The Breakfast Grille

The Penang Transport Master Plan began with a push from civil society activists but has turned into a object of protest because of values that no longer fit its original purpose. With ballooning costs and criticism that its more of a “property play” rather than design to solve Penang’s transport woes in the most cost-efficient, environmentally-friendly and sustainable way. Today we speak to one of the sharpest critics on the current plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Star Media Group’s OTT (over the top) business - dimsum - turns 2 this year and it was launched as the group wanted to evolve beyond the traditional media space. Star Media said it was going into OTT as the group needed to change to continue to be a sustainable business in the future. But to be sustainable, businesses need to be profitable. Is dimsum profitable? Kim reveals that it is still lossmaking. Granted dimsum has a strong backer - Star Media - with its deep pockets but even that tap can run dry if businesses bleed too long a time and cannot sustain themselves. On this, Kim shares their timeline and strategies to monetise this digital business. The OTT game is a competitive one, that is not just against local competitors, but with big global ones as well. What is dimsum doing to fight in this tough global game? Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The East-West Center is a think tank based in Hawaii, set up by the US congress in 1960 to promote understanding between the US and the nations of Asia Pacific. We speak to Richard Vuylsteke, President of the East-West Center to discus US foreign policy in the Asia-Pacific, under the Trump administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yoong Hau Chun, Group Managing Director of the particleboard and furniture maker, HeveaBoard Bhd, shares his strategy on navigating tough times for the company, like high raw material costs, poor forex prices and tight labor conditions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UMNO finds itself on the opposition bench for the first time following GE14. Can the party reinvent itself in Malaysia Baharu? Melisa Idris speaks to Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, UMNO Youth's newly elected chief, on the future of the party and his stand on contentious issues like child marriage, RUU355 and the UEC. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March 2018, Singapore tycoon Peter Lim injected the privately-held Thomson Medical Group and TMC Life Sciences into the Singapore-listed real estate firm Rowsley. It was then renamed Thomson Medical Group -- to reflect its change in focus from real estate to healthcare. We speak to Roy Quek, Executive Director of TMC Life Sciences, on aligning the group’s plans with its parent company, as well as the healthcare issues driving private healthcare business in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, thrust into a more public role, our guest this morning helps us understand the thinking among members of one the country’s oldest political parties. We ask him about the model Islamic government he’d like to see us emulate, the influence of Brunei in the Hudud agenda here, the place of non-Muslims, and the party’s relationship to Malay ethno-nationalism and “ketuanan Melayu”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The new minister of land, water and natural resources is confident of wrapping up the Selangor water restructuring deal by August 10, as he gets a grip on other "major issues" such as environmental pollution, illegal logging and illegal wildlife trade. The PKR VP also shares his expectations ahead of the party's presidential elections, due in the coming months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Understanding the Peoples’ Republic of China economical and geo-political meteoric rise is a growth-industry that remains unabated. China has also become a model for countries, not just in the developing, for managing large-scale social change. Today we explore one interpretation of the secret of China’s success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired provides an update on the global fight against cancer, and highlights the importance of political will in keeping non-communicable diseases at bay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Carlsberg Foundation claims to be one of the oldest industrial foundations, built on the success as a brewery in the late 19th century, which went on to invest part of its profits in fundamental scientific research. J.C. Jacobsen and his son, together have bequeath the world a fascinating model for ‘giving back to society’. Today, the Foundation continues the tradition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melisa Idris spoke to Gary Vaynerchuk, or better known as GaryVee, digital media mogul, best-selling author, serial entrepreneur and early investor in Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and Birchbox. Find out what lessons he learnt from his biggest failures, his thoughts on the current state of social media and where he thinks the future lies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raja Azmi Raja Nazuddin, the acting group CEO of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad discusses GLC reform, its airport operating business, the relationship with stakeholders, new business directions and the proposed sale of its wholly owned airport in Turkey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Established in 1918, Harrisons Malaysia celebrates its 100th year anniversary this year. Over the many years in business, Harrisons had a consistent stream of profits. However, a few years ago, the company's net profit earnings have been trending down and profit margins hit. Additionally, a closer look at their books show that the group’s trade and other receivables increased nearly 10% in just 3 months to RM336 million as at 31 March 2018 - hitting an all time high. What is Harrisons doing about these worrying trends? Chan shares with us their business strategies moving forward to build its earnings. We also discuss the group's strategy moving into retail as it looks to develop another stage of growth. Chan also reveals that Harrisons is looking into a dividend policy. The company doesn't have a policy today but it has been paying dividends -- this is even during the time when they fell into the red in FY2014.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

News portal Malaysiakini started back in 1999, born out of the flames of the Reformasi movement. In its two decades of operations, Malaysiakini has been raided by police and dragged to court numerous times. Now with the Opposition in power for the first time since Independence, Premesh Chandran, speaks about what comes next for Malaysiakini.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Packaging is the single biggest application of plastic, accounting for more than a quarter of plastic demand worldwide. In the war against plastic pollution, there has been a growing global crackdown on the use of plastic straws. We ask Brian May, Managing Director of Tetra Pak for Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines what packaging companies are doing to address this movement. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having been in Malaysia since 1973, DHL Express is now leveraging on e-commerce to drive its growth. Chris talks about the prospects for his company and the industry, fuelled by changing consumer habits and projects such as the DFTZ.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning former Prime Minister Najib Razak was brought to court to be charged. Three charges of criminal breach of trust were laid against him. Today we explore the ways supporters and detractors, as well as the government, deal with the optics of story that has gone global.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, UMNO decided on continuity for party by electing Ahmad Zahid Hamidi as President. The competitive three-horse race saw Zahid up against Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah and Khairy Jamaluddin. Disappointment in the results saw one MP and former Puteri Wing chief leave the party and declare herself an independent. Today we explore the options before one the country’s oldest party, UMNO.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia H.E. Andrew Goledzinowski discusses the way forward for Malaysia-Australia trade and business links in a new era of a Pakatan Harapan government. H.E. Goledzinowski also discusses a much-speculated criminal extradition of convicted murderer Sirul Azhar in a possible re-opening of the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case. He also talks about the ever-evolving rapprochement with its (and Malaysia’s) biggest trading partner, China, as well as much-needed closure to the tragic disappearance of MAS flight MH370.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On July 1, US trade tariffs targeting rivals begin, some observers fear the kick-off to a much feared “trade war”. Coming after the failed G7 meet in Canada earlier this month when the US refused to sign of on a joint statement of a rules-based trading system, question are being asked about the future of globalisation. Today we explore some of the main issues in global trade and well as the regional outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alpha REIT is Malaysia's first and only real estate investment trust dedicated to education-related properties. Can such a niche product thrive in a Malaysian-sized market? Having made the REIT's first acquisitions last year, Dato Labrooy shares the yet-to-be-listed REIT's strategy for portfolio expansion while outlining the growth prospects for the domestic private education industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UMNO veteran Tan Sri Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah, or better known as Ku Li, has thrown his hat into the ring in the race for the UMNO presidency. Ahead of the party’s polls to elect its Supreme Council on 30 June 2018, Ku Li shares his vision for Umno and his plans for reform, should he take the helm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we speak to the newly minted Minister on the many challenges facing both his Ministry as well as the government as a whole. We explore the balance of forensic analysis of the previous Administration - rife with allegations of corruption and sweetheart deals - and developing plans for the future. From the promise (and cost) of Peduli Sihat, to the building new hospitals in rural Malaysia (nine are pending) to conservatism in the health service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Harford is an economist, Financial Times columnist, and best-selling author of 'The Undercover Economist' and 'Fifty Things That Made the Modern Economy'. He joins us on the Breakfast Grille to discuss the growing "crisis of confidence" in statistical data, and why he thinks IKEA’s Billy bookcase helped make the modern economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 A self-described economic libertarian, Bryan Caplan's latest book, The Case Against Education argues that public education is a waste of time and money and that we should stop investing in it. Caplan believes that the primary function of education (especially higher education) is not to enhance students' skill but to certify their intelligence, work ethic, and conformity—in other words, to signal the qualities of a good employee. We speak to him about why, after decades of growing access to education, we are not experiencing better jobs for the average worker .See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On World Refugee Day, Richard Towle, Representative for UNHCR Malaysia, discusses his work safeguarding the rights and well-being of refugees and asylum-seekers worldwide, and specifically in Malaysia, where some 180 thousand registered and unregistered refugees, mainly Myanmar Rohingyas, are struggling to find work, habitable living conditions, healthcare and a modicum of self-respect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BNP Paribas was one of the five foreign banks awarded the full commercial banking licence to operate in Malaysia 7 years ago in 2011. Philippe Aroyo shares the group's Malaysian journey thus far and business plans here. The overall banking landscape has changed, especially so in the past couple of years and many traditional banks have been impacted, including  BNP Paribas. We discuss the evolving business model for banks with non-banks entering the scene and the new operating environment in the New Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Malaysia undergoes its first ever government transition in history, many uncertainties still remain, such as the fate of projects undertaken and policies driven by the previous regime. Renowned economist Prof. Danny Quah attempts to shed some light on Malaysia Baharu and reviews the new government's fiscal and economic policies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kamdar brand has been part of the retail landscape for the past 46 years and has been the go-to garment and textile store for many Malaysians, especially during festive occasions. We speak to the Managing Director of Kamdar Group, Kamal Kumar Kamdar about the longevity of the brand, and its future prospects in an increasingly competitive retail landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Among the five most valuable tech companies in the world, Microsoft has seen a big shift under CEO Satya Nadella in the past four years. Microsoft is now embarking on another big reorganisation, which analysts say indicate a push away from the Windows operating system. But having lost in the search engine game to Google, the mobile hardware game to Apple, and social networks to Facebook - what's left for Microsoft? K Raman, the Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia joins us on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the future of the tech giant and the pace of digital transformation in Malaysia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Both SIS and ABIM have been leading the conversation on the question of the role of Islam in life of the nation, a conversation that affects those within the faith community as well as those outside. Today, a few days before the end of the month of Ramadhan, we talk about the results of the 14th General Elections, the future of Malay ethno-nationalism and the dialogue between Muslims on different points on the political spectrum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our panelist weigh in on the implications of reintroducing the local government elections and whether Malaysians are ready for "third vote".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The newest player in Singapore's insurance sector - Singapore Life - is the first local insurer with no foreign partners to be licensed by the city-state since 1970. Having just commenced operations last year, they have since acquired a S$6 billion business portfolio from Zurich Life Singapore. We talk to Singapore Life's CEO Walter de Oude on the company's business model and M&A plans. The company utilises tech instead of agents to do business; is this the way forward for insurance companies? Are the days of insurance agents numbered?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After ruling the country for more than 60 years, UMNO's failure to capture Putrajaya in the recent elections came as a shock to those from within and outside the party alike. Melisa Idris explores if, and how, UMNO and Barisan Nasional can reinvent itself. She speaks to Zaidel Baharuddin, Executive Secretary of Barisan Nasional Youth and Dato’ Dr Vaseehar Hassan, author of ‘The Malay Leadership Mystique’, which explores Malay leadership qualities in politics and business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heavily criticised on social media for his open criticism of the current administration for a lack of consensual decision-making process, his corrective on the impact of the Dr Mahathir factor in GE14, the man who once could do no wrong by the urban chattering classes, speaks about his approach to the new ground realities of Malaysian politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mark Mobius, previously the Executive Chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets Group and current founder of Mobius Capital Partners, says there could be an imminent 30% correction in US share markets and discusses the reasons underlying this opinion. He also discusses the prospects for ASEAN as an emerging market bloc and the role of China and India before expanding on Malaysia, where the 61-year-long rule of Barisan Nasional has been deposed, to be possibly replaced by a fresh era of reform and change. He ends by discussing his new fund, which is founded on Environment, Social and Governance principles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In one of the first media interviews from a Finance Ministry representative, YB Ong Kian Ming attempts to clarify the country's current financial position and shares how they plan to tackle the RM1 trillion debt mountain. Kian Ming also sheds light on the transition from the Goods and Services Tax to the Sales and Services Tax. We also discuss the 1MDB story, in particular if the MoF is looking to re-structure the 1MDB debt. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The results of GE14 vindicated a 50-year struggle for one of Malaysia's longest-serving members of Parliament, YB Lim Kit Siang. He provides his analysis of the shock victory for Pakatan Harapan, which required tough decisions to drop DAP's rocket logo and to work with his former nemesis, Tun Dr. Mahathir.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pakatan Harapan administration has recently announced that GST will be zero-rated starting June 1, followed by the Sales and Services Tax (SST) making a comeback later on. With rising national debt, can Malaysia afford this? We speak to a panel of experts on the implications of abolishing GST, the way forward in implementing SST and the expected impact on Malaysians' cost of living.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Iron Lady talks about the outcome of GE14 and her hopes for the future of Malaysia. She also delves into the Supermax and Stanley Thai dilemma, the controversy around Air Asia and Tony Fernandes and her views on the Pakatan Harapan government, the cabinet and politics in general.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He stood against Barisan Nasional’s Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin and the PAS’ Fauzi Abu Bakar and bested the majority of his Pakatan predecessor, Nurul Izzah Anwar. Despite a majority of close to 5600 votes with just over 33,000 votes, a simple calculation of his opponent’s combined votes were which close to 33,000, we ask if his position in this KL constituency is secure. The difference between him and his opponents narrows to just 321 votes. Today, we explore both the on-ground reality of a constituency split between its 1percent and B40 denizens, as well as the national reform agenda. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sarawak Report was one of the news portals infamously banned under the previous administration over its whistle-blowing reports. We catch up with its editor Clare Rewcastle-Brown on developments post GE14 and the portal's place in the media landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having moved from civil society into the state both our guests have a unique insight into the transformation of Malaysia. Today we explore how the electoral reform process might look like as we move towards the first Parliamentary session and the challenges of institutional reform and finally the debate around the role of civil society in a post-Barisan Nasional era. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the warm after-glow of the recently concluded General Elections, the break from decades of Barisan Nasional-led authoritarian rule has its paradoxes, starting with the leadership of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Today we speak to veterans of the much repressed dissenting tradition in Malaysian politics about the prospects of genuine democracy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former President of the Malaysian Bar and ex-chair of electoral reform movement Bersih gives her take on the serious challenges for the newly-minted government of Pakatan Harapan.We explore everything from contract sanctity of mega-infrastructure projects now under review, to Rafizi Ramli’s “outburst” over Cabinet positions and political will to address the corruption allegations surrounding Sarawak power-broker Taib Mahmud.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue news coverage and analysis post-GE14 with Karim Raslan of KRA Group.We take a look at the future of UMNO and the need to be critical of the new Pakatan Harapan government to hold them accountable to their election promises.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brigadier-General Dato' Arshad Raji, the President of the National Patriots Association, speaks of how he prays for a Malaysia free of hate, racial prejudice, lies and corruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Seri Jamil shares insights into the global halal business, how the Halal Development Corporation has performed under his leadership over the last 12 years and how the Malaysian halal ecosystem has evolved.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Qatar Airways is set to add 16 new destinations for 2018 and 2019 combined, despite expectations that the Gulf carrier will announce a "substantial' loss for the 12 months ending March 2018. Yet, given geopolitical tensions between Qatar and its neighbours, will that limit the airline's ambitions? And what role does Malaysia play in its global strategy?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.