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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.

More than 20 years after the National Heritage Act 2005 came into force, questions remain over whether Malaysia's cultural and historical assets are adequately protected. Elizabeth Cardosa, a cultural heritage & conservation consultant examines the effectiveness of the law, the challenges of enforcement, and what reforms may be needed to improve it.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States is considering new tariffs on imports from dozens of economies, including Malaysia, under a Section 301 investigation tied to forced labour concerns. Dr Chin Chee Seong, National President of the SME Association of Malaysia, addresses what these developments mean for Malaysian SMEs.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump remains the dominant figure in Republican politics, but recent developments suggest growing tensions within his own party. A bipartisan House vote on Iran, resistance from Senate Republicans on key spending priorities, and pushback against controversial Justice Department proposals have all raised questions about the limits of Trump's influence in Congress. At the same time, public polling continues to show deep dissatisfaction with both major parties, creating an uncertain political environment ahead of the midterm elections. As divisions emerge within Republican ranks and Democrats struggle to convert voter frustration into support, what does this reveal about the state of American politics and the electoral battles to come?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dissolution of the Johor state assembly has intensified political tensions beyond the state’s borders, with Negeri Sembilan now emerging as a potential flashpoint in the evolving relationship between Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan. What began as a local political dispute has increasingly become a test of coalition discipline, state-federal power dynamics, and the durability of political arrangements forged after recent elections. As parties reassess their strategies ahead of future contests, could Negeri Sembilan become the next battleground in a broader political realignment, and what would that reveal about the road to GE16?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s medical tourism industry continues to grow, attracting nearly two million healthcare travellers and generating billions in revenue, but the competitive landscape is becoming increasingly crowded. Regional rivals are expanding capacity, investing in technology, and targeting many of the same patient segments, while rising operating costs are placing pressure on healthcare providers. As hospitals embrace AI, predictive analytics, and digital health tools to improve efficiency and patient outcomes, what will it take for Malaysia to maintain its competitive edge, and can the sector continue expanding without compromising access and affordability for local patients?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore brought together defence ministers and senior security officials from across the world against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tension. Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian from the National University of Singapore talks about what transpired at the meeting amid a deepening US-China rivalry and other issues.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johor is heading to the polls earlier than expected after the state assembly was dissolved nearly two years ahead of schedule, setting up one of Malaysia’s most closely watched political contests. With Barisan Nasional and Pakatan Harapan both choosing to contest independently, and smaller parties expected to play a more active role, the election could provide an important test of party strength, voter sentiment, and coalition dynamics. Beyond determining who governs Johor, the outcome may offer valuable clues about the direction of Malaysian politics and the road to GE16.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite higher EU tariffs, Chinese automakers continue to make headway in the European EV market and are outstripping international competition in batteries, semiconductors and advanced driving technologies. What's driving the global expansion of Chinese automakers and what does this mean for the competitive landscape? We discuss these trends with Akshay Prasad of Arthur D. Little.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is expected to enter the public markets as early as this month. With what could become the largest IPO in Wall Street history, we take a closer look at what this landmark offering could mean for the company, investors, and the broader space industry with George Ferguson, Senior Aerospace, Defense and Airline Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest in the tournament’s history, spanning three countries, expanding to 48 teams, and generating forecasts of tens of billions of dollars in economic activity. Yet behind the headlines, questions are emerging about whether host cities and local businesses will actually capture the benefits being promised, especially as ticket prices surge and travel costs climb. As the tournament approaches, what does the economics of the World Cup really look like, who stands to gain the most, and what can host nations do to ensure the rewards extend beyond FIFA and the global sponsors?Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.