As the Iran conflict pushes Brent crude past US$100 a barrel, crude palm oil prices have also surged, reigniting the energy premium for the global vegetable oil market. Alvin Tai, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence also talks about the implications for Indonesia’s biodiesel transition, supply-side risks, fertiliser costs, and what this means for CPO prices in 2026.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

As the Iran conflict pushes Brent crude past US$100 a barrel, crude palm oil prices have also surged, reigniting the energy premium for the global vegetable oil market. Alvin Tai, an analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence also talks about the implications for Indonesia’s biodiesel transition, supply-side risks, fertiliser costs, and what this means for CPO prices in 2026. Image Credit: Shutterstock

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

CPO in the Face of Energy Shocks

Malaysia’s flagship Battersea Power Station investment is back under scrutiny as a whistleblower lawsuit raises allegations of financial misreporting and opaque governance. With claims of “circular” structures and billions in rental guarantees involving public funds, how much risk are Malaysian institutions carrying, and what does this controversy mean for accountability, returns, and the integrity of the country’s GLCs?



Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Malaysia’s flagship Battersea Power Station investment is back under scrutiny as a whistleblower lawsuit raises allegations of financial misreporting and opaque governance. With claims of “circular” structures and billions in rental guarantees involving public funds, how much risk are Malaysian institutions carrying, and what does this controversy mean for accountability, returns, and the integrity of the country’s GLCs?Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Battersea Exposed: Prestige or Public Liability?

Five years into the war, Ukraine faces a shifting global landscape as attention turns to the Middle East and Western support becomes less certain. With Kyiv expanding strikes into Russia, courting new partners in the Gulf, and navigating divisions within Europe, how is Ukraine sustaining its war effort and strategic relevance in an increasingly crowded geopolitical arena?



Image Credit: Shutterstock. 

Five years into the war, Ukraine faces a shifting global landscape as attention turns to the Middle East and Western support becomes less certain. With Kyiv expanding strikes into Russia, courting new partners in the Gulf, and navigating divisions within Europe, how is Ukraine sustaining its war effort and strategic relevance in an increasingly crowded geopolitical arena?Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Ukraine at Five: War, Fatigue and a Fight for Relevance

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.

CPO in the Face of Energy Shocks

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