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

Malaysia’s healthcare system is under mounting pressure as rising utilisation, rather than pricing, drives medical cost inflation. With hospitals nearing capacity and policymakers balancing expansion against reform, how can the system improve efficiency, manage costs, and ensure sustainable access to care amid growing demand?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s healthcare system is under mounting pressure as rising utilisation, rather than pricing, drives medical cost inflation. With hospitals nearing capacity and policymakers balancing expansion against reform, how can the system improve efficiency, manage costs, and ensure sustainable access to care amid growing demand? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s Healthcare System Under Growing Pressure

The UAE’s decision to leave OPEC marks a significant shift in the global oil landscape, raising questions about the cartel’s ability to coordinate supply and stabilise prices. As geopolitical tensions persist and new producers gain ground, what does this mean for OPEC’s future role, and how might the UAE reshape its oil strategy in the years ahead?



Image Credit: Shutterstock

The UAE’s decision to leave OPEC marks a significant shift in the global oil landscape, raising questions about the cartel’s ability to coordinate supply and stabilise prices. As geopolitical tensions persist and new producers gain ground, what does this mean for OPEC’s future role, and how might the UAE reshape its oil strategy in the years ahead?Image Credit: Shutterstock

UAE Exit Puts OPEC’s Influence to the Test

The Bank of Japan has kept interest rates unchanged at 0.75%, but markets are looking at a growing split within the policy board, rising inflation forecasts, and a weaker growth outlook, all pointing to an increasingly complex policy dilemma. Stefan Angrick, Head of Japan and Frontier Economic at Moody’s Analytics shares his insights.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

The Bank of Japan has kept interest rates unchanged at 0.75%, but markets are looking at a growing split within the policy board, rising inflation forecasts, and a weaker growth outlook, all pointing to an increasingly complex policy dilemma. Stefan Angrick, Head of Japan and Frontier Economic at Moody’s Analytics shares his insights.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Mixed Picture for Southeast Asian Banks 2026

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