The Breakfast Grille

As the food delivery scene becomes more competitive, we speak to Jakob Angele, APAC CEO, about Foodpanda's growth in the industry, response to stiff competition, and the direction of the company going forward. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) is the governing body of Asian football and one of the six confederations that make up FIFA. It runs the AFC Asian Cup, the world’s second oldest continental championship. We speak to General Secretary, Dato’ Windsor John, to discuss their recent marketing deal with DDMC Fortis, and the challenges and opportunities that the Asian football body currently faces.  Dato' Windsor is slated to speak at the upcoming World Football Summit Asia in Kuala Lumpur. For more information, head to their website.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to David Hashim about what architecture means in this stage of Malaysia's development and where the narratives are formed by projects such as the Penang Transport Masterplan, Thinkcity and the High-Speed Rail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We check in with a global company like Tata Consultancy Services where the customer satisfaction buck stops in the whole digitisation and automation bandwagon.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Zainal Amanshah, CEO of InvestKL, talks about the challenge of attracting quality investments in the face of stiff regional competition, and the perceived instability of the country’s first new government in 61 years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bjørn Taale Sandberg, Head of Telenor Research, addresses the opportunities and concerns surrounding new technologies like 5G and artificial intelligence in the context of health, privacy and governance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Design Thinking, is it just an empty buzzword or the next step in innovation and education? We ask Professor Weinberg about the state of the movement, the competition it faces from the big consultancies and its presence in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AmMetLife CEO, Ramzi Toubassy tells us his plans to join the ranks of Malaysia's insurance big league. We discuss the challenges of achieving the investment returns and the importance of the digital platform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HWGG has big ambitions for seamless exchanges into and out of fiat currency, tokens and cryptocurrency. In short, they are attempting the seemingly impossible of getting around hurdles on crypto adoption. We also question whether governments will be able to keep up with technologies that will allow private citizens to escape such regulatory scrutiny.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ISEC is a medical eye care services provider based and listed in Singapore with presence here in Malaysia. We speak to CEO Dr. Wong Jun Shyan on their expansion plans in the region as well as the state of ophthalmological care in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ekuinas, the government's Private Equity Fund, turns 10. We talk to the CEO, Syed Yasir Arafat, about the performance and its relevance in the age of Super PE funds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Rosaline Chow Koo, the CEO, about their ambitious plans to become the next unicorn as well as their impact on the insurance industry as a disruptor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Grille today, we chart IBM's reinvention whilst finding out how the internet of things is the 4th industrial revolution. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U Mobile is one of the four major mobile telco service providers in Malaysia. We speak to CEO Wong Heang Tuck about U Mobile’s network migration status, as well as their IPO plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a lacklustre performance in GE14 and more recently, the Semenyih by-elections, Parti Sosialis Malaysia is doubling down in the run to the next general elections. We spoke to PSM President Dr. Mohd Nasir Hashim, about PSM's ideology, and its plans for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We check up with Dato Seri Dr Mohd Azhari Yakub ,CEO of National Heart Institute of Malaysia on IJN’s story of a sustainable business model and what is a good model of helping B40 healthcareSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With new rivals cropping up in the ride-hailing sector, we catch up with Sean Goh, Country Head of Grab Malaysia, to talk about their expansion plans, driver retention strategies, and how they plan to deal with new government legislation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss how the Ministry of Primary Industries aims to balance environmental concerns and supporting export revenues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When the US sneezes, other countries get a cold. With eyes already turning forward to the 2020 Presidential elections, we speak to Roger Fisk, campaign strategist to former US President Barack Obama, for his experience over three presidential campaigns and his insight into the US's changing campaign landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato Noor Farida talks about the roadmap for retribution, reparation and rebuke for past transgressions at the Human Resources Development Fund and its future role in training Malaysians for a globalised future.She also discusses her efforts for a more moderate Malaysia in her role as a member of the G25, an informal grouping of senior Malay civil servants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the effects of the US-China trade war being felt across the region, we turn the focus onto Penang, with its heavy reliance on the manufacturing sector. InvestPenang CEO Dato' Loo Lee Lian tells us more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paramount Group has expanded from a property player to an education provider, owning brands like KDU and REAL. They are again diversifying into new businesses, focusing their resources on property, co-working spaces and technology. We speak to Jeffrey Chew, Group CEO, Paramount Corporation Bhd to discuss their focus from education to property and other businesses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Terence Loh, CEO and Co-Founder, Novena Global Lifecare Group,  tells the interesting story of Novena Global Lifecare Group growth trajectory to provide low-cost aesthetic medical care. In an age of Instagramming, are we getting too vain or is this a confidence-boosting necessity? We also discuss the company's plans to list at attractive valuations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The financial services sector faces an increasing threat of disruption, with the rise of mobile wallets, e-payment services and even changing spending patterns among a wired generation. Amex regional Vice President of Global Network Services Sanjiv Malhotra tells us more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with International Women's Day 2019, Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Hannah Yeoh speaks with us on a raft of issues including the Ministry's proposed sexual harassment bill, child marriage, and sex education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pharamaniaga is confident of getting its concession to supply medicine to the government renewed. We delve deeper into whether such concessions work in lessening the nation's healthcare burden. We also talk about how Pharmaniaga will arrest the profitability decline of the past years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Honeywell is a multinational company that support businesses to deliver solutions in industries such as aerospace, oil and gas, automation and process controls. The decision to locate their headquarters in Kuala Lumpur has led to the Employment of around 1500 workers as well as the first multinational company to have joined Malaysia's new principal hub initiative back in 2017. We speak to Briand on their operation in the new Malaysian landscape, the growing tension in the South China Sea, the development on IoT as well the flight tracking abilities related to the missing MH370.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green Packet has been loss-making in all but one year in the last decade, with the net loss widening further in financial year ending 2018. However CEO Kay Tan believes that the investments made towards transforming the business into a digital services provider will bear fruit in 2019. He sets out their path to profitability on the Breakfast Grille and shares the company’s innovative plans for future growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC) was created to ensure free and fair competition in commercial markets for the benefit of consumer welfare, efficiency of enterprises and the development of the economy as a whole. Joyce Goh speaks to MyCC CEO Iskandar Ismail on the challenges the watchdog faces in carrying out its mandateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Human Resources Minister M. Kula Segaran discusses a plethora of local human capital issues including minimum wage, foreign and illegal workers, youth unemployment, vocational training, overseas Malaysian talent and the plight of the Indian community.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"When the call for duty comes, you have to rise up to the occasion," says Chow Kon Yeow, the fifth Chief Minister for Penang. Admitting that he tends to shy away from the limelight, Kon Yeow recognises the fact that as Chief Minister, it is time for him to be at the forefront. In an exclusive interview with BFM, Kon Yeow gave us a glimpse into his low key personality. Groomed for the top job by his predecessor, to what extent is Kon Yeow out of Lim Guan Eng's shadow? We ask him this. We also take a deep dive into the development plans at the Pearl of the Orient - is Penang overdeveloped or is development a necessary cost to incur? Kon Yeow shares updates on the Penang Transport Master Plan and the undersea tunnel. We also discuss about rising competition in the region competing for top FDI (foreign direct investment) dollar as well as tourist and talent. In 2016, Penang saw the exit of 2 large MNCs from Penang - Seagate and Western Digital. Is Penang starting to lose its shine as “the place” for FDIs in this region? We ask the Chief Minister this and look into how the Island city is strategising to stay in the highly competitive game. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A well-established medical brand in India, Manipal Hospital Klang is the brand's only hospital in Asia outside of India. We speak to Dr Gaurav Rekhi, the Managing Director of Manipal Hospital Klang  about the business affairs of the hospital and their growth strategy moving forward. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uni Wall APS Holding listed successfully on the LEAP Market in January, after nearly thirty years in the architecture and building facade business. Among the items on its agenda going forward: a new factory, new contracts, and a possible jump into the Australian market. Uni Wall CEO Siow Hon Yuen, explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1998, Nando’s opened its first restaurant here in Bangsar and has since then grown to have a network of 76 outlets nationwide. It also has 8 stores in Singapore. Its journey of over 2 decades hasn't been all smooth sailing though, and Lynn opens up to us on the lessons learnt along the way. Where did they go wrong and how fast did they realise they were on the wrong track? Indeed the F&B business is challenging. In the midst of a tough operating landscape, competition continues to intensify as more people dive into the sit-down fast casual restaurant sector with the advent of chicken focused outlets. How does Nando's plan to position itself to standout in such a competitive food environment? And with the ever changing consumer preferences, what is Nando's doing to stay relevant? We discuss all of these topics and more with Lynn. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zainudin Ishak, President & CEO of Malaysian Reinsurance Bhd, discusses the flagging fortunes of the largest national reinsurer (by assets) in ASEAN. Having emerged from what it calls a ‘perfect storm’ of adverse industry events in 2016 and a kitchen-sinking exercise last year, the company now hopes to return to its pre-2014 era when consistent dividends and stability were the normal, not the exception.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Sek Kee claims that the liberalisation of the Motor and Fire Tariff has not affected the insurance industry negatively. He also shared his thoughts on the role of insurance agents in the future as a result of the digital transformation. Listen inSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over five months into the top CEO position, Idham has ambitious plans to transform the 31-year-old company into a startup. But how will the oldest mobile operator in town go about that? We also talk about numbers - CAPEX and earnings. Idham admits that they have lost ground but reckons Celcom-Axiata has caught up in the past two years as they focused on fixing the fundamentals. But is that enough? Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Angie Stephen, Asia-Pacific MD for US-listed Royal Caribbean, fields questions on the cruise line operator's environment-protection strategy, market opportunities, challenges and outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shukor shares Big Tree's expansion plans in the midst of a challenging landscape and how the company has to evolve in the fast changing game. He reveals that the company is in talks with foreign players. But just how concrete are the talks? How long will it take before they finally venture overseas? It is a plan that has been on the cards for some years now. With over a year in the driving seat, Shukor talks to us about the changes he has made at the Big Tree and the strategies the team is implementing to drive the company forward. It isn't a smooth drive though, he shares. The landscape in Malaysia is very challenging with over 300 players in the fray and Shukor says it is tough as cost is escalating, squeezing into margins. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two matters most plague Malaysia’s plastics manufacturers. First, an enmity towards their trade by politicians and public alike that they say can only be solved by more responsible disposal because the technology to replace plastics in food packaging hasn’t yet arrived.And second, a crushing labour shortage that has crippled production and limited business — but which it says can be solved.Dato’ Lim Kok Boon, President of the Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (MPMA), explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hup Seng Cream Crackers is a product that many of us grew up on. For such a well-loved brand, it might surprise you to know that Hup Seng is vastly undervalued compared to peers in the sector. Kerk Chian Tung, shares their reasons on why the priority remains in ensuring that their product remains accessible and on product quality over rebranding as well as what motivates Hup Seng to become more than a just local champion. Listen in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technology and the shared economy are changing the way we interact with each other. But is it for better or for worse? We speak to Philipp Diekhöner, Fortune 500 Innovation and Digital Strategy Leader on the implicit currency of the gig-economy: trust. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ian Ho, Regional Managing Director of the Asia-focused e-commerce marketplace Shopee, expounds on the firm’s necessarily aggressive push for more market share as more web- and mobile-ready Asian consumers go online to meet their retail needs. In doing so, he addresses issues related to marketing & acquisition cost, product breadth, safety, buyer confidence and the need for expansion capital as losses at its NYSE-listed parent, SEA, widen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jirnexu is a fintech company which provides technology and online solutions such as RinggitPlus.com, Kreditgogo.com and Xpressapply, providing consumers with financial comparison tools to help save money and make better financial decisions. Liew Ooi Hann spoke to us about the Jirnexu’s plans going forward and the role it plays in the financial industry, particularly after receiving approval from BNM’s Financial Technology Regulatory Sandbox and also how they manage our personal data online. Listen inSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2018, 9.2 million tourists visited Australia with 63% of them being return visitors. We speak to Tourism Australia's Managing Director John O'Sullivan to discuss what's fuelling this uptrend and what strategies they have put in place to compete for the tourist dollar. We also discuss the evolving tourism landscape where tourists today are all about experiences compared to just visiting monuments. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cagamas was created in the 80s during a time of runaway interest rates and a liquidy crunch. Fast forward to today, will Cagamas be able to step up address housing affordability which are at critical levels.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Airbnb General Manager for Southeast Asia, Mike Orgill as he updates listeners on its ongoing tussles with city authorities. He also discusses why Malaysia is it's fastest-growing market in ASEAN and Airbnb's plans for an IPO in 2019 - despite founder Brian Cheskey's too-public disenchantment with the capital markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GoCar Malaysia, a techbase on-demand car sharing platform, provides car rental services and stands alongside the many other transport service providers in Malaysia. Alan speaks of how they manage the pace of change in technology and competition while vying for dominance in the local car-sharing industry. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While P2P lenders such as Funding Societies Malaysia are seen as a disruption to traditional lenders like banks, large multinational technology firms like Apple, Google, AliBaba and Ant Financial might in turn disrupt both parties.We discuss this with Kah Meng. We also talk about the differences between the markets when it comes to the funding landscape and borrowers. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Christopher Lingle has expertise in International Economics and public policy reform in Asia and we discuss public policy reforms, the US-China Trade War and what he thinks are misguided wealth redistribution policies (e.g. in Malaysia) in a period when he sees ‘potentialities’ for distress due to the huge build-up of debt in the system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.