Aluminum prices have surged to about 2,800 US dollars a ton since April, a 3-year high. What is driving prices and will this rally  continue in 2026? For some insight into this metal, we speak to Michelle Leung, Head of Asia Metals & Mining, Bloomberg Intelligence



Image Credit: Shutterstock.com 

Aluminum prices have surged to about 2,800 US dollars a ton since April, a 3-year high. What is driving prices and will this rally continue in 2026? For some insight into this metal, we speak to Michelle Leung, Head of Asia Metals &amp; Mining, Bloomberg&nbsp;IntelligenceImage Credit: Shutterstock.com

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

Aluminum Markets in a State of Flux

Marking its 25th anniversary, the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) continues to draw regional leaders including Singapore’s prime minister, though this year’s forum was notable for the absence of top-tier Chinese leadership. Discussions centred on growth in a more uncertain world, deeper regional integration, and China’s Hainan Free Trade Port, alongside supply chains and South China Sea tensions. So after 25 years, does the BFA still matter and what signals should Asia be paying attention to?



Image Credit: Shutterstock. 

Marking its 25th anniversary, the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) continues to draw regional leaders including Singapore’s prime minister, though this year’s forum was notable for the absence of top-tier Chinese leadership. Discussions centred on growth in a more uncertain world, deeper regional integration, and China’s Hainan Free Trade Port, alongside supply chains and South China Sea tensions. So after 25 years, does the BFA still matter and what signals should Asia be paying attention to?Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Does the Boao Forum Still Matter? 

Bank Negara Malaysia’s latest reports show an economy entering 2026 with solid momentum, but facing rising external risks from geopolitical tensions, higher oil prices, and trade disruptions. With growth projected at 4% to 5%, how sustainable is this outlook amid inflation pressures, subsidy burdens, and global uncertainty, and what does it mean for the ringgit and monetary policy ahead?

Bank Negara Malaysia’s latest reports show an economy entering 2026 with solid momentum, but facing rising external risks from geopolitical tensions, higher oil prices, and trade disruptions. With growth projected at 4% to 5%, how sustainable is this outlook amid inflation pressures, subsidy burdens, and global uncertainty, and what does it mean for the ringgit and monetary policy ahead?

Malaysia’s Economy at a Crossroads: Growth vs Global Risks

A fatal crash in Klang has reignited concerns over Malaysia’s road safety crisis, with over 6,500 deaths in 2025 and motorcyclists accounting for the majority of fatalities. As authorities consider tougher penalties, including financial reparations and harsher criminal charges, will stricter enforcement finally change behaviour, or are deeper systemic and cultural shifts needed to make Malaysian roads safer?

A fatal crash in Klang has reignited concerns over Malaysia’s road safety crisis, with over 6,500 deaths in 2025 and motorcyclists accounting for the majority of fatalities. As authorities consider tougher penalties, including financial reparations and harsher criminal charges, will stricter enforcement finally change behaviour, or are deeper systemic and cultural shifts needed to make Malaysian roads safer?

Aluminum Markets in a State of Flux

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