One of the persistent economic themes this year has been the shortage of foreign workers in key sectors such as plantations, construction and services. Why have bottlenecks persisted despite agreements signed with source countries? We discuss ways to alleviate the labour shortage with political economist Khor Yu Leng.


Image credit: Hafiz Johari / Shutterstock.com

One of the persistent economic themes this year has been the shortage of foreign workers in key sectors such as plantations, construction and services. Why have bottlenecks persisted despite agreements signed with source countries? We discuss ways to alleviate the labour shortage with political economist Khor Yu Leng. Image credit: Hafiz Johari / <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

Strengthen Labour Rights, Cut The Red Tape For Foreign Workers

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

The Straits Times Index Hit All Time High, New Growth Drivers Ahead

Malaysia's Cross-Border Insolvency Act 2026 came into force on 28 August, giving the country a dedicated framework for insolvency cases where the debtor, the assets and the creditors sit in different jurisdictions. It's based on a UN model law adopted internationally more than two decades ago — so the obvious question is what took so long. The government says it strengthens legal certainty, protects creditors and supports business rescue rather than liquidation. We speak to Dato' Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister of Law & Institutional Reform, on what changes for businesses and whether this makes Malaysia a credible regional restructuring hub.



*Image taken at BFM Studio on 6 July 2026.

Malaysia's Cross-Border Insolvency Act 2026 came into force on 28 August, giving the country a dedicated framework for insolvency cases where the debtor, the assets and the creditors sit in different jurisdictions. It's based on a UN model law adopted internationally more than two decades ago — so the obvious question is what took so long. The government says it strengthens legal certainty, protects creditors and supports business rescue rather than liquidation. We speak to Dato' Seri Azalina Othman Said, Minister of Law &amp; Institutional Reform, on what changes for businesses and whether this makes Malaysia a credible regional restructuring hub.*Image taken at BFM Studio on 6 July 2026.

Malaysia Finally Has A Cross-Border Insolvency Law

The Election Commission has unveiled its proposed boundary maps for Sarawak, following the State Assembly’s decision to expand from 82 to 99 constituencies. While officially aimed at improving voter representation, redelineation exercises often spark debates over gerrymandering, malapportionment, and political advantage.

Dr. Wong Chin Huat, Political Scientist at Sunway University and co-founder of Project SAMA, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to share his analysis of how these new boundary proposals reshape power dynamics and what voters should scrutinise before the objection window closes.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

The Election Commission has unveiled its proposed boundary maps for Sarawak, following the State Assembly’s decision to expand from 82 to 99 constituencies. While officially aimed at improving voter representation, redelineation exercises often spark debates over gerrymandering, malapportionment, and political advantage.Dr. Wong Chin Huat, Political Scientist at Sunway University and co-founder of Project SAMA, joins BFM’s Morning Brief to share his analysis of how these new boundary proposals reshape power dynamics and what voters should scrutinise before the objection window closes. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Strengthen Labour Rights, Cut The Red Tape For Foreign Workers

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