The Breakfast Grille

Multimedia Enhancement Operations (METEOR) was set up in 1998 as a consortium of Malaysia’s first 11 public universities, and is the parent company of Open University Malaysia. Does the METEOR Group business model provide a solution to the funding pressures faced by public universities? We discuss its performance record and expansion strategy with Group CEO Dato’ Naharudin Ali.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore-based Golden Duck makes snacks and are most well-known for their salted egg yolk flavoured potato crisps and fish skin. They are up against some very staunch competition in their home country but has an advantage here with its link to Malaysia's Mamee-Double Decker. Golden Duck's co-founder and CEO Jonathan Shen shares what it has cost to get to where it is today and the challenges in marketing a snack that some might see as bougie.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The specialty chemical industry is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 5.2%, reaching USD316 billion by 2026. What opportunities are there in Asia for the world's leading company, Evonik? Questions we pose to Dr Claus Rettig, their President for APAC whilst asking what goes behind their decision to pick a country for expansion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The European Union (EU) is ASEAN’s third largest trading partner after the US and China, making up 10% of total trade. As US-China tensions permeate the economic reality of ASEAN countries, does the EU stand as an alternative? We discuss opportunities and challenges in ASEAN-EU trade ties with Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.Image Credit: RafapressSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysians continue to call for better remuneration as the cost of living continues to accelerate. This comes as the current minimum wage remains markedly below what Bank Negara categorises as a living wage, an income level needed for a household to afford a minimum acceptable living standard. Dr Bawani Lelchumanan, a senior lecturer with the Department of Economics & Finance at Sunway Business School as well as J Solomon, the secretary-general of the National Union of Bank Employees discuss the issues.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sin-Kung Logistics Bhd is set to debut on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia, aiming to raise 26 million ringgit. We speak to Alan Ong, their Managing director as to their strategy for growth and how they keep their edge in an otherwise competitive and fragmented logistics industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can Malaysia improve on its education policy to provide a solid foundation for the labour force for the future? We discuss recommendations with Dr. Tara Beteille, World Bank Lead Economist & Program Leader (Human Development) on their report entitled Bending Bamboo Shoots: Strengthening Foundational Skills.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

QES Group, a player in the fast-evolving semiconductor industry, wants to grow its manufacturing capabilities recognising the significant margins it can garner from this business. This is after years developing its distribution business which has been the mainstay and consistent contributor to its bottomline. Chew Ne Weng, the company's founder and CEO, updates us on QES' latest achievements including a listing transfer to the Main Market and being included in Forbes Asia's Best Under A Billion 2023 list.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Bank recently released Part 1 of the Malaysia Economic Monitor (MEM). Lead economist for Malaysia, Dr Apurva Sanghi discusses with us the health of the Malaysian economy, the importance of fiscal reform and why communication is so important in the roll out of any government policy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fire protection services provider and manufacturer Unique Fire debuted on the ACE market in 2022 and raised RM21 million ringgit for their expansion. How have they utilised the proceeds? We catch-up with Executive Director Ryan Liew to discuss their business strategy and the factors driving their six-fold increase in net profits in the third quarter of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Breakfast Grille, we delve into the significance of the English language in Malaysia. Despite challenges such as declining proficiency, our conversation illuminates its global importance and the pressing need for educational reform. Through inclusive language policies, Malaysia can chart a course for individual and societal progress.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tomorrow is Chinese Language day, UN Celebrated event as it’s one of the 6 official languages used. We look at how Chinese education and language is weaponized and politicised in this country when diversity should be celebrated instead. Or is there merit that Chinese education prevents a national identity? Ngan Teng Ye, president of the KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall tells us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sweden's 10.5 million population have been successful in leading the world in pop culture, automotive, social welfare, climate change solutions and renewable energy innovations. The country has also opened its doors to refugees and asylum seekers fleeing persecution. H.E. Dr Joachim Bergström, Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia, talks about how soft diplomacy is effective and how this has changed Swedish society.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Dr. Darren Lim, an expert in international relations and a Senior Lecturer at ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australia that discusses the ramifications of Sino-US technology competition and its ongoing effects on this region, including Malaysia. We also explore Australia's evolving discourse on China and its consequential impact on the nation's foreign policy. Additionally, our conversation delves into the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MyNews Holdings Berhad saw a second consecutive profitable quarter with a net profit of RM1.27 million for the first quarter ended January 31, 2024. Group CEO, Dang Tai Luk shares with Philip See if the group will continue to deliver strong earnings, and the ROI timeline for its CU mart brand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Velesto is the the largest owner and operator of jack up rigs in South East Asia but how does this company intend to navigate an extremely  cyclical industry and has it learnt the lessons of the past where high debts almost crippled it? Questions we pose to their President, Megat Zariman. We also ask if there is still upside to its share price after the recent run up.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Established in 2014, Epsom College is a British-inspired independent day and boarding school. We ask headmaster, Matthew Brown the relevance of UK education system and curriculum, the composition of students as well as how they measure success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media has become more than just a place to connect with friends, family and colleagues - it has also become a bustling space for commerce. What is the landscape of Malaysian social commerce and does the industry need regulation to curb predatory practices? We discuss these issues with our panel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fitch Ratings' latest Global Economic Outlook projects this year's GDP growth to come in at 2.4%, which is a 0.3 percentage point improvement from an earlier forecast, and follows a 2.9% growth for 2023. Brian Coulton, the chief economist at Fitch, talks us through how today's current challenges and upcoming events might impact the world's economies continued post-pandemic recovery.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Manulife Insurance has been in Malaysia for some 60 years and is one of 14 life insurers that operate here. How does it compete in a crowded space, especially with insurtech players also coming onto the scene? We speak to Vibha Coburn, CEO of Manulife Insurance Berhad about her observations on insurance penetration rate in Malaysia, and the impact of inflation on insurance premiums.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) marks its 25th anniversary this year. What have been PKR's achievements and failures as they have evolved from a party born out of protest to running the government?  We discuss this with Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Vice President, Parti Keadilan Rakyat and is there a future of this party beyond Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The listing of four urban highways via a business trust was a first for Malaysia. We speak to Dato' Mohd Azlan Abdullah, Group CEO, PROLINTAS Group of Companies for why they opted to take that route to a listing, whether the distributable income is sustainable and will upside come from the eventual injection of their other two highway assets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Love it or hate it, palm oil's use is so versatile you can find it in foodstuff, cosmetics and cleaning agents, while its feedstock can also be used in sustainable aviation fuel. Dr Julian McGill, an agricultural economist and managing director at Glenauk Economics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The latest iteration of Russia’s Foreign Policy Concept issued in 2023 highlights Asia, namely China, India, as well as Southeast Asia among its top priorities. How is the Kremlin navigating its relationships with the Asia-Pacific, amid intense geopolitical competition between the US and China that puts ASEAN in the middle? For more insights into Russia’s Asia-Pacific policy and other developments, we speak to H.E. Andrey Rudenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we conclude the first quarter of 2024, we discuss with Manu Bhaskaran from Centennial Advisors the broad macroeconomic trends that are shaping the world, get his view on how geopolitics is shaping economies and framing social changes as we enter a phase of globalization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minor International, a Thai multinational company, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, is involved mainly in the hotel and restaurant industries in over 50 countries. In Malaysia, it runs the Anantara Desaru and the Avani Goldcoast Resort Sepang. Its CEO Dillip Rajakarier talks about the plans to have 780 hotels and 3,700 restaurants by 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

General Insurance is a competitive industry one with 19 players faced with inflationary pressure that impact cost whilst dampening demand. Puneet Parischa, CEO of Liberty Insurance tells us how the company faces these headwinds whilst telling us about the integration process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sustainable Energy Development Authority, better known as SEDA, was set up in 2011 to drive the renewable energy agenda of the country. More than a decade later, Malaysia’s RE ambitions have been redefined under the National Energy Transition Roadmap that was launched in August last year. With the energy transition now a national priority spearheaded by multiple ministries, what role does SEDA play in the broad scheme of things? We pose this question to Dato’ Hamzah Hussin, CEO of SEDA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Universiti Putra Malaysia is one of the country's largest public universities with a 93 year history but has this institution evolved with the times in terms of academic courses and research? Dato’ Profesor Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Vice Chancellor answers those questions and also how important rankings are, stamping out academic dishonesty and ensuring financial viability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The WHO has reported that one in six people suffer from infertility which means that assisted reproductive services is big business. We ask soon to be ACE listed, Alpha IVF what is their strategy for growth, the ethics of the industry and is their valuation fair for the IPO. Their founder and managing director, Dato Dr Colin Lee joins us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zantat Holdings Bhd, a Calcium carbonate producer, will debut on the ACE market on the 27th of March. Managing director, Ivan Chan shares with us why they are going for a listing 39 years after it was founded, what they are doing to minimise the damage to the environment and the uses of its product.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alliance Bank, Malaysia’s smallest by asset size, launched Accelr8 2027 in January last year, a 5-year business plan to expand beyond its SME stronghold. How far have they progressed in this transformation and will prevailing economic conditions complicate the process? We get updates from Kellee Kam, CEO of Alliance Bank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coursera is arguably the best known platform for massive open online courses (MOOCs) with over 142 million registered users worldwide and a catalogue of close to 7000 courses. The company went public in 2021 in the wake of the Covid-19 boom in the education technology sector, but has since seen its share price more than halve below its IPO. With generative A.I. at the cusp of transforming business and higher education, how is Coursera positioning itself to capitalise on this trend? We discuss these themes with Jeff Maggioncalda, Global CEO of Coursera.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

H.E. Ailsa Terry, the UK High Commissioner to Malaysia, engages in a discussion including the nuanced impact of globalisation on British politics and foreign affairs. Additionally, she delves into the intricacies of economic ties and the evolving dynamics of post-Brexit trade relations with Malaysia. She also sheds light on collaborative efforts in education and climate change initiatives facilitated through the UK Pact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eastspring Investments, the asset management arm of Prudential PLC has around USD216 billion of funds under management. We ask what their strategy of growth is in a very crowded market, all targeting the growing wealthy households in Asia.  CEO, Bill Maldonado tells us whilst weighing in on the investment outlook for the firm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian pharmaceutical Duopharma Biotech achieved their best financial performance to date in 2022, reaching record highs for revenue and profit. However 2023 was not as kind, with profit after tax falling by 25% despite top line growth. How are they looking to reverse course in 2024? We discuss strategy with Group Managing Director Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia spent RM80 billion on subsidies in 2023 which has led to increasing calls for rationalisation as there are unintended economic consequences . We ask Alex Clark, Head of International, APAC at The Behavioural Insights Team and Dr Amjad Rabi, Visiting Expert, Social Wellbeing Research Centre (SWRC), Universiti Malaya the intricacies in the implementation of targeted subsidies, what are the factors at play here and the best method to help those in need.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fertiliser manufacturing and distributing powerhouse Agromate has recorded over 3 billion ringgit in revenue, with around 20% of Malaysia’s market share. Philip See sits with CEO and owner Edward Tang to discuss the company’s growth, trends and possible plans for an IPOSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United Nations tagline for International Women’s Day 2024 is “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress.” However with Malaysia’s female labour force participation among the lowest in the region and a widening gender wage gap, how much is the Madani government investing towards gender parity and equity policies? We discuss this with Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been warning signs for several months that Malaysia may face a severe shortage of local white rice by at least April this year because of unpredictable weather and the escalating price of paddy seeds. Professor Dr Fatimah Arshad, Research Fellow, at the Institute of Agricultural and Food Policy Studies of Universiti Putra Malaysia helps us analyse the country's overall food security situation and what often appears to be reactionary response policies by Malaysian authorities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Milan-listed Leonardo SpA is the 12th largest defence contractor in the world. It has been in Malaysia since the early 2000s and in the past ten years, has also set up a helicopter training academy headquartered in Malaysia, the only one not located in one of its own domestic markets. Salvatore Ritrosi, Leonardo Malaysia's GM, shares the company's plans to be more involved in Malaysia's aerospace industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Children under the age of 18 make up 27% of Malaysia’s total population, accounting for over 9 million individuals, and every single one of them is protected under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Malaysia acceded to in 1995. Do our national policies live up to the obligations we subscribe to under the treaty? We assess this with the Chief Children's Commissioner, Dr. Farah Nini Dusuki and find out the priorities of her mandate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent results, saw Paramount Corporation Bhd's revenue surpass RM1 Billion. What then is their target for 2024 and will property still remain the main focus of the company? Questions we pose to Jeffrey Chew, their Group CEO, whilst asking him why the share is relatively unloved when the valuations are undemanding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CTOS Digital Berhad's FY2023 saw its revenue rise 34% y-o-y to 261 Million whilst net income rose 65% to 118 million ringgit. CEO Erick Hamburger Barraza, shares with us how much growth can investors expect, justification for its share price, and their recent acquisitions in Philippines and Indonesia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year marks 50 years since Australia became ASEAN's first dialogue partner and it will be celebrated with a special summit in Melbourne to expand that cooperation. Danielle Heinecke is Australia's new High Commissioner to Malaysia, beginning her tour of duty in December 2023. She sits down to share what she plans to do while in office from facilitating business linkages to easing people-to-people movement and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phison Electronics is a global leader in chip designing and manufacturing, and 1 out of every 4 Solid-state drives in the world is Phison’s.Malaysian-born CEO Dato’ Pua Khein Seng joins us to share their diversification efforts, the impact of US-China tensions and plans to re-establish an integrated circuit (IC) design hub in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global outstanding sukuk is approximately 850 billion US dollars at end-2023 and is expected to reach tremendous growth as shariah compliant financial instruments become increasingly mainstream. Bashar Al Natoor, Global Head of Islamic Finance at Fitch Ratings shares with us what the sukuk pricing trend will be as we enter rate cut cycle, and how Malaysia can retain its edge in this market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 7th Bumiputera Economic Congress or BEC 2024 will begin on Thursday, the latest government attempt to revamp the long-running, and contentious, bumiputera economic empowerment agenda. Will the congress critically examine the discrepancy between aspiration and reality in the bumi agenda, and how might it chart new ground? We discuss with our panel of experts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The present war in Gaza is only the latest in a long history of violence in the occupied Palestinian Territories. What lessons does the past shed about the path forward towards resolving the long-standing crisis in the Middle East? We speak to Prof. Dr. Ian Lustick of the University of Pennsylvania on the geopolitical dynamics driving stakeholders in the region and the viability of the two-state solution. He is the author of Paradigm Lost: From Two-State Solution to One-State Reality that was published in 2019.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's Hernan Corporation is in the durian business, marketing and distributing its products to Australia, the US, the EU, Hong Kong and of course China. Its founder and CEO is Datuk Anna Teo and she checks in with us on how the company has been balancing high demand for the king of fruits with the challenges coming from climate change and rising input costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.