The Breakfast Grille

The General Insurance industry enjoyed positive growth for 2022, but competition remains fierce amongst the existing players. And with 2 recent mergers taking place, industry market rankings have changed. We speak with Chua Seck Guan, CEO of MSIG Malaysia for a 2023 outlook, BNM liberalisation, and will MSIG rely on organic growth or look to buy to regain back its no 2 market ranking spot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BNM has issued 5 digital bank licenses in an already competitive landscape. We speak to Rafiza Ghazali, Designate CEO, KAF Islamic Digital Bank on whether they are ready to launch, how they intend to disrupt the market and their competitive advantages in a crowded landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recent statistics reveal that up to 40% of graduates are underemployed. Is this structural issue that Sunway University is facing? Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President Of Sunway University tells us whilst we discuss their financial performance, international student enrollment and is AI a boon or bane to education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In renewable energy, Solarvest Holdings can boast of a first mover advantage, having operated in this space since 2012. But as the solar PV landscape becomes increasingly saturated, can Solarvest stay ahead of the competition? We catch-up with CEO Davis Chong about the company's plans to expand beyond solar and Malaysian borders, as well as views on regulatory direction on renewable energy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sweden is at the forefront of green technology, being one of the best recycling countries in Europe. And they just signed an MOU with Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change to promote Green Transition efforts in our country. We speak with Emma Broms to talk about all things Green and Trade, and whether the colour of money is still green.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founded more than 150 years ago in Canada, Sun Life provides life insurance, health insurance, investments, and financial planning services. Global president and CEO, Kevin Strain shares with us their financial performance and expansion plans in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taiwan's largest institutional logistics player, ALP is on track to complete its first overseas OMega warehouse in Klang this year, with ambitious plans to build more facilities across the region. We discuss the company's business philosophy, the progress of their logistics hub in Malaysia and their Southeast Asian pipeline with CEO Charlie Chang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a very competitive life insurance landscape with 14 players, what niche is Generali Life Insurance intending to carve for itself? We speak to Rebecca Tan, CEO of Generali Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad to find out about their integration, are volatile capital markets a challenge and their financial KPIs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the United Nations, global smoking rates are on a decline; however smoking prevalence in developing economies like Malaysia remains elevated.How much progress have we made to reduce preventable illness caused by smoking and are we equipped to deal with the risks stemming from the fast-rising use of alternative nicotine products? We compare anti-smoking policy initiatives between Malaysia and New Zealand with our panel of guests.Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synergy House Berhad is an e-commerce retailer for ready-to-assemble furniture whose products are in many homes in the UK, US and UAE. It will be listed on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market on June1st. Tan Eu Tah, its executive director, talks to us about the company's plans to grow the business post-listing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In light of global economic headwinds resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, what does this mean for developing countries' growth prospects? Prof. Robert Wade of LSE weighs in on how countries could use industrial policy to spur economic development amid the challenging environment, and why free markets are not an automatic recipe for prosperity for the Global South. Prof. Wade is a speaker at the Malaysia Futures 2023 forum jointly organised by the LSE Saw Swee Hock Southeast Asia Centre (SEAC) and Khazanah Research Institute (KRI).Image by: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitsui & Co Japan has raised its LGMS stake to 25% in ACE listed IT and cybersecurity firm LGMS Berhad, opening new markets across 60 countries. We speak with CEO Fong Choong Fook on how plans to take full advantage of this new partnership against the backdrop of increasing data breaches and scams reported.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The business model of accounting firms have evolved from mere compliance auditing to advisory. Revenues have jumped as a result but does arise potential issues of conflict? Deloitte CEO, Yee Wing Peng tells us how they navigate this and the operating landscape considering the threat of a global recession. We also discuss if human capital is their most important asset but also challenge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the heyday of IBM behind them, with the likes of Microsoft, Google and Amazon grabbing more headlines these days in the fields of cloud service, machine learning and artificial intelligence ? Or is the giant finally awakening? We speak with Catherine Lian, Managing Director, IBM Malaysia to find out how IBM plans to respond to the competition, talent management, and accelerating growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Santiago, Chairman of National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and former Klang MP shares his plans to avoid a water crisis, including checking on dam water levels and raw water availability, and proposals on an inter state water connectionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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According to the Malaysian Plastics Sustainability Roadmap, Malaysia targets 76% of plastic waste to be collected for recycling by 2030. How far away are we from these end goals - and does the economic environment incentivise players operating in this space? Seah Kian Hoe, Founder of Johor-based recycler Heng Hiap Industries gives us the lay of the land in plastic recycling and responds to greenwashing allegations in the recycling industry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Niro’s recovery from the pandemic goes from strength to strength and on track for a Bursa listing next year. But is it good enough to qualify for the main board? We speak with Managing Director, Ian Kok about the recovery, regional expansion, their roadmap to list on Bursa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

G Capital Berhad is a transportation specialist turned utilities player poised to capitalise on Malaysia's renewable energy transition with power purchase agreements in small hydro power and solar power. We speak to Executive Director Datuk Yap Yee Ping on why GCAP is betting on renewable energy to bring the business back in the black.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

G Capital Berhad is a transportation specialist turned utilities player poised to capitalise on Malaysia's renewable energy transition with power purchase agreements in small hydro power and solar power. We speak to Executive Director Datuk Yap Yee Ping on why GCAP is betting on renewable energy to bring the business back in the black.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Siemens has had a long history in Malaysia - stretching back more than 110 years ago when it recorded its first sale - until it became Siemens Malaysia in 1972. More than half a century later Siemens Malaysia is in many industries - healthcare, power generation, energy management, mobility, building technologies. The new President & CEO of Siemens Malaysia, Tindaro Danze, talks to us about his expectations and his priorities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Generali Malaysia has completed its acquisition of a controlling majority in AXA-Affin joint ventures in Malaysia and is the second largest general insurer in the nation. Fabrice Benard, the Country CEO of Generali Malaysia and CEO of Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad shares with us the timeline for business integration, how will insurance penetration rate be improved and competition in the industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month, the government announced the delay of the gazettement of the KL Structure Plan 2040 to allow for engagement sessions by DBKL and other stakeholders after complaints that inputs and objections were not responded to. In a special Breakfast Grille panel discussion, our expert guests discuss what should be considered in this plan to make KL a more liveable city.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deputy Communications & Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching sits down to discuss what the government plans to do to take even further, Malaysia's 40-rung jump in Reporters Sans Frontières' 2023 World Press Freedom Index. She prioritises what changes need to happen to the Communications & Multimedia Act 1998 which was enacted before Twitter, Facebook and TikTok were even conceived. With 6 state elections happening soon, what is it like for once-sworn-enemies, DAP and Umno, to be working together?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DXN Holdings Berhad is involved in the sales of health-oriented and wellness consumer products, and they are distributed through its direct selling network or sales branches. The group is bound for a main market IPO in mid-May, after a delist in 2011. Philip See asks CEO, Teoh Hang Ching on how the raised funds will be used, why a relist on the main market, as well as the sustainability and the outlook of its business operations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year the IRB collected a record RM175 billion in taxes, the highest in history. Much needed since the government is targeting to lower the fiscal deficit but is our tax system, fair, efficient, consistent and certain? Questions we pose to its CEO, Datuk Mohd Nizom Sairi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coinciding with the 20 years anniversary of the EU Delegation to Malaysia, we ask the Ambassador of the EU to Malaysia, H.E. Michalis Rokas, on the role of the EU in an increasingly multi-polar world, why did EU raise concerns about security risks in Huawei’s bid for 5G role in Malaysia and their position on palm oil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the World Bank, economic growth in East Asia and Pacific region is projected to expand by 5.1% in 2023 thanks to China's reopening. But their report also points to slowing pace of reform. We ask Aaditya Mattoo, Chief Economist of the East Asia and Pacific Region, World Bank as to why this is happening and what are the headwinds he expects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should companies be run to earn a profit, or to serve a purpose? Author and London Business School professor of finance, Alex Edmans believes that it's not an either-or choice. Philip See speaks to Alex on the profit versus purpose conundrum that businesses face.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United Nations has warned that the world is at risk of exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit for global warming in the next 10 years. How is Malaysia responding to the climate crisis? We speak to Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change on progress to reduce carbon emissions, the timeline for tabling the National Adaptation Plan and concerns over environmental data transparency.Auto-generated TranscriptThis is a podcast from BFM 89.9. The business station,The BFM Breakfast Grille, connecting you to the top people and ideas powered by U Mobile 5G. Now with you.Good morning, you're listening to the Breakfast Grille. I'm Syazana Mokhtar. The science couldn't be more clear. The world is running out of time to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius with un scientists warning that we could breach this target in the 2030s without urgent action.The house is on fire. So how is the Malaysian government responding to the climate change? Alarm bells? Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources Environment and climate change? Joins me on the show today to discuss this. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Nik. Welcome to the show. Hi, thanks for having me here. I'm going to put you on the spot. Is Malaysia facing a climate emergency?Well, definitely, I mean, we, we see it every day. We see it with the floods that we have that keep breaking records year after year and we see it with the incoming heat wave that we're having now. So definitely we are facing a climate emergency like other countries in the world. Ok. So you have taken a different position from the previous government. The national government said there wasn't a need yet to declare a climate emergency as efforts were being taken to combat climate change. In this sense, you're departing from their stance, Malaysia is facing a climate emergency. Well, in substance. Yes. But what I'm saying, you know, I think what was asked by the previous, on the previous government was for the government to declare a climate emergency in law with that? I think that, you know, I I I think that we don't have to declare a legal climate emergency. It was declared in law in the UK and nothing much has happened. What is more important I think is to understand about how big the climate situation is and to address it rather than, you know, putting us to certain standards that may be, you know, that, that are false or provide an illusion. Ok. At the same time, you acknowledge there is a climate emergency of sorts, but you have also postponed the climate change bill which was a piece of legislation that was on the cusp of being tabled by the the national government. If not for GE15, you push that back another 2 to 3 years. Why has this bill been delayed similar to having, you know, about declaring us having a climate emergency? I do not want us to just tick the boxes without having a significant or substantial uh meat to the legislation. So, with regards to the Climate Change Act, and I, I know uh my, my predecessors, a few generations back Yeo Bee Yin,Uh she did put some work into it, you know, and, and it was uh uh what do you call that progressing at good pace? However, when I came into office, I didn't get much on the table uh from my immediate predecessors. Uh So, you know, for me, you know, I do not want to just rush a Climate Change Act this year.Uh And seeing that it does not address many of the things that we want to address. Um Actually, we have many legislations that are existing that can address climate change, uh that we can work on, make it more effective, which is, is I think uh as important as having a Climate Change Act in place. So you tweeted back in February this, that we want a bill that's not toothless, that is comprehensive and that will be truly impactful what was lacking in the draft bill that warrants a complete overhaul from your perspective. I think I've said it often enough that uh I did not get anything from my predecessor.So, so now, you know, the team, that's why you're starting from scratch. Yes. Um You know, so I'm, I'm asking the officials at the ministry and and you know, for us to have a, to have a really thorough look at the legislation to really consult widely um to see how other countries are doing uh the the legislation and also to have a proper engagement with the various stakeholders, civil society, um academia, businesses to see when the bill comes out, it will be truly comprehensive. So at this point, do you have, I suppose a vision of sorts, Nik in terms of what you think should be in this bill or what you want it to encompass?I think there are two key elements um in terms of carbon emissions. Uh it's something that we really need to address. Uh but you know, as a country, we do not emit that much, we emit about 0.69% of the carbon emissions globally. We are doing quite well compared to many other countries at our stage of development and our size of economy. However, we

The pandemic and rising input costs hit the construction and property sectors significantly causing listed company, Crest Builders to suffer three consecutive years of losses. Eric Yong, Managing Director of Crest Builder Holdings Berhad tells us if 2023 is the year where profit will be achieved despite the competitive environment and their strategies for growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Romania, a country in Eastern Europe, has much to offer the world - access to at least 10 EU countries via the famed Danube River, accessible from the Black Sea; a passionate effort to combat corruption; and a commitment to fight climate change. Ambassador of Romania to Malaysia, Nineta Bărbulescu, breaks down the experience of her nation, one generation after the fall of communism there.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dymon Asia Private Equity invests in Southeast Asian companies in the lower mid market space, typically looking to invest between 15 to 50 million dollars. Some of their investments are Farm Fresh, BookXCess and Frontken. Managing Partner Tan Chow Yin shares with us their recent fundraising and how the environment for investment changed post-pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

April 20th every year is the United Nations Chinese Language Day in recognition of the fact that it is the world's second most spoken language with over 1.1 billion speakers (English has some 1.12 billion). In Malaysia, the existence of vernacular schools that use Mandarin as a medium of instruction has been a topic of debate - does it help unite a multi-ethnic society or is it necessary to bring in much needed FDIs - or do these have to be mutually exclusive. Eddin Khoo, an author and senior fellow at ISIS as well as Wong Chin Huat, a political scientist and professor at Sunway University break down the issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global business process outsourcing or BPO is a 300 billion US dollar industry, with the customer experience (CX) sub-sector accounting for about a third of that pie. How is Singapore-based player TDCX carving out its niche amidst a competitive landscape and the digital transformation wave? We speak to Executive Vice President and Group CIO Byron Fernandez to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rubber has had a long history with Malaysia where at one time we accounted for half the world's supply of rubber, transforming Malaysia into Britain’s richest colony. But for the past decade, the industry has been on decline since its heyday. We speak to the Malaysian Rubber Board's Dato Dr Zairossani for the government's plan on expanding the industry and assisting its stakeholders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homegrown jeweller Habib Jewels has been giving the Gift of Happiness to Malaysians for 65 years and counting. But can Habib keep Malaysian spirits and the fortunes of the overall company buoyed amid global economic headwinds? We discuss the intricacies of the jewellery business with Dato' Sri Meer Sadik Habib, Group Executive Chairman of Habib Group.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Hari Raya round the corner, we check in with Datuk Wira Dr Ameer Ali Mydin, Managing Director of Mydin as to how sales have been, what is his strategy in a very competitive environment and will Mydin ever be sold. We also ask if this new government is pro-business and what advice would be given to a budding entrepreneur.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Integrated auto e-commerce platform Carsome has the distinction of being the first Malaysian unicorn, reaching the critical USD$1 billion valuation in July 2021. But as global macroeconomic headwinds dampen the prospects of industry disruptors like Carsome, including scuppering its widely touted IPO last year, can the company stay on course for growth and profitability? Eric Cheng, CEO and co-founder of Carsome discusses how it plans to navigate the challenging track ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 3 very challenging years, no thanks to the pandemic, has Tune Protect finally turned to corner? What are the growth strategies, why do they want to be part of the Bank Negara's financial sandbox and does being associated with Air Asia work against them. Questions we pose to Rohit Nambiar, Group CEO, Tune Protect whilst asking him if the market underappreciates the stock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

T7 Global Berhad has its roots in the oil and gas industry and now diversified to the construction and aerospace industry. Executive Director, Tan Kay Vin shares with us how the company is navigating through net zero ambitions of the oil and gas players, why dabble into other industries, as well as updates on their consortium with Siemens to upgrade the baggage handling system for KLIA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founded in Penang in 2012, Bon Estates has come a long way and rebranded itself to target high end luxury consumers in Kuala Lumpur with a handful of projects under its belt. We speak to CEO Chan Jin-Wy on the boutique developer's business performance, how the economic slowdown is impacting sales and future projects for Bon Estates.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Airbnb reported their best financial year to date in 2022, achieving their first profitable full year on the back of the resurrection of the travel and hospitality industry post-pandemic. How sustainable is this growth momentum and how much does the Southeast Asian region contribute to Airbnb's fortunes? We discuss the outlook for the short-term rental market in Malaysia and the region with Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager for Southeast Asia, India, Hong Kong and Taiwan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private Healthcare providers saw earnings decline sharply during the pandemic as most differed elective procedures. But is recovery in sight? Nadiah Wan, Group CEO of listed TMC Life Sciences Bhd gives us that answer whilst offering her views on the structural issues facing Malaysia's healthcare system and if public private partnerships are one solution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SME Bank as a DFI has multiple mandates but what is their track record in helping SMEs. Datuk Wira Dr Aria Putera Ismail, CEO, SME Bank answers that question whilst telling us how the bank is performing financially and the health of SMEs today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does a MOF company founded more than 100 years ago involved in legacy management, property and fund management still have relevance today. Questions we pose to Ahmad Feizal Sulaiman Khan, Group Managing Director at Amanah Raya Bhd, who will also tell us if the compliance issues in the past have been dealt with and their strategies for growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With almost two centuries of shared history, the UK without a doubt has had major influence in the political, economical and societal structure of Malaysia. With more than RM30 billion worth of total trade between both countries, the UK continues to be an important political and economic ally to Malaysia. H.E Charles Hay, British High Commissioner to Malaysia comes on the Breakfast Grille to discuss developments of our bilateral relationship, the rising geopolitical tensions and his outlook for the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is abolishing the mandatory death penalty for 11 offences, and will put a cap on prison sentences between 30 to 40 years. What are the implications of this on the overall prison system, and what other reforms need to be implemented in tandem to improve the rehabilitation chances and welfare of inmates? We discuss this with our panel of experts.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volvo Truck is the largest producer of heavy trucks in Europe and established its presence in Malaysia more than 50 years ago. Managing director, Tony O'Connell shares with us efforts to accelerate commercial EV adoption as well as their business growth in the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the wake of the pandemic, academics and business schools now face pressures on multiple fronts. We speak to newly appointed CEO of Asia School of Business, Sanjay Sarma for his thoughts on how ASB is doing in today's landscape and get a sense of where the future lies in executive education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.