
Hosted by BFM Media · EN
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.

The Securities Commission has flagged a growing visibility problem among listed companies on Bursa Malaysia, with some firms lacking dedicated investor relations teams and some receiving no analyst coverage at all. Business commentator Pankaj C Kumar shares his view on the new SC initiative, the MY Value Up Guidebook aimed at improving companies' visibility.Image Credit: Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A petition calling for the removal of Rohingya refugees from Malaysia has reignited debate over one of the country’s most complex humanitarian and policy challenges. While public concerns over resources, security, and social integration continue to grow, the government maintains that any response must balance domestic realities with humanitarian responsibilities. As pressure mounts for a more structured approach, how should Malaysia manage its Rohingya population, and what role can regional cooperation play in addressing a crisis that extends far beyond its borders?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia continues to attract strong investment flows into sectors such as semiconductors, AI, data centres, and digital infrastructure. But as highlighted in Khazanah Nasional’s latest annual report, the bigger challenge may no longer be attracting capital, but ensuring those investments translate into stronger local capabilities, better jobs, and long-term economic growth. As Malaysia seeks to move up the value chain, what should investors be watching beyond the headline investment figures to assess whether the country is creating lasting economic value?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s construction sector continues to grow, but the drivers behind the expansion are changing as data centres emerged as the key growth engine, with billions in potential contracts expected over the next two years. Jack Go, UOB Kay Hian's senior equity analyst shares his take on this and what he sees could be listed companies to pay attention to.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s approved investments edged slightly lower in the first quarter of 2026, slipping 0.2% year-on-year, but still point to a relatively resilient pipeline with more than 50,000 potential jobs created. Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Adjunct Professor at Taylor's University and the former Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry, discusses these results with us.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s first visit to North Korea in seven years comes as regional dynamics continue to shift amid closer ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. While both sides have pledged deeper cooperation across politics, trade, and technology, many of the commitments mirror previous agreements. The visit nevertheless raises important questions about Beijing’s priorities, its influence on the Korean Peninsula, and how the China-North Korea relationship is evolving in a more complex geopolitical environment.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PAS has ended its cooperation with Bersatu, the party it founded Perikatan Nasional with six years ago, although Bersatu's President Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin insists on keeping the coalition intact. Dr Azmil Tayeb, a political scientist at Universiti Sains Malaysia, discusses how these developments might reshape Malaysian politics as GE16 draws nearer.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Korea’s economy has posted its strongest quarterly growth in more than four years, driven by robust semiconductor exports and growing demand linked to artificial intelligence. As the country strengthens its role in the global AI supply chain, questions are emerging over whether this marks the start of a broader phase of growth, or another technology-led upswing that remains heavily dependent on a handful of corporate champions.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has seen a noticeable rise in hiking-related emergencies this year, with more people getting lost, injured, or requiring rescue in forests and mountain trails across the country. While outdoor recreation has grown significantly in popularity, concerns are mounting that safety awareness, preparation, and risk management may not be keeping pace. Recent incidents have also highlighted broader questions about trail governance, enforcement, search-and-rescue coordination, and the role technology can play in improving safety. As more Malaysians head outdoors, what is driving the increase in hiking emergencies, and how can the country make its trails safer without diminishing the appeal of nature and adventure?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global aviation industry continues to benefit from strong passenger demand and record revenue, but airline executives are increasingly warning that growth is becoming harder to translate into profits. Rising fuel costs, aircraft delivery delays, engine shortages, supply chain disruptions, and uncertainty around sustainable aviation fuel are all placing pressure on an industry already known for its thin margins. At the same time, geopolitical tensions are forcing airlines to rethink routes, fleet plans, and long-term investment decisions. As carriers navigate a more complex operating environment, can the industry continue expanding while managing higher costs and persistent capacity constraints, and what will this ultimately mean for travellers?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.