Singapore’s economy grew by 4.3% year-on-year in Q2 2025, beating expectations and avoiding a technical recession. 

The rebound was driven by strong manufacturing and services performance but are there downside risks to growth for the rest of the year? Selena Ling, Chief Economist, OCBC Bank gives us her perspective whilst weighing in on whether Singapore economic model is at risk with the threat of tariffs.



Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Singapore’s economy grew by 4.3% year-on-year in Q2 2025, beating expectations and avoiding a technical recession.&nbsp;The rebound was driven by strong manufacturing and services performance but are there downside risks to growth for the rest of the year? Selena Ling, Chief Economist, OCBC Bank gives us her perspective whilst weighing in on whether Singapore economic model is at risk with the threat of tariffs.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

Singapore's GDP Surprises On The Upside 

Rising global oil prices, driven by ongoing Middle East tensions, threaten to push Malaysia’s RON95 fuel above the current subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre. How will this impact consumers at the pump and the operations of petrol dealers? We speak with Dato’ Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz, President, Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) on how the industry is navigating the uncertainty.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Rising global oil prices, driven by ongoing Middle East tensions, threaten to push Malaysia’s RON95 fuel above the current subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre. How will this impact consumers at the pump and the operations of petrol dealers? We speak with Dato’ Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz, President, Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) on how the industry is navigating the uncertainty.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Higher Oil Prices Squeeze Petrol Dealer Margins

Police questioning of an academic and a civil society leader has triggered debate about academic freedom and civic space in Malaysia. What protections exist for scholars and NGOs speaking on governance and public interest issues? We explore the legal framework with Zaid Malek, Executive Director of Lawyers for Liberty.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Police questioning of an academic and a civil society leader has triggered debate about academic freedom and civic space in Malaysia. What protections exist for scholars and NGOs speaking on governance and public interest issues? We explore the legal framework with Zaid Malek, Executive Director of Lawyers for Liberty.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Policing Dissent: Testing Academic Freedom and Civic Space Limits

Rising global oil prices are putting governments under renewed fiscal pressure. For Malaysia, the challenge is complex. While the country exports energy, it also spends heavily on fuel subsidies and public sector costs. As policymakers look for ways to manage spending, even measures like work from home for civil servants are being considered. How much fiscal room does the government really have? We discuss this with economist Dr Geoffrey Williams.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Rising global oil prices are putting governments under renewed fiscal pressure. For Malaysia, the challenge is complex. While the country exports energy, it also spends heavily on fuel subsidies and public sector costs. As policymakers look for ways to manage spending, even measures like work from home for civil servants are being considered. How much fiscal room does the government really have? We discuss this with economist Dr Geoffrey Williams.Image Credit: Shutterstock

Singapore's GDP Surprises On The Upside

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