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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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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 Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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 brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.comSee 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.comSee 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 Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.comSee 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.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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.comSee 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 by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday, the High Court rejected former Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Razak’s bid for house arrest, ruling the royal decree invalid. Could this mark the end of his political influence, and does he have other legal options? We’ll discuss this matter with Independent Business Writer, P. Gunasegaram.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.
Indian equities continue to command attention. The Nifty 50 is up more than ten percent year to date, even as global investors grapple with slower growth, trade tensions, and rising focus on currency risk. What lies beneath this resilience, and what does it mean for Indian equities as we look toward 2026. We explore these questions with Pramod Amthe, Head of Institutional Equity Research at InCred Capital.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Malaysia’s retail industry grew faster than expected in the third quarter of 2025, expanding almost 5% on a y-o-y basis, significantly exceeding the projected growth rate of 2.6%. Could this momentum carry over into 2026? We’ll be getting an outlook for the sector from Michael Liew, Secretary-General, Malaysia Retail Chain Association.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border have escalated beyond a familiar bilateral dispute, drawing renewed regional and international attention. Bunn Nagara, Director & Senior Fellow at the Renaissance Strategic Research Institute, examines why the conflict matters now, what is truly at stake for Southeast Asia, and what mediation might look like.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.
As the world’s second-largest producer, palm oil remains a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economy and its most important cash crop. But despite that importance, prices have struggled to find clear direction in 2025. What then is the outlook for 2026 and which planters have a better earnings profile. Alvin Tai, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence tells us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Shipping companies in 2025 had to navigate geopolitical disruption, tighter environmental rules and uncertainty over future fuel choices. All of which reshaped trade flows and operating costs. Kenneth Loh, Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence tells us if the outlook of 2026 will continue to be as challenging.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kuala Lumpur is entering a critical phase, with a new Federal Territories Minister, a new Mayor, and a long-term vision like the KL Structure Plan 2040 in place. Cha-ly Koh, founder and CEO of UrbanMetry, talks about whether this moment represents a true reset for KL or whether the city remains locked into past decisions.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.
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