BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Evening Edition  >  Top 5 At 5  >  Top 5 at 5: Can China Be The Partner That ASEAN Needs?

Top 5 at 5: Can China Be The Partner That ASEAN Needs?

Richard McGregor, Senior Fellow, East Asia at the Lowy Institute

17-Apr-25 17:00

Top 5 at 5: Can China Be The Partner That ASEAN Needs?

We're continuing our coverage of China President Xi Jinping's 3 day visit to Malaysia this week, as part of his tour of three South East Asian countries. Today, we take a look at whether China can live up to its rhetoric of cooperation, and its dynamics with ASEAN countries.

Other stories we covered:

• Syed Saddiq's graft case appeal resumes: The Court of Appeal has resumed hearings for Muar MP Syed Saddiq Abdul Rahman’s appeal against his 2023 conviction on four charges, including abetment in criminal breach of trust and money laundering. BFM news correspondence Yovinka Devi talks to us about the courtroom atmosphere. We also hear from lawyer Kee Shu Min about the defense strategy.
Ulu Baram tragedy sparks infrastructure debate: The fatal sweep of a family’s vehicle in Sungai Sengayan highlights poor infrastructure in Sarawak's interior, where hazardous logging roads remain a painful reminder of neglect. SAVE Rivers' Managing Director Celine Lim joins us to comment.
• US Health Secretary autism cure sparks controversy: Robert F Kennedy Jr’s pledge to uncover the causes of autism by September has drawn backlash from healthcare professionals and advocacy groups, who label the plan as “harmful and unrealistic.” We hear thoughts from line consultant developmental paediatrician Dr Rajini Sarvananthan.
National flag error sparks investigations: Sin Chew Daily's Jalur Gemilang illustration, missing its crescent, has sparked public outcry. The Home Ministry and PDRM are investigating, amidst discussions about press freedom and responsible media oversight. We get into it.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Produced by: Alia Zefri, Sharaad Kuttan, Sneha Harikannan, Juliet Jacobs, Lim Sue Ann, Sudais Ferhard

Presented by: Lee Chwi Lynn, Sharaad Kuttan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  marketseconomytechnologymanagingpoliticsgovernmentinternationalenvironmentcorruptionLaw/ActivismeducationcontroversiesHistory/Heritageculturemanaging diseasewellnessFamily/Parentingproperty

Tags:  malaysia visitasean-chinabreach of trustulu baramsungai sengayansarawak infrastructurerfk jrautism cureneurological disordermalaysian flagai flagxi jinpingmalaysia-chinasyed saddiqmoney launderingjalur gemilangsin chew dailyfahmi fadzil





Play / Pause

Listen now : Just For Kicks

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Dilin Wu, Research Strategist, Pepperstone tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Herman Chan, Bloomberg Intelligence discusses the outlook for US regional banks.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr. Sonia Mycak of ANU weighs in on Washington’s new sanctions against Russia’s major oil companies.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Munira Mustaffa, Chasseur Group & Dr. Benjamin Loh, Monash University talks about disinformation & media literacy.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister talks about the upcoming ASEAN Summit and MITI's role in ensuring Malaysia's economic resilience.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

We dive into the local and international news that matters to you.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Dilin Wu, Research Strategist, Pepperstone tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Herman Chan, Bloomberg Intelligence discusses the outlook for US regional banks.

9:35 AM

What's The Focus

We wrap up the week’s biggest conversations to keep you in the know.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Alvin Andrew, Founder, FUBIZO

11:00 AM

Mattsplained

Matt Armitage, Founder, Kulturpop

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Farid Zakwan, Team Captain & Macy Lim, Lam Research, Ilylia Kamaruzaman, Founder, Roboticist Malaysia

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Our flagship show, we feature both game-changers and groundbreakers in the hot seat.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Front Row

We find out about the A4 Art Fair 2025, which celebrates “The Art of Everything,” blurring the lines between art, design, and everyday life.

3:20 PM

Front Row

What began as a small neighbourhood collaboration has grown into PESZTA, a vibrant festival celebrating Kampung Attap’s creative spirit. We speak to the organisers about what’s new in its fourth edition.

3:35 PM

Front Row

Tewas: No Light at the End of the Tunnel brings real stories of school bullying in Malaysia to the stage. We speak to the creators about using theatre as a space for empathy, healing, and dialogue.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Doctor in the House: Are kids today living in an environment that is “too hygienic”? Are their immune systems really becoming weaker? Find out from the expert.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

We review Good Fortune, and then discuss the best (and worst) of Keanu Reeves movies.

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

Bar None

9:00 PM

The Selector