The Breakfast Grille

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.

In FY2023, Bursa Malaysia reported a 2% rise in revenue to 616.49 million ringgit while net profit rose by 11% to 252.38 million ringgit. Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, CEO, Bursa Malaysia shares with us the outlook for this year, its target of 42 IPOs for 2024 and recent volatility we observed in the market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 20 is designated Social Justice Equality Day by the United Nations. Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj, chairman of Parti Sosialis Malaysia assesses social justice in the world and in Malaysia. He also discusses the current political climate as well as PSM's ambitions to champion its ideologies going forward in an increasingly religiously and racially polarised country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Indonesians have voted in a new president and the latest exit polls indicate a high chance that former defence minister Prabowo Subianto will lead the country for the next 5 years. The election was also the world’s largest single-day vote in the world’s third largest democracy with more than 200 million eligible voters. Datuk Hermono, Indonesia's ambassador to Malaysia talks to us about what Prabowo may bring to the table as well as outstanding bilateral issues with Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof. Serena Nik-Zainal has won international acclaim for her work in genomic cancer research, winning several accolades including the Josef Steiner award in 2019 and the Francis Crick Medal and Lecture 2022. To mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science this month, we sit down with Prof. Serena to discuss her journey in genetic research and the progress in pursuit of gender equality in science academia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PwC global revenues rose to a record US$53.1 billion but are their Malaysian operations showing similar growth? We ask Soo Hoo Khoon Yean, their Managing Partner that question, as well as where are the key areas of expansion and challenges in talent recruitment and retention?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global condom market is anticipating a strong growth trend in the coming years, projected to nearly double from US$8-9 billion in 2022 to US$19-23 billion by 2032. Goh Miah Kiat, CEO, Karex Bhd speaks to us on how the company will capture this rising demand, contribution of its other products and their R&D efforts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

February 13th every year is designated World Radio Day by UNESCO to mark the importance of the medium as a free, portable and vital way to communicate with the population in remote places. Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman is the Director-General of Broadcasting Department, overseeing Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and has been with TV3, Astro Awani and Bernama before that. He discusses the relevance of public radio in today's digital world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The business of consulting is extremely competitive with the Big 4 and investment banks in this space too. So how challenging is it for a relatively unknown name, Alvarez & Marsal which opened its new office in Malaysia in July 2022. Its head of Malaysia and Managing Director, Tan Tze Yann shares with us the services they provide here, and how they intend to differentiate themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listed back in 1994, Bonia has grown its footprint to more than 555 outlets but is the challenge staying relevant to fickle consumers who have a plethora of choice. Dato' Sri Daniel Chiang, their Executive Director tells us what their growth strategy is and why investors should consider this overlooked stock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd has launched 8 satellites since 1996. COO Yau Chyong Lim clues us in on Malaysia's satellite industry, and tells us how competitive is the industry as well as what their future launch plans are.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oloiya has been serving up bak kwa or grilled meat jerky since the 1970s. This family business is now being run by the third generation of the Khue family, brothers Raymond and Peter. Raymond Khue is the executive director handling the developmental aspects of the business and he shares with us the challenges in ensuring tradition stays up to date with the times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After an information vacuum of a close to a week, Malaysians finally knew the decision of the Pardon's Board to reduce Datuk Seri Najib Razak's fine and jail sentence. We review the legal, global and economic ramifications of this with P. Gunasegaram, Author, “1MDB The Scandal That Brought Down A Government” and Goh Cia Yee, criminal lawyer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Digital media company Catcha Digital Bhd has been in rapid growth through various acquisitions. We ask CEO, Eric Tan how these will contribute positively to the group’s earnings and overall business in the future as well as their recently completed regularisation plan from exiting GN2 status.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is well on its way to a convincing post-pandemic recovery, having already hosted more events that it did in 2019. Its general manager John Burke shares his experience in navigating the challenges from the past years as the Centre went from hosting musicals, concerts and events to becoming a Covid-19 mass vaccination venue, and what is expected moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Melbourne-based Swinburne University of Technology set up its first overseas branch in Sarawak back in 2000; but what makes this campus interesting is the fact that it is jointly owned by Swinburne University and the Sarawak state government. How do institutions like Swinburne Sarawak feature in the state’s long-term plans to provide free tertiary education to resident Sarawakians? We speak to Pro-Vice Chancellor and CEO of Swinburne Sarawak Prof. Lau Hieng Ho for more on the institution and the role of education in building a prosperous Sarawak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As advertising turns increasingly digital, how are out-of-home (OOH) media players adapting to the changing landscape? Publicly listed Seni Jaya is in the midst of a three-year transformation plan that involves expanding its digital offerings and geographical reach. We speak to CEO Jeff Cheah about his turnaround strategy for the OOH media firm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia launched its National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) to much fanfare in 2023, setting the goal of reaching 70% renewable energy  installed capacity by 2050. On the inaugural International Day of Clean Energy, we take stock of the implementation pathway and some of the pain points that need to be addressed in the process with our expert panel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan Bumiputera is an agency under the Ministry of Economy, and plays a crucial role in continuously evaluating its education financing programs. This enables beneficiaries to swiftly secure well-paying jobs and double their income. Ibrahim Sani, the CEO of the association will discuss these strategic initiatives geared towards fostering the development of the nation's youth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property players are pointing to a better property market this year on the back of stronger sales in 2023, but is this more hype than reality, especially in Johor? Amy Wong Siew Fong, Executive Director of Research & Consultancy, Knight Frank Malaysia and Sulaiman Akhmady Saheh, Director of Research & Strategic Planning, Rahim & Co join us on a panel to share their thoughts and tell us if there is still money to be made.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BASF Petronas Chemicals (BPC) has been in Malaysia for over 25 years. At its Integrated Verbund Site in Pahang, it produces products that are components in everyday goods used globally. Phillip See speaks with Marko Murtonen, Managing Director of BPC on the company’s experience in Malaysia and how it contributes to the country’s petrochemical value chain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 will see the introduction of several new taxes like capital gains tax, luxury tax as well as the increase in the sales and service tax. We speak to Veerinderjeet Singh, a tax advisor, Vice Chair of the International Tax Commission, the International Chamber of Commerce and adjunct professor at University of Monash as to it's implementation and if its actually time for a holistic revenue of the entire taxation system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To date, of the five licences for digital banks granted by Bank Negara, one has officially launched, while two others recently got the greenlight to start operating. That leaves two more, including the KAF Investment Bank-led consortium that comprises Carsome, Jirnexu and MoneyMatch. Thariq Ahmad is the Deputy CEO of KAF IB, breaks down where their digital bank is heading and if they can meet the BNM deadline to be up and running by the end of Q1.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Human rights violations took on a new level in 2023 as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Sudan civil war spilling over from the previous year, while Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip following the Hamas attack on October 7th, made things worse. Tirana Hassan, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, talks about the challenges the New York-based NGO experienced in their work documenting human rights violations worldwide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been close to 3 years since the restructuring of Malaysia Aviation Group. We ask Group Managing Director, Captain Izham Ismail on whether the group is on the road to sustainable profitability, what are the unresolved legacy issues and his succession plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023 was not the best year for Farm Fresh as margins took a hit, but is 2024 the year of recovery with lower input prices? Their Managing Director, Loi Tuan Ee shares with us whether the worst is over, why the RM100 million move into ice cream and if competition is going to be a challenge to their dominance as Malaysia's largest integrated dairy producer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of Works (KKR) is commonly known as the overseer of roads and highways, but their mandate spans all public infrastructure development. We hear from Dato' Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi about the role that KKR plays in achieving Ekonomi Madani, and get status updates on the upgrading being carried out on the nation's major highways. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Walters is a prominent name in global recruitment that set up its Malaysian presence 17 years ago. What are the trends that could impact the Malaysian labour market in 2024? We speak to Ai Rene Tan, Country Manager for Malaysia at Robert Walters on the findings of their recent salary survey and how the company is navigating economic headwinds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Veritas Technologies, a company involved in the enterprise data management business, may not be a familiar name but it has 91% of the Fortune 100 companies on its client roster. Country Director, Sandy Woo shares the importance of data security, how they support businesses in ensuring it is stored securely and how they differentiate themselves from big players like Amazon and Microsoft.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Organisational consulting firm, Korn Ferry has been in the business of talent for decades. Country Managing Director, Anthony Raja Devadoss shares with us his expectations of the job market, what sectors are hiring, why do companies engage their recruitment services despite the existence of digital platforms as well as what percentage increments employees should look out for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our Bi-Annual Market Outlook, we see if it's time for Asean markets to rerate after a rather tepid performance in 2023. Christopher Leow, CEO and CIO of Principal Asset Management, Singapore and Anand Pathmakanthan, Head of Regional Equity Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group join our panel to answer that question whilst taking a deeper dive on the buys ideas for the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fahmi Fadzil now helms the Ministry of Communications, which has split from the Ministry of Communications & Digital. This means a new, more streamlined set of responsibilities while still being the official spokesperson for the Madani government, PKR's information chief as well as the communications director for Pakatan Harapan among others. He discusses issues ranging from Malaysia's 5G rollout to preparations for GE16.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Master Tec Group Bhd is slated to be the first company to be listed on the ACE market in 2024. We ask this wire and cable company why the listing, the usage of the proceeds and their strategy for growth in a highly competitive and fragmented market. Tee Kok Hwa, their CEO answers those questions and why we should also subscribe to the IPO when the valuations aren't cheap.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICON Offshore, one of Malaysia's largest Offshore Support Vessel Operators appears to have turned around in what remains a volatile and challenging oil and gas industry. Datuk Seri Hadian Hashim, their Managing Director, shares with us if they have any renewable energy plans, his outlook on oil prices, their strategy for growth and M&A plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Simpanan Nasional was borne of a 1974 Act of Parliament to fulfil the social objective of savings awareness amongst the public. Today, its duties include fulfilling the financial needs of the underserved, unserved and unbanked. BSN is also the sole distributor of government aide to the rakyat. Its CEO Jay Khairil talks to us about how it manages to balance its dual duty of serving the nation and ensuring it remains financially viable. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Best of Breakfast Grille, we revisit the significant events and prevailing trends that shaped 2023. Featured interviews include:> Semiconductors, The New Cold War> The Fight For Borsig, KNM's Crown Jewel> Rafizi Ramli On The New Themes Of 12MP Mid Term Review> Why The International Double Standards For Palestine?> Is Crypto Golden Boy The Trial Of The Century?> Syed Saddiq: MUDA Aims To Be A Credible Third ForceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia rebuilds its economy after the Covid pandemic, the Madani government has rolled out policies, from the Budget, National Energy Transition Roadmap and New Industrial Master Plan 2030 aimed to build confidence among the investing community. In this Best of the Breakfast Grille focusing on the economy, we revisit discussions we had with key policy makers on what are the solutions to these issues and if the recovery journey is on the right track.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The year 2023 continued to pose headwinds for businesses amid geopolitical tensions and the uncertain global economy. We round up some of the local companies and explore how they fared this year, with names like MyAirline, CelcomDigi and Secret Recipe.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2023, the Unity Government hit the ground running to set out their policy agenda amid preparations for the state elections before August. We recount conversations with Cabinet ministers this year, as well as what the outcome of the six state elections revealed about public acceptance of the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional alliance.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia and Japan relations have been on an upswing in the last months of 2023, with back-to-back high-level visits between the Prime Ministers of the two countries. What’s the impetus for renewed attention on bilateral relations? We get updates from H.E. Takahashi Katsuhiko, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia on the opportunities being explored between the partners.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has released a new blueprint entitled "Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040” that envisions nearly trebling bilateral trade with Southeast Asia to A$534 billion by 2040. This is as concerns over its over-dependence on China begin to take centrestage. Keith Kam is discussing all this with Nicholas Moore, Australia's special envoy to Southeast Asia who is also the author of the blueprint.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Among South Asian countries, Pakistan is Malaysia's third largest trading partner, export destination and import source, with the total trade registered last year between the two countries at US$1.8 billion. We discuss the history of our bilateral relations, and the latest developments in the global geopolitical scenes with H.E Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ICT Zone Asia Berhad is a LEAP market-listed company that rents, leases, and trades ICT solutions to private corporations. They make it affordable for companies to computerise their operations. CEO Tommy Lim shares with us who are their main clients, the outlook for the industry, and efforts to migrate to the ACE market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bersih has been an instrumental platform in galvanising the civil society and the public to rally for electoral reform. We reflect on the past 5 years of Bersih post GE-14 with former Chair, Thomas Fann who resigned in November despite being re-elected to the role. Why did he step down and what does he make of the reform agenda of the Madani government? We discuss this and more with Thomas Fann. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International commerce is growing rapidly and many businesses require fast, simple and secure payment services. Singapore based remittance company NIUM solves this issue by providing real time payment transfers in the B2B space. Anwar Mahbob speaks with Anupam Pahuja, its Executive Vice President and General Manager of APAC, Middle East and Africa as the company faces razor-thin margins, tighter regulation and changing consumer preferences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, was set up in 2005 to build bridges through business between Muslim and non-Muslim communities throughout the world. However, given the 7 year hiatus since the last conference, does this platform still have standing among international business circles? Ahead of the 14th WIEF in Abu Dhabi, UAE in February 2024, we ask Tan Sri Dr. Syed Hamid Albar, the Chairman of the WIEF Foundation about the history and relevance of the forum in today's geopolitical context.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are now quite familiar with Sam Bankman-Fried being convicted last month on federal criminal charges for wire fraud and money laundering. What is mind-boggling is how FTX's multibillion-dollar cryptocurrency empire could implode overnight and tragically leave thousands of customers in financial distress - maybe a Netflix series in the making. Rachel Humphreys and Caitlin Ostroff, the Wall Street Journal's producer and reporter, reflect on their month at court and answer outstanding questions about what happened at the FTX trial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Crown Prince and Regent of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah has made environmental conservation and climate change the focus of his advocacy. How are these issues being mainstreamed in Pahang? We sit down with the state regent at the Malaysia Pavilion on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is still not a signatory to the UN’s 1951 refugee convention or the 1967 protocol. This means the 183,000 refugees and asylum seekers in the country are effectively considered undocumented migrants with no access to public healthcare and education as well as having no right to work. Dr Melati Nungsari, an Associate Professor of Economics at the Asia School of Business takes stock of the current situation in conjunction with Human Rights Day celebrated on Dec 10th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9th, it is timely to have a review of the Madani government agenda in combating corruption. We critically survey the current government’s performance in deterring corruption, the extent of Malaysia’s law enforcement on anti-corruption, and areas needing improvement with Dr Muhammad Mohan, President, Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M), an independent organisation committed towards fighting against corruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.