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

Morning Brief - Sep 17, 2026

For decades, Kota Kinabalu Central Market has been where locals buy fresh fish and produce, and where tourists go to see the city's market culture up close. Now the Sabah government is thinking about moving it out of the city centre. That could change things for the traders who depend on it and for the tourism it brings in. We speak to Dr. Saizal Pinjaman, Director of the Centre for Economic Development and Policy at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, about what the move could mean.


Image Credit: Shutterstock

For decades, Kota Kinabalu Central Market has been where locals buy fresh fish and produce, and where tourists go to see the city's market culture up close. Now the Sabah government is thinking about moving it out of the city centre. That could change things for the traders who depend on it and for the tourism it brings in. We speak to Dr. Saizal Pinjaman, Director of the Centre for Economic Development and Policy at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, about what the move could mean. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Should Kota Kinabalu Central Market Move?

Japan has revised its second-quarter growth figures upwards, with business spending holding up despite high fuel prices. The better numbers have raised expectations that the Bank of Japan will raise interest rates on 18th September 2026, a day after the Fed raised its own. That could squeeze household budgets and company profits just as the economy was finding its feet. We speak to Naomi Fink, Chief Global Strategist and Chief Economist at Amova Asset Management, about what this means for Japan in the second half of the year.


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Japan has revised its second-quarter growth figures upwards, with business spending holding up despite high fuel prices. The better numbers have raised expectations that the Bank of Japan will raise interest rates on 18th September 2026, a day after the Fed raised its own. That could squeeze household budgets and company profits just as the economy was finding its feet. We speak to Naomi Fink, Chief Global Strategist and Chief Economist at Amova Asset Management, about what this means for Japan in the second half of the year. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Morning Brief - Sep 17, 2026

In 1 playlist(s)

Morning Brief

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips