Budget 2026, with Sabah receiving RM6.9 billion ringgit and Sarawak RM6 billion ringgit in record allocations. But is this enough to address the region’s development challenges? Dr. Saizal Pinjaman of Universiti Malaysia Sabah weighs in.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

9:03

Tax Revenue Up But No New Taxes?

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/12

The government is targeting RM270 billion in tax revenue next year, but with no new taxes introduced, can this be achieved?Sim Kwang Gek,Country Tax Leader at Deloitte Malaysia tells us her perspective whilst also weighing in on incentives to help businesses and also the goodies for the rakyat.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

9:58

Budget 2026: Balancing Growth and Fiscal Discipline

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/12

Budget 2026 marks the first under the 13th Malaysia Plan and possibly the last before the next general election. With spending rising to RM419 billion and the deficit narrowing slightly to 3.5% of GDP, can Malaysia strike the right balance between fiscal discipline and growth? Dr Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Bank Muamalat's Chief Economist shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

8:50

Budget 2026: A Boost for SMEs?

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/12

Budget 2026 has been lauded as a positive and pragmatic plan for Malaysia’s small and medium enterprises, with billions channelled toward financing guarantees, microloans, digitalisation, and export expansion. Chin Chee Seong, President of the SME Association of Malaysia, unpacks he opportunities and challenges for SMEs under this fourth MADANI Budget.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

10:27

Budget 2026 for F&B: Tackling Rising Costs in...

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/09

Malaysia’s F&B sector is facing mounting cost pressures from higher wages, ingredient prices, and the expanded 8% SST. Will Budget 2026 deliver the relief the industry needs? Patrick Sim, Council Member of the Food & Beverage Division at the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), shares his insights on what measures he hopes to see in the upcoming budget.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

en-US

11:05

Trump Pushes Limits of Presidential Power

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/09

This week President Donald Trump has deployed National Guard troops to Chicago in response to rising protests against immigration enforcement actions by federal authorities. How far can Trump push the limits of his Presidential office? We discuss the potential scenarios with Dr. Kathryn Robison of the United States Studies Centre under the University of Sydney.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

10:25

Insurance Industry Grapples with Inflation and...

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/09

Antony Lee, Deputy Chairman of the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM), explains the factors contributing to higher repair costs for electric vehicles and their implications for long-term ownership and insurance premiums. He also highlights how medical costs are rising faster than insurance premiums.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

9:32

Construction, A Budget 2026 Winner?

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/09

Malaysia’s construction sector has had a standout year so far. More than RM126 billion worth of contracts have already been awarded year-to-date. Will 2026 Budget see the rollout of more projects? Chong Tjen San, Director, CGS International gives us his view and also his top stock picks.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

9:52

Whole Government Approach Needed For Elderly Welfare

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/08

The government has launched the Elderly Action Plan 2026–2030 to improve care and support for senior citizens across Malaysia. With life expectancy now at 76, up from 63, fifty years ago, how prepared are we to meet the needs of our ageing population? We speak with Delren Douglas, President, Association for Residential Aged Care Operators of Malaysia (AGECOPE).Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

10:17

Keir Starmer's Charm Offensive in India

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/08

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is visiting India this week to build upon the free trade agreement secured between London and New Delhi in July. How might geopolitics shape the nature of UK-India relations in the future? We discuss expectations with Dr. Benjamin Barton of the University of Nottingham Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

10:32

Chip Players Seek Talent Push in Budget 2026

Morning Brief ·

2025/10/08

The semiconductor sector makes up 70% of Malaysia’s total E&E exports accounting for nearly RM440 billion ringgit in 2024. With the threat of US tariffs still looming, can Budget 2026 provide measures to fortify the Malaysian semiconductor industry to weather economic storms? We discuss Budget 2026 expectations with Andrew Chan, Executive Director of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee

en-US

5,468 results

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