The Breakfast Grille

On the Breakfast Grille this morning, Philip See is joined by Tindaro Danze, President & CEO of Siemens Malaysia to talk about the company’s involvement in the country’s data center industry, automation in manufacturing plants, the adoption of Industry 4.0, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with International Universal Health Coverage Day, Philip See speaks to  Dr Khor Swee Kheng, CEO, Angsana Health & Specialist in Public Policies about the most pressing healthcare issues in Malaysia right now - affordability, overworking and inconsistent contracts of public healthcare staff, whether the government is relying too much on private healthcare and more.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Futurise, a wholly-owned company under the Ministry of Finance, is a key driver of the National Regulatory Sandbox. We ask Shafinaz Salim, Acting CEO what the company does, how it works with other Ministries and agencies, how it is funded, and have they achieved commercialisation with any of their companies.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week was International Anti-Corruption Day, a good reminder of Malaysia’s ongoing struggle with high-level corruption as we aspire to be amongst the top 25 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index by 2033. How will that be achieved when we currently rank 57th? A question we pose to Pushpan Murugiah, CEO of C4 Center, and Raymon Ram, President of Transparency International Malaysia, as we look at what legislative reform the country needs.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Austria is a land known for its pristine moutains but there is more in common with Malaysia than expected. His Excellency Gerhard Eisl, Austrian Ambassador to Malaysia, discusses how our countries are fostering closer ties in trade, education, and tourism against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daryl Foong, Group CEO and Executive Director of Aquawalk talks about the company’s listing on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market recently, its expansion plans in the region, how to get people to return after their first visit, how resilient the business is in the event of a slowdown in foreign tourism, and more.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, I’m joined by Liew Yoon Poh, Group CEO of LAC Med Bhd. They are a company specializing in supplying, integrating, and servicing medical devices and healthcare IT solutions - think MRI machines. In light of LAC Med’s listing tomorrow on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market, I’ll be asking him about the company’s purpose for the exercise, whether he is worried about renewing contracts with partners, expansion into Indonesia, status of its order book, and whether you should be a shareholder.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Orkim Bhd, Malaysia’s largest clean petroleum product (CPP) tanker operator, is heading for a Main Market listing on December 9th. CEO Capt Cheah Sin Bi discusses the company’s evolution from a one-vessel operator to a major player transporting refined petroleum across the region as well as its plans for the RM92 million it hopes to raise from this listing.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kelington Group is expanding its presence across Asia and now Europe, while diversifying from ultra-high purity gases into industrial gases. Raymond Gan, its founder and CEO talks about this engineering firm's financial outlook, its role in the semiconductor supply chain, and the competitive landscape it operates in.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GDEX is navigating one of its toughest years yet amid rising competition and a rapidly evolving logistics sector. On today’s Breakfast Grille, Philip See talks with CEO Teong Teck Lean about how the company is adapting, leveraging technology, and reshaping its services to stay profitable and drive future growth.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MiRXES is a Singaporean biotech company that’s listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Today Elaine Boey will be sitting down with co-founder and CEO, Dr. Zhou Lihan to talk about the technology that the company employs, challenges as Southeast Asia’s biotech unicorn, when it might turn profitable, and whether you should be a shareholder.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia remains at the centre of some of the world’s most consequential geopolitical tensions, while for Malaysia, navigating its relationships with major powers, understanding Moscow’s position has never been more relevant. Naiyl Latypov, Russia's ambassador to Malaysia, discusses bilateral relations as well as what the prospects for peace with Ukraine is like.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Saturday, the results of Sabah’s 17th state elections were revealed after a very crowded race. This was followed with the quick installation of GRS Chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as Chief Minister early Sunday morning. We discuss the election outcome with our panel, Ibrahim Suffian, Co-Founder & Programme Director of Merdeka Center, and Ariff Adi Putera Anwar, Research Associate at the Institute for Development Studies Sabah and how this changes the state's relationship with the Federal government.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uzma Berhad may be best known for its oil & gas roots, but the group has been steadily reshaping itself into a broader energy and technology solutions player. Philip See speaks with Dato’ Kamarul Redzuan Muhamed, MD and Group CEO of Uzma Berhad, to unpack the company’s evolving portfolio, the strength and visibility of its current order book, and how its diversification strategy is translating into performance across key segments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 1957, Japan and Malaysia has built strong ties, shaped by Japan’s Official Development Assistance and Malaysia’s Look East Policy. Today, with geopolitical tensions and protectionism on the rise, we ask H.E Shikata Noriyuki, Japan’s Ambassador to Malaysia, how both nations can keep strengthening trade and their long-standing partnership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicholas Lim Pinn Yang, CEO of Foodie Media Berhad talks to us about the company’s upcoming listing on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market, what sets it apart from its competitors, where the company’s focus is in terms of growth given its 34 brands across Southeast Asia, and whether it justify its valuations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electricity distribution may not be the flashiest business, but it sits at the heart of one of the biggest investment themes of 2024 and 2025: data centres. We speak with Catherine Wong, Managing Director of ACE-listed Powerwell Holdings, to explore how the group is positioning for growth, the realities of today’s operating environment, and what this means for their share price performance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Yee Chee Meng, CEO of ACE-listed Infomina Berhad, a company that provides mainframe systems and solutions on their strategy for growth which includes a look east policy. We also ask about the rationale to move into the AI space and why one would want to be a shareholder of this company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November 21st is recognised by the United Nations as World Television Day, where we continue to ask how influential and relevant this medium is in today's age of AI and social media. Ashwad Ismail, editor-in-chief of Astro Awani, shares his views on the trust in journalism, the role of TV entertainment, and how the medium is reinventing itself for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Children’s Day 2025 is a timely reminder of the growing challenges governments, schools, and parents face in keeping children safe in the digital age. Saskia Blume, Chief of Child Protection at UNICEF Malaysia, highlights the alarming rise in both online and real-world crimes against children, drawing on UNICEF’s latest research. She also shares insights on the critical support and skills children need to better protect themselves from predators.For more, refer to UNICEF’s Parenting in a Digital Age report.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We mark World Toilet Day by examining one of Malaysia’s most overlooked essentials, our national sewerage system. Rising costs, ageing infrastructure, climate risks and rapid urbanisation are straining Malaysia’s sewerage system. We speak to Indah Water Konsortium’s CEO Narendran Maniam, on how it is tackling this issue and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1.8 million people will be voting in the Sabah elections, of which more than half a million will be under the age of 30. However, voter turnout for this segment is low at just 55%. We speak to grassroots movement HAI MANDAK, as to why this is the case and what are the issues facing young Sabahans.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A total of 596 candidates are vying for 73 seats in Sabah’s 17th state election. We ask Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, leader of Warisan as to why his party has decided to contest in every seat,  what does the campaign message of "Save Sabah" mean against the backdrop of MA63 and his chances of becoming the next Chief Minister.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniella Ortega Menezes, Ambassador of Brazil to Malaysia Brazil describes the increasing number of potential investments and trade opportunities between Malaysia and Brazil including one in the semiconductor industry. She also talks about Brazil’s potential trade deal with the US and COP30 which is held in Belem this year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As demand for AI and cloud computing soars, the Bain Capital-backed, Singapore-based, Bridge Data Centres is betting big on Southeast Asia and Malaysia in particular. CEO Eric Fan explains where their next hyperscale hubs will likely rise as well as how to keep them cool, efficient, environmentally sound and profitable. We also find out if going public is in their plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarawak is pushing to become a regional digital powerhouse, targeting a 25% contribution of the digital economy to its GDP by 2030. Dato Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), unpacks the company’s strategy to achieve this goal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Slovenia, a small nation of 2 million inhabitants, is a member of the EU and NATO navigating the complexities of modern geopolitics. Marko Ham, its Ambassador to Malaysia, based in Canberra, Australia, outlines the country's diplomatic strategy in Southeast Asia and where it stands in an increasingly divided planet.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By 2044, Malaysia will face a “silver tsunami”, with 14% of its population aged 65 and above. Chai Sen Tyng, Senior Research Officer at MyAgeing, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and New Sin Yew, Constitutional Lawyer, discuss whether Malaysia is ready for an ageing population.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sabah state elections scheduled for the end of November will be a crucial test for the Madani Government as well as the various political factions and alliances that uniquely operate in the state. We discuss some of the themes to watch during the campaign season with economist Dr. Saizal Pinjaman of Universiti Malaysia Sabah and political analyst Jo-Anna Henley Rampas of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With US President Donald Trump declaring his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping “a 12 out of 10,” we ask how much of it is hyperbole and how much is substance. Dr Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation, and Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy at Mizuho Bank , share their thoughts on events of the past week and how it might guide world economic growth in 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid the widespread rise of far-right sentiment in European politics in recent years, Romania has managed to maintain a pro-EU government in its recent elections. But what are the challenges it faces in ensuring political stability at a time of economic uncertainty and the ongoing war in Ukraine? We discuss the dynamics shaping Romania’s future and its bilateral relations with Malaysia with H.E. Nineta Barbulescu, the Ambassador of Romania to Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KNM Group is officially delisted from Bursa Malaysia today, ending its journey as a publicly listed company since 2003. The move should enable it to sell its flagship asset, Borsig, and reduce the company’s debt. Ravindrasingham Balasingham, Group CEO & Executive Director, KNM Group Bhd, shares insights on the company’s next steps and turnaround plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every year on October 10th, World Homeless Day reminds us that homelessness is not just a local problem, but a global one. Yet in Malaysia, it remains a complex and often misunderstood issue. Dr Nur Fareza Mustapha of Khazanah Research Institute and Shyam Priah Marimuthu, CEO of Yellow House KL, help us unpack the realities behind Malaysia’s homeless population, from the root causes to the stigma and possible solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do all companies benefit from the AI boom and how does a tech company navigate the US-China trade tensions. Questions we pose to Dato’ Phua Khein Seng, CEO of Phison Electronics  whilst also asking why investors should pay attention to its stock even after it has rallied by 100% on a year to date basis despite the intense competition and cyclical nature of the business.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As internal cracks deepen within Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional braces for the Sabah state election and GE16 thereafter, questions loom over the coalition’s cohesion and credibility. Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, Bersatu deputy president and Leader of the Opposition discusses efforts to contain party infighting, PN’s electoral prospects in Sabah, and whether he sees himself as the next prime minister.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Cities Day is celebrated on Oct 31st every year and this year’s theme is “People-centred Smart Cities”, a reminder that technology and innovation should serve people, not the other way around. Award-winning architect and sustainability advocate  Dr Tan Loke Mun and urban planning and design consultant, Ihsan Zainal Mokhtar, give their perspectives on Malaysian cities with a special focus on Kuala Lumpur.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia wrapped up its year as ASEAN chair with a high-profile summit attended by world leaders, including US President Donald Trump. We speak with Jayan Menon, Visiting Senior Fellow, ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, and Elina Noor, Senior Fellow, Asia Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, on Malaysia’s achievements, ASEAN’s strategic challenges, and what lies ahead for the bloc.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney gets into conversation with Professor Ngaire Woods of Oxford University at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit on Canada’s engagement with ASEAN, trade diversification, negotiating trade deals and efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive growth across the regionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is the chair of ASEAN at a time of geopolitical flux and economic volatility, as the major global superpowers battle for a new equilibrium. How are US businesses navigating the currents in Southeast Asia? We discuss the lay of the land with Ambassador Brian McFeeters, President & CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council. This interview was recorded on Friday, 24 October ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Munira Mustaffa, Executive Director of the Chasseur Group, and Dr. Benjamin Loh, Course Director for the Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication at Monash University, discuss the growing threat of media disinformation, why it remains such a widespread risk, and how we can build a more media-literate society.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spain is strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia through trade, diplomacy, and shared global priorities, while balancing its commitments within NATO and advocating for peace in Palestine. Philip See speaks with Spanish Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. José Luis Pardo-Cuerdo to understand Madrid’s global outlook and engagement with the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarawak-based Insights Analytics Bhd has built its business helping utilities cut water losses through data and IoT. It is now en route to a listing on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market. Frank Wee, the company's managing director, discusses what IAB's next phase of growth might look like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ooi Can Nix, CEO of THMY Holdings Bhd, tells us how the company is tapping into the AI boom through its hyperscaler clients, the crucial role of testing in the back end of the E&E value chain, and how it plans to utilise the proceeds from its ACE Market listing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JS Solar Holding Bhd,an ACE Market–listed company in the solar industry, is charting steady growth post-IPO. Managing Director Johnson Chai Jeun Sian discusses how the company differentiates itself in a market of over 250 competitors, its contract with GSPARX, a TNB subsidiary, and its expansion into battery storage solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EMGS a government entity is the sole agency responsible for promoting and facilitating international student arrival to Malaysia. Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shaffie, their chairman tells us what their KPIs are and if Malaysian provides a holistic education experience compared to the like of UK or Australia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) now serves as the sole agency responsible for the technical, safety, security, and economic regulation of the country's civil aviation industry. CEO, Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud, following the merger with MAVCOM,  tells us if new structure benefits the aviation industry, stakeholders and consumers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Médecins Sans Frontières or Doctors Without Borders, has long been a symbol of compassion in conflict zones. Dr Javid Abdelmoneim, the new International President of MSF, joins us to talk about the realities of delivering medical care in war zones, maintaining neutrality in an increasingly politicised world, and what it means to lead in times of crisis.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 is the first under the period of the 13th Malaysia Plan that runs until 2030 and which has the lofty goal of redesigning national development. How well does this budget reflect the transformational aims of RMK13? We peel the layers of Budget 2026 with Dato’ Johan Mahmood Merican, the Secretary General of the Treasury.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, all eyes are on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as he tables Budget 2026, the last before GE16. It continues the Ekonomi Madani agenda and sets the stage for the 13th Malaysia Plan. Julia Goh, Senior Economist at UOB, and Soh Lian Seng, Head of Tax at KPMG tells us their expectations against a backdrop of fiscal consolidation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Southeast Asia faces one of its most uncertain economic periods in recent years such as global trade tensions and currency fluctuations, we speak with Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council 2025, to hear his insights on how businesses and economies in the region can navigate deep volatility, and what opportunities may emerge amid these challengesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.