The Breakfast Grille

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.

Borrowers nationwide are days away from recommencing loan payments. But how many are prepared? And what other relief measures exist? Arsalaan Ahmed, a council member of AIBIM and CEO HSBC Amanah Malaysia, discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Even though property is a favoured asset in Malaysia, it was not spared by the pandemic. The property market declined in the first half of 2020, with the number of transactions falling 28% as value of those transactions fell 32% on-year to RM47 billion. In line with that, property player Paramount Corp’s saw earnings swing to a loss as revenue fell 70% on-year in the second quarter. Is the worst over for Paramount?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Azrul Shah Bin Mohamad - General Manager of Tourism Selangor, discusses the state's plan to attract visitors to the country's wealthiest area. Image Credit: NOOR RADYA BINTI MD RADZI / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Analysts are skeptical of new glovemakers like Aspen Group, the property developer, entering the market. Dato Murly Manokharan, CEO of Aspen discusses numbers and the competitive advantage the group has through the network of its investor partner, CMY Capital, Tan Sri Chua Ma in securing Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR), the nitrile glove raw material in extreme short supply. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world's largest glove manufacture, Top Glove's star has rocketed upwards on the back of the pandemic-driven demand for gloves. But what does Top Glove have in store in 2021, and how will the management navigate an increasingly competitive landscape as well as uncertain global economic tensions? We speak with Dato Lee Kim Meow, Managing Director of Top Glove, to find out more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As polling day for the Sabah state election draws near, all eyes are on the fervent campaigning happening in the state. How will the Perikatan Nasional government do in its first official showing as a coalition? Who will claim the post of Chief Minister? With all the questions surrounding the outcome of the election, it becomes even more important to understand Sabah's history, and how it has informed its current political landscape. We speak this morning to Dr. Arnold Puyok, Political analyst from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, and Datuk Dr Johan Ariffin, Former Deputy Director, Sabah Foundation for more insight. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Construction firm Ikhmas Jaya Bhd may have badly mis-pivoted in its attempt to mitigate the impact of slowing government infrastructure projects. But a slew of new investors and an intriguing recovery plan is breathing some new life into the piling, foundation and bridge-making specialist. COO Steven Choi Ah Loy discusses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The former Youth and Sports Minister Syed Saddiq has made his intentions clear on formalising his new youth based political party, MUDA. But will this aspirational youth based movement gain any real traction in Malaysia? Many have argued that decades of polarizing belief systems, corruption, and money politics have stalled Malaysia's potential for growth and success. So will the young succeed? Or will the trappings of old politics threaten to infect the idealist in him?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sabah is one of the most resource rich states in Malaysia, and frequently within the top 5 largest contributors towards the growth of the national economy. Yet at the same time, poverty and unemployment persist within the state's borders, indicating a deeper disconnect. Why have Sabahans not benefitted from the federal initiatives to uplift the state? In conjunction with Malaysia Day, we're discussing the socioeconomic issues Sabah is currently facing with Datuk Godfrey Joitol, Commissioner with SUHAKAM, as well as Dr. Firdausi Suffian, economist at UiTM Sabah. Image Credit: Augustine Bin Jumat / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tourism has been one of the worst hit sectors in Singapore. In the first quarter of 2020, tourism receipts and number of international visitors fell by about 40% year-on-year to S$4 billion and 2.7 million people respectively. Keith Tan, Chief Executive of Singapore Tourism Board discusses his new strategies and priorities in what he expects to be a long winter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The youth have been in the forefront of many recent political discussions, from lowering the voting age to the setting up of a youth party. To discuss this with us, as well as address some controversy over support letters that he recently faced, we speak to Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal, who is also chief of Bersatu's youth wing, Armada. Image Credit: Azlan KamarazamanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pandemic has impacted all of us, but it has hit low-income families harder. And while the government has stepped in, there are still gaps in their efforts. So how do we close these gaps & address urban poverty going forward? Roshan Kanesan discusses on this edition of The Breakfast Grille with Tengku Aira from the UNFPA and Dr Muhammed Abdul Khalid of DM Analytics. DM Analytics was the lead researcher of the Families on the Edge report, jointly commissioned by UNICEF and UNFPA. Dr Muhammed is a former Khazanah Research Institute director and was economic adviser to former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad,See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the age of rapid digitalisation, Nasdaq-listed CrowdStrike has seen significant stock price optimism as cybersecurity has become much more important. With only 9% of revenue derived from Asia, Roshan Kanesan explores Crowdstrike’s expansion in the region, its presence in Malaysia, and its role in the cybersecurity ecosystem. Image credit: : Rawpixel.com / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honda Malaysia has maintained is number one position in the non-national car segment but is their pole position at risk of being lost? We ask Sarly Adle Sarkum, President and Chief Operating Officer of Honda Malaysia what is their strategy to stay ahead of the competition and what does it take for Malaysia to be the Asean auto hub. Image Credit: Hafiez Razali / Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Perikatan Nasional govt's unprecedented ouster in July of the Speaker of the House of Representatives - the Dewan Rakyat - took Malaysia and the world by surprise. Six weeks after the act, Tan Sri Mohammad Ariff Md Yusof, who presided over the House's debates, determining which members may speak and which amendments are selected for consideration, finally took some time to share his thoughts about the ouster, the state of Parliamentary and electoral reform in Malaysia, and the future of the nation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ng Sang Beng, the CEO of semiconductor testing firm Aemulus Holdings, outlines his strategy to flatten his earnings curve by entering a new global market for CMOS sensors via a freshly inked China JV.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ami Moris, the CEO of Maybank Kim Eng (MKE) discusses why and how the investment bank could continue to thrive in the long-term if larger Chinese banks encroach into its Asean market, and if fintech companies have greater millennial wallet- and mind-share and more superior technology. She also weighs in on Malaysia's recovery and growth outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having recently transferred to a different ministry that will see its focus more centred on technology, while keeping a finger on the pulse of social entrepreneurship, we speak to Dzuleira Abu Bakar of MaGIC to discuss how startups have been affected by Covid-19. We also discuss her plans moving forward and the future of the startup scene in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia turns 63 years old, much progress has been made on the economics front with the country attaining middle income status. But has enough progress been made and does this post Covid 19 era actually provide an opportunity for a re-set and the introduction of new policies to correct the structural issues that we face. We speak to Lau Zheng Zhou, Research Manager in the Economics and Business Unit at IDEAS and Dr. Shankaran Nambiar, Head of Research at MIER for their views. Image credit: Tyler Casey/UnsplashSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia turns 63 years old, we take the time to reflect about the state of racial unity. Datuk Dr Shad Saleem Faruqi ,Tunku Abdul Rahman Professor of Constitutional Law at University of Malaya and Eddin Khoo, author, frequent commentator on social- cultural issues and founder of Pusaka weigh in on the conversation. They also remind us that we already as a nation have the tools for racial unity; the Rukun Negara and the Constitution whilst talking about the important role of the individual.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China based, NYSE listed Best Inc has recently moved into the Southeast Asian region. Considering the buzz around ecommerce growth over the last few months and the growth potential in Southeast Asia, should you add Best Inc to you watchlist? Roshan Kanesan also speaks to Johnny Chou about Best's expansion, managing the impact of COVID-19, and their financial outlook for the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Southeast Asia, e-commerce adoption is still relatively low. Gunjan Soni, the CEO of Zalora discusses plans to convert more customers, shape fashion trends and introduce new technologies such as augmented reality See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Video Streaming services saw a boost during the height of the pandemic in Southeast Asia, and streaming player Viu wants a bite of that pie. Backed by the Hong Kong based conglomerate PCCW Group, Viu has grown into a major OTT player, but in this competitive streaming landscape, does it have what it takes to compete for a share of your wallet? To find out, Roshan Kanesan speaks with Kingsley Warner, Country Manager of Viu Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.