We’re taking a closer look at how Southeast Asian banks are positioned heading into 2026, a year shaped by shifting interest-rate expectations, uneven economic momentum across the region, and evolving credit-market conditions. To help us break down what this means, we’re joined by Rena Kwok, Senior Credit Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence



Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

<ul><li>We’re taking a closer look at how Southeast Asian banks are positioned heading into 2026, a year shaped by shifting interest-rate expectations, uneven economic momentum across the region, and evolving credit-market conditions. To help us break down what this means, we’re joined by Rena Kwok, Senior Credit Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence</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

Mixed Picture for Southeast Asian Banks 2026

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is sending shockwaves through global supply chains, sharply raising the cost of energy and petrochemical-derived raw materials. As a result, Malaysia’s rubber glove industry, which produces nearly 45% of the world’s supply, is facing heightened pressure. Surging prices for butadiene, a key component of nitrile latex, have climbed nearly 70% since the crisis began, disrupting production schedules and export commitments. How can the rubber glove sector maintain competitiveness in an increasingly volatile global market? And what measures can Malaysian glove makers take to strengthen supply-chain resilience?



Image Credit: Shutterstock

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is sending shockwaves through global supply chains, sharply raising the cost of energy and petrochemical-derived raw materials. As a result, Malaysia’s rubber glove industry, which produces nearly 45% of the world’s supply, is facing heightened pressure. Surging prices for butadiene, a key component of nitrile latex, have climbed nearly 70% since the crisis began, disrupting production schedules and export commitments. How can the rubber glove sector maintain competitiveness in an increasingly volatile global market? And what measures can Malaysian glove makers take to strengthen supply-chain resilience?Image Credit: Shutterstock

Rubber Glove Manufacturers Brace For Uncertainty

The World Bank Group is projecting economic growth for Malaysia this year coming in at 4.4%, slower than the robust 2025, where real GDP outperformed expectations at 5.2%. Dr Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Chief Economist, Bank Muamalat, discusses this latest 2026 Malaysia Economic Monitor.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

The World Bank Group is projecting economic growth for Malaysia this year coming in at 4.4%, slower than the robust 2025, where real GDP outperformed expectations at 5.2%. Dr Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, Chief Economist, Bank Muamalat, discusses this latest 2026 Malaysia Economic Monitor.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s Economy in a Shifting World

After nearly a year of deflation, Thailand’s headline inflation is edging back toward positive territory. Sathit Talaengsatya, an economist at UOB Thailand, shares perspectives on how price pressures are being driven by energy and selected food items, while core inflation remains subdued, potentially pointing to weak underlying demand.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

After nearly a year of deflation, Thailand’s headline inflation is edging back toward positive territory. Sathit Talaengsatya, an economist at UOB Thailand, shares perspectives on how price pressures are being driven by energy and selected food items, while core inflation remains subdued, potentially pointing to weak underlying demand.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Mixed Picture for Southeast Asian Banks 2026

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