The Breakfast Grille

Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, one of Malaysia's foremost entrepreneurs, and Founder and Chairman of the Sunway Group, talks about his entrepreneurial journey converting tin mining land to Bandar Sunway; what he would do if he was the Education Minister; and his dreams to establish Sunway as the Harvard of the East through linkages with top universities. He updates that Sunway will be signing with Harvard University and MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) to establish a Centre of Global Health Delivery, and an Engineering and Computer Science faculty respectively in Sunway. Cheah has been ranked by Forbes as the 13th richest person in the country with a net worth of $1.5 billion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Electoral Reform Committee was formed shortly after GE14, in August of 2018. They were given a two year mandate, with their deadline fast approaching, to come up with ways to reform our domestic processes and close electoral loopholes. Following the submission of their interim report to the Prime Minister, we speak to Tan Sri Abdul Rashid Abdul Rahman, Chairman of the ERC, to discuss their progress, the proposals that have been put forward, and what will come after.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been more than 3 years since the liberalisation of the general insurance market by Bank Negara Malaysia with a shift to a flexible pricing model for fire and motor insurance. Junior Cho, CEO of Zurich General Insurance Malaysia Berhad, tells us how they have adapted and what their strategies for growth are in this new decade in the era of disruption and digitalisation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The retail landscape is changing, with more people turning to the convenience of e-commerce to fulfil their shopping needs. Amid this, Sephora has laid out ambitious plans to expand its physical footprint throughout the Asian region, with its largest Malaysian outlet yet opening last weekend in Fahrenheit88, Kuala Lumpur. We speak to Benjamin Vuchot, President of Asia at Sephora, about the brand's expansion plans, digitalisation, sustainability, as well as the future of retail. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lendlease, a global property and development company with AUD$100 billion of projects in the pipeline is known for landmark projects like Tate Britain and the Sydney Opera House. This company has now set its sights on TRX with a stake in the lifestyle quarter, so we speak to Tony Lombardo, CEO of Lendlease Asia to find out their plans in this very crowded property market and also their strategy for Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lendlease, a global property and development company with AUD$100 billion of projects in the pipeline is known for landmark projects like Tate Britain and the Sydney Opera House. This company has now set its sights on TRX with a stake in the lifestyle quarter, so we speak to Tony Lombardo, CEO of Lendlease Asia to find out their plans in this very crowded property market and also their strategy for Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Rezal Khairi Ahmad, CEO of NanoMalaysia, a government-owned, non-profit nanotechnology commercialisation and industrialisation agency, discusses the technology’s importance in creating jobs as well as commerce in energy efficiency and environmental protection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sime Darby Oils (SDO) represents the consolidation of Sime Darby Plantations downstream operations worldwide under one new name. It’s the plantation giants’ effort to diversify away the volatility that comes with any commodity. So, is Sime Darby Oils the future of Sime Darby Plantations?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A&W was one of the first major fast food chains to step foot in Malaysia in 1963. Nearly 60 years on, and as the brand enters its second century of life, we speak to Kevin Bazner, CEO of A&W Restaurants, about changing consumer trends, growth plans, and how they plan to survive in the fast-paced world of F&B.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A&W was one of the first major fast food chains to step foot in Malaysia in 1963. Nearly 60 years on, and as the brand enters its second century of life, we speak to Kevin Bazner, CEO of A&W Restaurants, about changing consumer trends, growth plans, and how they plan to survive in the fast-paced world of F&B.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although later to the game, Touch n’ Go eWallet is amongst the fastest growing mobile payment apps in the country and has been aggressive with its cashbacks, branding and merchant acquisition. However the e-wallet space is crowded and adoption has been slow, with only 8% of the population using e-wallets for payment. So can a name primarily associated with tolls, parking and prepaid cards compete in this highly competitive field?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Although later to the game, Touch n’ Go eWallet is amongst the fastest growing mobile payment apps in the country and has been aggressive with its cashbacks, branding and merchant acquisition. However the e-wallet space is crowded field and adoption has been slow, with only 8% of the population using e-wallets for payment. Although later to the game, Touch n’ Go eWallet is amongst the fastest growing mobile payment apps in the country and has been aggressive with its cashbacks, branding and merchant acquisition. However the e-wallet space is crowded field and adoption has been slow, with only 8% of the population using e-wallets for payment. So can a name primarily associated with tolls, parking and prepaid cards compete in this highly competitive field?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid the rise of e-commerce, the logistics industry has become increasingly disrupted. Faced with rising competition and new technologies, how will Aramex, a global logistics operator headquartered in the Middle East, adapt?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amid the rise of e-commerce, the logistics industry has become increasingly disrupted. Faced with rising competition and new technologies, how will Aramex, a global logistics operator headquartered in the Middle East, adapt?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia wants to increase its capacity for solar power from about 0.5GW to 5.8GW by 2025. ACE-listed Solarvest Holdings will be a major beneficiary but the market is getting crowded and government agencies need to speed up on approving projects. Davis Chong, the Group CEO, tells how Solarvest intends to move up the value chain as an EPCC contractor (engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning) to becoming a developer and investor in solar farms, and possibly one day, competing with Tenaga as an electricity retailer when the market is liberalised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia wants to increase its capacity for solar power from about 0.5GW to 5.8GW by 2025. ACE-listed Solarvest Holdings will be a major beneficiary but the market is getting crowded and government agencies need to speed up on approving projects. Davis Chong, the Group CEO, tells how Solarvest intends to move up the value chain as an EPCC contractor (engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning) to becoming a developer and investor in solar farms, and possibly one day, competing with Tenaga as an electricity retailer when the market is liberalised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite a poor FBMKLCI performance for 2019, we take a closer look at equity markets to ask if the dismal performance was across the board. To answer this and also what can we expect for 2020, Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer of Asean Equities for Principal Asset Management and Alexander Chia, Head of Regional Equity Research at RHB Investment Bank weighs in with their thoughts. We also uncover what their top buys are for the market and what to avoid on the back of their earnings expectations for the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite a poor FBMKLCI performance for 2019, we take a closer look at equity markets to ask if the dismal performance was across the board. To answer this and also what can we expect for 2020, Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer of Asean Equities for Principal Asset Management and Alexander Chia, Head of Regional Equity Research at RHB Investment Bank weighs in with their thoughts. We also uncover what their top buys are for the market and what to avoid on the back of their earnings expectations for the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RSPO's outgoing CEO Datuk Darrel Webber says that most of its members are compliant in sustainable planting practices but the government needs to look into factors beyond control of plantation companies to fight the haze problem. This also dovetails into the imminent dangers of climate change which need inter-governmental action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RSPO's outgoing CEO Datuk Darrel Webber says that most of its members are compliant in sustainable planting practices but the government needs to look into factors beyond control of plantation companies to fight the haze problem. This also dovetails into the imminent dangers of climate change which need inter-governmental action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A century old business has changed its name from Philips Lighting to Signify as the company changes strategy to stay relevant in the age of LED lights. Alok Ghose, the Asean CEO tells us how important this market is to Signify's global operations and how they intend to win market share despite cheaper lights from China. He also explains the evolution of lights and how it is now the latest way to communicate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist at US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management tells us that for the moment, there is no requirement to change asset allocations yet despite the recent heighten geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. He however notes that Phase 1 of a trade deal between US-China is in the price but Phase 2 may be a long way off. So better value may be found in Europe and Japan for the momentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The insurance industry in Malaysia has undergone many challenges in the last decade with tariff liberalisation for General Insurance and the emergence of disruptors in an already crowded field. So we speak to the CEO of Bursa listed Allianz Malaysia Berhad on how this German Insurance company has faces these challenges and also its plans for growth in both the general and life insurance markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The insurance industry in Malaysia has undergone many challenges in the last decade with tariff liberalisation for General Insurance and the emergence of disruptors in an already crowded field. So we speak to the CEO of Bursa listed Allianz Malaysia Berhad on how this German Insurance company has faces these challenges and also its plans for growth in both the general and life insurance markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The insurance industry in Malaysia has undergone many challenges in the last decade with tariff liberalisation for General Insurance and the emergence of disruptors in an already crowded field. So we speak to the CEO of Bursa listed Allianz Malaysia Berhad on how this German Insurance company has faces these challenges and also its plans for growth in both the general and life insurance markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The conventional view is for governments to spend to pump prime the economy. Alberto Alesina, Nathaniel Ropes Professor of Political Economy at Harvard University, thinks otherwise and says governments should reduce their influence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Poverty and inequality have been major themes of the past year, with official statistics being called into question. Roshan discuses these issues with economist Martin Ravallion, they get into the differences between the two issues as well as the NEP, the situation in Malaysia and the importance of education and healthcare when it comes to social welfare. Martin also talks about wealth taxation and his skepticism of it in the longer term. Martin is the current visiting chair for the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies at Universiti Malaya and will be speaking at the Ungku Aziz Development Forum on Inequality in KL on the 16th of January.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Poverty and inequality have been major themes of the past year, with official statistics being called into question. Roshan discuses these issues with economist Martin Ravallion, they get into the differences between the two issues as well as the NEP, the situation in Malaysia and the importance of education and healthcare when it comes to social welfare. Martin also talks about wealth taxation and his skepticism of it in the longer term. Martin is the current visiting chair for the Ungku Aziz Centre for Development Studies at Universiti Malaya and will be speaking at the Ungku Aziz Development Forum on Inequality in KL on the 16th of January.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year marked by four common themes affecting both Malaysian and global companies. We review the most important conversations we had with the head honchos at GLC's, international financial institutions and even the disruptors to unearth the challenges they faced in 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A year marked by four common themes affecting both Malaysian and global companies. We review the most important conversations we had with the head honchos at GLC's, international financial institutions and even the disruptors to unearth the challenges they faced in 2019.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Breakfast Grille this year we had conversations with technoloy companies that want to change the way we live, work and play. Roshan Kanesan takes us through the conversations we had with fintech disruptors Stripe and Transferwise as well as home-sharing platform AirBnB as they aim to improve payments for the internet economy, disrupt remittances and change the way we travel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Breakfast Grille this year we had conversations with technoloy companies that want to change the way we live, work and play. Roshan Kanesan takes us through the conversations we had with fintech disruptors Stripe and Transferwise as well as home-sharing platform AirBnB as they aim to improve payments for the internet economy, disrupt remittances and change the way we travel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians and thought leaders are a regular feature here on the Breakfast Grille. As we come to the end of 2019- and the end of Pakatan Harapan’s first full year in government- we take a look back at some of the conversations we’ve had throughout the year, about foreign policy, youth unemployment, race politics and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Politicians and thought leaders are a regular feature here on the Breakfast Grille. As we come to the end of 2019- and the end of Pakatan Harapan’s first full year in government- we take a look back at some of the conversations we’ve had throughout the year, about foreign policy, youth unemployment, race politics and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Breakfast Grille this year, we constantly kept a finger on the pulse of the Malaysian economy. As we wrap up 2019, we review some of the most hard-hitting conversations we had about GDP growth, consumption, trade deals and the Shared Prosperity 2030 blueprint. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Breakfast Grille this year, we constantly kept a finger on the pulse of the Malaysian economy. As we wrap up 2019, we review some of the most hard-hitting conversations we had about GDP growth, consumption, trade deals and the Shared Prosperity 2030 blueprint. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last few years, private equity has boomed and ASEAN is no exception. Even the big boys like KKR and TPG are in this region looking for deals. So we ask how do the small firms source and convert the deals in a crowded market. Raja Hamzah Abidin Raja Nong Chik the Managing Partner from RHL ventures tells us it’s about connections and home ground advantage that differentiates the firm from the pack.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last few years, private equity has boomed and ASEAN is no exception. Even the big boys like KKR and TPG are in this region looking for deals. So we ask how do the small firms source and convert the deals in a crowded market. Raja Hamzah Abidin Raja Nong Chik the Managing Partner from RHL ventures tells us it’s about connections and home ground advantage that differentiates the firm from the pack.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Meyer, Managing Director, Asia Pacific at General Assembly (GA), talks about how the global education startup is shaping adult training and education in Asia. A provider of courses for high-in-demand skills such as data science and user experience design, GA was sold to Adecco for $412 million, possibly making it the most valuable education startup in the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Meyer, Managing Director, Asia Pacific at General Assembly (GA), talks about how the global education startup is shaping adult training and education in Asia. A provider of courses for high-in-demand skills such as data science and user experience design, GA was sold to Adecco for $412 million, possibly making it the most valuable education startup in the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US-China trade war has affected the global economy with growth slowing. The question is how should Asean a bloc of 10 countries respond to this new cold war. Should it stay neutral or take sides. And can it even find opportunities in these challenges times? To answer these questions, Donald Hanna, Chief Economist, at CIMB Group and Jayant Menon, Lead Economist, at Asian Development Bank gives us their views.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tay Kay Luan who joined the International University of Malaya-Wales (IUMW) last year as Vice Chancellor has his work cut out to turn around the university that has been bleeding money since its inception about six years ago. He discusses his plans and also challenges marketing in a saturated industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ajit Pai, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission defends the FCC's decision on overturning net neutrality rules and banning carriers in rural areas from tapping the Universal Service Fund to buy Huawei's equipment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ajit Pai, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission defends the FCC's decision on overturning net neutrality rules and banning carriers in rural areas from tapping the Universal Service Fund to buy Huawei's equipment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The future of healthcare, like other sectors, may soon lie in how hospitals and clinics are able to manage your data. Even more than that, new technologies may allow for doctor-patient consultations to move into the online sphere. For more on this changing medical landscape, we speak to Eg Kah Yee, Managing Director of UCrest, about healthcare technology, government regulation, and how to achieve an integrated medical ecosystem. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The future of healthcare, like other sectors, may soon lie in how hospitals and clinics are able to manage your data. Even more than that, new technologies may allow for doctor-patient consultations to move into the online sphere. For more on this changing medical landscape, we speak to Eg Kah Yee, Managing Director of UCrest, about healthcare technology, government regulation, and how to achieve an integrated medical ecosystem. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Car sharing is part of the multi-flex transportation model involving public and private vehicles. But in Malaysia will car sharing as a business work or do we have an emotional attachment to our vehicles? Leon Foong, CEO of SOCAR tells us the progress of the company after 2 years of operations and how soon can it turn a profit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Car sharing is part of the multi-flex transportation model involving public and private vehicles. But in Malaysia will car sharing as a business work or do we have an emotional attachment to our vehicles? Leon Foong, CEO of SOCAR tells us the progress of the company after 2 years of operations and how soon can it turn a profit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysians aren't known for their reading habit, but the biggest pop up bookshop with 4.5 million books proves otherwise. So, with the Big Bad Wolf sale celebrating its 10 anniversary, we speak to one of it's co-founders, Andrew Yap, to find out how profitable this social enterprise is, its plans for global expansion and also the reading habits of Malaysian.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the UK prepares to leave the EU, we discuss how these developments impact Ireland -- a nation which, as Oliver points out, is smaller than the state of Sabah. We also speak to him about the state of bilateral trade and foreign direct investment between the two countries as well as the ease of doing business in Malaysia as a foreigner. Plus, despite its small size, Ireland has managed to make Dublin a hub for technology and pharamceutical companies in Europe. So we also discuss what lessons Malaysia may learn from Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.