Political analyst Andrea Chloe Wong discusses the Philippines’ national elections, where nearly 68 million Filipinos will vote in a new leader on May 9th. We discuss the prospects of the frontrunner candidates, including  Ferdinand Marcos Jr, fondly known as Bong Bong, and current Vice President Leni Robredo, as well as other names in the fray such as former boxer and senator Manny Pacquiao. Image credit: EPA-EFE

Political analyst Andrea Chloe Wong discusses the Philippines’ national elections, where nearly 68 million Filipinos will vote in a new leader on May 9th. We discuss the prospects of the frontrunner candidates, including&nbsp; Ferdinand Marcos Jr, fondly known as Bong Bong, and current Vice President Leni Robredo, as well as other names in the fray such as former boxer and senator Manny Pacquiao. Image credit: EPA-EFE

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

In Philippines Polls, Bong Bong Marcos Has Early Lead

Malaysia’s automotive sector posted another strong month of growth in April, driven by new model launches and resilient consumer demand. But with targeted fuel subsidy reforms, tighter EV import rules, and rising global supply chain risks beginning to reshape the industry, how sustainable is the current momentum, and what challenges could define the outlook for the rest of 2026?


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s automotive sector posted another strong month of growth in April, driven by new model launches and resilient consumer demand. But with targeted fuel subsidy reforms, tighter EV import rules, and rising global supply chain risks beginning to reshape the industry, how sustainable is the current momentum, and what challenges could define the outlook for the rest of 2026? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Can Malaysia’s Auto Sales Momentum Hold Up?

Iran has submitted a revised 14-point peace proposal to the US amid ongoing threats of military escalation and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. With Tehran offering limited nuclear concessions while demanding sanctions relief and an end to the naval blockade, how serious is this attempt at de-escalation, and what would the failure of these talks mean for global energy markets, regional stability, and economies across ASEAN?



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Iran has submitted a revised 14-point peace proposal to the US amid ongoing threats of military escalation and rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. With Tehran offering limited nuclear concessions while demanding sanctions relief and an end to the naval blockade, how serious is this attempt at de-escalation, and what would the failure of these talks mean for global energy markets, regional stability, and economies across ASEAN?Image Credit: Shutterstock

Can Iran’s New Peace Plan Prevent a Wider War?

Malaysia is seeking more than RM1 billion in compensation after Norway revoked an export licence for a key naval missile system despite most of the contract already being paid. As defence supply chains become increasingly shaped by geopolitics and strategic alliances, what does this dispute reveal about the risks of long-term military procurement and the need for ASEAN countries to rethink defence partnerships and self-reliance?



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia is seeking more than RM1 billion in compensation after Norway revoked an export licence for a key naval missile system despite most of the contract already being paid. As defence supply chains become increasingly shaped by geopolitics and strategic alliances, what does this dispute reveal about the risks of long-term military procurement and the need for ASEAN countries to rethink defence partnerships and self-reliance?Image Credit: Shutterstock

In Philippines Polls, Bong Bong Marcos Has Early Lead

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