Morning Brief

The Urban Renewal Bill promises faster redevelopment of ageing and unsafe buildings by lowering the consent threshold for property owners. Supporters say it’s a much-needed catalyst for urban regeneration, while critics warn it could open the door to abuse, displacement, and gentrification. Theebalakshmi Kunasekaran of the Khazanah Research Institute discusses the implications of the URA.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thailand’s most influential political dynasty is once again under pressure. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has just been acquitted of lese majeste charges, while his daughter, current PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, faces trial over a leaked conversation with Cambodia’s Senate President that has inflamed border tensions. Dr Michael Montesano of the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute discusses the Thai political situation and its impact on the country's economy.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara Malaysia has introduced major enhancements to its Claims Settlement Practices Policy Document, aimed at simplifying procedures, improving service standards, and accelerating approvals for motor insurance claims. Lailatul Akma, Deputy Director, Consumer & Market Conduct Department, Bank Negara Malaysia explains how these changes can help Malaysian consumers.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The procurement of defence assets such as helicopters and warships has come under scrutiny following recent corruption scandals. Marhalim Abas, a freelance writer on defence and national security issues, stresses that strong political will is essential to ensure transparency and credibility in the country’s defence acquisitions.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FGV Holdings Bhd, a commercial arm of Felda, will be delisted from Bursa Malaysia this Thursday. This comes more than 13 years after its initial public offering (IPO) in 2012. What led up to this delisting, and what needs to be done for FGV to emerge from this as a better entity? We discuss this with Khor Yu Leng, Economist, Segi Enam Advisers.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The summit between South Korea’s President Lee and U.S. President Trump resulted in a wave of corporate investments in the United States, alongside Seoul’s agreement to purchase 103 Boeing jets. Dr. Hoo Chiew Ping, Co-Founder of the East Asian International Relations Caucus, discusses the broader implications of the summit and its impact on South Korea’s economy.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is planning to offer incentives to property developers who adopt the "build-then-sell" policy, with the aim of eliminating abandoned projects by 2030. Dr Consilz Tan, Research Fellow at the Centre for Market Education, shares her views on what might make this work and who it ultimately benefits more : developers or buyers.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Geetha Ranganathan, Senior Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, highlights that streaming giants Disney, Paramount, and Warner Bros. Discovery are starting to see results from their focus on sports and cost discipline. While earnings have improved, these companies are banking on bold bets to secure future revenue

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gig workers in Malaysia will soon gain access to labour rights previously reserved for formal employees under the proposed Gig Workers Bill 2025. The bill covers a wide range of roles including photographers, freelance journalists, care workers and sign language interpreters. Calvin Cheng, Director of Economics, Trade and Regional Integration at the Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), highlights the key provisions and implications of the bill.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia enters aged-nation status, the 13th Malaysia Plan introduces the National Ageing Blueprint, recognising long-term care as a national strategy for the first time. Chai Sen Tyng, Senior Research Officer at Universiti Putra Malaysia's Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (myAgeing), shares his insights into these latest developments for Malaysia’s ageing strategy.

Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.