The Breakfast Grille

Global roles and responsibilities of corporate directors have risen in tandem with higher levels of corporate governance. However in Malaysia, directors are sometimes seen as cronies and just a boys' club.  By recognising the issue, the SC formed Institute of Corporate Director Malaysia (ICDM), a one-stop shop for all boards and directors in an attempt to raise the standards of directors . We speak to Michele Kythe Lim to find out their plan whilst asking if the regulators can do more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jerry Lee, Executive Director & Chief Investment Officer of the logistics and delivery company, GD Express Carrier (GDex) Bhd, and Ooi Boon Sheng, CEO of Web Bytes, a retail and FMCG-focused software company in which GDeX has bought a stake, discuss the changing face of retail. Lee also offers some corporate updates for Bursa-listed GDeX.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iskandar Malaysia was established 13 years ago with the aim of becoming an international metropolis by 2025. We speak to Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, CEO of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority, to find out how far along they are in achieving this lofty aim, and what stands in the way. We also discuss how important Singapore is to the success of this economic corridor and why all we see are the property overhang headlines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iskandar Malaysia was established 13 years ago with the aim of becoming an international metropolis by 2025. We speak to Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, CEO of the Iskandar Regional Development Authority, to find out how far along they are in achieving this lofty aim, and what stands in the way. We also discuss how important Singapore is to the success of this economic corridor and why all we see are the property overhang headlines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Visit Malaysia 2020 just around the corner, one hope is that the country will start having more live concerts and events in order to build our reputation as a centre of entertainment in the region. But with the current operating environment, how achievable is that goal? Today on the Breakfast Grille we speak to Ben Law, Founder of Future Sound Asia and Iqbal Ameer, Group CEO of the Livescape Group, about the challenges facing the entertainment and events industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Visit Malaysia 2020 just around the corner, one hope is that the country will start having more live concerts and events in order to build our reputation as a centre of entertainment in the region. But with the current operating environment, how achievable is that goal? Today on the Breakfast Grille we speak to Ben Law, Founder of Future Sound Asia and Iqbal Ameer, Group CEO of the Livescape Group, about the challenges facing the entertainment and events industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lennard Yong, Group CEO of the Hong Kong-headquartered business services provider Tricor Group, discusses its origination, Labuan partnership, Permira (private equity) ownership, growth by acquisition and Asia-centric business model. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With cord cutting the norm and the advent of fast internet speeds, some say that free-to-air television is dead. And with traditional media companies around the world losing money, we ask Johan Ishak, CEO of Media Prima Television Networks (MPTV) if there is a game plan to win back the advertising dollar and viewers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With cord cutting the norm and the advent of fast internet speeds, some say that free-to-air television is dead. And with traditional media companies around the world losing money, we ask Johan Ishak, CEO of Media Prima Television Networks (MPTV) if there is a game plan to win back the advertising dollar and viewers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve seen incredible growth from co-working spaces but is this sustainable or will we see this burnout like franchise gym memberships? Roshan speaks to Erman Akinci about financial sustainability, the exit strategy, competition and consolidation in the industry and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve seen incredible growth from co-working spaces but is this sustainable or will we see this burnout like franchise gym memberships? Roshan speaks to Erman Akinci about financial sustainability, the exit strategy, competition and consolidation in the industry and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts like Sime Darby Plantations Bhd’s Sustainability Advisor, Sir Jonathon Porritt, advocate immediate measures to halt climate change on pain of irreversible destruction of the world we live in. As the haze chokes life (once again), we are once again reminded of the ever-looming climate tipping point, estimated by scientists to be less than a decade away.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a changing global landscape, where does Asia's future lie? Today on the Breakfast Grille, we speak to Dr. Parag Khanna, author of the book, the Future is Asian, to talk about Asia's diverse cultural landscapes, the looming spectre of the US-China trade war, and how Malaysia can escape the middle income trap. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a changing global landscape, where does Asia's future lie? Today on the Breakfast Grille, we speak to Dr. Parag Khanna, author of the book, the Future is Asian, to talk about Asia's diverse cultural landscapes, the looming spectre of the US-China trade war, and how Malaysia can escape the middle income trap. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Scaramucci, founder of the American hedge fund SkyBridge Capital and ex-Communications Director to US President Donald Trump, discusses his 11-day tenure in the West Wing, while dissecting the Trump persona. He also talks about the botched takeover of Skybridge by China's HNA Group and Asian private equity dealflow. The Malaysian Private Equity Forum 2019 is happening on 1st October 2019. For more information, head to www.malaysianpeforum.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Government has set an ambitious target to achieve a higher penetration of Renewable Energy (RE) in the Malaysian energy mix. Despite the government placing significant value on solar projects, suppliers of the photovoltaic industry seem to disregard the projects due to lacklustre demand. We speak to Chin Soo Mau, the President of the Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA) to discuss the challenges faced by the industry and the opportunities it offers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Government has set an ambitious target to achieve a higher penetration of Renewable Energy (RE) in the Malaysian energy mix. Despite the government placing significant value on solar projects, suppliers of the photovoltaic industry seem to disregard the projects due to lacklustre demand. We speak to Chin Soo Mau, the President of the Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry Association (MPIA) to discuss the challenges faced by the industry and the opportunities it offers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's 94-year-old Premier, Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, fields questions on the ailing economy and currency, Bumiputra privileges and the Social Contract, the wealth gap and its re-distribution policies, race-based politics, succession plan to Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, speculation of a cabinet reshuffle, the role of GLCs, Tun Daim Zainuddin, Zakir Naik, Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Al-Bukhary and .. what he discovered when he drank from the Fountain of Youth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarawak Tourism Board has an ambitious agenda to promote Sarawak as the preferred destination in Borneo. We speak to CEO Sharzede Datu Hj. Salleh on the Visit Sarawak campaign and their strategy to boost tourist dollars to East Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As SUHAKAM heads into its 20th year of existence, we speak to Dato' Mah Weng Kwai, Commissioner of SUHAKAM about the organisation’s direction, institutional reform, and how things stand on the human rights front in a New Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As SUHAKAM heads into its 20th year of existence, we speak to Dato' Mah Weng Kwai, Commissioner of SUHAKAM about the organisation’s direction, institutional reform, and how things stand on the human rights front in a New Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shopping is a pastime for most Malaysians with Aeon being a feature with its first outlet opened in 1985 at Dayabumi. 35 years later, this Japanese retailer has 34 supermarkets and 28 malls across the country whilst also operating Daiso and Aeon Wellness. So we speak to Poh Yin Loo, the Executive Director of Aeon Co on how it plans to stay relevant in this fast changing retail scene whilst also asking if the market is undervaluing its share price.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NGO Majlis Perundingan Melayu was established in 2009 with the aim of protecting the interests of the Malay community. Amid rising racial rhetoric in Malaysia, we speak to MPM Secretary General Datuk Hasan Mad to discuss the concerns of their bumiputera stakeholders and the broader challenges facing Malaysian society today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NGO Majlis Perundingan Melayu was established in 2009 with the aim of protecting the interests of the Malay community. Amid rising racial rhetoric in Malaysia, we speak to MPM Secretary General Datuk Hassan Mad to discuss the concerns of their bumiputera stakeholders and the broader challenges facing Malaysian society today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What exactly will that future look like, and how will society need to adapt alongside these changes?Martin Ford is a Futurist & Author, “Architects of Intelligence: The Truth about AI from the People Building It”  and has written several other thought provoking books on Artificial intelligence. We speak to Martin about how the future with AI looks like and the changes it will bring to all aspects of our lives — from businesses and jobs to art and cultureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What exactly will that future look like, and how will society need to adapt alongside these changes?Martin Ford is a Futurist & Author, “Architects of Intelligence: The Truth about AI from the People Building It”  and has written several other thought provoking books on Artificial intelligence. We speak to Martin about how the future with AI looks like and the changes it will bring to all aspects of our lives — from businesses and jobs to art and cultureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this grille, Daniel Bernbeck gives the impression that Malaysian-German trade ties will continue to thrive in an era of trade wars. This is due to to German business's historical nature to sniff out opportunities and their willingness to share technology. Coming from a nation of leading car makers Daniel also expresses caution about the third national car project, especially when opportunities abound in IR4.0See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this grille, Daniel Bernbeck gives the impression that Malaysian-German trade ties will continue to thrive in an era of trade wars. This is due to to German business's historical nature to sniff out opportunities and their willingness to share technology. Coming from a nation of leading car makers Daniel also expresses caution about the third national car project, especially when opportunities abound in IR4.0See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The name Inmarsat entered our consciousness in the wake of the MH370 tragedy. They are involved in the discussion of the development of the global flight tracking technology, a technology in focus in the wake of the MH370 tragedy, as well as the future of satellite service providers, like Inmarsat, in the face of the 5G revolution.We speak to Todd McDonell, Global Government President for Inmarsat, on his insights of the satellite industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The name Inmarsat entered our consciousness in the wake of the MH370 tragedy. They are involved in the discussion of the development of the global flight tracking technology, a technology in focus in the wake of the MH370 tragedy, as well as the future of satellite service providers, like Inmarsat, in the face of the 5G revolution.We speak to Todd McDonell, Global Government President for Inmarsat, on his insights of the satellite industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SDS Group is a home-grown Johor-based bakery and confectionery manufacturer and distributor aiming to raise nearly RM24 million through its upcoming ACE Market listing. We speak to Executive Director, Tan Kee Jin on the company’s ambitions to expand business beyond the southern state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SDS Group is a home-grown Johor-based bakery and confectionery manufacturer and distributor aiming to raise nearly RM24 million through its upcoming ACE Market listing. We speak to Executive Director, Tan Kee Jin on the company’s ambitions to expand business beyond the southern state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beneath the ever-present shadow of racial and religious tension, there is a constant call for us to overcome our differences and come together under the umbrella of ‘Malaysian’. But how united are we, and what is being done to bridge the gap between communities? In conjunction with Merdeka Day, we have a conversation with YB P. Waytha Moorthy, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, in charge of National Unity and Social Wellbeing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ADA is a digital analytics, data and advertising agency in which Axiata Digital has an 82% stake. We speak to its chief executive officer, Srinivas Gattamneni,  about the origins of the company,  business model, the ethics of data usage and advertising, as well as its opportunities in the Asian region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ada is a digital advertising agency in which Axiata Digital has an 82% stake. The name of the group is actually derived from the words, analytics, data, and advertising, hence "ada". We speak to the ada's chief executive officer, Srinivas Gattamneni,  about the origins of the company, ada's business model, the ethics of data usage and advertising, as well as its opportunities in the Asian region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ada is a digital advertising agency in which Axiata Digital has an 82% stake. The name of the group is actually derived from the words, analytics, data, and advertising, hence "ada". We speak to the ada's Chief Executive Officer, Srinivas Gattamneni,  about the origins of the company, ada's business model,   the ethics of data usage and advertising, as well as its opportunities in the Asian region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NetApp Inc. is a California-based hybrid cloud data services and data management company with clients ranging from global animation studio DreamWorks and motorcycle manufacturer Ducati.We speak to Azrin Abd Shukor, Country Manager of Malaysia & Brunei, NetApp, on NetApp's presence in the region as well as how big data is transforming the business world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Juwai, an online platform for marketing global properties to Chinese buyers has recently merged with Kuala Lumpur-based real estate marketing firm IQI Global. The merger opens the floodgates for potential customers in greater China to gain a foothold in the property sector across Southeast Asia and the Middle East.  We speak to Georg Chmiel,  Executive Chairman of Juwai-IQI on this new partnership and how it will change the property industry landscape of the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the landscape of digital entertainment changes throughout the region, video on demand services have slowly become the norm in Malaysian households. We speak to Mark Britt, founder and Group CEO of iFlix, on the progress of the company and how it intends to fend of the challengers when ironically this disrupter has become one of the incumbents. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With tourism growing leaps and bounds in this region, we speak to  Ooi Joon Aun, President and Managing Director of Southeast Asia and Pacific Rim, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to find out the challenges of the hospitality industry including the all-important disruptors and slowing economic growth. We also ask him why this company which is the world’s largest hotel group in the world is so unknown in Asia-Pacific and how they plan to change that.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is one of Malaysia's top trade partners, as well as a major tourist and higher education destination for Malaysians. Today on the Breakfast Grille, we speak to Andrew Golędzinowski, High Commissioner of Australia to Malaysia, about economic relations, immigration, as well as the thorny subject of Lynas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do we need a third national car project? Will it be competitive? What's the state of our automotive industry as a whole? For all this and more, we speak to Datuk Madani Sahari, CEO of the Malaysian Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute, on the Breakfast Grille.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two out of five fintechs in Southeast Asia are headquartered in Singapore for its ecosystem including access to venture capital funds. We get into the mind of the person who helped establish the country as a global fintech powerhouse - Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer, at the Monetary Authority of Singapore.   This interview was conducted at the inaugural ASEAN 4IR Showcase on The Future of Fintech in ASEAN, organised by CIMB ASEAN Research Institute (CARI), in collaboration with ASEAN Business Advisory Council Malaysia and ASEAN Business Club (ABC).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The insurance industry has seen many changes in the last few years with Asia, the fastest growing market, while digital disruptions have been a challenge with new players changing the competitive landscape. So we speak to Michael Wells, Global CEO, Prudential PLC on how they intend to respond while taking a deeper dive on Prudential de-merger plans and whether Brexit changes anything for this UK listed company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights is the body tasked with promoting and protecting human rights in the region. However, it has faced criticism for its silence on multiple human rights violations involved in instances like the Rohingya Crisis in Myanmar, extrajudicial killings in the Philippines, and a military coup in Thailand. On the Breakfast Grille this morning we speak to Eric Paulsen, human rights advocate and Malaysia's Representative to AICHR, about his priorities going into his three-year term, AICHR's mandate, as well as the state of human rights both in Malaysia as well as the wider region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alexander Fernandez, CEO and Co-Founder of the gaming production company Streamline Media Group, Inc., talks about his 2010 relocation to KL, Southeast Asia and Malaysia’s pivot towards the $139b global gaming industry.He also addresses the industry’s dark side, such as overwork, burnout, gender discrimination and accusations that it is partly to blame for the spate of gun crimes in America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alexander Fernandez, CEO and Co-Founder of the gaming production company Streamline Media Group, Inc., talks about his 2010 relocation to KL, Southeast Asia and Malaysia’s pivot towards the $139b global gaming industry.He also addresses the industry’s dark side, such as overwork, burnout, gender discrimination and accusations that it is partly to blame for the spate of gun crimes in America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ericsson wants Malaysia to leapfrog the region in the 5G race for its strategic and business potential. This is despite the noise in the sector currently caused by US-China tensions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brahim’s Holding Berhad has been responsible for preparing the in-flight catering for the Malaysia Airlines since 2003 after taking over the MAS Catering. The company has turned around the losses it has undertaken from MAS Catering. However, in 2014, tragedy struck Malaysian Airlines when it lost 2 of its planes that year and it has been an uphill battle ever since for Brahim’s. We speak to founder and Chairman, Dato’ Seri Ibrahim Bin Haji Ahmad on Brahim’s effort to turn around its fortune.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the Breakfast Grille, we speak to Tan Sri Dr Kamal Salih, Chairman of the Malaysian Institue of Economic Research (MIER). The mandate of the MIER is to undertake independent and high quality research on economic, financial and business issues of the nation. Tan Sri Dr Kamal Salih shares his thoughts on the repositioning of MIER to keep up with the times and its evolving role as an economic facilitator and how this ties into economic development policies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.