The Breakfast Grille

Ucrest Berhad's Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Mr Eg Kah Yee, shed light on how their i-Medic platform penetrate the digital health business and how Ucrest has fared during the pandemic.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, first set up in 2000 to galvanize private sector to prioritize the triple bottom line: people, planet and profits. Some 15,000 companies have signed up to date - however, just over 100 companies are Malaysian. Why has reception been so lacklustre? Faroze Nadar, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network for Malaysia & Brunei discusses efforts to convince Malaysian corporates that sustainability is the new imperative.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to one of the world's leaders of medical devices, global multinational B Braun. With a rich 200 plus history in Germany, we ask Mr. Christoph Mueller, Asia Pacific Senior Vice President of Operations the challenges they faced in getting essential medical supplies amidst the supply chain disruption and whether Malaysia is losing is competitiveness as a manufacturing hub as it celebrates it 50 year anniversary in Penang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has gone mainstream in the last few years, seen as complementary to western medicine. Is the challenge now attracting the millennial and Gen Z's? Aaron Boey, Group CEO of Eu Yan Sang International Ltd tells us their growth strategy and is omni channel marketing the solution.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is known for their QS World University Rankings. Dr. Edward Harcourt, Senior Vice President joins Philip to talk about how the pandemic changed education, what QS does, and why there are hardly any changes to the top 10 universities?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian undergarment manufacturer Caely Holdings has evolved from a small-direct selling company to the largest exporter of lingerie and maternity wear in the country. How is the company navigating the challenges of the pandemic and growing ESG concerns among investors? We discuss the company's prospects with CEO Gok Ching Hee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ascott International Management is wholly owned by Capitaland Investment, and in Malaysia is the largest international serviced residence operator with around 6,200 units in 27 properties. Its country general manager, Mondi Mecja speaks to us about the outlook of the serviced residential sector, its future expansion plans and the impact of pandemic on its performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During Chinese New Year, carbonated water for some is a must. Philip See speaks to Spritzer, a leader in manufacturing bottled water products. Kenny Lim Seng Lee, Executive Director and Group CEO of Spritzer Berhad comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about how the supply chain disruptions and rising costs impacted them, what are their future aspirations and how will Spritzer move forward with rising ESG concerns.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s satellite operator MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd’s Chief Operating Officer, Yau Chyong Lim talks about Malaysia’s satellite industry, the CONNECTme NOW services and MEASAT’s s role in bridging the digital divide.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ERS Energy installs and designs solar power systems from all sectors like residential and industrial. On The Breakfast Grille, Jonathan Kan, Managing Director and Co-Founder of ERS Energy Sdn Bhd talks about the latest technological advancements in the field of renewable energy, and the contributions of the company to a more sustainable future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pact with China tech giant Huawei has sent shares of local circuit testing firm JF Technology Bhd through the roof, but production delays, China's Zero-Covid policy and lofty valuations offer stern tests. Datuk Foong Wei Kuong, Founder and Managing Director, answers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can technical and vocational education and training (TVET) be made more relevant and attractive to Malaysians? To mark the International Day of Education, our Breakfast Grille panel discusses the ingredients for an effective TVET ecosystem, drawing lessons from the German dual-vocational training system. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pandemic has upended travel, retail and meetings, prompting the question of the implications for property and construction - including lifts, elevators and walkalators. James Leong, Managing Director of TK Elevator Malaysia, answers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Logistics players have made banks during the pandemic as movement restrictions drove up demand for delivery services. Ninja Van Malaysia is one of the beneficiaries - they’ve seen their deliveries balloon to approximately 2 million parcels a day across Southeast Asia. Where do Malaysian operations factor in Ninja Van Malaysia's big picture vision? We discuss the fortunes and prospects of Ninja Van Malaysia with Country Head Adzim Halim.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MoneyLion has the distinction of being a US digital bank with a Malaysian workforce, courtesy of its co-founder and CTO Foong Chee Mun who set up an office in Kuala Lumpur. Following its listing on the NYSE in September last year with a valuation of USD2.9 billion, is MoneyLion looking to expand to Asian shores? We speak to Chee Mun on how MoneyLion leverages on technology to serve the underfinanced and its growth targets moving forward. Image credit: MoneyLionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are there any lessons that can be drawn from the pandemic to tackle the climate crisis? Alice Hill, the author of The Fight for Climate After COVID-19, who also served as a special assistant at the White House under President Obama shares about the actions that governments and communities can take now in response to accelerating climate change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volumes on Bursa Malaysia had been on a declining trend except for 2020 when many turned to online trading as working from home became the norm. But as we return to work, how does online broker, Rakuten Trade intend to maintain profitability when it offers the cheapest commission? CEO Kazumasa Mise explains whilst telling us their strategy for growth. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Engineering support services provider Coraza Integrated Technology is set to be one of the first companies to debut on the ACE market this year with the aim of raising some RM33 million for their business expansion. We speak to Managing Director Lim Teik Hoe about competition in the ESI space, how it intends to use IPO proceeds and Coraza's growth strategy moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Accounting firms have evolved over the years and now offer a range of services but does this business model have inherent conflicts of interest? Soo Hoo Khoon Yean, Managing Partner of PwC Malaysia answers this question while telling us about their strategy for growth and if they too are affected by the great resignation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Country Heights Holdings, a property juggernaut in the 90s that has fallen to losses in four of the last five years, is aiming for a turnaround, this time as a digital landlord. Managing Director Datuk Jared Lim explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the semiconductor industry growing more than 25% in 2021, we speak to Kuang Eng Oh, Group Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, Mi Technovation Bhd on how this semiconductor equipment and material business operator has been diversifying and what his long term technology roadmap will be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mohd Daud Mohd Arif, CEO, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is in the hot seat as he explains about the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint 2021-2025 and what is the likely recovery trajectory for the medical tourism industry as the world continues to grapple with the pandemic. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Senheng seeks to raise around RM270 million from its IPO at the price of RM1.07 per share, we ask Lim Kim Heng, Executive Chairman of Senheng New Retail Bhd how he plans to use the proceeds of the IPO.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once again the FBMKLCI disappoints. Why and will 2022 be a better year or are there other markets that will provide better returns. Anand Pathmakanthan, Head of Regional Equity Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group and Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer for ASEAN Equities, Principal Asset Management give us their views. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ProtectHealth Corporation, a subsidiary company under the Ministry of Health, is playing a key role in accelerating the distribution of vaccines by galvanizing private healthcare sector involvement. We speak to CEO Dato' Dr Anas Alam Faizli on the complexities of the vaccination roll-out and the potential of public-private partnership in healthcare. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pejuang is the latest Malay political party with 4MPs. But what does the party stand for and will it make any headway in the next elections? Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, its President and the son of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad tell us whilst giving us his thoughts on the current political landscape and even the NEP.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although the Covid-19 pandemic took a toll on the global economy, there were undoubtedly some players that managed to come out on top. We revisit conversations with businesses that have leveraged on their strengths during the pandemic to emerge stronger. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The travel and tourism sectors were the hardest hit by the pandemic as global and domestic borders shuttered. How have different industry players navigated the patchy border reopenings? We revisit conversations on travel and tourism amid the uneven pandemic recovery. Image credit: Unsplash.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2021 was touted as the year of pandemic recovery - but as the Covid-19 virus mutated and new variants emerged, uncertainty dominated the economy and markets. We revisit conversations on the outlook for the global and Malaysian economy at different stages of the year. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The tumultuous politics of 2020 which witnessed the Sheraton Move continued into 2021, with a national state of emergency declared in January followed by another change in government in August. We revisit conversations on the twists and turns of Malaysian politics and what this means for the nation. Image credit: BernamaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Covid-19 pandemic took a twist this year with the emergence of the Delta and Omicron variants throwing obstacles into recovery, despite the robust national vaccination programme. We revisit conversations on lessons learned in pandemic management and navigating healthcare in the post-pandemic era. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to recent surveys, fintech investments in the Southeast Asian region tripled this year to a record USD3.5 billion amid pandemic-driven digitalization trends. ASEAN Fintech Group, part of the ASX-listed FatFish Internet Group, is hoping to snag a slice of the lucrative pie. How does AFG plan to make its mark in a space that’s packed with contenders? We find out from Douglas Gan, AFG Executive Director.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pandemic has changed higher education permanently but is that better for students and universities? Professor Sibrandes Poppema from Sunway University tells us. We also ask if ratings mean anything and is a degree still relevant today?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legoland Malaysia Resort in Johor had reopened in October after months of closure. Philip See speaks to CS Lim, the Divisional Director of LEGOLAND Malaysia Resorts to breakdown the costs of running LEGOLAND, brick by brick, the impact of the pandemic on operations and how it will thrive as it relies heavily on foreign tourists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tiles manufacturer Niro Ceramic Group was first established in 1979 now has plans to go public in 2023. We speak to Managing Director, Ian Kok about operations, challenges and the outlook of the tile industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property and construction firm Jade Marvel Group Bhd wants to transform into a mini private equity firm with initial interests in seafood processing and moneylending. Joint Managing Director Dato’ David Khoo Yik Chou discusses. Image credit: Shutterstock.com & Jade Marvel Group BhdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NanoMalaysia Berhad, a not-for-profit government venture builder has spent the last 10 years building a nanotechnology ecosystem in Malaysia from the ground-up. How ready as a country are we to leverage on nanotechnology advancements? We speak to CEO Dr. Rezal Khairi Ahmad on what's on the horizon for NanoMalaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founded in 2014, Ally Logistic Property is Taiwan’s first and largest institutional logistic property developer and is setting up their first SEA logistic park in Malaysia. We speak to Charlie Chang, CEO about their business model, competition as well as their investment worth US$ 1 billion in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matin Ng, Deputy CEO of UWC Berhad helps us understand how they grew from a wire cutting machine manufacturer into an integrated engineering services provider as it navigates the multiple challenges of the pandemic, supply chain challenges and skills shortages.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swift Haulage Berhad is slated for listing on Bursa Malaysia on 21 December. Will this much anticipated IPO be a success despite its rather lofty valuations? We speak to Loo Yong Hui, Group CEO about their growth plans and can they maintain margins despite inflationary pressures.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sick of damaging racial and religious political ideologues, negative sentiment towards Peninsula Malaysians are at peak levels, with decolonisation gathering momentum. Political Analyst Dr Arnold Puyok and Economics Professor Dr Dayang Affizah Marikan both of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, comment, adding that betrayals of MA63 are exacerbating affairs.Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The theme for Human Rights Day 2021 is Equality: Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights. What human rights issues have risen to the surface in Malaysia's pandemic experience? We discuss how the pandemic has impacted discussions on inequality and why a rights-based approach should be prioritised in the government's response. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee plays a crucial oversight role in monitoring government spending. To mark International Anti-Corruption Day, we speak to the current chair, YB Wong Kah Woh, Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timur, who takes us behind the scenes on the workings of the committee and discusses the challenges faced in carrying out their duties during a tumultuous political and pandemic period. Image Credit: Uwe Aranas / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Home-sharing app Airbnb’s revenue grew by 67% y-o-y to $2.2 billion in the third quarter of this year. But how will the Omicron variant impact travel and Airbnb? Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan of Airbnb shares with us on the Breakfast Grille. Image credit: AirbnbSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the midst of the pandemic, Callum Chen, CEO of the family-owned plastics manufacturer LH Plus Sdn Bhd, achieved greater efficiency with fewer humans and more machines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia and Australia elevated long-standing bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) earlier this year. How do the fortunes of the Lucky Country impact Malaysia, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and rising geopolitical temperatures in the region? We discuss the opportunities and challenges in enhancing cooperation with the newly-minted High Commissioner of Australia to Malaysia, H.E. Dr Justin Lee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At the back of COP26, we’re extending the discussion with Cedric Rimaud, ASEAN Program Manager, Climate Bonds Initiative and Raymond Tang, Chief Executive Officer of Eastspring Investment Berhad on climate change from a financial standpoint and ask with the commitments made so far in previous COPs, why has progress been disappointing thus far? Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With over two decades of experience in logging, sawmill operator BTM Resources Berhad is looking to venture into renewable energy to diversify its income stream and provide for sustainable revenue and income for the company. We speak to executive director Datuk Woo to discuss this new green future for the company and understand the industry landscape. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a platform that provides full-stack technology for businesses with hotels and homes. Country head for OYO Malaysia and Singapore, Tan Ming Luk shares the impact of the pandemic on operations as well as OYO’s future plans to become the world's largest hotel chain.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to one of the world's largest MOOCs, Massive Open Online Course providers Coursera on their expansion plans and their road to profitability as their India and Asia Pacific Managing Director Raghav Gupta shares how Coursera has managed to navigate the pandemic. Credit: CourseraSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.