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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

11:26

Sanae Takachi Bets on a Snap Election

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/14

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi plans to dissolve parliament next week, triggering a national election for all 465 seats, her first since taking office.The ruling party says details will be announced on Monday, with polling expected in February. The move comes as Japan enters a key policy period, with budget discussions underway and continued pressure on the yen. Markets have already begun reacting. To help us understand what’s unfolding and what to watch next, we speak to William Pesek,

en-US

10:48

UMNO: Di Persimpangan Dilema

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/14

As UMNO convenes its long-delayed general assembly, Malaysia’s oldest political party faces critical questions about its role within the unity government and its identity ahead of GE16. Adib Zalkapli, Managing Director, Viewfinder Global Affairs, shares his insights on what discussions will dominate at this year's gathering, and who stands to gain in the months ahead.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee

en-US

8:55

Will 2026 Be a Repeat for 2025 for Markets?

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/14

Global markets are kicking off 2026 with record highs, shrugging off economic and political uncertainties. Gains in Japan and China, alongside surging silver and gold, have investors questioning whether this rally can be sustained. For analysis, we speak with Aidan YAO, Senior Investment Strategist, Asia, Amundi.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

11:03

The New Rules for Expats & Its Impacts

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/14

From June 2026, Malaysia is doubling the minimum salary thresholds for Employment Passes, reshaping eligibility, renewals, and the ability for expatriates to bring their families. Andy Davison of the Expat Group Media unpacks what this means for employers, foreign talent, and Malaysia’s competitiveness in the region.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

10:40

What Malaysia’s Judiciary Needs Next

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/13

Malaysia’s court system is under mounting pressure with criminal cases surging more than 60% and yet the country has just 147 superior court judges serving a population of 36 million, far below global benchmarks. Constitutional lawyer Lim Wei Jiet talks about the impact of judge shortages and whether Malaysia’s courts can realistically catch up.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy

en-US

11:47

Singapore Property Outlook, A little Spotty

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/13

Singapore’s property market ended 2025 with price growth in the private residential segment moderating but what is the outlook for 2026? Will commercial property and also REITs be positively impacted by lower interest rates and stronger economic growth? Ken Foong, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence gives us his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

14:13

Putrajaya's App-solute Solution to Streamline Digital...

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/13

The Malaysian government has been pushing to streamline its digital services, this time hoping that its MyDigital ID can do that job, serving as a single hub where users can access multiple government services with one login. Amin Ashaari, CEO and Co-Founder of SoyaCincau, talks about the practical aspects of these ambitions.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

8:45

IJM- Sunway, the New Construction Powerhouse

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/12

After much speculation, Sunway Bhd will acquire rival IJM in a cash and share deal worth over RM11 billion. We ask Royce Tan, Senior Analyst, MBSB Research, if the deal is synergistic or value accretive, and what this means for the construction sector. We also ask him for his broad views on the sector and his top buy ideas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

9:41

Grok and the Question of Regulating Generative AI

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/12

The Elon Musk-backed chatbot Grok is under global scrutiny after being linked to the generation of sexualised and non-consensual images, including of minors, resulting in Malaysia and Indonesia imposing temporary blocks. Dr Benjamin Loh, Course Director, Bachelor of Digital Media & Communication at Monash University, shares his perspective.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

12:05

Analysing Iran’s Deadliest Unrest in Years

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/12

Iran is facing some of its deadliest unrest in years, with security forces reportedly using live ammunition against protesters, hundreds killed, and thousands detained. Washington has also weighed in, even suggesting military intervention. Dr James Dorsey of the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies gives his take on what might happen in the coming days.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

11:12

What’s Next For Malaysian Education?

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/12

There's news that the Education Ministry plans to bring back the UPSR and PT3 exams, as they unveil Malaysia's Education Blueprint that will shape learning up to 2036. Shahnaz Al-Sadat, Chairperson of LeapEd Services, shares her views on these assessments making a comeback as well as what meaningful education reform should look like going forward.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

11:41

Zahid Hamidi's DNAA Sets A Negative Precedent

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/11

The Attorney-General’s Chambers has decided that no further action is required following the discharge not amounting to an acquittal in the Yayasan Akalbudi case involving Umno President and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. Ragunath Kesavan, Former President of the Malaysian Bar Council, provides insight into the AGC’s decision.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

10:37

Malaysia's Struggles To Keep Up With Rising Energy...

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/11

Electricity demand in Malaysia is rising, but changes in the energy mix are moving more slowly. Coal’s share has gone up, gas is expected to matter more only after 2030. At the same time, data centres are adding pressure and regional power sharing is back on the agenda. So is Malaysia ready for these changes? We’ll tap Cheah Wai Seng, Energy, Resources and Industrials Leader at Deloitte Malaysia, for his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

11:02

Will PN Be Able To Name Muhyiddin's Replacement?

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/11

Over the weekend, PAS president Abdul Hadi Awang has called for an urgent Perikatan Nasional supreme council meeting, following the recent resignation of Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin as PN chair. That’s not the only meeting that’s happening as UMNO’s General Assembly is set to begin on Wednesday - what outcomes can we expect from these events? Dr. Azmi Hassan, Senior Fellow, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research will be sharing his thoughts with us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee

en-US

8:47

Johor Property Remains Robust Amid Worries In KL Market

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/11

Johor’s property market is booming, with residential transactions reaching RM9.9 billion ringgit in the first half of 2025. Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur’s office market is under pressure, as new developments add supply and older buildings struggle to attract tenants. For insights on how these shifts are shaping Malaysia’s property market, we speak with Sulaiman Saheh, Director of Research & Consultancy Services at Rahim & Co.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly

en-US

22:28

Trade Opportunities to Accelerate with EU-MY FTA Deal

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/08

Malaysia is set to strengthen its economic ties with Europe as the long-awaited Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement nears completion this year. But with neighbouring countries also vying for the same FDI, can Malaysia do enough to stand out? We speak with Donal Crotty, Chairman of Eurocham MalaysiaImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

11:56

Singapore Economy Going from Strength to Strength

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/08

Singapore closed 2025 on a strong note - advance estimates show the economy expanded 4.8% for the full year, beating the government’s earlier forecast of around 4% and marking the fastest pace of growth since 2021. We ask Selena Ling, Chief Economist, OCBC Bank if Singapore can sustain that pace of growth into 2026, amid ongoing trade, policy and geopolitical uncertainties.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

10:54

Multi-pronged Approach Needed to Tackle Cost of Living

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/08

A month from now, all Malaysian adults will receive the next 100 ringgit under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, or Sara, initiative. We speak with Economist Dr. Geoffrey Williams on the cost of living and whether government schemes such as Sara and Budi95 have helped alleviate the burden.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

10:32

China, Japan and the Taiwan Factor

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/07

Tensions between China and Japan continue to heat up following Tokyo's comments about Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own province. Chong Ja Ian, Associate Professor at the Department of Political Science of the National University of Singapore, shares his perspectives on the latest posturing from China.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

11:59

Challenges Remains For The Auto Sector In 2026

Morning Brief ·

2026/01/07

2025 was a mixed year for the auto sector in Asia Pacific, despite growth in China, Japan and India with cost challenges and intense competition. Joanna Chen, Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence tells us what her expectations are for this sector in 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

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