ASEAN economies are contending with various external headwinds. As we head into the second half of the year, the 90-day pause on US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs is set to expire, amid escalating geopolitical tensions and a potential war in the Middle East. We’ll be speaking with Lavanya Venkateswaran, Senior ASEAN Economist at OCBC, about how these developments are shaping the outlook for Southeast Asian economies.




Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

<ul><li>ASEAN economies are contending with various external headwinds. As we head into the second half of the year, the 90-day pause on US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs is set to expire, amid escalating geopolitical tensions and a potential war in the Middle East. We’ll be speaking with Lavanya Venkateswaran, Senior ASEAN Economist at OCBC, about how these developments are shaping the outlook for Southeast Asian economies.</li><li></li></ul>Image 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

ASEAN Economies At Global Crosswinds

The mass expulsion of former Bersatu Deputy President Dato' Sri Hamzah Zainuddin and 16 other members has triggered uproar and mass resignations among the party grassroots. What options are the exiled members considering to maintain political relevance? We hear from Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fahysal on the fallout and his next steps.




Image Credit: Bernama

The mass expulsion of former Bersatu Deputy President Dato' Sri Hamzah Zainuddin and 16 other members has triggered uproar and mass resignations among the party grassroots. What options are the exiled members considering to maintain political relevance? We hear from Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fahysal on the fallout and his next steps. Image Credit: Bernama

Ex-Bersatu Members Mull New Home

Malaysia’s retail sector ended 2025 on a stronger note,  with growth picking up in December. However, what is the outlook for 2026? Damien Yeo, Senior Consumer & Retail Analyst, BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions gives us their house view and the catalysts for this sector.




Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Malaysia’s retail sector ended 2025 on a stronger note,&nbsp; with growth picking up in December. However, what is the outlook for 2026? Damien Yeo, Senior Consumer &amp; Retail Analyst, BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions gives us their house view and the catalysts for this sector. Image Credit: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Shutterstock.com">Shutterstock.com</a>

Malaysia's Retail Sector Remains Robust 

The survival of Bersatu is in question after the expulsion of prominent leaders last week, including heir apparent Dato' Sri Hamzah Zainudin. Who then will succeed Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as party leader? We discuss Bersatu's future with Dr. Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia.



This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.



Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

The survival of Bersatu is in question after the expulsion of prominent leaders last week, including heir apparent Dato' Sri Hamzah Zainudin. Who then will succeed Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin as party leader? We discuss Bersatu's future with Dr. Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates.Image Credit: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Shutterstock.com">Shutterstock.com</a>

ASEAN Economies At Global Crosswinds

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