The Breakfast Grille

Covid-19 has rent all manner of businesses asunder, and healthcare is no exception. But what does Malaysia's largest private healthcare group do to come back from a year when patients, treatments and healthcare tourism ground to a standstill? Ahmad Shahizam bin Mohd Shariff, President and Managing Director of KPJ Healthcare Bhd, discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is OneConnect here to support or replace banks? Roshan Kanesan dives into this and what this 'technology-as-a-service' firm does with their Southeast CEO. They also get into OneConnect's Asian expansion, Malaysia's importance to the digital bank builder, their dependence on Ping An Group and Ping An owned-Lufax for revenue, as well as thoughts on China tech concerns and new fintech regulations. Image Credit: PopTika / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Governments around the world constantly strive to reduce - if not completely eliminate - poverty within their respective countries. But the question has arisen of whether these programmes are enough, seeing as the unseen impacts of the scarcity mentality may make it even more difficult to escape poverty. We speak to Eldar Shafir, a behavioural economist at Princeton University, about scarcity, the behavioural effects of Covid-19, and avoiding the thick-skin bias in policymaking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selangor reduced its investment target from RM12 billion to RM8.5 billion, due to the weaker global sentiment brought by the Covid-19 pandemic. Is it on track to achieve the lowered target? Roshan Kanesan speaks to Dato' Hasan Azhari Idris, CEO of Invest Selangor Berhad, about this as well as their relationship with other bodies like InvestKL and the federal government. They also get into Selangor's investment focuses, thoughts on the water disruptions, key FDI countries, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

International trade has functioned as the lifeblood of our globalised society for decades. However, in recent years, it has been on the decline, with governments increasingly adopting more protectionist policies and the Covid-19 pandemic also contriving to rock global supply chains. What will the future of international trade look like and where does the World Trade Organisation fit into this new landscape? We speak to Simon Evenett, Professor of International Trade at the University of St. Galen, to find out more. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GHL Systems' stock price has double year-to-date on the back of optimism around cashless payments and its other financial services. Should you add this to your portfolio or has the market gotten ahead of itself? Find out as Roshan Kanesan speaks with CEO Danny Leong about how business has been this year, the move into money lending, their digital banking aspirations, expansion in the region, as well as thoughts around dividend policy, and their relationship with their major Private Equity shareholders, Actis Stark and Creador.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The advent of Covid-19 has thrown our education system into disarray. As schools have been once again forced to close on the reimplementation of movement restrictions, concerns have started to come to the fore over the long-term effect this will have on students and teachers. But with a lack of resources and an unclear syllabus, will we be able to avoid having a lost generation?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, talks to us about whether implementing price controls at the height of the pandemic earlier this year worked in addressing concerns such as shortages on essentials and food security. He also explains why the increase in his ministry’s operating budget to boost various subsidies and programmes is justified. He elaborates on Sarawak’s relationship with the Perikatan Nasional government, and hopes gentlemanly manners will see the state’s rights fulfilled eventually.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bitcoin has almost quadrupled since its March low, now hovering at around $19,000. The cryptocurrency has seen a boost from the pandemic and expansionary monetary policy, as some investors look for inflationary hedges. That said, how well-received is Bitcoin and cryptocurrency in Malaysia and Southeast Asia? Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does Econframe’s future hinge on Malaysia's ability to manage the Covid-19 pandemic? Roshan Kanesan discusses this with Lim Chin Horng, as well as the metal door frame manufacturer's margins going forward, order book, customer base (which includes the likes of Gamuda, SP Setia, and IJM Land), and impact from the CMCO.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The telecommunications sector has seen increased commoditization of its services, with price wars and a sharp deceleration of revenue. To survive, diversification is key, but what new business is synergistic? Tan Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim, President and Group CEO of Axiata Group, answers that question whilst giving us a glimpse of the future with the onset of 5G. He also reflects on his career as he retires at year-end, after 40 years in the ICT industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aquaria KLCC was once a great venue for kids, but now with Covid-19 uncertainties, is that still the case? In conjunction with Universal Children's Day, we speak with Daryl Foong, Executive Director of Aquaria's parent company Aquawalk Group, to check in on how the pandemic has impacted them, the expansion plans they've had to put on hold, and where Covid-19 will lead them in future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)  strives for freer trade, smoother flow of people, and digital and gender-based inclusiveness among its 21 member economies that includes the US, China, Russia and Japan. But unlike its policy-based peer ASEAN, APEC is a cooperative, discussive and non-binding platform. So how does it achieve its goals when its biggest members are increasingly anti-globalisation? Tan Sri Dr Rebecca Sta Maria, the Executive Director of the APEC Secretariat, discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to relations with China, Southeast Asian countries tread between anticipation and unease, relying on its economic might but also wary of its military ambition. How might the Covid-19 pandemic reshape alliances in the region? We discuss the dynamics at play with long-time Southeast Asian political observer Murray Hiebert, author of the book "Under Beijing's Shadow: Southeast Asia's China Challenge." Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johan Merican, Director of the National Budget Office at the Ministry of Finance, responds to criticisms about the over-optimistic projected tax revenue; the allocation of RM1 billion for special projects under the Prime Minister's Department; the RM80 million to JASA which has a reputation for engaging in propaganda; the rush to launch EPF's i-Sinar instead of expanding i-Lestari; and what happens if the Budget is not approved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Covid-19 pandemic has driven Indonesia into a recession for the first time in 22 years, impacting the livelihoods of millions in the country. The government recently passed the controversial Jobs Creation Law to mitigate the fallout, amid heavy opposition from labour unions. How do Indonesian businesses view the challenge facing the country? We speak to Gita Wirjawan, former Indonesian Trade Minister and Chairman of the Ancora Group, with interests across a range of sectors from natural resources to education, on his prescription for economic recovery. Gita was speaking at the Leadership Energy Asia Summit 2020. Visit asb.edu.my/lesa2020 for more information. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Covid-19 pandemic has driven Indonesia into a recession for the first time in 22 years, impacting the livelihoods of millions in the country. The government recently passed the controversial Jobs Creation Law to mitigate the fallout, amid heavy opposition from labour unions. How do Indonesian businesses view the challenge facing the country? We speak to Gita Wirjawan, former Indonesian Trade Minister and Chairman of the Ancora Group, with interests across a range of sectors from natural resources to education, on his prescription for economic recovery. Gita was speaking at the Leadership Energy Asia Summit 2020. Visit asb.edu.my/lesa2020 for more information. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2021 is the largest in Malaysia's history as the country faces unprecedented times. Lim Guan Eng, Former Finance Minister, gives us his views on whether the Budget can address the crisis that lies ahead and what he would have differently. He also gives us his insights into the Malaysian political landscape and whether Pakatan Harapan is ready for the next general election. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Should the government be the employer of last resort, in good times and in bad? Roshan Kanesan explores this with Associate Professor of Economics at Bard College, Pavlina Tcherneva. Even in the best of times, there is unemployment and needless to say, 2020 is not the best of times. Jobs have become an even bigger concern as Covid-19 wreaks havoc on the global economy. That said, employment was a focus in the US even before the pandemic took hold, with many pointing the finger at globalisation and technological advancements for jobs lost. Is a federal backstop for jobs the answer? Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Covid-19 pandemic has compelled companies to speed up digital adoption because employees cannot access their workplaces as easily. Noelle Lim speaks to Bill Taylor-Mountford, VP of Blue Prism in ASEAN and Korea, on why and how Malaysian companies can make the leap in digital transformation, and much-needed changes at the top leadership level using South Korea as a benchmark. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can gyms like Fitness First, Celebrity Fitness, and FIRE Fitness not just survive the pandemic, but thrive? Roshan Kanesan speaks with Simon Flint of Evolution Wellness, the owner of these franchises amongst others, about the impact of the pandemic to revenue and membership, the game plan to navigate the challenging environment going forward, how they're tapping into technology and digital resources, possible deals and acquisitions, as well as what a possible exit plan could look like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2021 is Malaysia's most expansionary budget in history with three main objectives to help the country overcome the crisis brought upon by the Covid-19 pandemic. But do the initiatives meet the objectives and does it offer new ideas? Tai Lai Kok, Executive Director & Head of Tax at KPMG, and Tricia Yeoh, CEO of the Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), dissect the details of Budget 2021. Image Credit: Abdul Razak Latif / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2021 is Malaysia's most expansionary budget in history with three main objectives to help the country overcome the crisis brought upon by the Covid-19 pandemic. But do the initiatives meet the objectives and does it offer new ideas? Tai Lai Kok, Executive Director & Head of Tax at KPMG, and Tricia Yeoh, CEO of the Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), dissect the details of Budget 2021. Image Credit: Abdul Razak Latif / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Covid-19 casting a dark shadow on the economy with rising unemployment and slowing growth, much is riding on this expansionary Budget. But what should the government focus on considering the narrow fiscal space, and how do we ensure growth and prosperity for all? Dr Muhammad Khalid, chief economist at DM Analytics, and Richard Record, lead economist of the World Bank, weigh in on this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A company that is benefiting from China's dual circulation strategy is JF Technology, a testing solution and equipment manufacturer that is partnering with Huawei to set up a testing facility in China. Dillon Atma Singh, the CEO of JF, discusses how it will protect its interest, other opportunities in China, the importance of having 5G infrastructure in Malaysia to attract foreign direct investments into advanced manufacturing, and when JF will move out of the ACE market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Americans head to the polls today, in what's been touted as the election of the century. Amid a bitterly polarized electorate, an ongoing healthcare crisis and an economic crunch caused by the pandemic, how will US voters decide? We discuss the prospects for both candidates and the likelihood of a contested election with Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, Senior Fellow at the Miller Center, University of Virginia. Image Credit: chrisdorney / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world of big data and algorithms where statistics become increasingly important, Tim Harford, author of “How to Make the World Add Up: Ten Rules for Thinking Differently About Numbers,” simplifies this very technical subject and reiterates the importance of numbers in this world. He also explains why polls can still be wrong despite the science behind it while defending the use of statistics despite the potential of its misuse by governments. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Covid-19 has accelerated change in many respects, from the adoption of digital technologies to shifts in consumer behaviour. However, set against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, a rising China and an increasingly divided US, the pandemic has also acted as a catalyst for power shifts within the Asian region. The 2020 edition of the Asia Power Index, produced by the Lowy Institute, aims to chart that shift, by looking both at hard power and soft power developments of 26 nation-states over the past year. We speak to the team behind the index, Hervé Lemahieu and Alyssa Leng of the Asia Power and Diplomacy Program at the Lowy Institute, for insight into this Covid-driven race to the bottom. Explore the full index here. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peaceable and wealthy Sweden has been a notable divergent from its European peers in handling Covid-19 and refugee immigration, two seismic events with economic and social ramifications that experts have said are (and continue to be) more serious than Wall Street's crash in 1929 and the Spanish Flu of 1905. Not surprisingly, there have been consequences for the small Nordic nation of a mere 10 million. His Excellency Dag Juhlin-Dannfelt, Sweden's Ambassador to Malaysia, discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Covid-19 pandemic, has China's plan of becoming a global superpower by 2049 been derailed? Will it be able to resolve some of its structural issues of an ageing population and the hukou system? We speak to David Dollar, co-author of "China 2049: Economic Challenges of a Rising Global Power," for his views on this. We also look at US-China tensions and how can Malaysia navigate this without being collateral damage. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The home-sharing economy was hard-hit by the pandemic, nearly halving Airbnb's valuation from $30 billion to $18billion, but as economies reopen can Airbnb emerge stronger from the crisis? Roshan Kanesan spoke with Airbnb’s General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan, Amanpreet Bajaj, on their game plan in Malaysia and the region, the importance of domestic tourism, policy discussions with governments, and more. This interview was pre-recorded before the imposition of the CMCO.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has signed the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership) but not ratified it due to pushback by politicians and NGOs who are concerned about the loss of sovereignty and Bumiputera privileges. Are these concerns unfounded? Tricia Yeoh, CEO of IDEAS, debates with CPTPP opposer, Azlan Awang, Senior Fellow at MTEM, about the merits of this controversial agreement. Image Credit: EPA-EFESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With climate change a reality and one of the greatest challenges that we face, what is Malaysia doing? Dr. Sanjayan Velautham, CEO of Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia tells us the role this government agency plays in helping the country achieve its sustainable goals and whether its on track on achieving them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Has digital media thrived during the pandemic? REV Media Group, formerly Media Prima Digital, has 30 brands in its portfolio and a wide reach, but is facing falling revenue and ADEX margin compression. Roshan Kanesan speaks to Rafiq Razali, CEO of REV Media Group, on the strategy and outlook ahead, portfolio consolidation, and whether the branding exercise is a signal that they are stepping away from the Media Prima brand. REV Media Group is a subsidiary of Media Prima.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dutch Lady Milk Industries was the first milk company to list on the KLSE in 1968. Fast forward 50 years and a global pandemic later, the landscape has changed significantly. As plant-based milks gain in popularity and other FMCG players diversify their offerings, can Dutch Lady survive this increasingly competitive landscape? We speak to Tarang Gupta, Managing and Executive Director of Dutch Lady Milk Industries to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With TechBond's fourth quarter revenue down 31% on-year but stock up around 130% so far this year, does the stock have more room to run? Roshan Kanesan speaks with their Deputy Managing Director on their revenue growth prospects, increased margins, the risk of their reliance on export markets, challenges from the US-China trade war and pandemic, and more. TechBond is a publicly listed company that manufactures adhesives used by other industries, from paper and packaging and consumer goods, to construction and automotive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a global pandemic disrupting supply chains and triggering economic crises around the world, governments are taking steps to ensure they do not also end up with a food crisis on their hands. In Malaysia, we measure rice self-sufficiency levels, but is this a good gauge of our food security? On the Breakfast Grille, we speak to Professor Sayed Azam-Ali, until recently, CEO of Crops for the Future Research Centre, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We know Malaysia will be joining COVAX, the global vaccine access plan led by the World Health Organisation. But when will it be finalised? How much will it cost? And who gets it first? Khairy Jamaluddin, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation talks about the plan to procure a vaccine against the backdrop of much political uncertainty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Bank has estimated that the global illicit cigarette market is worth as much as US$40 - US$50 billion annually, with Malaysia reportedly taking top honours. Aside from the loss to government coffers to the tune of RM5bn, should this industry which contributes to undeniable health risks be more regulated? We speak to Cormac O'Rourke, CEO of JTI Malaysia to find out more and also is the company losing market share to its competitors in this challenging operating environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACE-bound solar player Samaiden (pronounced as Sam-Aiden , names of her two sons) will be listed on 15th October. We discussed with Managing Director, Chow Pui Hee's ambitions and her plans to expand in Malaysia and Vietnam as the latter government plans to increase energy supply from solar to 12GW by 2030.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fleur Pellerin, former French Minister for SMEs, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Managing Partner of Korelya Capital discusses the French tech startup ecosystem, the obstacles faced by Europe in becoming a tech powerhouse, and her investment interests in Europe and Asia. Also as one of the early advocates of regulating tech giants about seven years ago, she weighs in on this contentious topic. Fleur Pellerin will be joining the E-Nation Symposium Virtual Conference, organised by the Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre. E-Nation will take place from 20-23 October 2020, visit enation.mymagic.my to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China is, today, by far and away the biggest foreign player in the Malaysian economy, a position that has been achieved in an alarmingly short span of time, spawning a raft of questions and soul-searching. Questions such as: How did China achieve this prominence so quickly? What factors contributed? On how many levels has this penetration been achieved? And, should Malaysia be worried by what appears to be chequebook diplomacy and outcomes that include economic and resource capture? Prof Edmund Terence Gomez, Professor of Political Economy, and Dr Cheong Kee Cheok, Senior Fellow at the Institute of China Studies, both of University Malaya, discuss these issues in the context of their book, ‘China in Malaysia’.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UEM Edgenta is one of Malaysia's largest total asset solutions businesses involved in road maintenance and healthcare support amongst other services. Despite the company being seen as a defensive play by some, the company’s stock has been on a downward trend for the last year, down around 43% over the last 12 months and it swung into a loss for the first half of this year with revenue down 15% on-year. With new leadership at the helm and a challenging outlook ahead, Roshan Kanesan speaks with UEM Edgenta's new MD and CEO on the path forward, margin compression, expansion plans, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tengku Dato Sri Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Finance sticks to BNM's GDP forecast despite the rise in Covid-19 cases; aims to keep within the debt-to-GDP ratio of 60% in order to avoid doubling the fiscal deficit to 11%; does not rule out widening the Sales & Service Tax base next year; and denies any related party relationship with the Prime Minister nor interest in politics. Image Credit : Ministry of FinanceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

COVID-19 has changed the fundamentals of our global economy, and introduced us to a new version of normality. But is the coronavirus pandemic the Black Swan of our generation? We speak about this and more, with renowned author and originator of the term black swan, Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Prof. Nassim Nicholas Taleb will be speaking at the E-Nation Symposium Virtual Conference organised by the Malaysian Global Innovation & Creativity Centre. E-Nation will take place from 20-23 October 2020, visit enation.mymagic.my to find out more Image credit: Anton Gvozdikov / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Law King Hui, Managing Director and co-founder of Sasbadi Holdings discusses the impact of the pandemic on the school textbook business, the challenges of rolling out digital initiatives and what needs to be done to transform public education in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Edmund Lee, the General Manager of Sales & Marketing at Red Bull Malaysia discusses how the brand from Thailand, popular among Muay Thai fighters, managed to grow market share during the MCO, how it plans to expand its product range to appeal to a wider audience, and health labelling of energy drinks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xeraya Capital is the life sciences investment arm of Khazanah Nasional, invested in medical technology and biological sciences. Why did Khazanah choose to invest in this space? And what edge does Xeraya have? We speak to CEO Fares Zahir about this and more. Image Credit: Billion Photos / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MoneyGram International is an American money transfer company that allows you to set up a money transfer online, or in person by visiting an agent. On The Breakfast Grille, we explore the state of remittance flows in the region as well as how MoneyGram will manage the increased digital competition. Additionally we get into MoneyGram’s presence in the region, expansion plans, and consolidation in the industry. Imagecredit: Roman Tiraspolsky / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Mandar Vaidya, the CEO of OYO Hotels & Homes in South East Asia, Middle East & Japan on how the company is responding to uncertainties due to the Covid-19 outbreak, and plans to shore up its reputation and become financially sustainable. Globally, it has downsized offices and cut jobs to preserve cash.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.