The Breakfast Grille

The banking sector is seen an a barometer of the economy and what does a bank with a 140 year legacy have to share about the state of Malaysian consumers and businesses.  CEO of HSBC Malaysia,  Dato' Omar Siddiq tells us whilst sharing with us the current operating landscape, how it creates its own niche in a very competitive environment and the KPIs set by headquarters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Keyfield International Bhd made its debut on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia in April and is in the business of providing Offshore accommodation services. CEO Dato' Kee Chit Huei explains the planned use of proceeds, addresses concerns about customer concentration risk especially on Petronas, and outlines the company's growth potential.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US is Malaysia’s third largest trading partner and also largest contributor of foreign direct investment. However will international unease over US policies in Gaza and its long-running rivalry with China have an impact on our traditionally strong economic ties? We discuss these themes with the US Ambassador to Malaysia, H.E. Edgard Kagan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UNICEF recently released a report titled "Living on the Edge," which focuses on  low-income families in Kuala Lumpur. living in low cost flats. The report's authors, Dr. Juanita Vasquez Escallon, Chief of Social Policy at UNICEF, and Zouhair Rosli, Deputy Director of Research at DM Analytics, share their shocking findings and policy recommendations to assist these vulnerable households.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In just 4 decades the People's Republic of China under the Chinese Communist Party, has transformed itself from an impoverished agrarian economy into an industrial powerhouse, that is the world's second largest economy today. Author and investigative journalist Bethany Allen, whose latest book is "Beijing Rules: China’s Quest for Global Influence", shares her views on how China's influence might shape the world order going forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) was set up in accordance with section 153 of the Federal Constitution to educate and empower the Bumiputera Community. To what extent has it fulfilled this role and are race-based education policies still relevant in modern Malaysia? We assess the purpose, achievements and controversies of UiTM with its 7th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Shahrin Sahib.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KTI Landmark, a Sabah developer is gearing for an ACE market listing in mid-June, raising RM48 million. We ask Managing Director, Gordon Loke what are the intentions for the IPO proceeds, their strategy for growth and are they being overly ambitious with plans to start projects in the Klang Valley.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

InDrive, a top-tier provider of mobility and ride-hailing services, is set to redefine the urban mobility scene with its groundbreaking fare negotiation feature. This pioneering approach ensures fair pricing for both riders and drivers alike. We caught up with Mark Loughran, Group President of inDrive, to delve into the company’s core mission, its impact on urban communities, and its expanding presence in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Renewable energy solutions provider, Plus Xnergy Group, sees much more potential today in Malaysia's solar energy systems business, much more than when it first started out more than 10 years ago. This is thanks to rising utility bills and warmer weather, while government incentives also help spur demand. Ko Chuan Zhen is its CEO and joins us to talk about collaborations, expansion, competition and a possible listing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Automotive cover and seat manufacturer Feytech Holdings is set to debut on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market today. CEO Connie Go discusses the objectives behind the IPO, the strategies that drove their impressive three-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39% in revenue, and the measures they take to mitigate risks of margin compression.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 60 years in Malaysia, Dutch Lady will start operating from their new plant. We speak to Ramjeet Kaur Virik, Managing Director, Dutch Lady Industries about how important this is to growth and address those stories of privatisation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SBH Marine Holdings is a newly-listed  frozen seafood products processor and exporter which is planning to use it RM40 million ringgit IPO proceeds to expand its market and production. Saw Leng Hean, its executive director, talks about the challenges in operating shrimp farms in this highly competitive market, as it starts to explore selling to China from where only less than 3% of its revenue is derived.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HELP University is one of the pioneer homegrown private education institutions in Malaysia premised on making tertiary learning more accessible. How has it navigated the changing landscape of the sector? We discuss the trajectory of the higher education industry, and the fortunes of the HELP Education Group with Prof. Datuk Dr. Paul Chan, co-founder and Chancellor of HELP University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawrence Wong officially takes over as Prime Minister of Singapore. We take a critical look at the challenges he inherits and if his leadership will be very different from that of his predecessor. Dr. Michael Barr, Associate Professor, Flinders University and Author of “The Ruling Elite of Singapore gives us his perspective.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government will be rolling back petrol and diesel subsidies. What impact will this have on petrol stations and does the increasing proliferation of EVs also mean that this is sunset business.  Dato' Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz, President, Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia tells us how the business model is changing to meet these headwinds.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MYMBN Bhd became the first birds nest processor to publicly list on the ACE Market in 2023, raising RM 21 million on the back of booming business during the Covid-19 pandemic. However high flying hopes have fallen for the stock amid an economic slowdown in China - can they reverse their fortunes? We delve into the business of birds' nests with CEO Lavernt Chen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was announced that Sunzen Biotech will be exiting from its animal health business to focus on human health products and loan financing services. Executive chairman, Ching Chee Pun shares with us the rationale behind this decision, the outlook and why they appear to have a weak track record when it comes to M&A.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Europe Day Michalis Rokas, Ambassador and Head of the EU delegation to Malaysia joins us to delve into topics such as Ukraine, Gaza, and the recently announced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Malaysia and the EU.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been increasingly more challenging to navigate the intersection between corporate responsibility and ethical footing. Alison Taylor, author of "Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World" joins Philip See to share her insights on the topic and how businesses can help build trust.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.