Morning Brief

The National Assembly of Vietnam approved the government’s 2025 economic plan with total central budget revenue being set at over US$39.4 billion, with the goal of of helping one of Asia’s fastest growing economies to hit 7-7.5% growth. However, is incoming President Donald Trump with his tariff plans an obstacle to this goal and how should the Vietnamese government navigate this new world order? Dr Nguyen Khac Giang, Visiting Fellow, Vietnam Studies Programme, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute gives us his perspective.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year’s Singles’ Day was said to be the biggest yet, as financial data from China’s e-commerce giants showed strong sales growth. Independent tracker Syntun estimated that transactions across all platforms in the weeks leading up to November 11th rose by nearly 27%. So, has consumer sentiment improved, or are people just waiting for this once-a-year discount? We review the data with Catherine Lim, Senior Industry Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence.

Image Credit: shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The biggest event on the climate change agenda, COP29, is taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan over the next two weeks. What are the policy priorities that Malaysia is pushing for on this platform, and what international support is needed for us to achieve the national targets that we’ve set for ourselves? We hear from Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Education Ministry is looking to improve the Reproductive and Social Health Education (PEERS) module to be implemented in 2027, in response to the rise in teen pregnancy. What would an effective and meaningful syllabus look like? Sex educator June Low weighs in.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been more revelations over the alleged corruption dealings involving Sabahan politicians and business interests this week. With the state elections due within the next year, how will these developments affect the political landscape in Sabah? We discuss this with Dr Oh Ei Sun, Principal Adviser, Pacific Research Centre.

Image Credit: shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President-elect Donald Trump has wasted no time appointing his Cabinet with people to execute his “America First” policies. With less than 70 days to build out his team before Inauguration Day on January 20th, we examine those appointments with Dr Kathryn Robison, Lecturer in American Studies, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is looking to finalise a code of conduct for social media platforms that sets out the rules for the license regime that's due to kick in on 1 January 2025. Does the code provide sufficient clarity for platforms? We discuss the implications of the regulatory regime with Dr. Benjamin Loh of Taylor's University.

Image Credit: shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much progress can Malaysia make on the long-stalled Code of Conduct on the South China Sea during its ASEAN Chairmanship? We discuss this and how a Trump presidency could affect regional security dynamics with Dr. Rahman Yaacob, Research Fellow with the Lowy Centre.

Image Credit: shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysiakini has been reporting on an anonymous whistleblower who has video evidence allegedly showing discussions between a businessman and various state assemblymen about bribes for a project licence. The whistleblower has also asked for a written guarantee from the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission for immunity from prosecution. Ramkarpal Singh, the former Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department and the current MP for Bukit Gelugor, shares his thoughts on this development.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya is considering using nuclear energy as a power source for the country in the future, as part of the efforts towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Work is already ongoing to develop a legal and regulatory framework to govern the use of nuclear energy. Dr Nahrul Khair Alang Rashid, Professor of Nuclear Engineering Programme at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, gives us some context into what lies ahead for Malaysia's nuclear ambition.

Image Credit: shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.