Khazanah Research Institute

If machines can think for students, what remains of learning? The growing use of AI has improved the quality of student work, but it also raises concerns about dependence on technology and the loss of critical thinking. As students rely more on AI, learning risks becoming more about completing tasks than developing real understanding. Our Research Fellow, Dr. Yunus Yasin, argues that education is not simply the transfer of information. It is built on practice, memory, and reflection, processes that no algorithm can fully replicate. AI may assist, but it cannot substitute the cognitive effort required to develop knowledge and judgement. The question, then, is not how AI changes what students produce, but how it alters how they learn. Read the full article via our website here: krinstitute.org/publications/a… #Education #artificialintelligence #futureoflearning #malaysiaeducation

Trump raises tariffs by 15%: What It Means for Malaysia? Just a day after the US Supreme Court ruled that President Trump overstepped his authority in imposing sweeping global tariffs, a new 15% tariff has been announced. While exemptions apply to minerals, metals, and pharmaceuticals, Malaysia’s negotiated arrangement from the ASEAN Summit is now in question. Our Deputy Director of Research, Yin Shao Loong, highlighted that the US Supreme Court’s ruling striking down the legal basis for the earlier 19% tariffs has fundamentally altered Malaysia’s negotiated arrangement. Since the agreement was signed but not ratified, Malaysia now benefits from a reduced 15% tariff without making additional concessions. However, he cautioned that ongoing legal challenges from companies are likely to continue against this new round of tariffs 🎧 Listen to the full discussion on @BFMradio here: bfm.my/content/podcas… 🎙️ Hosts: Sharaad Kuttan, Dashran Yohan 🎧 Producers: Sneha Harikannan, Sudais Ferhard, Dashran Yohan, Juliet Jacobs #KhazanahResearchInstitute #KRI #AdvancingMalaysia #TrumpTariffs #TradePolicy

“The rain is our holiday. You can’t fight it.” - Hawker, Pasar Malam Sri Sentosa For hawkers like Mr. Sandaran and Mr. Liew, a downpour can wash away a whole day’s income in minutes. It’s also the only time they are forced to rest. In Episode 2 of Pasar Malam Kita, we go behind the folding tables. Between shrinking incomes and unpredictable weather, the market has changed—but the hawkers are adapting, using everything from weather apps to new setups to stay in the game. After decades being in the Pasar Malam, this is more than just a job. It’s their life. Help keep our night market culture alive. Support your local pasar malam this week and the folks who show up for us, rain or shine. Who’s the vendor you’ve been visiting for years? Give them a shoutout in the comments! Share your own pasar malam stories with us here: krinstitute.org/contribute/pas… A project by @KRInstitute x The Fourth Media #PasarMalamKita

Walaupun Malaysia merupakan negara pengeluar minyak, kenaikan harga minyak dunia akibat ketegangan di Asia Barat tetap memberi kesan kepada negara. Realitinya, pengeluaran kita masih tidak cukup untuk menampung keperluan dalam negara, menyebabkan kita terus bergantung kepada import. Apabila harga global meningkat, kos sebenar bahan api turut meningkat dan kerajaan perlu menanggung subsidi yang lebih tinggi untuk mengekalkan harga RON95. Pengerusi kami, Dr. Nungsari A. Radhi menekankan bahawa Malaysia masih terikat dengan harga pasaran dunia dan kenaikan ini memberi tekanan kepada subsidi, perbelanjaan kerajaan serta boleh memberi kesan kepada kos sara hidup rakyat. Saksikan perbincangan penuh di saluran YouTube @501Awani di sini: youtu.be/7AaGVoh-H1Y?si… #KhazanahResearchInstitute #KRI #AdvancingMalaysia #konfliktimurtengah #hargaminyaknaik

AI governance: ready, or still catching up? Malaysia is strengthening its AI governance framework. Key steps include the establishment of the National AI Office (NAIO), the drafting of an AI Governance Bill, and the Malaysia AI Action Plan 2026–2030. As AI adoption grows, concerns around cybersecurity, public trust, and uneven readiness across sectors are becoming more significant. Our researcher, Jun-e Tan, explains that building effective AI governance takes time and coordination across stakeholders. Malaysia is also aligning with international standards through the International Organization for Standardization to support responsible AI use and help local businesses remain competitive globally. 🎧 Listen to the full discussion on @BFMradio here: bfm.my/content/podcas… 🎙️ Host: Keith Kam, Roshan Kanesan 🎧 Producer: Tun Hizami Hashim #KhazanahResearchInstitute #KRI #AdvancingMalaysia #artificiaiIntelligence #AIGovernance

Ke pasar malam membeli pelita, Harum lemang hangat menyentuh rasa, Teratak lama kembali bercerita, Takbir bergema, syahdunya desa. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Maaf Zahir dan Batin. Ikhlas daripada kami di Institut Penyelidikan Khazanah. Semoga segala amalan diterima, hati disucikan dan silaturahim terus dipereratkan. Di kesempatan Syawal ini, kami mendoakan semoga anda sekeluarga sentiasa dilimpahi kebahagiaan dan keberkatan. ------------------------ We at Khazanah Research Institute wish you a blessed Eid. May our good deeds be accepted, our hearts purified, and our bonds strengthened. This Syawal, we wish you all happiness and blessings.

Dolar semakin dicabar? Iran dikatakan mahu kapal di Selat Hormuz guna Yuan, bukan USD. Sekadar strategi geopolitik atau permulaan retaknya dominasi petrodollar? Dalam dunia di mana hampir semua minyak diniagakan dalam USD, langkah ini, jika benar, boleh mengubah aturan permainan. Dari kuasa ekonomi, kestabilan pasaran, hingga keseimbangan global, kesannya bukan kecil. Adakah ini tanda dunia sedang beralih kepada sistem multipolar? Atau hanya tekanan jangka pendek dalam konflik yang semakin memuncak? Yang pasti, apabila mata wang berubah, dunia pasti terasa gegarnya. #IranIsrael #ChinaAmerica #Malaysia #Iran #StraitOfHormuz

*youtu.be/OxCNi2b6VMw

KRI Opentable Podcast Ep.4: "KWSP Bukan Simpanan Anda!" KWSP sering dianggap sebagai simpanan peribadi, duit sendiri yang boleh digunakan bila perlu. Namun hakikatnya, ia bukan “tabung kecemasan”, tetapi jaringan keselamatan untuk hari tua. Di Malaysia, ramai pencarum masih mempunyai simpanan rendah, lebih-lebih lagi selepas pengeluaran khas ketika pandemik. Dalam masa yang sama, tekanan kos sara hidup memaksa ada yang mengorbankan simpanan masa depan demi keperluan hari ini. Tanpa perancangan rapi, risiko ketidaktentuan kewangan selepas bersara semakin tinggi. Jadi, adakah kita benar-benar bersedia menghadapi hari tua? Perbincangan ini turut bersilang dengan isu semasa, daripada persoalan kuasa Peguam Negara hingga cadangan had dua penggal Perdana Menteri yang membentuk hala tuju ekonomi dan keyakinan masa depan. 🎥 Tonton episode penuh di YouTube @KRInstitute di sini: youtu.be/qidkqNSsefo #Malaysia #KRIPodcast #KWSP #KosSaraHidup #pengeluaranKWSP

@siddiq11gratte Thank you inform! here you go - youtube.com/watch?v=OxCNi2…

@KRInstitute Tak boleh tgk pun video di Youtube?

Perang antara Iran dan Israel/Amerika Syarikat menunjukkan betapa cepat konflik serantau boleh menjadi krisis global. Dalam dunia yang semakin terbahagi antara kuasa besar, Malaysia masih berpegang kepada dasar berkecuali. Tetapi persoalannya semakin mendesak: Bolehkah Malaysia terus tidak berpihak? Atau suatu hari nanti kita juga akan dipaksa memilih antara kuasa-kuasa besar dunia? #IranIsraelWar #Iran #MiddleEast #Malaysia #EkonomiGlobal #KuasaBesar #USChina #Geopolitik #DasarLuarMalaysia

Malaysia is introducing a carbon tax to appease Europe while Europe begs for Russian gas. A carbon tax on energy will sharpen the inflationary impact of US-Israel-Iran war oil shocks. The carbon tax sits alongside energy subsidies. Take with one hand, give with the other.

KRI Opentable Podcast Ep.3: “Raya Gah, Poket Sesak” Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) nampak mudah, beli dulu, bayar kemudian. Namun ia boleh menjadi beban kewangan. Di Malaysia, penggunaan BNPL semakin meningkat, terutamanya dikalangan pengguna muda. Pada masa yang sama, ramai juga berdepan komitmen kewangan lain seperti kad kredit, pinjaman peribadi, serta perbelanjaan musim perayaan. Tanpa perancangan dan pengurusan kewangan yang baik, hutang boleh menjadi keliling pinggan dan luar dari kawalan. Setakat tahun lepas lebih daripada 5000 rakyat Malaysia dibawah umur 35 tahun telah diisytiharkan bankrup. Apakah sebenarnya yang mendorong trend ini? 🎥 Tonton episode penuh di YouTube @KRInstitute : youtu.be/BvEGBW-1mUg #Malaysia #FinancialLiteracy #Raya2026 #KRIPodcast #BNPL #duit #risikokewangan #hutang

Perang Iran–Israel/Amerika bukan sekadar konflik di Timur Tengah. Kesannya sampai ke rakyat Malaysia. Penasihat penyelidik kami, Prof Jomo Kwame Sundaram, mengingatkan bahawa jika ketegangan antara Iran dan Israel berlarutan atau meluas, kesannya tidak terhenti di medan perang. Ia boleh menggoncang harga minyak dunia, mengganggu perdagangan global, dan mencetuskan tekanan ekonomi yang dirasai jauh dari rantau tersebut. Bagi Malaysia, implikasinya nyata. Kerajaan mungkin terpaksa menanggung kos subsidi minyak dan gas yang lebih tinggi. Jika tekanan fiskal meningkat, pilihan yang tinggal selalunya sukar: menaikkan cukai atau mengurangkan perbelanjaan awam. Dan apabila perbelanjaan dikurangkan, sektor yang paling hampir dengan rakyat boleh terjejas, kesihatan, pendidikan, dan bantuan sosial. Persoalannya: Sejauh mana perang di luar sempadan boleh mengubah realiti ekonomi di dalam negara? #IranIsraelWar #Iran #MiddleEast #Malaysia #EkonomiGlobal #perang #perangiranisrael #perangiranamerika

The Israel–Iran war is no longer just a regional conflict. Is Malaysia ready for an energy shock? The recent US-Israel attacks on Iran have escalated into a regional conflict, disrupting global energy flows. Oil and LNG prices have jumped over 40%, coal over 25%, and critical routes like the Strait of Hormuz face ongoing disruptions. Our chairman, Dr. Nungsari A Radhi notes that these increases are pushing electricity and fertilizer costs higher, fueling inflation risks that is unseen since the 1970s. Malaysia will also face tough choices on subsidies, fiscal planning, and energy security as global uncertainty continues. Read the full article via our website here: krinstitute.org/publications/o… #KhazanahResearchInstitute #KRI #AdvancingMalaysia #energycrisis #inflationrisk

Remembering Royal Laureate Professor Tan Sri Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas, 1931–2026. Khazanah Research Institute extends our deepest condolences to the family of Royal Laureate Professor Tan Sri Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas, a towering scholar of Islamic civilisation and one of the most influential intellectual voices in the Malay-Muslim world. A thinker of rare depth and clarity, Professor Al-Attas shaped generations of scholarship with quiet intellectual authority. His work did not merely interpret civilisation; it sought to restore its foundations, placing knowledge, ethics, and faith at the heart of human development. Through his articulation of the concept of Islamisation of knowledge, Professor Al-Attas challenged dominant intellectual paradigms and called for a re-ordering of knowledge rooted in metaphysics, language, history, and the moral purpose of education. His scholarship bridged classical Islamic thought and contemporary discourse, leaving a lasting imprint on academic and intellectual traditions across the Muslim world. His institutional contributions were equally profound. As a key intellectual figure behind the early vision of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and later the founder of the International Institute of Islamic Thought and Civilization (ISTAC), Professor Al-Attas helped shape centres of learning dedicated to rigorous scholarship, intellectual integrity, and the civilisational role of knowledge. Across more than five decades of writing, his works explored the relationship between knowledge, justice, language, and the soul of civilisation. To capture a lifetime of scholarship in a single tribute is impossible; this brief reflection can only hint at the depth of his writings, achievements, and enduring contributions to the advancement of knowledge. Professor Al-Attas believed that education must cultivate the insan yang beradab, a human being guided by wisdom, responsibility, and moral consciousness. His vision of knowledge as a civilisational trust continues to echo through institutions of learning and generations of thinkers. Malaysia and the world have lost a profound scholar. Yet his ideas endure, in the institutions he built, the minds he shaped, and the civilisation he sought to restore. May he rest in peace. Al-Fatihah. — Tribute prepared by Syafa Mustaffa, Senior Manager, Strategic Communications, Khazanah Research Institute. Image credit: Bernama ; Kasurian.com.

Dari memastikan keluarga hingga komuniti berjalan lancar, wanita sering kali tidak mendapat penghargaan yang sewajarnya. Wanita yang berdaya, akan memperhebatkan dunia. Pada Hari Wanita Sedunia ini, kita meraikan suara, idea, dan pencapaian wanita tidak kira dimana anda berada. Selamat Hari Wanita Sedunia. 🌸 ---------------------------------------------------------- From keeping families to communities running, women often go without the recognition they deserve. Empowered women empower the world. This International Women's Day, we celebrate the voices, ideas, and achievements of women everywhere. Happy International Women's Day. 🌸

Digital identity is more than efficiency, it is access. Digital identity systems are often introduced to speed up verification, lower administrative costs and expand access to services. Yet the visible benefits are only part of the story. When systems fail due to technical disruptions or biometric mismatches, access to healthcare, welfare or income support can be interrupted. These disruptions are not experienced evenly, and some users disengage silently. As Malaysia advances its digital identity ecosystem, the real test is not only efficiency but resilience, accessibility and trust. Our researcher Salbiah Idris, argues that digital identity systems must work for everyone, not just most users. Read the full article via our website here: krinstitute.org/publications/t… #KhazanahResearchInstitute #KRI #AdvancingMalaysia #digitalidentity #digitaltransformation

Who pays for rising war budgets, and who profits most? Rising U.S. defense spending under Donald Trump is fueling debate as global arms budgets grow. Critics say higher military costs increase debt and strain public finances while shifting resources away from social and economic needs. The recent U.S–Iran clashes show how bigger military budgets can quickly lead to real conflicts, affecting taxpayers and global safety. Our researcher, Prof. Jomo Kwame Sundaram, and Visiting researcher, K. Kuhaneetha Bai note that rising military spending could add trillions to public debt, while big defense companies like 'Lockheed Martin' keep winning major contracts, raising questions about who truly benefits. Supporters call it security. Skeptics call for balance. Read the full feature on @ipsnews here: ⁠#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">ipsnews.net/2026/02/massiv… #KhazanahResearchInstitute #KRI #AdvancingMalaysia #militaryspending #defenceindustry