The Breakfast Grille

Local dairy producer Farm Fresh Berhad debuted on the Main Market in March 2022 to much investor enthusiasm. But will economic cost pressures deflate the high? We catch up with Managing Director Loi Tuan Ee on his ambitious regional expansion strategy, plans to fortify domestic production and distribution as well as how his company is dealing with the fallout of rising commodities prices. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of World Book and Copyright day, we speak to Chong Ton Sin, founder of Gerakbudaya, and Amir Muhammad, founder of Buku FIXI on the business of books. We also ask if there is a culture of reading in Malaysia, what are the challenges for independent publishers, and most importantly, content censorship in the book industry. Background image credit: Pixabay.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ghana and Malaysia have more in common than you think, as we were both British colonies that gained independence in 1957 and we also share a similar population size. Ms. Ama Boahemaa Dwomoh, the Acting High Commissioner of Ghana talks to us about the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and how the country is coping in the third year of the pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duopharma Biotech Berhad, the distributor of the Sinopharm vaccine, was one of the winners of the pandemic. But with a price cap set by the government, how will that impact the company? Leonard Ariff Bin Abdul Shatar, Group Managing Director, Duopharma Biotech Bhd answers those questions and their strategy for growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Central Global Berhad has been a pioneer in high temp tape manufacturing since 1972 and in recent years the company has also ventured into the construction sector. But how does the company juggle between the two business segments? Chew Hian Tat, Managing Director and also a new major shareholder of Central Global Berhad speaks to us about his plans to turn around the company and also on his strategy to bring the business forward especially the export of masking tapes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with World Art Day, we have a special panel discussion with Lim Wei Ling of Wei Ling Gallery, a contemporary art gallery located in KL and Irsyad Saidin of Pentas.io, Malaysia’s premier NFT marketplace to discuss the business of art. We get their thoughts on how the pandemic has impacted the industry and the future of art in Malaysia in a digital age. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer is a minnow in contrast to market giants Boeing and Airbus, especially in the Asia-Pacific. However, the planemaker has bold ambitions to grow its presence in the region, targeting over 3,000 aircraft deliveries here in the next 20 years. We discuss Embraer's growth strategy and structural changes in the travel sector with Raul Villaron, Vice President for Asia-Pacific.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chong Wai Yen, Managing Director, Carrier Malaysia shares with us how Carrier, the original inventor of the air conditioning system, is planning to expand further into the Asia Pacific region and how it will navigate the challenges of air pollution, climate change and energy efficiency. Image credit:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CrowdStrike is a well-known name in the endpoint cybersecurity sector. As worldwide spending on security and risk management technology is expected to increase in the years ahead, we ask Jagdish Mahapatra, Asia Managing Director of CrowdStrike on what trends we can observe in Asia, how Malaysia fares in terms of implementing endpoint protection systems, and how the pandemic has driven interest in digital transformation and cybersecurity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Already host to more than 150 thousand Ukrainian refugees, the Czech Republic has also become the first NATO member state to send tanks to Ukraine following the Russian invasion. Today on the Breakfast Grille, H. E. Milan Hupcej, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Malaysia, talks to Philip See about the Czech stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as the Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement and the social linkages between our two countries. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two years devoid of international tourism, Malaysia fully reopened its borders this month to much fanfare. Has the pandemic provided an opportunity for Tourism Malaysia to reset and restart its promotional activities in a major way? We discuss the outlook and targets for Malaysian tourism this year with Dato' Hj. Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With supply chain disruptions, labour shortages and high oil prices plaguing the world, how does it all impact the local automotive industry, specifically Bermaz Auto Berhad who distributes Mazda, Kia and Peugeot in Malaysia? Dato' Francis Lee, CEO of Bermaz Auto Berhad, shares his insights with us. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is expecting tourism to contribute as much as 12% towards GDP eventually but is this achievable and what is the roadmap? We speak to Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture to find out, and if it's time for a relook at the government framework which some say is too unwieldy. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dato Mohammad Ariff Md Yusof is the author of ‘Parliament Unexpected’, a book in which he discusses his recollections of parliament, politics and pandemic in Malaysia. Today he discusses the troubles with parliament and parliamentarians and what needs to be addressed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James McCormack, Global Head of Sovereign Ratings at Fitch Ratings, addresses the possibility of sovereign debt default risks due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, given the globalised nature of the modern economy. He also addresses the shifting nature of global currencies, including the US Dollar's status as a global reserve currency. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The cabinet has delayed the Anti Hopping Law but is this critical for a democracy like Malaysia? Datuk Seri Azalina Othman, Former Deputy Speaker of Dewan Rakyat and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister for Law and Human Rights, tells us why whilst diving into the MOU between the government and the opposition. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Backed by Navis Capital, Aurelius Healthcare has recently acquired Nilai Medical Center and renamed it as Aurelius Hospital Nilai. But what are their plans for the group post acquisition? Dato’ Amir Firdaus Abdullah, Group MD, Aurelius Healthcare shares key insights with us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world continues to grapple with supply chain disruptions caused by the numerous factory or plant shutdowns occurring in parts of the world as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to rage on, how has our largest publicly listed port operator, Westports adapted to this issue? We speak to its group managing director, Datuk Ruben Gnanalingam on the Breakfast Grille for more. Image credit: Westports HoldingsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Sarah Metcalfe, Interim Provost and CEO of University of Nottingham Malaysia, addresses the challenges of getting students back on campus, post-pandemic as well as life after its local partners YTL-Boustead's exit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The MRT3 Circle Line will have 31 stations, with 40km of elevated tracks and 11km of underground tunnels that stretch into a circular alignment along the perimeter of Kuala Lumpur. But with a cost of close to 40 billion ringgit, is this what Malaysia truly needs? Hamdan Abdul Majeed from Think City, and Aziff Azuddin from Citymapper shares their thoughts. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tabling of an anti-hopping law during the first session of Parliament in 2022 was one of the key conditions of the MOU between the Federal Government and Pakatan Harapan. Now that the tabling of the bill has been postponed, how does this affect the historic but uneasy truce between two sides of the political divide? We discuss what's holding up progress on the anti-hopping bill and whether Malaysia is ready for new coalition politics with our panel of guests. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The war in Ukraine continues into its 2nd month with no signs of peace. We speak to H. E. Olexander Nechytaylo, Ambassador of Ukraine to Malaysia for an update on the situation on the ground from the humanitarian crisis, to the war efforts and peace talks. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the squeeze on student enrollment due to the Covid-19 pandemic, BAC Education Group has been investing in hybrid infrastructure to make the best of both in-person and online learning. We speak to Co-Founder and Managing Director Raja Singham on how BAC has pivoted to digital education and their plans to grow with an emphasis on impact over profit. Image credit: BACSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carousell is one of the leading classified marketplaces that has attained unicorn status with more than USD1 billion valuation. We speak to Tang Siew Wai, the Malaysian Country Manager, to find out their strategy for growth in Malaysia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After two years of stringent borders control, Malaysia will soon be reopening its borders once again and many in the aviation sector welcome this with both arms. Mohammad Al Attar, Country Manager of Emirates Malaysia shares with us on how they maneuvered the pandemic and their plans moving forward with the reopening of borders. Image credit: EmiratesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, offers a state of play for the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the choices ASEAN might soon have to make if the conflict widens. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for four years straight in the World Happiness Report. What accounts for the high levels of contentment among Finns? We discuss the factors that have contributed to strong institutional safety nets and public trust in Finland with H.E. Sami Leino, Ambassador of Finland to Malaysia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the country experiencing an unprecedented level of flooding, we ask Cha-Ly Koh from Urbanmetry and YB Charles Santiago, MP for Klang as to the solutions required to better respond, mitigate and adapt to natural disasters triggered by climate change. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's largest integrated media company, Media Prima, reported stellar 2021 earnings, marking a return to profit since 2015. Under the helm of newly appointed managing director, Rafiq Razali, how is Media Prima positioning itself amid changes in the industry, especially its broadcasting and publishing segments? We discuss his vision for the company moving forward. Image credit: Media PrimaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh off the Johor state elections, we unpack the results and drama that ensued to understand what it means for politics on a federal level. Is this a bellwether for the 15th General Elections? What were the surprises and what were the letdowns? Political analysts Dr. Azmi Hassan and Dr. Oh Ei Sun share their views and analysis on a special Breakfast Grille panel. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to wages, many of us can agree that it should be increased. But the question that provokes intense debate is when and how? Should market forces dictate the quantum of our living, graduate and minimum wage? Or should government policy get into it to set direction? Philip see consults experts Carmelo Ferlito of CME and Zouhair Rosli of DM Analytics on how much you should get paid. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The past few years have been booming for semiconductor players. Automotive LED supplier D&O Green Technologies Bhd’s managing director, Tay Kheng Chiong, is on the Breakfast Grille to talk about supply chain disruptions from the pandemic, how the shift to EVs will impact them, and how ESG trends will impact them. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two years into the pandemic and hardly any flights happening, how does a general insurance player tied to an airline like Tune Protect grow and maintain its presence? Rohit Nambiar, Group CEO of Tune Protect tells us their strategy for growth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On International Women’s Day 2022, we speak to a pioneer that championed the environment, social causes and women's issues: listed company InNature which manages the Body Shop in Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam. Datin Mina Cheah-Foong, Founder and Managing Director tells us if this company has successful evolved despite the intense competition and the new challenges of rising cost of doing business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prudent, measured growth has been key to managing Covid's retail fallout but having raised Series C funding, it's now all systems go for regional and international expansion. Dione Song, CEO of women-focused Singaporean fashion retailer Love, Bonito.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eddie Wong, Managing Director of KVC Industrial Supplies and Country MD of Sonepar Malaysia shares with us how this one stop shop for commercial and industrial properties plans to improve its margins and expand beyond distribution in view of fast changing mega trends following the pandemic. Image Credit: KVC MYSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is home to one of the most biodiverse ecological environments, widely recognized for the richness of flora and fauna species with whom we share the land. In recognition of the value of our natural heritage, the government has reaffirmed a pledge to maintain 50% forest cover as part of efforts to conserve the environment - but how genuine is our commitment to preserve the forest? On World Wildlife Day, we discuss with our expert panel on what we stand to lose by unchecked development and policy measures that should be considered to preserve biodiversity. Image Credit: Sabrina Hermann/Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thanks to the success of its Civic sedan and HR-V and BR-V SUVs, Honda is the top non-national make in Malaysia, but longer-term challenges centre on Honda's investment into EVs where the lack of a national framework befuddles manufacturers. Madoka Chujo, CEO, Honda Malaysia, discusses. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a crowded field of 16 Islamic Banks, how does one of the smallest standalone banks make waves? Arsalaan Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of Al Rajhi Bank Malaysia tell us their strategy for growth via digital banking and are they open to an M&A? Image Credit: Al Rajhi Bank MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the most recent earnings, it looks like the worst is over for Berjaya Food but what is their strategy for growth in a crowded field? And with the added pressures of inflations and shortage of workers, will the operating environment become even more challenging? Datuk Sydney Quays, CEO of Berjaya Food Bhd answers these questions and more. Image credit: Berjaya FoodSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have boiled over into a full-scale invasion after Russia sent military troops into the country on Thursday, 24 February. Why have diplomatic efforts to resolve the stand-off failed? We speak to H.E. Olexander Nechytaylo, Ambassador of Ukraine to Malaysia for an update on the ground situation. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pandemic had resulted in a rise in online transactions for used cars, but the competition is also intense. We speak to CARRO, a Singapore-based automotive marketplace, present in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia on their business model and are they the next unicorn. Ernest Chew, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer gives us the answers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was first established in 2011, and is now under the Ministry of Human Resources. But TalentCorp did not have a CEO for more than 2 years in June 2018 until CEO Thomas Matthew was appointed in November 2020. On The Breakfast Grille, Philip See asks Thomas Mathew, CEO of TalentCorp on the ROI of the nearly half a billion ringgit spent on TalentCorp; as well as their role in this wave of the Great Resignation and migration of talents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the advent of the pandemic and a challenging time for the construction sector, we ask Ng Wai Hoe, Managing Director, SIAB Holdings the rationale for this IPO for this mid-sized construction player. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nokia today has moved beyond the mobile phone business, focusing on telecommunications technology services and network equipment supply, where it’s one of three dominant players in the sector, alongside Ericsson and Huawei. However the Finnish tech giant was largely seen as falling behind its competitors in the past few years, especially in the race towards 5G. Can they stage a comeback? We discuss where Malaysia fits in Nokia's bigger picture with Datuk Mohd Rauf Nasir. Image credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick Williams, Senior Vice President for Asia of Rosti Group, a global plastics injection moulding company and contract manufacturer, shares with us how they have battled the supply chain and workers shortage issues stemming from the pandemic specifically in their Asian sites in Suzhou and Senai. He also discuss with us on his strategies for Asia and on how they tackle plastics that have a bad reputation in its impact to the environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US-based telecommunications software company Mavenir created its name as a disruptor in the industry, championing cloud-native software solutions and Open Radio Access Network (RAN) implementation for 5G networks. But given US-China geopolitical tensions and the sensitive nature of the technology, does this fence them out of China? We speak to Mavenir's Asia Pacific chief Dipesh Ranjan on the growth strategy of the company amid transformational trends in the telecommunication sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Big business wants to hire technologists while students fear debt and increasingly, seek meaningful and rewarding careers not necessarily centered on benefits, even as startup life beckons. Professor Rebecca Taylor, the CEO of University of Southampton Malaysia, fields these issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the largest loss since the IPO, is 2022 the year of recovery for this 24 hour convenient store operator? Dang Tai Luk, Group CEO of MyNews Holdings Berhad tells us his plans for growth and how he intends to grow customer loyalty in an increasingly competitive market. Image credit: MyNEWSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It may be Valentine's Day but condom usage is down 30-40% globally while the fortunes of the world's largest maker of the prophylactic, Karex Bhd, has been flat at best. CEO Goh Miah Kiat explains the difficult path forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.