Malaysia’s Healthcare System Under Growing Pressure

Malaysia’s healthcare system is under mounting pressure as rising utilisation, rather than pricing, drives medical cost inflation. With hospitals nearing capacity and policymakers balancing expansion against reform, how can the system improve efficiency, manage costs, and ensure sustainable access …

UAE Exit Puts OPEC’s Influence to the Test

The UAE’s decision to leave OPEC marks a significant shift in the global oil landscape, raising questions about the cartel’s ability to coordinate supply and stabilise prices. As geopolitical tensions persist and new producers gain ground, what does this mean for OPEC’s future role, and how might t…

Bank of Japan on Pause: What Comes Next?

The Bank of Japan has kept interest rates unchanged at 0.75%, but markets are looking at a growing split within the policy board, rising inflation forecasts, and a weaker growth outlook, all pointing to an increasingly complex policy dilemma. Stefan Angrick, Head of Japan and Frontier Economic at M…

Negeri Sembilan: Will Polls Be Triggered?

Since UMNO’s withdrawal of support for the Menteri Besar the party has sent mixed signals about the way forward, first signaling that it would cooperate with Perikatan National’s 5 ADUNS but subsequently backpedaling on that position. Without a coherent opposition in the 36 seat Assembly the Chief …

Malaysia and EU Edge Closer to a Trade Deal

Malaysia and the European Union have revived long-stalled free trade negotiations, with both sides signalling renewed momentum after more than a decade. As talks advance amid familiar sticking points like palm oil and new challenges such as carbon-related standards, what will determine whether a de…

Can Singapore Thrive in a Less Globalised World?

Singapore's economy grew 4.6% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, showing steady resilience despite a moderate cooling from the previous quarter's expansion. This performance sets the stage for the Singapore Briefing 2026 report, which examines how the nation navigates a shifting global land…

Negeri Sembilan: A Crisis With National Implications?

The state’s Pakatan Harapan Menteri Besar says he is staying put with the blessings of the Palace, following a dramatic 24 hours. With Barisan Nasional out, the problem is he leads a minority government. For context, over the last week the state has been rocked by an open rift in the ruling aristo…

MACC: What a Genuine Reset Requires?

The appointment of former High Court judge, Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Aman as the new Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief, effective on May thirteenth, comes at the end of Tan Sri Azam Baki’s extended tenure, which had been clouded by controversy. Following the consent from the Yang Di-Pertuan …

Kospi at Record Highs, Can the Rally Last?

South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI has surged nearly 60% this year, hitting record highs and emerging as one of the world’s top-performing markets. Marvin Chen, Senior Asia Equity Strategist at Bloomberg Intelligence talks about how a rebound in semiconductors and renewed foreign inflows is driving this…

Ukraine War: Escalation, Stand-off Or Peace?

The European Union’s massive €90 billion loan for Ukraine is finally unblocked. Formal approval came last Thursday, ending months of deadlock between the grouping and Hungary. Unlike previous aid, this package is designed for a long fight, with the bulk of the money going directly into Ukraine’s d…