The Breakfast Grille

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.

After a decade languishing in the red, a new Executive Director, a new direction, and a name change has brought ARB back into the black. On the Breakfast Grille today, we discuss ARB's foray into the technology space, the survival of their timber business, and building a brand in Enterprise Resource Planning.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People tend to indulge in group think or they follow the herd even if it is detrimental to oneself. How can we neutralise extreme-thinking groups such as right wingers? Why do Malaysians cling on to their tribes? How do we create more barrier crossers between groups? Why is religion appealing? We discuss these questions with anthropologist, Professor Harvey Whitehouse from the University of Oxford. He was a speaker at Khazanah Megatrends Forum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming into power on the heels of the nation-gripping 1MDB scandal, Pakatan Harapan placed fighting corruption at the core of its promise to the people. What progress have they made on this front and how will the government stem the tide of corruption?We speak to Dr. Mohan and Nik Nazmi about the National Anti-Corruption Plan, the effectiveness of institutions like MACC and Parliament in fighting corruption as well as Pakatan Harapan’s promises to revise acts such as the Official Secrets Act.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming into power on the heels of the nation-gripping 1MDB scandal, Pakatan Harapan placed fighting corruption at the core of its promise to the people. What progress have they made on this front and how will the government stem the tide of corruption?We speak to Dr. Mohan and Nik Nazmi about the National Anti-Corruption Plan, the effectiveness of institutions like MACC and Parliament in fighting corruption as well as Pakatan Harapan’s promises to revise acts such as the Official Secrets Act.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Coming into power on the heels of the nation-gripping 1MDB scandal, Pakatan Harapan placed fighting corruption at the core of its promise to the people. What progress have they made on this front and how will the government stem the tide of corruption?We speak to Dr. Mohan and Nik Nazmi about the National Anti-Corruption Plan, the effectiveness of institutions like MACC and Parliament in fighting corruption as well as Pakatan Harapan’s promises to revise acts such as the Official Secrets Act.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before they came into power, one of the Pakatan Harapan government's tenets was to forge a better relationship with the states of East Malaysia: Sabah and Sarawak. 18 months in, where are they in this? For more we speak to Professor James Chin, Director of the Asia Institute at the University of Tasmania, and Dr. Kelvin Yii, Member of Parliament for Bandar Kuching.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACE listed Sedania Innovator Berhad has had inconsistent profits in the last 3 years but is planning to return to sustainable profits by focusing on technology with a consumer edge. Datuk Azrin Mohd Noor, the Managing Director tells us his plans to turn things around and his latest venture, e-sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACE listed Sedania Innovator Berhad has had inconsistent profits in the last 3 years but is planning to return to sustainable profits by focusing on technology with a consumer edge. Datuk Azrin Mohd Noor, the Managing Director tells us his plans to turn things around and his latest venture, e-sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The majority of care work is undertaken by women, whose contributions are not often acknowledged by the formal economy. To discuss the importance of recognising care work as an engine of growth, we speak to Jayati Ghosh, Development Economist at Jawaharlal Nehru University in India.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The majority of care work is undertaken by women, whose contributions are not often acknowledged by the formal economy. To discuss the importance of recognising care work as an engine of growth, we speak to Jayati Ghosh, Development Economist at Jawaharlal Nehru University in India.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jomo Kwame Sundaram, renowned Developmental Economist and member of Council of Eminent Persons, tell us that the world is heading for difficult times not helped by a squandered decade after the Financial Crisis of 2008 to create a fairer economic model for all. The discussion continues with what direction the country should take to continue its industrialization plans and what other reforms should be prioritized.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jomo Kwame Sundaram, renown Developmental Economist and member of Council of Eminent Persons, tell us that the world is heading for difficult time not helped by a squandered decade after the Financial Crisis of 2008 to create a fairer economic model for all. The discussion continues with what direction the country should take to continue its industrialization plans and what other reforms should be prioritized.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Owned by Time Dot Com, AIMS Data Centre is seeking partnerships to expand into the region mainly in tier 2 or 3 markets. How soon could AIMS double its business? Would Amazon Web Services and other global tech giants in cloud services eventually kill them? As a relatively small player, is merging with a global operator the best option for AIMS in the future? We speak with Chiew Kok Hin, the CEO of AIMS about prospects and how it is securing its fortress in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The RAM Holdings may be best known for its work as a credit rating agency, but it has also evolved to cover a range of other services, including consulting and training. We speak to its Group CEO Chris Lee on the company’s growth and prospects whilst discussing the inherent conflict of issues that all rating agencies face.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Dr. Jane Goodall, a name that needs no introduction in the field of primatology and wildlife conservation, tells us on the Breakfast Grille, what inspired her to protect chimpanzees and some of the challenges she faced as a woman in this field of science in the 1960s. She also reminds us that despite the real challenges of conservation and climate change, we should remain hopeful and optimistic as change can happen if we all play our part.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bhutan is well-known for promoting Gross National Happiness (GNH) instead of just focusing on economic growth as a more sustainable model of development. Professor Thakur Powdyel, Bhutan's first education minister explains what GNH means, and how to balance between the old and new to keep the youth happy. He also dismisses reports about political censorship and discrimination of women and minority groups in the country. He was in Kuala Lumpur to speak at Taylors University  on Teaching and Learning Conference 2019. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bhutan is well-known for promoting Gross National Happiness (GNH) instead of just focusing on economic growth as a more sustainable model of development. Professor Thakur Powdyel, Bhutan's first education minister explains what GNH means, and how to balance between the old and new to keep the youth happy. He also dismisses reports about political censorship and discrimination of women and minority groups in the country. He was in Kuala Lumpur to speak at Taylors University  on Teaching and Learning Conference 2019. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine a theme park for children that helps them in their journey in deciding what profession they want to be in when they grow up whilst also learning some of the hard lessons of life including the value of a dollar and also how the economy works. To find about this place where children can pretend to be adults for a day, we speak to Shahrul Nizar Ahmad, General Manager & Mayor of KidZania Kuala Lumpur.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Imagine a theme park for children that helps them in their journey in deciding what profession they want to be in when they grow up whilst also learning some of the hard lessons of life including the value of a dollar and also how the economy works. To find about this place where children can pretend to be adults for a day, we speak to Shahrul Nizar Ahmad, General Manager & Mayor of KidZania Kuala Lumpur.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with World Toilet Day, we take a look at some of the industries on their periphery- including tiles. For a closer look at the highly competitive tiling industry here in Malaysia, we speak to Datuk CC Ngei, Founder and Managing Director of Feruni Ceramiche, which surprised the market in 2010 when they made the decision to sell their own products themselves rather than through a third-party distributor. What lies in store for them?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The insurance industry has seen many changes in the last few years with digital disruptions, increased regulatory cost and also the low interest rate environment making it hard to meet investment return targets. So we speak to Dean Connor, the President and CEO of Sun Life Financial which is one of the oldest and largest Canadian life insurance companies in the world, to discuss the industry landscape, the importance of data and their plans for Asia where they see the strongest growth opportunities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The insurance industry has seen many changes in the last few years with digital disruptions, increased regulatory cost and also the low interest rate environment making it hard to meet investment return targets. So we speak to Dean Connor, the President and CEO of Sun Life Financial which is one of the oldest and largest Canadian life insurance companies in the world, to discuss the industry landscape, the importance of data and their plans for Asia where they see the strongest growth opportunities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

H.S. Chung, the Cluster Lead for Hill+Knowlton Strategies Asia, talks about the changing face of communications and her firm’s ASEAN expansion as China-based firms forge into the region for growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hernan Corporation, one of the country's biggest names in durian exporting, has just been acquired by private equity firm Navis Capital. What lies in store for them now, in the face of climate change, new labour legislation, and rising demand from China?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak with Efosa Ojomo, Global Prosperity Lead at the Clayton Christensen Institute for Disruptive Innovation, and co-author of "The Prosperity Paradox: How Innovation Can Lift Nations Out Of Poverty" to understand how instead of giving handouts, market-creating innovation can uplift societies and produce global champions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MARA's assets have been or are in the process of being transferred to MARA Corporation Sdn Bhd with hopes of higher performance and even dividends to the government. The continued political-business nexus hopefully doesn't get in the way of achieving MARA's challenging mission of truly uplifting poor Bumiputeras. Apart from the focus on what is believed to be the virtuous cycle of educational social enterprises, MARA Corp doesn't believe Lynas is dirty business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The International Baccalaureate Organisation is a Swiss non-profit, best known for its IB programme offered in over 150 countries worldwide. Today on the Breakfast Grille, we speak to IBO Director General Dr. Siva Kumari about the organisation's direction, mental health concerns, and how the organisation has fared under her leadership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The International Baccalaureate Organisation is a Swiss non-profit, best known for its IB programme offered in over 150 countries worldwide. Today on the Breakfast Grille, we speak to IBO Director General Dr. Siva Kumari about the organisation's direction, mental health concerns, and how the organisation has fared under her leadership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the world gears for Industrial Revolution 4.0, an estimated 47% of workers stand to lose their jobs to automation. Scholar, Carl Benedikt Frey argues in his latest book, The Technology Trap, that policy-makers should draw lessons from history in strategizing and adapting to the tide of technology. We discuss how technology, economics and politics intersect in the age of automation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Khazanah-backed education service provider LeapEd aims to develop holistic students with 21st century competencies via sustainable practices in schools. We speak to its managing director about its goals and how LeapEd's vision can be incorporated with the current education system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private equity investments have grown a lot in the past few years, and is no longer the quiet cousin of the investment world.  Tan Chow Yin of Dymon Asia Private Equity tells us about the Malaysian private equity landscape, the recent deal flows, and the all important exit while he faces competition from the big boys of PE funds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private equity investments have grown a lot in the past few years, and is no longer the quiet cousin of the investment world.  Tan Chow Yin of Dymon Asia Private Equity tells us about the Malaysian private equity landscape, the recent deal flows, and the all important exit while he faces competition from the big boys of PE funds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.