The Breakfast Grille

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.

Abdul Aziz Othman, the CEO/MD of Petronas Gas Bhd., fields questions on moribund growth at the gas utility, its ongoing appeal as a dividend haven and fresh pockets of growth, given its still-amenable capital position.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia was among the first countries to establish diplomatic ties with the then-Federation of Malaya when it gained independence in 1957. Six decades later, Australia is among Malaysia's top ten largest trading partners. Lyn Mak speaks to the outgoing Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, H.E. Andrew Golędzinowski to reflect on the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and Australia in this new age, and a look back on his term here. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The credit reporting industry has seen tremendous growth in Malaysia as both consumers and businesses increasingly use the service. But does this justify paying premium valuations for such a company and could this be Malaysia's hottest IPO for 2021? Dennis Martin, Group CEO of CTOS Digital tells us whilst also diving into their growth strategies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Accenture Interactive could well be among the world's largest digital agencies that no one knows about. But it is, thanks to its roster of blue-chip clients from its famous consulting parent. Thomas Mouritzen, its South East Asia Lead, discusses his plan for expansion beyond the parental fold and the cutting edge of digital innovation in ASEAN. Image credit: Shutterstock.com & Accenture InteractiveSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Homegrown human capital management solutions and technology provider Ramssol Group is headed to a listing on the 13th of July. With ambitious expansion plans in the works for across the region, we speak to Cllement Tan, CEO of the Ramssol Group Bhd to find out whether Covid-19 has thrown a wrench into those plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Robin Lee, CEO of HelloGold, a mobile app that is on a quest to democratize gold investments to the broader population in a crowded era of cryptocurrencies, volatile commodity prices, meme stocks amidst a tightening wallet of the middle classes during the covid-19 pandemic. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Herizal Hazri, Chief Executive of ISIS Malaysia, discusses overlooked policy areas, and how think tanks could remain relevant in this age of disruption and to the TikTok generation. He also comments on how Southeast Asia could do a better job in responding to disputes with China, and what's missing in Malaysia's National Recovery Plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

E-wallets, robo advisors, and cryptocurrency, have all become more prominent as the pandemic accelerated digitalisation. Looking ahead, the digital banking scene is heating up with final bids for licenses expected at the end of the month. Roshan Kanesan explores the world of Malaysian fintech with Karen Puah, President of the Fintech Association of Malaysia (FAOM), and Vincent Fong, Editor of Fintech News Malaysia. They get into the current state of Fintech, consolidation, funding bottlenecks, the regulatory framework, and the digital banking race. Image credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pemerkasa Plus, valued at RM40 billion, is the latest government stimulus to help Malaysians deal with the pandemic. But a year and a half since Covid's appearance, critics still question the efficacy, governance, and affordability of Pemerkasa and the six other financial stimulus packages thus far unveiled, worth a total RM380 billion. National Budget Director Datuk Johan Merican discusses. Image Credit: Ekaterina Kapralova | Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With borders still closed and travel severely curtailed, can Air Asia still survive? Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, CEO and Co-Founder of AirAsia tells us his plans to keep the airline flying while telling us the future of travel in the post covid world whilst talking about his other pillars within the group and its monetisation efforts. Image credit: Soraphak RUSHAKITTI / Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With borders still closed and travel severely curtailed, can Air Asia still survive? Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, CEO and Co-Founder of AirAsia tells us his plans to keep the airline flying while telling us the future of travel in the post covid world whilst talking about his other pillars within the group and its monetisation efforts. Image credit: Soraphak RUSHAKITTI / Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Patriots Association hopes for Malaysia to return to happier times when we could live together in harmony. In that spirit, the group has been vocal about issues like corruption and transparency, and even the youth. Its President, Brig-Jen (Rtd) Dato Mohamed Arshad Raji joins us on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the aspirations he and his retired police and military comrades have for a better, more harmonious Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia's vaccination program rolls steadily onwards, volunteers are on the frontlines helping to register people for vaccination, and also assist the administration process at the vaccination centers. But what needs to be done to help volunteers in their selfless duty? How can the government and other organizations encourage and protect our volunteers? On the Breakfast Grille, we speak to Subang Jaya ADUN, YB Michelle Ng, and Mercy Malaysia General Manager of Operations Said Alhudzari about their experience coordinating the volunteer efforts against the pandemic. Image credit: Ahmad Yusni / EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia's vaccination program rolls steadily onwards, volunteers are on the frontlines helping to register people for vaccination, and also assist the administration process at the vaccination centers. But what needs to be done to help volunteers in their selfless duty? How can the government and other organizations encourage and protect our volunteers? On the Breakfast Grille, we speak to Subang Jaya ADUN, YB Michelle Ng, and Mercy Malaysia General Manager of Operations Said Alhudzari about their experience coordinating the volunteer efforts against the pandemic. Image credit: Ahmad Yusni / EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2019, the Auditor General highlighted project delays and governance issues at UDA Holdings, an investee of MOF Inc. Salem Khailany was subsequently brought in as CEO to transform the property player while maintaining its mandate to support the Bumiputera agenda. Salem discusses what he has done since coming on board including reaching a settlement with Tradewinds on the re-development of Bukit Bintang Plaza, and later, whether there might be plans to privatise and re-list UDA. At this point, the total gross development of its projects is RM700 million.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 months into the Covid-19 crisis, retailers still face constant challenges with the ever-changing SOPs and sluggish consumer sentiment. But with the recently announced National Recovery Plan, is the future more optimistic? Datuk Wira Dr. Ameer Ali Mydin, Managing Director of Mydin gives us his views whilst also telling us what assistance is most needed during these times. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wanted your own support team to help you with your physical and mental health, as well as financial planning and career coaching? Enter Naluri Hidup, a subscription digital therapeutics service. The pandemic accelerated digitalisation, and this looks to be the case with healthcare as well. By some estimates, the global Digital Health market is expected to spike 37% in 2021, with a post-COVID-19 CAGR of 18.8% from 2020 to 2027. Armed with Series A funding of 5 million dollars, how will Naluri tap into this growing trend? Roshan Kanesan speaks to Naluri founder and CEO Azran Osman Rani to find out. They also get into revenue and profitability, possible IPO plans, regional expansion, and the sales pitch to employers and businesses, as well as whether consolidation is inevitable. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wanted your own support team to help you with your physical and mental health, as well as financial planning and career coaching? Enter Naluri Hidup, a subscription digital therapeutics service. The pandemic accelerated digitalisation, and this looks to be the case with healthcare as well. By some estimates, the global Digital Health market is expected to spike 37% in 2021, with a post-COVID-19 CAGR of 18.8% from 2020 to 2027. Armed with Series A funding of 5 million dollars, how will Naluri tap into this growing trend? Roshan Kanesan speaks to Naluri founder and CEO Azran Osman Rani to find out. They also get into revenue and profitability, possible IPO plans, regional expansion, and the sales pitch to employers and businesses, as well as whether consolidation is inevitable. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent spate of deaths in police custody has made headlines over the past two months and raised concerns over why this keeps happening. Furthermore, custodial deaths appear to be an issue disproportionately affecting the Indian community- so we speak to Klang MP YB Charles Santiago and former SUHAKAM commissioner Prof Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria, to try and unpack the reasons behind this. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With over 700 German companies in Malaysia, we remain Germany's largest trading partner in ASEAN. However, Vietnam, Thailand, and Indonesia are not far behind in this FDI race. Daniel Bernbeck, CEO of the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry tells us what we need to stay ahead of the game whilst discussing the state of vocational training in our country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billionaire owners, rising Americanisation, and the fall of European Super League; BFM's Roshan Kanesan speaks to football financial analyst Kieran Maguire about the state of the English Premier League and how money has changed it, for better and for worse. Kieran Maguire is a football financial analyst, author of the Price of Football, and Professor of Football Financial Analysis at the University of Liverpool. Image credit: charnsitr - Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billionaire owners, rising Americanisation, and the rise and fall of European Super League; Roshan Kanesan speaks to football financial analyst Kieran Maguire about the state of the English Premier League and how money has changed it. Kieran Maguire is a football financial analyst, author of the Price of Football, and Professor of Football Financial Analysis at the University of Liverpool. Image credit: charnsitr - Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Vinod Chandramouli, Head of ASEAN Business at Freshworks on their expansion plans and how this SAAS (Software as a Solution Provider) plans to expand its offerings and broaden its solutions across vertical and horizontal industries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.