The Breakfast Grille

At the start of a fresh year and with an eye on GE15, we look back on the political tumult that was 2020 and the lessons that can be drawn for a way forward with our panel of experts, Dr Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate at Nottingham University Malaysia, and Jahabar Saddiq, Editor-in-Chief of The Malaysian Insight. Image Credit: akids.photo.graphy / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Covid-19 pandemic shocked economies, causing unemployment and poverty rates to soar. The IMF predicted global GDP would shrink by 4.4% this year. We revisit conversations with experts on the Breakfast Grille on policy responses to resuscitate the economy and support the most vulnerable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US-China trade war was overshadowed by the Covid-19 pandemic this year, but geopolitical tensions continue to manifest in other arenas. We revisit conversations on the Breakfast Grille discussing the power struggle between the US and China, the future of China as a regional superpower, and the vision for a post-Trump America. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia dealt with multiple crises this year - the pandemic and political upheaval. From the Sheraton Move to the Sabah elections, we revisit revealing conversations on the Breakfast Grille with political actors. Image Credit: adam yusof / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2020 will go down in history as the year the world was upended by Covid-19. We revisit conversations on the Breakfast Grille with industry leaders on how the pandemic has impacted their business, from the devastation wrought on the retail and hospitality sectors, to the windfall gains of glove makers and e-commerce players. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although global supply chains were severely disrupted in the first half of the year due to the pandemic, the shipping industry has returned to an even keel and is poised to end the year on a high note amid booming demand for logistics services. But can the good times last for Malaysian shipping players? We discuss the state of the industry, and the outlook for 2021 with Ooi Lean Hin, Chairman of the Shipping Association of Malaysia (SAM).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Klang Valley residents are no strangers to unscheduled water disruptions, with as many as 10 occurring in just the last three months, affecting millions of households. But what exactly is the cause of these supply cuts? Why have they been happening so frequently? And perhaps most importantly, who is responsible to ensure they don't keep happening? We ask Suhaimi Kamaralzaman, CEO of Air Selangor, about all this and the structural improvements needed in Malaysia's water systems.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore-based Advend Group was acquired by Etika Holdings last year, in a deal reportedly valued at around S$67 million. However, with the rise of working from home, falling foot traffic, and an increasingly competitive market for beverages, how will the vending machine services provider navigate the challenging business environment ahead? To find out, Lyn Mak speaks to CEO Santharuban Thurai Sundaram. Image Credit: Macrovector / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Does Fundaztic plan to apply for a digital banking licence, sell out to a financial institution, list on the ACE Market, or issue Islamic investment notes? Calvin Foo, acting CEO, discusses these questions, as well as whether SMEs are borrowing to merely survive or to grow, how Fundaztic manages risks of its issuer portfolio in a pandemic, and what is in its business plan for the next 5-10 years. Image Credit (Background): Unitone Vector / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As telecommunication services become increasingly commoditised, the big players have been looking at ways to diversify their businesses. For Axiata Group, this led to Axiata Digital Services - their venture spanning services such as e-wallets, microfinancing, microinsurance and anything else outside the traditional telco domain, with names like Boost, ADA, apigate and Aspirasi in their portfolio of services. That said, Axiata's digital arm is still loss-making and a drag on the group's earnings, so we speak to Mohd Khairil Abdullah to find out the timeline to profitability, what their leading business units are, possible IPO plans, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can SOCAR ride out the pandemic? In December 2019, SOCAR was optimistic about the future, looking to spend just under RM100 million to grow the fleet, while also venturing into different services, and expand beyond borders. However, that was before the pandemic. So is SOCAR still optimistic? Roshan Kanesan speaks to Leon Foong, CEO of SOCAR Mobility Malaysia, to find out, as well as whether the future of SOCAR lies in the asset-light P2P instead of the asset-heavy short-term car rentals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) looked to be on track to procure a banking license in a potential merger with Al Rajhi Bank, but that looks to have fallen apart. Will MIDF continue its search for a banking license following the collapse of this deal? Roshan Kanesan speaks with Dato' Charon Wardini Mokhzani, MIDF's Group Managing Director, about this as well as their relationship with their sole shareholder Permodalan Nasional Berhad (PNB), the current state of their investment banking, development finance, and asset management segments, and also their digitalisation plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What lies ahead for the glove industry? With a vaccine on the horizon but average selling prices climbing ever higher, coupled with persistent labour issues, we reached out to Dr Supramaniam Shanmugam, President of the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association (MARGMA), to find out what we can expect for this sector going forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five years since its IPO, we check in with Bioalpha, which has seen its business disrupted as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Khoo Hsu Chuang speaks to William Hon, CEO of Bioalpha, to discuss the health supplement company’s path to recovery, its plans for overseas expansion and the overall outlook for 2021. Image Credit: bioa.com.mySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The retail sector has been through a rollercoaster ride this year with Covid-19. So, what does a retailer need to do to stay afloat or even thrive? Shafie Shamsuddin, Managing Director of AEON Co. (Malaysia) Bhd, tell us what they'll be doing to grow the business and what strategy they have to meet the fickle and demanding tastes of consumers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The victor of any election is not just determined at the ballot box, but also by the information war that happens at lighting speed and is often ubiquitous. So, shaping the narrative has become essential for any political party. Fahmi Fadzil, PKR Communications Director, and Shahril Hamdan, UMNO Information Chief, join us on a panel to discuss this, youth issues and whether their political parties are ready for GE15.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's International Anti-Corruption Day and Dr Muhammad Mohan, President of Transparency International Malaysia, and YB Wong Kah Woh, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, discuss the progress (or not) of Malaysia's journey to a cleaner country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While many businesses were decimated by the pandemic, one particular industry thrived globally, despite border closures and lockdowns. The global logistics industry has seen exponential growth, as e-commerce exploded and more companies started digitizing. We speak to John Pearson, global CEO of DHL Express, about how the company has navigated the pandemic, its strategy for expanding market share amidst stiff competition, and its role in distributing the vaccine. Image Credit (background): Belish / Shutterstock.com Image Credit (headshot): Deutsche Post DHL GroupSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.