The Breakfast Grille

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.

What is technology's role in wage stagnation? Are market power and the skewed distribution of wealth cyclical in nature? Does Antitrust need to change? Roshan Kanesan explores all this and more with economist Jan Eeeckhout - Author of "The Profit Paradox: How Thriving Firms Threaten the Future of Work" Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pekat Group Bhd's managing director, Chin Soo Mau discusses the state of play of the solar power industry, the obstacles in growing the business in Malaysia, and the company's plans going forward post-listing on the ACE market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pekat Group Bhd's managing director, Chin Soo Mau discusses the state of play of the solar power industry, the obstacles in growing the business in Malaysia, and the company's plans going forward post-listing on the ACE market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with World Environment Day tomorrow, we tackle the subject of plastic- its manufacturing, recycling, and the importation of plastic waste- on the Breakfast Grille, with C.C. Cheah, Vice-President from the Malaysian Plastic Manufacturers Association & Wong Pui Yi, Researcher from the Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4 Center). Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founded in 2013, Sustenir was armed with $15 million in Series A funding from Grok ventures and Temasek Holding to tap into the growing vertical farming industry. That said, while Sustenir is now in 3 markets, how far can this business grow considering that it seems like a nice to have, instead of a growing necessity? Roshan Kanesan speaks to Benjamin Swan, CEO, and Co-Founder of Sustenir Agriculture, to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Jon Danielsson from LSE's Systemic Risk Centre helps us understand how financial markets have been resilient during the pandemic and highlights the challenges of applying old remedies from previous financial crisis to the current situation we are in at the moment. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a presence across 9 markets in the region, Axiata Digital Advertising, or ADA, has seen tremendous growth since its establishment in 2018. And in May, the digital analytics and AI company made the announcement that Japan’s Softbank Corp would be investing 60 million USD into the company for a 23% stake. What will this mean for the growth of ADA going forward? CEO Srinivas Gattamneni comes on the hot seat to discuss ADA's future with Lyn Mak. Image Credit: ADASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a successful IPO in March 2021, we ask Ben Sin, General Manager of Flexidynamics on how this glove chlorination specialist has used its proceeds to date. We also dissect their performance to date in this pandemic and dig deeper to understand what their diversification strategy will be across markets, technologies, and customer segments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark O'Dell, CEO of the Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) and Antony Lee, Chairman of the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM), discuss the whys and wherefores behind the lack of Covid coverage here and abroad and the road map to eventual protection. Image credit: Shutterstock, Life Insurance Association of Malaysia (LIAM) and General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From vehicles to electrical products and pharmaceuticals, Malaysia continues to be Germany’s largest trading partner in the ASEAN region, with total bilateral trade of about RM70 billion in 2019. But what more can be done to enhance our bilateral relationship especially in a time of Covid-19? We speak to the German ambassador to Malaysia, Dr Peter Blomeyer to discuss.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once part of the Soviet Union, Georgia has since transformed itself into a modern state, ranked by the Heritage Foundation as the 12th freest in terms of economic freedom. H.E. Nikoloz Apkhazava, Ambassador of Georgia to Malaysia discusses growing opportunities for Malaysians to do business there as it is strategically located at the intersection of Europe and Asia. Georgia however continues to be in conflict with Russia over the latter's occupation of two territories. How will their long-standing dispute affect Georgia's entry into the European Union and NATO? Image credit: aquatarkus / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once part of the Soviet Union, Georgia has since transformed itself into a modern state, ranked by the Heritage Foundation as the 12th freest in terms of economic freedom. H.E. Nikoloz Apkhazava, Ambassador of Georgia to Malaysia discusses growing opportunities for Malaysians to do business there as it is strategically located at the intersection of Europe and Asia. Georgia however continues to be in conflict with Russia over the latter's occupation of two territories. How will their long-standing dispute affect Georgia's entry into the European Union and NATO? Image credit: aquatarkus / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) sector contributed RM65 billion to the Malaysian economy in 2019. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated structural flaws in the industry, which the government aims to address via the National OGSE Blueprint launched in April. Is this enough to revitalise Malaysian OGSE? We sit down with Mohamed Yazid Ja'far, the CEO of the MPRC, the coordinating agency for the oil and gas industry, to find out. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The penetration of Takaful insurance in Malaysia is only 16% but with 10 other competitors, the market is very competitive. So what plans does Syarikat Takaful Malaysia Keluarga Berhad have to be the number 1 player in both family and general takaful? Dato' Sri Mohamed Hassan Kamil, Group CEO tells us and if inorganic is the way to go. Image credit: Syarikat Takaful MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How much more upside for Bursa listed Censof? The financial software solutions provider caught the attention of investors a month ago when Microsoft announced that Censof would be one of its partners in their $1 billion data centre investment in Malaysia. The stock jumped 26% when the initiative was announced, and jumped again following their Q4 earnings reports. Image credit: CensofSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roshni Jayantilal, CEO of the Malaysian Institute of Corporate Governance (MICG) speaks to us on the Breakfast Grille about the challenges in maintaining good governance standards during a pandemic, and their efforts to encourage SMEs to hop on the governance bandwagon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As MDEC celebrates its 25th anniversary, does this government agency still have relevance in helping Malaysia achieve its lofty goal of being a digital economy? Surina Shukri, the CEO answers that question and also addresses a news report that she will be replaced.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Kenny, the author of "The Plague Cycle: The Unending War Between Humanity and Infectious Disease" discusses the downside of some measures to fight the pandemic, and how global rules like patents and aid-giving could be rewritten to foster more equitable development and a more even response in managing crisis across the world. Kenny is also a Senior Fellow and the Director of Technology and Development at the Center for Global Development, Washington DC. He was previously with the World Bank, and holds degrees from Cambridge; the School of Oriental and African Studies in London; and the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia prepares to celebrate a second Hari Raya under a Movement Control Order, Dato' Sri Meer Habib, the Managing Director of Habib Jewels, talks about how one of the country's most established jewelry companies is coping with this once-in-a-lifetime event. Image credit: Habib JewelsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bursa Malaysia listed Advancecon Holdings has been awarded a total of five subcontracts worth around RM186 million for the ECRL project since the middle of last year. Beyond that it recently secured a quota of 26MW under the fourth cycle of the Large Scale Solar (LSS4) project. What else does this earthworks and civil engineering services provider have in store? We speak to Advancecon Executive Director Yeo An Thai to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the Covid-19 pandemic is first and foremost a health crisis, the resulting effects have devastated the global economy and students' education for the years to come. But education was already due for a reckoning before the pandemic hit- was this just accelerating the inevitable? We speak to computer scientist and educational theorist Professor Sugata Mitra on the Breakfast Grille to discuss the short-term and long-term prospects of our global education system. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How will listed education group SEG International adapt to a tougher operating environment, an oversaturated market, and the push to digital? Roshan Kanesan explores this and more with Hew Moi Lan, Group CEO and Executive Director of SEG International Berhad. SEG International is the only listed pure play education company on the main board, and runs the SEGi Group of Colleges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Sanda, the Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner of Austrade Malaysia & Brunei discusses how Covid-19 and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) could increase investment and trade between Australia and Malaysia. He also comments on the tense relationship between Australia and China, and how it might force countries like Malaysia to take sides.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) company Invest Energy Group wants to invest RM2.2 billion in the region over the next 5-7years in renewable energy projects, aiming to reach a generating capacity of up to 750MW. What's the plan to achieve this and where is this funding coming from? Also, with data centres increasing looking to renewable energy, will Invest Energy be looking for opportunities with Microsoft as they plan to build a data centre region in Malaysia? Roshan Kanesan dives into this and more on The Breakfast Grille. Image Credit: Invest EnergySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DAP tasted power for a brief 22 months but is back in opposition. What are their next steps as Malaysia heads towards the next general elections? Is this party with the most seats in Parliament reconsidering their coalition partners and will they even join hands with UMNO? Questions answered by former Transport Minister and current National Organising Secretary Anthony Loke who perhaps might be the future Secretary-General of DAP. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DAP tasted power for a brief 22 months but is back in opposition. What are their next steps as Malaysia heads towards the next general elections? Is this party with the most seats in Parliament reconsidering their coalition partners and will they even join hands with UMNO? Questions answered by x perhaps the future Secretary-General of DAP and former Transport Minister, YB Anthony Loke.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wee Eng Kong, Managing Director of the construction services firm Tuju Setia, is Bursa Malaysia's first main market listing in 2021, set to go public on May 19. Amongst others, he discusses Tuju's business, outlook, tender book and customers while fielding questions on its IPO timing, corporate governance, valuations, safety measures and cost structure. Image Credit: Tuju SetiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.