The tariff deadline for US tariffs has just passed and with many countries not having a trade deal, what impact does that have on Asia's economy? Tommy Xie, Head of Asia Macro Research, OCBC Bank gives us his perspective and what is the reason for the US dollar to appreciate of late.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

The tariff deadline for US tariffs has just passed and with many countries not having a trade deal, what impact does that have on Asia's economy? Tommy Xie, Head of Asia Macro Research, OCBC Bank gives us his perspective and what is the reason for the US dollar to appreciate&nbsp;of&nbsp;late. Image Credit: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Shutterstock.com">Shutterstock.com</a>

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.

Opinion and analysis of today&rsquo;s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Morning Brief

A Flurry Of Last Minute Trade Deals 

The defeat of the Prime Minister’s term-limit bill failed in Parliament last week has cast doubts on the Madani government’s commitment to pass much needed institutional reforms. What are the lessons learned from this debacle and what does this mean for other more controversial reform initiatives? We hear from Thomas Fann, co-founder of the civil society group Projek SAMA on why reform efforts must continue.



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Image Credit: Shutterstock

The defeat of the Prime Minister’s term-limit bill failed in Parliament last week has cast doubts on the Madani government’s commitment to pass much needed institutional reforms. What are the lessons learned from this debacle and what does this mean for other more controversial reform initiatives? We hear from Thomas Fann, co-founder of the civil society group Projek SAMA on why reform efforts must continue.The First Look is brought to you by HLB Priority. We know what your real priorities are.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Urgent Reforms Needed Before GE16

All eyes were on the political elite of China as they convened for the annual Two Sessions meetings last week. The 2026 growth target was set at 4.5 to 5 percent and Beijing also underlined a renewed push into AI and strategic industries. What does this signal about the trajectory of China’s economy? We discuss the economic, political and geopolitical implications with Dr. Pradeep Taneja from the University of Melbourne.

All eyes were on the political elite of China as they convened for the annual Two Sessions meetings last week. The 2026 growth target was set at 4.5 to 5 percent and Beijing also underlined a renewed push into AI and strategic industries. What does this signal about the trajectory of China’s economy? We discuss the economic, political and geopolitical implications with Dr. Pradeep Taneja from the University of Melbourne.

China Contends with Multiple Challenges

After reaping the rewards of a “higher for longer” interest rate environment over the past few years, the banking sector is facing new headwinds as lower benchmark rates and competitive pricing squeeze lending margins. How are the big three Singapore banks navigating this new landscape? We check in with Sarah Jane Mahmud, Senior Industry Analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence for the Singapore banking sector outlook in 2026.

After reaping the rewards of a “higher for longer” interest rate environment over the past few years, the banking sector is facing new headwinds as lower benchmark rates and competitive pricing squeeze lending margins. How are the big three Singapore banks navigating this new landscape? We check in with Sarah Jane Mahmud, Senior Industry Analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence for the Singapore banking sector outlook in 2026.

A Flurry Of Last Minute Trade Deals

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