South Korea’s economy is on a tear, powered by surging semiconductor exports, strong AI-related demand and one of Asia’s best-performing equity markets this year. The Bank of Korea has also upgraded its 2026 growth and inflation forecasts. Ho Woei Chen, Economist & Senior Vice President at UOB Group, shares her outlook for this Asian powerhouse.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

South Korea’s economy is on a tear, powered by surging semiconductor exports, strong AI-related demand and one of Asia’s best-performing equity markets this year. The Bank of Korea has also upgraded its 2026 growth and inflation forecasts. Ho Woei Chen, Economist &amp; Senior Vice President at UOB Group, shares her outlook for this Asian powerhouse. Image Credit: Shutterstock

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

South Korea's Economy: How Strong Is It Really?

Kuala Lumpur is positioning itself as a major live entertainment destination in Asia, with a packed calendar of international concerts expected to draw hundreds of thousands of fans this year. But as demand accelerates, the industry is also running up against structural constraints, from venue shortages and ageing infrastructure to logistical bottlenecks and rising operational pressures. As competition intensifies with cities like Singapore and Bangkok, what will it take for Kuala Lumpur to build a more competitive and sustainable live entertainment ecosystem capable of supporting the next phase of regional growth?



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Kuala Lumpur is positioning itself as a major live entertainment destination in Asia, with a packed calendar of international concerts expected to draw hundreds of thousands of fans this year. But as demand accelerates, the industry is also running up against structural constraints, from venue shortages and ageing infrastructure to logistical bottlenecks and rising operational pressures. As competition intensifies with cities like Singapore and Bangkok, what will it take for Kuala Lumpur to build a more competitive and sustainable live entertainment ecosystem capable of supporting the next phase of regional growth?Image Credit: Shutterstock

Can Kuala Lumpur Sustain Its Concert Boom?

Malaysia’s labour market is sending increasingly mixed signals, with more than 7,000 workers reportedly losing their jobs in April even as employers continue struggling to fill vacancies across key sectors. The concentration of retrenchments in urban centres like Selangor and Kuala Lumpur is raising questions about rising business costs, workforce readiness, and whether the country is facing a temporary slowdown or a deeper structural shift in employment. As policymakers push retraining and digital transition programmes, how prepared is Malaysia’s labour market for the changes already unfolding across industries and what reforms are most urgently needed to prevent longer-term economic scarring?


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s labour market is sending increasingly mixed signals, with more than 7,000 workers reportedly losing their jobs in April even as employers continue struggling to fill vacancies across key sectors. The concentration of retrenchments in urban centres like Selangor and Kuala Lumpur is raising questions about rising business costs, workforce readiness, and whether the country is facing a temporary slowdown or a deeper structural shift in employment. As policymakers push retraining and digital transition programmes, how prepared is Malaysia’s labour market for the changes already unfolding across industries and what reforms are most urgently needed to prevent longer-term economic scarring? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Are Malaysia’s Job Losses a Warning Sign of Deeper Labour Market Strain?

Malaysia’s political landscape appears to be entering another phase of fragmentation and realignment ahead of GE16, with tensions within Perikatan Nasional and the emergence of new political parties at the expense of Pakatan Harapan. Dr Wong Chin Huat, a political scientist at Sunway University analyses the current situation for us.



Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s political landscape appears to be entering another phase of fragmentation and realignment ahead of GE16, with tensions within Perikatan Nasional and the emergence of new political parties at the expense of Pakatan Harapan. Dr Wong Chin Huat, a political scientist at Sunway University analyses the current situation for us.Image Credit: Shutterstock

South Korea's Economy: How Strong Is It Really?

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