The Breakfast Grille

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.

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.

Why bother voting? This is a troubling question that some young people are asking following the events of Langkah Sheraton. That’s the question Roshan Kanesan tackles today in conjunction with International Youth Day with YB Lim Yi Wei, Kampung Tunku Assemblywoman, and activist Qyira Yusri, co-founder of UNDI18. They explore the role of youths in politics -- from getting them to vote, encouraging active political engagement, and ultimately getting them on the ballots themselves. Image credit: akids.photo.graphy / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GIIB Holdings has been a market leader in tyre retreading and rubber compound manufacturing. Due to losses in the past 5 years, it is now looking to shift to rubber glove making. Is it late to the party? And will it exit its rubber compound business? Chairman and CEO, Tai Boon Wee discusses his outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the rapid growth and strong global demand for semiconductor chips, we speak to the Managing director of QES Group, Chew Ne Weng on his ambitions and challenges to expand his manufacturing as he outlines his plans for China and when he will begin rewarding his shareholders. Image credit: QES GroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grab's ability to combine mobility, delivery, and now financial services with a touch of a button make it one of the most widely used apps in the region. But is its business model flawed, taking advantage of all stakeholders? We speak to Sean Goh, country head of Malaysia to find out and what are their strategies for growth. Image credit: Jirapong Manustrong / Shutterstock.com & Grab MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephen Ng, Executive Chairman of Sabah-based aquaculture company MAG Holdings, is switching from its China-based edible oils business into prawn farming to serve high-growth export markets in the Asia-Pacific region, though the journey entails tough financial hurdles that need addressing. Image credit: Shutterstock.com & MAG HoldingsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is it that despite longstanding calls for women to be better represented both in political and business leadership, women's representation continues to lag? This is especially concerning, seeing as women make up nearly half of the population of the country. We speak to Rohit Nambiar, CEO of Tune Protect Group, a Corporate Member of the 30% Club Malaysia, and Norliza Azmi, Communications Lead, 30% Club Malaysia, for insight. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pandemic has been a calamity for the F&B and hospitality sector, but thanks to a couple of cash infusions and a much-needed pivot, there appears to be a silver lining on the horizon. Mac Chung Lynn, the Founder and Group CEO of Nando's in Malaysia and Singapore explains. Image credit: Min Jing / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Formerly known as Sinotop Holdings, Pertama Digital is setting its sights to expand its govtech business through its unit, Dapat Vista, a pioneer in government SMS communication. Sabri Abdul Rahman, CEO of Pertama Digital discusses the gaps in gov tech, and what the company brings to the table for the B40 community if it gets a digital banking license. Image credit: Shutterstock.com & Pertama DigitalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year, thousands fall into the hands of human traffickers, and are placed in positions of forced labour, exploitation, or worse. In order to bring the spotlight onto this issue, the UN has designated the 30th of July every year as World Day Against Trafficking In Persons- so in conjunction with that, we speak with Jerald Joseph, Commissioner of SUHAKAM and Liva Sreedharan, Labour Rights Consultant, to find out about the situation as it stands, here in Malaysia. Image credit: msyaraafiq / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in 2019, the federal government said it was aiming to achieve 40% of public transportation usage within the next 10 years, from the 20% it was at the time. Can Malaysia realistically hit that target and are we doing enough to develop public transport in the country? Roshan Kanesan breaks this down with Dato Ridza Abdoh Salleh, Prasarana's first CEO and was involved with the LRT project during its inception back in 1997, and Dr. Rosli Khan, a transportation expert with over 30 years in the transport industry. Background image credit: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With travel being the first to close and last to reopen and with the advent of technologies such as Zoom, when will we see business travel recover? We speak to Bertrand Saillet, Managing Director of FCM Asia, on how travel management companies have been coping and their future prospects. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

pitchIN raised RM59.5 million in 2020, almost 3 times more than in 2019. This was almost half of the capital raised on equity crowdfunding platforms in 2020 and makes them Malaysia’s leading crowdfunding platform by far. On the back of this astounding growth, Roshan Kanesan speaks to CEO and Co-founder Sam Shaffie about the pitchIN's plans to open a secondary market, get an Initial Exchange Offering (IEO) platform license, become a one-stop shop for digital investing, and more. Equity crowdfunding allows regular investors to enter the world of early-stage investing, a world that was accessible only by private equity, venture capitalist, or high net worth investors. Image credit: pitchIN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since its birth in 2017 and operationalizing its peer-to-peer platform in 2020, CapBay has lent out more than RM1.2 billion to underserved small and medium-sized businesses. Founded by former investment bankers and management consultants, how is CapBay taking market share from traditional banks, how regulatory changes would remove limits to its growth, and how it will grow market share as more non-traditional players enter the financing space? Ang Xing Xian, the CEO and co-founder of CapBay discusses if it could be a unicorn in the making. Image credit: CapBaySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After months of uncertainty, the 2021 Tokyo Olympics is finally here despite a surge in COVID-19 cases in Tokyo, and a state of emergency that runs until 22nd August. Malaysia is sending a contingent of 30 athletes to the Games, who will be looking for Olympic medals in the cycling, diving, and badminton events. Just before joining the Malaysian contingent in Tokyo, Tan Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria, the President of the Olympic Council of Malaysia sits down with us on the Breakfast Grille to talk to us about all things sports, and the Olympics that nearly didn't happen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia and Malaysia have had diplomatic ties since the 1960s, yet bilateral trade values remain low. How can this be improved and is the production of Sputnik V vaccines in this country be part of that? We speak to H.E. Nail Latypov, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Malaysia to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Pang Chong Yong, CEO and Chairman of Gemilang International, a Johor-based and Hong Kong-listed bus maker Gemilang International Ltd that has successfully carved a niche for itself as one of the pioneering manufacturers of aluminium and electric buses in Asia-Pacific. He also shares the potential of EV Busses around the world and gets his thoughts on the future of transportation, especially in this post covid world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From its inception in 2011, Johor-based Haily Group has grown into a construction company that pulled in RM166 million in revenue in 2020.  Now scheduled to list on the ACE-market this week, CEO Yoong Woei Yeh speaks to us about the reason for the listing, the company's expansion plans, and its outlook on the economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alvin Chua, President of the Federation of Malaysian Freight Forwarders discusses the challenges faced in light of skyrocketing global shipping costs and Covid-19 movement restrictions, and how Malaysia can improve its logistics performance including improving customs clearance and tackling corruption. On the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index, Malaysia’s ranking has slipped since 2016, from 32 to 41 in 2018. In this region, Singapore is amongst the top 10 while in 2018, Thailand and Vietnam have outranked Malaysia. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2021 has been a dismal year for the Malaysian equity market with the FBMKLCI the worst-performing major Asian market so far. Datuk Teng Chee Wai, the Managing Director of Affin Hwang Asset Management, and Anand Pathmakanthan, the Regional Head of Research at Maybank Kim Eng tells us why but more importantly what themes could still outperform despite the weak domestic outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March this year, former Permodalan Nasional CEO Jalil Rasheed was appointed the new CEO of Berjaya Corp, marking the first time the post is held by someone who is not from the Tan family as the company looks to transform BCorp. What will this transformation entail and will Jalil succeed? Khoo Hsu Chuang dives into the details of this massive restructuring to find out. In a Bursa announcement dated 16 July it was clarified that the Board of Directors of Berjaya Corporation Berhad were not aware of and have not deliberated on plans to either privatize Berjaya Land, sell Berjaya Sports Toto or set up a Hospitality Reit. Discussions on these matters are the personal ideas and strategies of the Chief Executive Officer, En. Abdul Jalil bin Abdul Rasheed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Qualitas Medical Group has been in the medical business for more than 20 years now, with presence across the region in Singapore and Australia. Philip See speaks to Dato' Dr Noorul Ameen, Executive Chairman, Qualitas Medical Group on how he rates the National Immunisation Program and government's handling of the pandemic. Image Credit: Qualitas Medical GroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year after Covid scuppered plans for an IPO, bubble tea chain Loob Holding now counts the private equity firm Creador as a shareholder, after it sold a 30% stake for an undisclosed value. Bryan Loo, CEO and founder of Loob Holding, talks about what Creador's entry means for growth in Malaysia and the region. Image Credit: Loob HoldingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year after Covid scuppered plans for an IPO, bubble tea chain Loob Holding now counts the private equity firm Creador as a shareholder, after it sold a 30% stake for an undisclosed value. Bryan Loo, CEO and founder of Loob Holding, talks about what Creador's entry means for growth in Malaysia and the region. Image Credit: Loob HoldingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Joe Biden is looking to rebuild bridges in the international community after the chaos of the Trump administration. What opportunities and challenges lie ahead for Malaysia-US bilateral relations in this new era? The newly-appointed US Ambassador to Malaysia, H.E. Brian McFeeters gives us his views. Image credit: Shutterstock.com & US Embassy in Kuala LumpurSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Munchy’s Food Industries is responsible for snacks like Lexus cream biscuits, Muzik bites, and Oat Krunch, brands that ring a bell with many Malaysians. From humble beginnings back in 1991, today they claim to be the number one homegrown biscuit brand in Malaysia, exporting its products to more than 50 countries, but has the pandemic thrown a spanner into the works? Image credit: Zety Akhzar / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We talk with Datuk Dr. Lim Jee Gin, Group Managing Director of Nestcon Bhd about their future plans into Industrial Building Systems (IBS), their order book, and how they plan to use the RM 45 million proceeds from their successful IPO in the Bursa ACE market. Image credit: Nestcon BhdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.