Malaysia’s ‘Sekolah Angkat Madani’ initiative aims to have corporate and GLC partners adopt 500 public schools, guided by the Ministry of Education. As stakeholders push for clear frameworks that balance values and expertise, Shahnaz Al-Sadat, Chairperson of LeapEd Services, shares her insights on its potential impact.

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What does Israel gain from reneging on the ceasefire deal with Hamas brokered by US President Donald Trump? We discuss the developments in the war in Gaza with Prof. Amin Saikal of the Australian National University.

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This week, the Jakarta equity market experienced a sharp correction, down by 7% at one point. This is driven in part over the economic concerns over a budget deficit and weakening Rupiah. We speak to Brian Lee, an economist from Maybank Investment Banking Group about why the central bank decided to keep rates unchanged and what is his outlook for Indonesia's GDP.

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The proposed Urban Renewal Act continues to spark debate. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reassures homeowners they’ll receive upgraded properties, fair compensation, and living support. Advocates, like Sim Tze Tzin, see it as a lifeline for the urban poor, citing the Mahsuri project. Yet, critics warn of potential land grabs. Will this Act truly drive equitable redevelopment and economic growth? Discussing this topic is Dr. Consilz Tan, Research Fellow at Centre for Market Education.

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Last November, the Defence Ministry scrapped its Black Hawk helicopter lease deal after the contractor failed to meet delivery deadlines. Now, the government is retendering the project, keeping the original terms—a five-year lease for four helicopters worth RM200 million. What does this indicate about Malaysian defense procurement and the accountability process? Giving us some clarity and insight is Marhalim Abas, a freelance writer on defense & national security issues.

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In a highly contested DAP election, the results have reshaped its Central Executive Committee (CEC). Among the notable changes, two Malay leaders - Bangi MP Syahredzan was appointed as one of the party’s four vice-chairmen, while Bentong MP Young Syefura was named assistant publicity secretary. Their election signals a shift in the party’s leadership, alongside the departure of Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng from the party’s chairmanship.

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On Sunday, Beijing launched a “Special Action Plan” to boost domestic consumption in a bid to reverse weak confidence and deflationary pressures. How impactful is the latest stimulus plan in light of the growing risks of the global trade war? We get analysis from Heron Lim, Economist with Moody’s Analytics.

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Electoral reform group Bersih is calling for a two-term limit on the Prime Minister’s tenure, requiring a constitutional amendment and two-thirds parliamentary support. A similar 2019 proposal failed. Now, with PM Anwar Ibrahim’s cautious backing, the debate resurfaces—raising questions on bipartisan support, and the prospects for institutional reform. Will this drive reform or hit familiar roadblocks? Bersih Chairman Faisal Aziz shares his insights.

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Over the last 25 years, the price of bullion has risen tenfold, outperforming the US S&P 500 benchmark, which only quadrupled over the same period. With gold hitting a new all time high above USD3000 does this rally still have legs?

Christopher Wong, FX Strategist at OCBC tells us.

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The Government is ramping up STEM education, setting an ambitious target of 70% enrolment in boarding schools to build a tech-savvy workforce. While participation has risen to 50%, it remains below the 60:40 STEM-to-arts ratio set decades ago. Dr Mas Sahidayana Mokhtar examines key challenges, from teacher training and curriculum quality to industry alignment, that must be addressed for lasting impact.

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