The Breakfast Grille

UEM Edgenta achieved record revenues in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels; but the performance for the first 9 months of 2023 has been less encouraging. How is Edgenta leveraging on the sustainability theme to propel future growth? We discuss the prospects of the company with CEO Syahrunizam Samsuddin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BPAM is Malaysia's sole bond pricing agency and is tasked with price discovery of what is often an opaque market as fixed income is not traded on an exchange. We speak to their CEO, Meor Amri Meor Ayob if their methodology is objective and fair, what is their strategy for growth and the outlook for the bond market in 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bioengineering solutions company Fibromat Berhad hopped onto the LEAP Market in 2019, raising RM6.2 million ringgit in its IPO. With green infrastructure and ESG now in vogue, how is the erosion control provider looking to leverage on the demand for sustainable services? We discuss the company's potential and prospects with Danny Ng, CEO of Fibromat Berhad.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year commemorates 150 years since Levi Strauss & Co introduced the world to the iconic 501 jeans. But what is this apparels company's staying power and how does it navigate today's realities that includes, sustainability and social issues? Imran Butt, Levi's country manager for Malaysia & Singapore takes us through how a pair of jeans remaining largely unchanged for a century and a half still manages to stay in trend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Humanitarian aid for Palestinians under "Ops Ihsan" was transported via a special cargo plane through El-Arish Airport in Egypt on November 10th. The Egyptian Ambassador to Malaysia, H.E. Ragai Tawfik Said Nasr, will discuss the intricacies and difficulties involved in the supply of these aids.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Self-service laundry outlets have mushroomed in urban areas, providing users a convenient option to wash clothes regardless of the weather. City Coin Group, which owns the LaundryBar franchise of laundromats, is presently the biggest chain in the country, with over 400 outlets and counting. We discuss the business model and growth prospects, as well as plans for a future IPO with the Group Managing Director Paul Ang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Negotiations over the concession agreement for Westport 2 should be finalised soon. We ask Datuk Ruben Gnanalingam, Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director of Westport Holdings, how much of a game changer this will be for the company and how they intend to stand competitive compared to the regional ports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volkswagen AG have their work cut out for them marketing VWs, Audis and Porsches as affordable premium, premium and luxury cars respectively in Malaysia. This comes amid intensifying competition, declining purchasing power and a rapidly advancing EV industry. Denyu Bostandzhiev is the new MD for Porsche Holding Salzburg (PHS) Automotive Malaysia and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia - he talks about how he plans to meet his KPIs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Atlas Copco, a Swedish provider of industrial tools and assembly solutions has been in Malaysia for more than 4 decades. Khalid Shaikh shares with us how operations have transformed, and how they aim to drive energy efficiency practices in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 10th Prime Minister Dato' Sri Anwar Ibrahim, also known as PMX, cobbled a motley coalition under the Madani banner and against the odds survived to reach the first anniversary. But can the unity government hold until the next general election amid an increasingly dissatisfied electorate? We take stock of Malaysia’s political landscape with our panel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is capitalism failing humanity? On the contrary, Johan Norberg, author of The Capitalist Manifesto argues that it is the recipe to a more sustainable and prosperous future. We discuss the varying attitudes towards capitalism, including from the political lens of right and left, as well as the generational perceptions at play, and why he thinks capitalism is the antidote for climate change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week marks 1 year since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim became Prime Minister. Have the economic policies passed muster and is it easier for businesses? Nordin Abdullah, Vice Chairman, Malaysia Australian Business Council (MABC) and Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist, Bank Islam joins us to discuss this, what are the missed opportunities and what should be on their checklist next.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Animonsta Studios is the birthplace of BoBoiBoy and Mechamato, a series of movies that has netted the company more than RM86 million at the box office. Add to that, several TV series seasons featuring the same characters that is now broadcast in over 50 countries. Nizam Razak, the co-founder and CEO of Animonsta, talks to us about the long-term plans for the studio going beyond creating content.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discussions on the care economy have risen in prominence over the past year, amid a realisation that demographic shifts in society mean the traditional care arrangements in households are not sustainable. What policy measures are needed to cultivate a care economy that creates decent work opportunities while providing quality services for the betterment of society as a whole? We discuss these themes with our expert panel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil is a multi-stakeholder non-profit organization that unites members from across the palm oil value chain to develop and implement global standards for sustainable palm oil. CEO, Joseph D'Cruz shares with us the latest development in its certification scheme, their efforts to engage with smaller players, and why it deserves the premium.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property and housing developer LBS Bina Group has logged an impressive share price performance this year, up by more than 20% on a year to date basis. We ask Executive chairman, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Lim Hock San if margins have compressed, how many more affordable houses can they build as their land bank shrinks, as well as their other ventures like the waterfront port project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato' Eddie Ong, a well known name in corporate circles has now directed his focus on Hextar Technologies. We ask him why the company is shifting from warehousing and logistics to fintech in what is already in a crowded market. With shareholding in 40 companies, we also ask the rationale behind these acquisition and what is the end game.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Construction engineering solutions provider PLYTEC Holdings will become the 28th IPO for Bursa Malaysia this year, with a listing price of 35 sen per share on the ACE Market. What do they plan to do with the IPO proceeds of RM37 million amid a soft construction sector outlook? We discuss the growth story of the firm with Yang Kian Lock, Group Managing Director of PLYTEC Holdings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysians despair over the state of economy, the weak Ringgit, underemployment, the polarization of society and even the lack of retirement savings, should we look at ourselves for solutions? James Chai author of the book, Sang Kancil: A Tale about How Ordinary Malaysians Defied the Odds explains why.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As an ageing nation, Malaysia is becoming old before it becomes rich. How should we revamp the national retirement savings system to provide a better umbrella for old age? We discuss this as well as global investment trends with Dr. Joseph Cherian, Practice Professor of Finance with the Asia School of Business. He is also the author of a recently published compilation of essays, “Track to the Future: Investment, Finance and Lessons for the New Economy.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore is on target to hit their international tourist target of 12-14mn in 2023. We speak to Melissa Ow, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board on how this was achieved, why they are taking a targeted approach to growing their share of the tourism pie despite the economic slowdown and the intense competition from the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George Yeo has served 23 years in the Singapore government and headed the Health, Trade & Industry, as well as the Foreign Affairs Ministries. His last military rank is Brigadier General in the Singapore Armed Forces. He shares his insights into current geopolitical issues, regional challenges, Singapore's nation-building efforts as well as finding that spiritual balance that makes everything come together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Madani government has instituted several green policy measures including the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Bill. Minister for the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change (NRECC) Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad joins us to explain the rationale for these decisions and other policy measures in the pipeline and how they are prioritized versus business interest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global pharmaceutical industry experienced extraordinary profits due to the circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic, but how are players coping now that the Covid effect has receded? We speak to Deepti Saraf, General Manager of Roche Malaysia on the current pharmaceutical landscape, as well as efforts to improve affordability and accessibility of life-saving drugs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

L’Oreal is a centennial beauty brand that has become synonymous with its iconic tagline, Because You’re Worth It. It also carries brands such as Garnier, Kiehl’s, La Roche Posay, and YSL Beauty under its umbrella. Can it continue to hold on to its leading position in the Malaysian beauty market amid increased competition from regional and local brands? We speak to Tomas Hruska, CEO of L’Oreal Malaysia about the brand presence in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bespoke travel is increasingly common as travelers want a specially curated itinerary. Chan Brothers Prestige part of one the largest travel agencies in Singapore is monetising that trend. We speak to their Executive director, Chloe Chan if travel has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, their growth strategy and the challenges of working in a family business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Energy Transition Roadmap has a goal of achieving 70% renewable energy installed capacity mix for the power sector by 2050 which is good news for RE players. We check in with Chow Pui Hee, Group Managing Director of listed, Samaiden Group Bhd on how they intend to benefit, the growth expectations for FY24 and is there still upside to it's share price which has rallied by 300% since its listing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Bank cut its target for Malaysia’s GDP from 4.3% to 3.9% for 2023. Dr Apurva Sanghi, the World Bank Lead Economist for Malaysia shares his impressions of Budget 2024, the structural issues faced by Malaysia whilst providing some policy recommendations including what will reverse the weak Ringgit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been 20 days since the current war in Gaza was launched, stemming from the assault by Hamas fighters in Israel on October 7th, which led to the Israeli military bombardment of the enclave. But in reality, Gaza and the West Bank have been under war-like conditions with Israel since the illegal occupation of Palestinian Territories by Israel since 1967. We discuss the situation on the ground with H.E. Walid Abu Ali, the Ambassador of Palestine to Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Madani Economy Framework sets the lofty ambition of catapulting Malaysia into the world’s top 30 economies with a consistent 5.5% annual GDP growth in 10 years. Additionally, the government aims to break into the top 30 countries in the Global Innovation Index by 2025, as well as achieve high-tech nation status by 2030. How integrated are science and technology policies in achieving these outcomes? We discuss this with Chang Lih Kang, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah, former Health Director-General, and the chairperson of UCSI Healthcare Group, offer a candid glimpse into his journey managing the pandemic, his personal aspirations, and his invaluable insights into Malaysia's healthcare system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the pandemic over and visitorship returning to 2019 levels, Aquawalk Group which owns aquariums in Phuket and Jakarta as well as Aquaria KLCC, is now looking to expand to Vietnam and India. Executive director, Daryl Foong, also talks about a plan that was halted because of Covid; an IPO on Bursa Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Evergreen Max Cash Capital (EMCC) became only the second pawnbroker to list on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market, debuting in September at a 33% premium on its IPO price of 24 sen. How will they use the IPO proceeds to grow their market presence? Executive director Low Kai Loon joins us to discuss the business of pawnbroking and EMCC's expansion plans in a competitive sector. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UCSI Group is a conglomerate today but started life as Sedaya College with only 4 PCs for its computer science classes in 1986. Its founder and executive chairman Dato' Peter Ng talks about his personal humble beginnings, his views on Malaysia's education system and the direction he wants the business to go for the greater good.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GDEX Berhad is now confident of returning to the black after recording 6 consecutive quarters of losses. Its CEO Teong Teck Lean shares with us how this Bursa-listed delivery firm is navigating the challenging logistics industry with more and more players emerging and as costs continue to rise.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brahim’s is a household name especially for Malaysian travellers given its long association as the in-flight caterer for the national carrier. However its fortunes have taken a tumble since 2019, and following the end of its relationship with Malaysia Airlines this year, can this company survive? We hear from Group CEO, Mohd Fadhli Abdul Rahman on the company's turnaround plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The New Industrial Plan has lofty targets by 2030 from value adding RM587bn to GDP, creating 3.3mn jobs and pushing the average salary to RM 4510. We speak with Minister of Miti and previous Deputy Minister; Tengku Dato Zafrul Aziz and Ong Kian Ming to find out if the NIMP hits the mark or is it too old school economics whilst seeing if there was alignment with Budget 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Budget 2024, the government proposed a spending plan of 393.8 billion ringgit. Various strategic measures have been proposed, including the introduction of new taxes and a shift from broad subsidies. Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, Treasury Secretary-General, Ministry of Finance joins us to delve into the specifics of Budget 2024, why was there no petrol subsidy removal yet, and if we are balancing our books like a prudent and financially responsible country should.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) is one of the largest accounting professional bodies in the UK, with over 300,000 members worldwide. But with the rapid advancement of technology and automation impacting the future of work, how well is the body preparing for radical changes in the profession? We discuss the evolution of the profession with ICAEW Chief Executive Michael Izza.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Signify, the lighting division of Dutch multinational Philips, is very optimistic about the future of its business in Malaysia as well as the region and is looking to expand its manufacturing footprint. Its CEO for Malaysia, Sukanto Aich, talks to us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you enjoy eating peanut butter crackers? If you do, there is a high chance that it would have been a Julie’s Biscuit. This Melaka based local brand has become one of the largest biscuit manufacturers in the country and exports to over 80 countries. We speak with Martin Ang, Director of Julie's Manufacturing to find out their plans for growth, the changing retail landscape, challenges exporting abroad, and whether the company can maintain profit margins in this environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today marks World Mental Health Day, and it was estimated that mental health conditions in the workplace cost the Malaysian economy 14.46 billion ringgit. Deepa George, Managing Consultant of MYHRC Services and Azran Osman-Rani, CEO of Naluri shares with us if Corporate Malaysia is taking the mental health of their employees seriously enough, how impactful bosses could be on the wellbeing of employees and what should happen if an employee or employer is unfit to work.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Porto Digital Tech Park, Brazil’s largest technology park was born in 2020 with an aim to turn the port city of Recife to be a centre of technological development and innovation. Prof. Silvio Meira, it's founder and chairmen tells us the roots of their success and how this can be replicated in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KNM group, a PN17 company has recently been thrust into the spotlight with a boardroom tussle with German businessman Andreas Heeschen, submitting a notice to remove all existing KNM directors. Chairman Tunku Datuk Yaacob Khyra, who holds an indirect 9.44% stake in the company shares with us the developments behind this, whether he has the confidence of majority shareholders, and how he intends to turn this company around despite its RM1.2 billion debts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate change is an existential threat for low-lying states like Singapore, which is vulnerable to rising sea levels and flooding, in addition to the ongoing food and water security challenges. How does the Singapore Green Plan 2030 address the myriad complexities of climate change impact involving multiple stakeholders? We discuss Singapore's sustainable agenda with Grace Fu, the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hong Kong saw its biggest net ouflow of residents since the beginning of the Covid pandemic and money continues to shift away to other financial hubs. Dr. Brian Wong, Assistant Professor in Philosophy at the University of Hong Kong shares why he remains optimistic about Hong Kong and how the city could bridge relationships between ASEAN and China.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On German Unity Day, we take stock of what this means for a country that was divided since the end of the Second World War and only reunified 33 years ago. Dr Peter Blomeyer, Germany's Ambassador to Malaysia discusses what unites and still divides his country, geopolitical issues from Ukraine to China, and getting on with business with Malaysia and ASEAN.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a series of mergers and acquisitions, WS Audiology has become the world’s leading hearing aids manufacturer in the world, WS Audiology produces a third of the global supply and generates annual revenues of more than 2.3 billion euros. We speak with Olivier Chupin, the Regional President of APAC, to share this Danish multinational company growth strategy and product development, and whether an affordable hearing aid is within reach for the mass market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, Group Chief Executive Officer, Malaysian Green Technology & Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) joins us to have a conversation about upcoming COP 28 preparations and discuss MGTC’s role in the Government’s NETR (National Energy Transition Roadmap). We also deep dive on how we as a country can accelerate green mobility in view of the recent developments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GTR a joint venture between SATS and Capital A, is a ground-handling service provider. In this competitive landscape with 30 licensed providers, we ask CEO, Musdalifa bin Abdullah about their expansion plans into the ASEAN region, how profitable is this business and is inclusivity just talk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.