The US and Venezuela have struck a sweeping oil agreement that could eventually unlock greater access to some of the world’s largest crude reserves, while Caracas is reportedly considering leaving OPEC. The developments come as renewed US-Iran hostilities are once again threatening global energy supplies and pushing oil-market risks higher. Could Venezuelan production ultimately help contain prices, what would an OPEC exit mean for the producers’ group, and is Brent crude once again heading towards US$100 a barrel?

The US and Venezuela have struck a sweeping oil agreement that could eventually unlock greater access to some of the world’s largest crude reserves, while Caracas is reportedly considering leaving OPEC. The developments come as renewed US-Iran hostilities are once again threatening global energy supplies and pushing oil-market risks higher. Could Venezuelan production ultimately help contain prices, what would an OPEC exit mean for the producers’ group, and is Brent crude once again heading towards US$100 a barrel?

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

Is Venezuela About to Reshape Oil Markets?

Morning Brief - Sep 9, 2026

Nearly 3,000 flights have been disrupted and more than 340,000 passengers affected, after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau caused widespread disruption to Indonesia’s aviation network. Although several airports have reopened, the situation highlights the wider risks volcanic eruptions can pose to air travel across Southeast Asia.With Malaysia connected to many regional routes, could continued volcanic activity affect our flights or airspace, and what measures are in place to manage the risk?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Nearly 3,000 flights have been disrupted and more than 340,000 passengers affected, after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau caused widespread disruption to Indonesia’s aviation network. Although several airports have reopened, the situation highlights the wider risks volcanic eruptions can pose to air travel across Southeast Asia.With Malaysia connected to many regional routes, could continued volcanic activity affect our flights or airspace, and what measures are in place to manage the risk? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Aviation Disruption: Anak Krakatau’s Impact on Malaysia

Malaysia is reportedly considering Huawei’s AI chips for a RM2 billion national data initiative, despite US warnings over the use of advanced Chinese technology. The decision could test Malaysia’s long-standing strategy of balancing relations with Washington and Beijing, particularly as its booming data-centre industry remains heavily connected to American technology. Would embracing Huawei give Malaysia greater technological sovereignty, or risk retaliation from the US and deeper dependence on China’s AI ecosystem?


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia is reportedly considering Huawei’s AI chips for a RM2 billion national data initiative, despite US warnings over the use of advanced Chinese technology. The decision could test Malaysia’s long-standing strategy of balancing relations with Washington and Beijing, particularly as its booming data-centre industry remains heavily connected to American technology. Would embracing Huawei give Malaysia greater technological sovereignty, or risk retaliation from the US and deeper dependence on China’s AI ecosystem? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Is Venezuela About to Reshape Oil Markets?

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