Sweden and Finland have ended decades of neutrality after submitting their applications to join NATO, however, in a plot twist, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his disapproval to allow Sweden and Finland to join NATO because of their stances on Kurdish militants. Dr. Bernard Loo, Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University breaks down the details for us.

Sweden and Finland have ended decades of neutrality after submitting their applications to join NATO, however, in a plot twist, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his disapproval to allow Sweden and Finland to join NATO because of their stances on Kurdish militants. Dr. Bernard Loo, Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University breaks down the details for us.

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

Turkey Intends To Block NATO Membership For Sweden and Finland

Morning Brief - Sep 9, 2026

Nearly 3,000 flights have been disrupted and more than 340,000 passengers affected, after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau caused widespread disruption to Indonesia’s aviation network. Although several airports have reopened, the situation highlights the wider risks volcanic eruptions can pose to air travel across Southeast Asia.With Malaysia connected to many regional routes, could continued volcanic activity affect our flights or airspace, and what measures are in place to manage the risk?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Nearly 3,000 flights have been disrupted and more than 340,000 passengers affected, after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau caused widespread disruption to Indonesia’s aviation network. Although several airports have reopened, the situation highlights the wider risks volcanic eruptions can pose to air travel across Southeast Asia.With Malaysia connected to many regional routes, could continued volcanic activity affect our flights or airspace, and what measures are in place to manage the risk? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Aviation Disruption: Anak Krakatau’s Impact on Malaysia

Malaysia is reportedly considering Huawei’s AI chips for a RM2 billion national data initiative, despite US warnings over the use of advanced Chinese technology. The decision could test Malaysia’s long-standing strategy of balancing relations with Washington and Beijing, particularly as its booming data-centre industry remains heavily connected to American technology. Would embracing Huawei give Malaysia greater technological sovereignty, or risk retaliation from the US and deeper dependence on China’s AI ecosystem?


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia is reportedly considering Huawei’s AI chips for a RM2 billion national data initiative, despite US warnings over the use of advanced Chinese technology. The decision could test Malaysia’s long-standing strategy of balancing relations with Washington and Beijing, particularly as its booming data-centre industry remains heavily connected to American technology. Would embracing Huawei give Malaysia greater technological sovereignty, or risk retaliation from the US and deeper dependence on China’s AI ecosystem? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Turkey Intends To Block NATO Membership For Sweden and Finland

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