Morning Brief

• Although officials across the world - including those in Malaysia - have revised downward their economic growth targets for 2025, Tourism Malaysia aims for an even higher number of visitor arrivals to our country this year. To discuss the outlook for the local tourism sector in 2025 amid the US tariffs, we’ll be speaking with Nigel Wong, President of The Malaysian Association of Tour & Travel Agents (MATTA).

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• With Singaporeans heading to the polls tomorrow, the upcoming election marks a significant moment in the country’s political journey. It will be the first major test for newly minted Prime Minister Lawrence Wong amidst a more fluid and unpredictable voter landscape emerging, over concerns of inflation, housing and a demand for diverse political voices. To unpack this, we’re joined by Dr Mustafa Izzuddin of the National University of Singapore.

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The number of HIV infections among young people in Malaysia is steadily increasing, with 44% of new cases in individuals aged 20 to 29 and 4% in school students aged 13 to 19. This alarming rise calls for urgent action. Steps must be taken to reverse this trend and safeguard the future of Malaysia’s youth. Dr. Rabiathul Badariah Bazeer Ahmed, a volunteer with PT Foundations and HIV activist, shares her insights on the matter.

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Malaysia’s inflation eased to 1.8% in 2024, but food prices climbed 2.5% due to rising costs of staples like rice and meat. As blanket subsidies are phased out, policymakers must weigh targeted support against market pricing. Dr Amjad Rabi explores the policy trade-offs ahead.

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A massive power outage hit large areas of Spain and Portugal, as well as parts of southern France on Monday. While officials have yet to disclose the exact cause of the power cuts, this comes as experts warn of an oversupply of renewable energy putting pressure on the region’s power grid. So how do we strengthen our grid infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for clean energy? We discuss this with Dr Renato Lima de Oliveira, Associate Professor at Asia School of Business.

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Malaysia’s expanded SST, expected to generate RM5 billion in revenue, has been delayed to June 1 amid industry pushback. With implementation details still unclear, the delay adds pressure to fiscal consolidation efforts and highlights rising operational and market challenges facing tax reform execution. Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, Senior Adviser on Tax Policy, KPMG and Adjunct Professor at Monash University joins us to share his insights and broader outlook.

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Former central banker Mark Carney has led the Liberals to an unexpected victory in Canada's federal election, unseating key Conservative figures and reshaping the political landscape. Dr Cristine de Clercy of Trent University helps us unpack the results, rising nationalism, and what lies ahead for Canada.

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US President Donald Trump's first 100 days into his second term has been marked by his aggressive policy moves, political battles, and global ramifications. Bryan DeAngelis of the Penta Group shares his perspectives.

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With elections just around the corner in Singapore and the Philippines, foreign interference is making headlines. From PAS-linked figures in Singapore to Chinese disinformation campaigns in the Philippines, how will these external influences impact the political landscape? We are going to discuss this with Dr. Benjamin Loh, Course Director for the Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication at Monash University Malaysia.

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Australia is expected to hold its federal election this Saturday, with opinion polls indicating a tight race between the ruling Labor Party and the opposition Liberal-National Coalition. Parties have been campaigning since late March in an effort to secure at least 76 seats for a majority in the 150-seat House of Representatives. Helping us unpack what to expect at the polls down south is Dr. Paul Williams, Associate Professor of Politics and Journalism at Griffith University.

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