The Breakfast Grille

The US-China rivalry is commonly framed as one of ideology between capitalism and socialism, or autocratic versus democratic systems. But researcher Dan Wang presents a new spin on the competition as one between engineers and lawyers, which he details in his book. We discuss his thesis and the prognosis for both economies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Koichiro Satomi, Deputy Group Managing Director of Asia Pacific Kinokuniya and Managing Director for Kinokuniya Malaysia to talk about what differentiates Kinokuya from other bookstores in the country, why its digital platform appears to be lagging behind its physical counterpart, whether Malaysians still have the habit of reading, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With over 1000 listed companies on Bursa Malaysia, how does the country rank when it comes to governance and protecting minority shareholders? Our panel consisting of Ng Zhu Hann, CEO & Founder of Tradeview Capital, and Dr Ismet Yusoff, CEO of Minority Shareholders Watch Group (MSWG) gives us their perspective and what improvements can be made.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The TRX development project was envisioned under the 10th Malaysia Plan to put Kuala Lumpur on the map as a global financial hub. But has it managed to shake off its association with the 1MDB scandal that haunts its origin story? We discuss the progress of TRX and its development ethos with Dato' Azmar Talib, CEO of master developer TRX City Sdn. Bhd.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Curtin University Malaysia, Curtin’s largest overseas campus, has worked with the Sarawak Government since 1999 and is ranked 183rd in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Prof. Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro Vice-Chancellor and CEO, talks about the university’s vision, growth strategy, and its commitment to combining global excellence with local relevance.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia aims to be among the world’s top 20 AI economies by 2030. Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid, the CEO of the nine-month-old National AI Office (NAIO), shares the agency's progress and how far the starting RM10 million funding has gotten it to date, while sharing his hopes and dreams for Malaysia's AI future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia aims to move up the high-tech value chain, from electronics to aerospace, green technologies and smart cities. Rushdi Abdul Rahim, President & CEO of MIGHT (the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology), shares how the agency is helping drive these national ambitions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TMK made its Bursa debut in December 2024 but has since traded below its IPO price. Wong Kin Wah, their Managing Director joins us again for an update on their growth strategy and if it is time to bottom fish the stock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What led to the vacancies in Malaysia’s judiciary, including its two top positions, and how can such critical issues be avoided in the future? Former Malaysian Bar Council president Ragunath Kesavan and constitutional lawyer Lim Wei Jiet argue that the real problem lies not in the law itself, but in the responsibility—or lack thereof—of parties involved in the appointment process.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Madani government launched the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35) in August last year to accelerate the empowerment of the bumi community. What is the role of the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit, better known by its Malay acronym TERAJU in implementing the comprehensive and complex blueprint? We find out from its CEO Junady Nawawi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the Breakfast Grille, Philip See will be sitting down with Teoh Han Boon, Managing Director of Camaroe Bhd to talk about the company’s upcoming listing on the ACE Market on Bursa Malaysia, how Camaroe sets itself apart from the competition in the aquaculture industry, and its growth prospects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Riyaz International plans to roll out 50 hotels across Malaysia over the next five years through a regional partnership with China’s hotel giant Jin Jiang. Yap Lip Seng, CEO of RJJ Hotels and Riyaz Hotels & Resorts, shares how this expansion could reshape Malaysia’s hospitality landscapeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alliance Bank, Malaysia's smallest bank by asset size is halfway through its Acceler8 2027 strategy to diversify its core business and strengthen market leadership in the SME segment. Despite achieving record earnings in 2025, could global economic uncertainty decelerate its progress? We get updates from Kellee Kam, CEO of Alliance Bank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karcher is renowned for its professional cleaning solutions, helping homes and businesses stay spotless with innovative products and services. Philip See speaks with William Kew, Managing Director of Karcher Malaysia, about the company’s growth, market strategies, and vision for the cleaning industry in the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly half of Malaysia’s workforce facing high exposure to artificial intelligence, with women and younger workers most at risk. What does this mean for inequality, education, and the country’s social protection systems? Calvin Cheng, the economics programme director at ISIS Malaysia and Dr Matthew Dornan, a Senior Economist at the World Bank, talk about their new report on this subject.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global geopolitical landscape has changed dramatically since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine with the return of President Donald Trump to the White House proving a wildcard in ongoing efforts to find a resolution. How does this affect the foreign policy calculations for Kyiv and how is it strengthening alliances beyond the Western sphere? We discuss this with Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK under Prime Minister Keir Starmer is adjusting its foreign policy to global challenges amid changing geopolitical dynamics. How is the government balancing US-China tensions while pursuing new opportunities with ASEAN? We discuss this with H.E. Ajay Sharma, British High Commissioner to Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Increasingly more companies are required to have internal auditors but what role do they play ? Anthony Pugliese, President & CEO, The Global Institute of Internal Auditors tell us and if AI benefits this profession or threatens it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is one of just 20 countries that has not yet ratified the UN Convention against Torture, despite expressing commitment to do so over the years. What are the obstacles to signing the treaty and how does Malaysia stand to benefit from taking a legally-backed anti-torture stance?  We build a case for Malaysia’s accession to the treaty with our expert panel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak with Professor Joseph Cherian, CEO of the Asia School of Business (ASB), about the pressures facing U.S. higher education institutions as the Trump administration pulls funding — and what this could mean for ASB. He also shares his views on ASB’s growth potential, key revenue drivers, and whether pursuing further education remains worthwhile for professionals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As technology transforms the way we learn reading and writing skills, how can we better navigate the changing dimensions of literacy in the digital age? To mark International Literacy Day, we discuss themes in literacy and education with Dr Tara Béteille of the World Bank.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Dato' Dr Kenneth Pereira, founder and managing director of Hibiscus Petroleum, on how the company keeps cutting costs and extending the life of its oil fields despite weak oil prices and how it continues to reward shareholders in this challenging environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unique Fire Holdings recently became a Main Market-listed company on Bursa Malaysia, after debuting on the ACE Market just three years ago. As a provider of fire protection systems and safety equipment, it now faces the challenge of sustaining growth, defending margins, and expanding its market share at home and abroad. Its Executive Director Dato’ Marcus Liew talks about profitability, competitive positioning, and the family values behind this company.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 19 stores in the country, Madam Kwan's is a F&B chain synonymous with Malaysian cuisine. We speak to Datin Maureen Ooi, their CEO as to their strategy for growth, the intense competition and how they stay relevant with fickle consumers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the spirit of Merdeka and the National Day, we sit down with Malaysian songstress Dato' Sheila Majid, whose 40 year music career unites generations of countrymen. We discuss her musical evolution, the impact of digitalisation and AI on the music industry as well as navigating social media as a celebrity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Breakfast Grill, Philip See sits down with artist Jalani Abu Hassan and Beverly Yong, Co-founder of RogueArt, to discuss Malaysia’s dynamic art scene. They delve into the meaning of artistic value, the role of the public and collectors, and how creativity and culture intersect in shaping the local art landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite forming 6-7% of the populace, many Malaysian Indians are trapped in low-income brackets. Does the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) help the Indian community overcome their social and economic challenges. P. Prabakaran, the head of MITRA and Member of Parliament for Batu gives us his views.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tariffs, protectionism and fractured alliances are reshaping the global trading system. With blocs like BRICS rising and the US facing questions over its influence, is uncertainty now the new normal for world trade? Dr Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation, joins us to unpack what this means for Asia, ASEAN and Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Control Risks, a risk consultancy, has opened shop in Kuala Lumpur. We speak to their Head of Southeast Asia, Pamela Qiu, about how the company operates when it comes to managing risk in a world of heightened geopolitics. This comes as the war rages on in Ukraine and Gaza, while tensions remain high between the world’s two superpowers, China and the US, and why they have chosen to open shop in KL.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Sunday, Ukraine marks its Independence Day on August 24, commemorating its 1991 return to sovereignty. H.E. Hennadii Nadolenkom, Ukrainian Ambassador to Malaysia reflects on the country’s resilience amid the war with Russia, the role of US-backed peace talks in safeguarding its security, and efforts to prepare for upcoming elections despite the challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peninsular Malaysia is home to 18 Orang Asli tribes that make up 0.8% of the country’s population, but despite indigenous status they have been denied a litany of rights under both the constitution and the Aboriginal Peoples Act (APA) 1954. The government is finally looking to amend the APA - will this rectify the injustices that the Orang Asli have borne since the dawn of Merdeka? We discuss this with our expert panel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Sri Dr. Nik Norzrul Thani, Executive Chairman of Zaid Ibrahim & Co and trustee of the ZICO Law Network in Malaysia, shares his views on judicial appointments, the recent demerger of the ZICO Law Network and KPMG, the growing surplus of lawyers in the country, as well as the U.S. crackdown on law firms and its ripple effects on the global legal industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Global humanitarian capacity is coming under strain as donor funds dry up and geopolitical posturing takes precedence over international law. What will it take for the international community to act for humanity, which is the theme for World Humanitarian Day this year? We discuss this with Dato' Dr. Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, President and Mohd Radzi Jamaluddin, ex-officio exco member of Mercy Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The pharmaceutical industry is at a crossroads, grappling with scepticism over the efficacy of medicines and rising competition We speak to Dr Abdullahi Sheriff, Managing Director of MSD for Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei, about how the company is navigating these challenges whilst asking what is the strategy for growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jason Fong, Global Head of FamilyOfficeHK at Invest Hong Kong, discusses the department’s strategy for attracting family offices, the city’s unique competitive advantages, and the challenges it faces.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Philip See sits down with economist Dr. Nungsari Ahmad Radhi to unpack the 13th Malaysia Plan, focusing on fiscal sustainability, tax reform, and economic resilience. The discussion will also explore how private sector innovation can enhance competitiveness and the implications of an aging population for Malaysia’s future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is no stranger to water-related challenge with one of the highest per capita water consumption rates in Southeast Asia, while the average non-revenue water level is a staggering 37%. We ask Adam Saffian Ghazali, CEO of Air Selangor, about how Malaysia’s largest water services provider is managing the supply and quality of this vital resource.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On International Youth Day, we take a look at the realities facing young Malaysians, from underemployment and mismatched degrees to the promises of new policies like Undi18, MPBM2030, and the 13th Malaysia Plan. Fanitsyara Kam Phon, President of the Perdana Fellows Alumni Association, and Wan Amirah Wan Usamah from Khazanah Research Institute share their insights.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) is evolving to prepare future accountants as versatile business leaders, focusing on skills like ethics, AI, and sustainability. Azlina Bulmer, Interim International Director of ICAEW shares insights on how the institute is reshaping the profession and engaging new talent in Malaysia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turner & Townsend has been in Malaysia for 30 years, helping deliver some of the country’s most complex construction projects. As demand grows, how is the firm adapting to local needs while maintaining global standards? We speak with Sumit Mukherjee, Managing Director Southeast Asia, Turner & Townsend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What will it take to reverse the decline of the Malayan tiger? Sophia Lim, Executive Director and CEO of WWF-Malaysia, talks about the urgent conservation push and how the organisation is funded to play the long-term conservation game. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Energy Commission plays an outsized role by ensuring that Malaysia has a reliable, safe and cost effective supply of electricity and gas. Siti Safinah Salleh, their CEO tells us how they achieve this whilst discussing if Malaysia is on track of achieving its RE goals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Snowflake, a cloud data company has been in Asia for many years but has of late increased its footprint in Asean. We ask Satchit Joglekar, Managing Director, Snowflake ASEAN as to the reasons for this, the competition and their strategy for growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oasis Home Holding Bhd made history in May as Malaysia’s first listed live commerce company, debuting on the ACE Market in May 2025. CEO Datuk Jaden Teoh sheds light on what’s next for the company, and how live-streamed sales are reshaping e-commerce in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SIRIM Berhad is one of Malaysia’s most recognisable yet least understood public institutions even as it celebrates its golden jubilee. Best known for certifying consumer and industrial products, it also plays a deeper role in supporting industrial R&D, standards development, and national innovation. Datuk Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad, SIRIM's former President and Group CEO reflects on SIRIM's legacy, his time at the organisation and Malaysia's industrialisation direction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World Bank recently published its Inclusive Employment Practices Survey 2024, which aims to provide insights into inclusive employment practices among firms in Malaysia. We’ll be speaking with the report’s author, Shakira Teh Sharifuddin, World Bank Senior Economist for Malaysia about the survey’s findings and policy recommendations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volvo has transformed from a safety-first Swedish brand into a sleek, electrified marque under Geely’s ownership. Chris Wailes, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia & Thailand talks about how the carmaker is preserving its premium identity while navigating local realities in Malaysia and Thailand as well as what’s next for the brand in Southeast Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the UN, six of the world’s top ten remittance-receiving countries are in the Asia Pacific region, highlighting the critical role these funds play in supporting families. Yet, the industry faces growing pressures, from intense competition to falling transfer fees. Epsen Kristensen, Asia Pacific Managing Director of Ria Money Transfer, joins us to discuss how the company is navigating these challenges and if a digital bank is on the cards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysia Competition Commission is set to get more bite once amendments to the Competition Act 2010 makes it through Parliament some time this year. Datuk Iskandar Ismail, CEO of MyCC, joins us to explain how the Commission investigates cartels, enforces fair play in the market, and what new powers it’s seeking through these upcoming legal reforms.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The oil and gas industry is known for its boom and bust cycles. How then does Velesto an upstream drilling company navigate these challenges. Questions we pose to Megat Zariman their President whilst asking for their growth strategy and why should one be a shareholder.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.