Good morning! Morning Minutes is a round-up of stories that will break on Thursday, Dec 10, and which we think you'd be interested in.

It appears on weekdays, available by 7am.

MALAYSIA PM NAJIB RAZAK TO OPEN UMNO GENERAL ASSEMBLY TODAY (DEC 10)

Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak today (Dec 10) opens the ruling Umno's annual general assembly, which has been overshadowed by controversies dogging the premier over a RM2.6 billion (S$856 million) political donation, as well as the debt-ridden state investment vehicle 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). Mr Najib will make the main address, which will then be debated by Umno division delegates.

EXHIBITION ON INMATES' ART

An exhibition which enables inmates to showcase their artistic talents to the larger community and to build closer ties among inmates, ex-offenders and the community will be launched today (Dec 10). The Yellow Ribbon Community Art Exhibition was introduced as a meaningful platform for inmates to reflect their aspirations, thoughts, ideas and feelings. This year's exhibition, A New Horizon, will feature 81 individual and collaborative artworks in various mediums. It will be held at the The Glass Hall, Singapore Art Museum.

THAILAND'S AVIATION INDUSTRY ASSESSMENT DUE

Thailand is anxiously awaiting the European Commission's assessment of its aviation industry which is due to be out today (Dec 10). The kingdom's aviation sector has in recent months suffered cuts to its safety rating by the UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation and the US Federal Aviation Administration over "deficiencies" in its regulatory framework and licensing of pilots. Inclusion on the European Commission's air safety list will be a further blow to Thai carriers, especially Thai Airways, which derives a third of its revenue from its 11 routes to Europe.

BANK OF ENGLAND TO ANNOUNCE LATEST DECISION ON INTEREST RATE

The Bank of England will announce its latest decision on interest rate as the Monetary Policy Committee meets today (Dec 10), although most experts believe there will be no change in status quo. BoE has sat at a record low of 0.5 per cent since early 2009 and economists said it would be at least April before it rises by 25 basis points. With policymakers lowering its inflation and growth forecasts, and inflation seen picking up from near zero, experts say the central bank seems to be in no rush to raise rates soon.