A month from now, all Malaysian adults will receive the next 100 ringgit under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, or Sara, initiative. We speak with Economist Dr. Geoffrey Williams on the cost of living  and whether government schemes such as Sara and Budi95 have helped alleviate the burden.



This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly Emirates



Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

A month from now, all Malaysian adults will receive the next 100 ringgit under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah, or Sara, initiative. We speak with Economist Dr. Geoffrey Williams on the cost of living and whether government schemes such as Sara and Budi95 have helped alleviate the burden.This episode of The First Look was brought to you by Emirates. Fly better, fly EmiratesImage Credit: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://Shutterstock.com">Shutterstock.com</a>

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

Multi-pronged Approach Needed to Tackle Cost of Living

Market volatility, geopolitical uncertainty and changing interest rates are reshaping how affluent Malaysians think about their money, with greater emphasis on diversification, resilience and preserving wealth rather than simply maximising returns. Younger investors are also bringing different expectations around technology, AI and sustainable wealth creation, while families face increasingly important questions about succession. How is wealth management evolving, and are Malaysians doing enough to prepare for the transfer of wealth between generations?

Click here to find out more about CIMB Private Wealth.

Market volatility, geopolitical uncertainty and changing interest rates are reshaping how affluent Malaysians think about their money, with greater emphasis on diversification, resilience and preserving wealth rather than simply maximising returns. Younger investors are also bringing different expectations around technology, AI and sustainable wealth creation, while families face increasingly important questions about succession. How is wealth management evolving, and are Malaysians doing enough to prepare for the transfer of wealth between generations?Click <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cimbprivatewealth.com.my/en/home.html?cid=a1:pv_a2:segment_a3:pwbfm26_a4:220726_a5:afl_a6:sptfy_a7:v1_a8:ian">here</a> to find out more about CIMB Private Wealth.

How Are Malaysia’s Wealthy Investing Differently?

Xi Jinping’s first state visit to Egypt in a decade comes as China seeks a larger role in a Middle East transformed by the Iran war, the Gaza conflict and growing uncertainty over US influence. With Egypt controlling the strategically vital Suez Canal, deepening economic ties with Beijing and even expanding military cooperation, the relationship increasingly extends beyond trade. Is Cairo simply hedging between the world’s two superpowers, or is China positioning itself as a genuine alternative diplomatic and security partner for the region?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Xi Jinping’s first state visit to Egypt in a decade comes as China seeks a larger role in a Middle East transformed by the Iran war, the Gaza conflict and growing uncertainty over US influence. With Egypt controlling the strategically vital Suez Canal, deepening economic ties with Beijing and even expanding military cooperation, the relationship increasingly extends beyond trade. Is Cairo simply hedging between the world’s two superpowers, or is China positioning itself as a genuine alternative diplomatic and security partner for the region? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Is China Rewriting the Middle East Order?

The Straits Times Index hit an all-time high in August and is up 23 per cent year-to-date. But the second-quarter earnings season showed the market's engine has changed — the old story of domestic consumption and property has given way to wealth, regionalisation and AI-linked infrastructure. Financial services posted resilient earnings and still saw the biggest outflow of any sector, at $1.42 billion. We speak to Geoff Howie, Market Strategist at the Singapore Stock Exchange, on what's driving the rally and whether 17.5 times earnings is still worth paying.


Image Credit: Shutterstock

The Straits Times Index hit an all-time high in August and is up 23 per cent year-to-date. But the second-quarter earnings season showed the market's engine has changed — the old story of domestic consumption and property has given way to wealth, regionalisation and AI-linked infrastructure. Financial services posted resilient earnings and still saw the biggest outflow of any sector, at $1.42 billion. We speak to Geoff Howie, Market Strategist at the Singapore Stock Exchange, on what's driving the rally and whether 17.5 times earnings is still worth paying. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Multi-pronged Approach Needed to Tackle Cost of Living

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