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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 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.Image 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.Image 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.Image 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.Image 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.
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.
Now that Sabah's state election is out of the way and the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor is in charge, the state's claim to a 40% special grant of federal revenue is back in focus. Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser at the Pacific Research Centre, share his views on the new administration's priorities going forward.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Malaysia is about to see a significant shift in how online platforms are regulated. Under the Online Safety Act, global platforms with large Malaysian user bases such as WhatsApp, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube will now fall clearly under Malaysian law. CF Fong, Founder and CEO of LGMS Berhad gives us an update on the Act and the impact it will have.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Following the recent mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, questions have been asked about how strict are Australia’s gun controls. Professor Andrew Hemming, Associate Professor in Law at the University of Southern Queensland, walks us through the current regulatory landscape and explains how Australian politicians might act next.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Yesterday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad reaffirmed that a full ban on vape and e-cigarettes might happen as early as mid-2026, with implementation happening in phases. Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy gives us his thoughts on this move, and whether there might be unintended consequences as a result.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.
Asean equities are a tale of two halves with Singapore and Indonesia outperforming and Thailand and Philippines languishing while Malaysia is sandwiched in between. We speak to Khoo Hsien Liang, Senior Portfolio Manager at AHAM Capital as to the economic outlook of this bloc and which markets will do better in 2026.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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