The Breakfast Grille

Charles Hay, the United Kingdom's High Commissioner to Malaysia, addresses Malaysia's policy vacuum and political and business uncertainty from the perspective of British investment even as Glasgow welcomes the world to UK soil for COP26 to debate what detractors suggest are global environmental goals that are probably too ambitious to be achieved. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Hay, the United Kingdom's High Commissioner to Malaysia, addresses Malaysia's policy vacuum and political and business uncertainty from the perspective of British investment even as Glasgow welcomes the world to UK soil for COP26 to debate what detractors suggest are global environmental goals that are probably too ambitious to be achieved. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KM Leong, General Manager of Southeast Asia for China-based smartphone maker Xiaomi International, talks about new opportunities beyond the phone, which currently comprises 80% of overall revenue to compete with competitors like Apple and Samsung. Image credit: THINK A / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we exit the pandemic, what will be the new normal for work? How will companies manage their employees and how has the war for talent changed? Sandeep Sharma, President of Workday, one of the world's leading financial management and human capital management software solutions providers joins us on the Breakfast Grille to share his thoughts. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid-19 and now high jet fuel prices have been the immediate challenges for the aviation sector. But even before this, Malaysia Airlines has been struggling despite bailouts to the tune of RM28billion. Captain Izham Ismail, Group CEO of Malaysian Aviation Group tells us if this restructuring plan will work and if not, is this the end fo the road for our national airline? Image credit: Malaysia AirlinesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and the return of the Taliban to government in August closed the chapter on the 20 year war sparked by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. What lessons can be gained from the US' failed nation-building mission in Afghanistan, and how has the war affected Western-Muslim engagement? We discuss these themes with Afghan-American writer and author Tamim Ansary. Tamim was a speaker at the Khazanah Megatrends Forum 2021 this month. Image Credit: Trent Inness / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Covid-19 pandemic has inarguably reversed the gains of Malaysia's poverty eradication programme, with both middle-income and lower-income communities facing economic hardship affecting basic survival. What kind of policy responses are needed to tackle poverty in the post-pandemic era? Ahead of the International Day of the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October, we discuss the challenges and potential solutions with Dato' Shareen Shariza Dato' Abdul Ghani, CEO of Yayasan Sejahtera & Dato' Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, President of Mercy Malaysia. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volvo targets to go fully green by 2030 but can these plans be achieved in Malaysia? We speak to newly appointed managing director, Charles Frump on their plans for their game changer XC40 Recharge. We also ask him for his thoughts on the current electric vehicle policy. Image credit: Volvo Car MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 1 year, MUDA still has not been able to register itself as a political party. How does this affect their plans for GE15? Syed Saddiq, MP for MUAR and Co-Founder of MUDA tells us this and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ATA Plus was one of the pioneer players in the Malaysian equity crowdfunding (ECF) space in 2016, and it has witnessed the growing popularity of ECF even during the pandemic. Following its partnership with Nasdaq-listed GreenPro Corp, ATA Plus is setting its sights beyond ECF in its mission to democratize financing. We discuss the company’s performance and future plans with CEO and co-founder Elain Lockman, as well as policy measures to help mainstream ECF as a viable funding alternative for Malaysian entrepreneurs. Image credit: ATA PlusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mainland-China based streaming platform iQiyi is often described as China's answer to Netflix. But while it dominates the China market, can it make inroads into Southeast Asia where audiences have built loyalty to other streaming platforms that have been around longer and have deeper local roots? We speak to Malaysia Country Manager Dinesh Ratnam on iQiyi's 2019 foray into the SEA market, and their strategy to promote user growth through a strong Asian content library. Image credit: sdx15 / Shutterstock.com & iQiyiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than 600 days in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysia is seeing an easing of daily new infections amid a high vaccination rate with nearly 90% of the adult population fully vaccinated. Have we weathered the worst of the pandemic? We discuss the possible pandemic trajectory in Malaysia as well as the transition to an endemic phase of the virus with infectious diseases expert Dato' Prof. Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman. Prof. Adeeba was a panelist at the Khazanah Megatrends Forum 2021 held this week. Image credit: Farrel Arissa / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia Debt Ventures, a government agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation hits a milestone - it’s 20th Year Anniversary. It's CEO, Nizam Mohamed Nadzri tells us what their KPIs are and their relevance. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SMEs, the economic life bloods of Malaysia, were arguably the biggest victims of the pandemic. But funding their revival has to be balanced with a new focus on fiscal prudence even while the entire DFI -- Development Financial Institution -- sector is overdue much-needed consolidation. Aria Putera Ismail, the CEO of SME Bank, discusses. Image credit: SME BankSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 12th Malaysia Plan was unveiled with the broad theme of a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Malaysia. A goal that all Malaysians would aspire to but is the policy too ambitious and will policy inconsistency and poor implementation be its undoing? Dato' Sri Mustapa Bin Mohamed, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Economic Affairs tells us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By 2060, Malaysia will be a super-aged nation, where 1 in 5 Malaysians will be over the age of 65. The rapidly ageing population will bring with it a host of economic challenges, not least an imminent retirement crisis which will test the capacity of our social protection system to keep up with the needs of a large elderly society. How can the social protection framework be strengthened to ensure that all elderly Malaysians can live with dignity? We discuss the state of play and proposals to introduce a social insurance pension for senior citizens with our panel of experts. Read Khazanah Research Institutes report, "Building Resilience: Towards Inclusive Social Protection" here. Image credit: The Observer MY / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get into conversation with Nestle, the world's largest food company, Nestlé as we ask Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad on their strategy going forward and how their products have evolved as consumer tastes rapidly change. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The banking sector has faced many challenges from a prolonged Covid-19 pandemic whilst structural changes are fast approaching. Joel Kornreich, Group CEO of Alliance Bank tells us the strategy for growth and are M&A opportunities being considered. Image credit: Yusnizam Yusof / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Copper product manufacturer, Ta Win Holdings aims to supply to the healthcare and electric vehicle industries as well as venture into blockchain. What is the likelihood of its plans materialising? Datuk Seri Ngu Tieng Ung, the Group Managing Director discusses. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Postal services are all facing a structure decline as online communication has become the dominant way of life. But what tricks does newly appointed Group CEO of Pos Malaysia, Charles Brewer, has up his sleeve to turn things around and stem the losses at this listed company? Image credit: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kishore Mahbubani, former diplomat, author of the book "Has China Won?", and Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Research Institute, of the National University of Singapore (NUS) discusses the US-China conflict and how a resolution, if any, could be achieved. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get into a conversation with Chuah Choon Bin, Executive Director of Pentamaster about his journey so far and the plans he has to grow the business beyond automation test equipment. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kedah-based cable and wire maker Southern Cable is graduating to the Main Market by the end of the year, with its post-pandemic recovery plans and new product lines squarely in focus, according to Group General Manager Ooi In Keong. Image credit: Southern CableSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Mieke De Schepper, Executive Vice President and Managing Director for Asia-Pacific, Amadeus on how this global travel technology leader sees the future of the travel industry and what solutions and services the customers as well as the travel eco-system are interested in. Image credit: Shutterstock.com & AmadeusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The unusual pairing of Oxford university scientists and British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca led to the not for profit Covid-19 vaccine. Billions of doses have been produced but at cost for how long? And why did this particular vaccine receive such intense public scrutiny? We speak to Dr. Sanjeev Panchal, Country President of AstraZeneca Malaysia to find out. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Datuk Seri Megat D Shahriman Zaharudin, President of the Paralympics Council of Malaysia on Malaysia's record haul, the controversy surrounding Ziyad Zolkefli, preparations for Paris 2024, as well as how the country and government should build on the success of Malaysia's Tokyo Paralympics. Image credits: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the nearly six-decade union between the states of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, misconceptions of history, the constitution and cultural identity abound, creating long-standing tensions between east and west. How do these disaffections impact Malaysian national identity and unity? We discuss the knotty issues with constitutional expert Prof. Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi and socio-political commentator Eddin Khoo. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Known for their dim sum lunches and lavish Chinese banquet dinners, Phillip Siew, Chairman of Oriental Group, one of Malaysia's largest Chinese Restaurants Groups, shares his plans to ride out this pandemic as dining restrictions have badly affected his restaurants which include Noble House and Yu. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a click of a button, sending money quickly is now an option and for less charges than before. We speak to one of the disruptors, WorldRemit as to how they plan to enter the Malaysian market and make a profit in this very competitive market. Ridzuan Aziz, Country Director for Malaysia and Head of ASEAN Business, tells us. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The toll of the Covid-19 pandemic extends far beyond the physical disease; it's impacts include the mental health dimension. According to official statistics, on average three people died by suicide per day from January to May of this year. On World Suicide Prevention Day, we discuss why it's imperative for Malaysia to decriminalize suicide and the policy recommendations to strengthen the mental healthcare system with Nurul Izzah Anwar, Permatang Pauh MP. If you are in need of mental health support, contact the Befrienders at 03-7627 2929 or [email protected] omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Affordable homes have been the only bright sparks in a moribund property sector, but new growth opportunities can and must be unearthed, possibly in the ports management and tourism sector, according to Tan Sri Lim Hock San, Executive Chairman of LBS Bina. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Besides social distancing and vaccines, another tool in the fight against COVID-19 has been contact tracing, and with the COVID-19 pandemic, contact tracing was modernised, using mobile apps, bluetooth, WiFi, and GPS. Roshan Kanesan speaks to Professor Susan Landau, Professor of Cyber-Security at Tufts University and author of People Count: Contact-tracing Apps and Public Health, about the various systems in use, the privacy concerns that arise, and more. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fintech space in Malaysia is still at a nascent stage but the field is getting crowded. GHL one of the earliest payment players recognises this and is evolving their business model to diversify earnings. Sean Hesh, Group CEO tell us their plans and answers the important question - is their share price overvalued? Image credit: GHLSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Kenneth Pereira, the founding Managing Director of Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd, Malaysia’s first SPAC with oil and gas assets in Malaysia, Australia and the UK, discusses its new acquisition and whether it is transitioning to a fossil-fuel future. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United Nations projects that 70% of the world’s population will reside in urban settlements by the year 2050. Additionally, the Covid-19 pandemic and climate change have underscored the need for sustainable urbanization if cities are to remain thriving centers of growth. We discuss with Dato’ Sri Paduka Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director of UN-Habitat how cities can be designed to better withstand crises, as well as lessons learned in urban planning from the pandemic. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the impact of Covid-19 and uncertain economic environment, Lagenda Properties is upbeat in achieving its RM1 billion sales target for this year. Managing director Dato Doh Jee Ming comes on the Breakfast Grille to discuss Lagenda's business and his plans moving forward. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terms like unemployment, underemployment, upskilling, social protection and inequality are issues we’ve been hearing more about in the last few years as Malaysia’s economic structure took a hit from the pandemic. But these are not new issues. In conjunction with Merdeka, Tricia Yeoh of IDEAS and Nell Omar of the Centre joins us in a discussion on the way forward for Malaysia’s economy. Image credit: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The political turmoil of the past few years have left many feeling cynical about the state of Malaysian democracy. But there are reasons to stay hopeful for the future of the country. On the eve of the 64th National Day, we discuss the narratives that have emerged from the pandemic and political crisis, the rise of the youth vanguard as well as the reforms needed for a better Malaysia. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a change in leadership after a challenging 2020, Philip See speaks to Ramanrao Abdullah, Deleum's new group CEO on how he’s cleaned up house. They’ll also look at the business prospects and strategy for the oil and gas solutions provider, including shifting away from Malaysia, and plans to expand into renewables. Image credit: Zukiman Mohamad/Pexels.com & DeleumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anand Stanley, President of the Asia-Pacific arm of the European aviation multinational corporation Airbus, talks about how air travel will change as the world recovers from the pandemic, while also discussing its robust first-half financial performance. Image credit: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock.com & AirbusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Covid-19 pandemic has spawned more than just health and economic emergencies, it has also created a crisis of misinformation that the World Health Organization has dubbed an infodemic. The spread of misinformation is especially dangerous when it affects the implementation of public health measures, such as vaccination drives. Why do people fall for misleading scientific claims or conspiracy theories? Scientist and author David Robert Grimes joins us on the Breakfast Grille to discuss the psychology behind the spread of misinformation and the importance of critical thinking as the antidote.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Myanmar has been under a military dictatorship for more than 6 months, a period marked by civil disobedience movements and demonstrations which drew deadly and violent responses from security forces. This follows the February 1st overthrow of the elected National League for Democracy administration, led by Aung San Suu Kyi. Today, lawmakers from the NLD have regrouped to form the National Unity Government, Myanmar's government-in-exile. Keith Kam speaks to the Deputy Foreign Minister of the NUG, Moe Zaw Oo, to find out where the future lies for the country. Image credit: NUGSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

IBM bought Red Hat for approximately $34 billion, making it the largest software acquisition in history. Roshan Kanesan speaks to Red Hat’s Asia Pacific Vice-President and General Manager Marjet Andriesse for the enterprise open-source software makers' role in the Cloud and software ecosystem, their APAC strategy, and presence in the region, and how well they work with IBM. Image credit: Red HatSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Dr. Kuljit Singh, President, APHM & Nadiah Wan, Group CEO, TMC Life Sciences Bhd joins us for a panel discussion on the state and future of Malaysia's private healthcare industry. We discuss with them their collaboration with the public sector in managing the pandemic and how the private sector is adapting pre and post-pandemic. Image credit: TMC Life Sciences Bhd, princecourt.com, shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Land of Smiles is feeling a little sullen. As the pandemic continues to ravage the tourism industry globally, Thailand is certainly a country not spared. The tourism industry is the lifeline to Thailand's economy. Philip See speaks to the Thailand Tourism Authority on how the tourism industry has been badly impacted and its recovery strategy following the launch of its Phuket Sandbox program. Image credit: Shutterstock.com & pata.orgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Joel Neoh, CEO and founder of Fave, on how one of the pioneers of the Malaysian mobile wallet space navigates these difficult waters with its recent Indian expansion plans and its new BNPL product Fave Now Pay Later?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Breakfast Grille today, we ask Dr. Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate, Nottingham University Malaysia and Jahabar Sadiq, Editor-in-Chief, The Malaysian Insight to share their thoughts. What does this mean for the country moving forward? Who will take over and how will this change the Malaysian political landscape in the years to come? Is this Anwar's race to lose? And are there only two choices: collab or collapse? Image credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Breakfast Grille today, we ask Dr. Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate, Nottingham University Malaysia and Jahabar Saddiq, Editor-in-Chief, The Malaysian Insight to share their thoughts. What does this mean for the country moving forward? Who will take over and how will this change the Malaysian political landscape in the years to come? Is this Anwar's race to lose? And are there only two choices: collab or collapse?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lester Chin, executive director of Hong Seng Consolidated Bhd discusses the dramatic revival of the company's fortunes as a result of selling Covid-19 test kits, and how it plans to become a supply chain platform by providing other solutions to help us live with Covid as an endemic, as well as his plans for the rubber glove-making business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lim Chung Chun, the Chairman and CEO of Singapore-listed wealth management Fintech iFAST Corp has witnessed a 2x jump in its share price in 2021 as locked-down investors put money into ETFs, unit trusts and direct stocks. And now it wants China and the rest of ASEAN to help meet its target of hitting Assets Under Administration of S$100 billion ($75 billion) by 2028. Image credit: Shutterstock.com & iFASTSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.