The Breakfast Grille

When Donald Trump took the White House, he promised to withdraw from the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement, from the North American Free-Trade Agreement, he disavowed the global climate change accord, and criticized global institutions including the United Nations and NATO. He has delivered on some of these promises while still negotiating others, and might even change his mind on at least one (Paris Accords). Today we talk about Trump’s tone, Jerusalem and the role the US wants in the world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Tan Sri Munir Majid about the direction of the country, challenges to its multicultural fabric, as well as the rise of China and how best to negotiate the best deal for ourselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to S&P, the value of Shariah-compliant assets globally is expected to reach up to USD3 trillion within the next decade. Dato' Rafique talks about the industry's growth potential, as well as the challenges, as Islamic finance strives towards greater mainstream acceptance. The CEO of Maybank Islamic, Malaysia's largest Islamic commercial bank, also shares his outlook on the sukuk market, potential M&As in the domestic Islamic banking sector, and HouzKEY.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Described by some as the 'bad boy of European politics', Yanis Varoufakis was the Greek Finance Minister in 2015 at the height of its debt crisis. On the sidelines of the World Capital Markets Symposium 2018, we speak to Yanis on his account of the events -  chronicled in his book 'Adults in the Room' - as well as his thoughts on the future of the EU and global capitalism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UNDP champions 17 sustainable development goals, touching on the climate change, gender equality, and poverty. Do market structures have to be revamped? Does rising protectionism threaten this global agenda? How much has Malaysia achieved in this framework? Ms. Clark outlines the challenges and the costs in striving towards equality and sustainability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the run-up to the GE14, analysts and observers are sharpening their tools to better interpret political dynamics. From redelineation to seat allocation to the dynamics of building a coalition, Malaysians are witnessing a range of issues, not all of which are immediately understandable to the lay person. Today we ask what we need to be attentive in the next 100 days.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yong Tai Berhad is bullish on its development projects within Impression City in Melaka, as well as its potential regional expansion with its Impressions Melaka live performances.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Wira Dr Ameer Ali Mydin, Managing Director of the hypermarket and emporium chain, Mydin, is back in the hot seat to tell us why the company is selling its premium urban grocer, Sam’s Groceria. He also discusses what went wrong with the Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia programme (KR1M), or the 1Malaysia People’s Shop, after the initiative was discontinued by Mydin last October.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Scandinavian country has scores on social indices the envy of the world. It has produced global brands like Erricsson, H&M and Spotify. And its capital Stockholm, is home to more Unicorn start-ups, than any city in the world. Despite these successes, its a country with its own challenges from integrating immigrants and keeping the equilibrium in the Baltics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Hindu festival of Thaipusam offers a much photographed spectacle of Indian ethnic identity. But behind this gathering are more difficult questions about the conditions of the community in the post-colonial period. Just over a decade ago, the Hindraf mass gathering shocked observers and politicians alike. Today we talk to Arumugan Kalimuthu, author of “March 8” and political activist, and Tasman Adrian, Youth Chief for Batu Constituency for the PPP, to explore if so-called “Indian issues” are best understood within an identity or class framework. And if the national dilemma over inequality - wealth as well as income - is the one pressing concern that Indians share with their fellow Malaysians. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) is “ready” to launch its Masterplan 2.0 soon. “Between 2018-2025, we have set a new target of RM70 billion investment,” ECERDC’s CEO Datuk Seri Jebasingam Issace John tells BFM. The new investment target will bring the total of investments for ECERDC to RM180 billion in 2025. Over the last decade, the East Coast region accumulated RM111 billion of private investments up to 2017, a target actually set for 2020. Manufacturing accounts for about half of investments pumped into the region, followed by tourism and oil & gas. Moving forward, Issace John says ECERDC’s Masterplan 2.0 will look at productivity, where the region will move to a knowledge based economy from a traditional manufacturing one. He acknowledges that they have to “gear and prepare” themselves for Industry 4.0. Issace John also talks about the the implementation of high-impact public infrastructure projects such as the Kuantan Port expansion, East Coast Expressway (Phase 3) and the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) will play in the East coast. We ask him the reasons behind the escalating cost of the ECRL. Is the latest figure of RM55 billion for the ECRL a finalised or moving figure? BFM also asks him if we are relying too heavily on the Chinese. Of the foreign direct investments into the East Coast, 30% is from China. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak explains why Thailand has not returned to democracy after a military coup 4 years ago, the impact of China’s investments and challenges to ASEAN’s intergritySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lord Willetts speaks about his career as a Conservative Party politician, life Peer, academic and author, with his recently published book “A University Education”. We also get some unique insights into his interaction with former Prime Ministers, David Cameron, John Major and Margaret Thatcher.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we speak to the author of “The Development of Malaysian Capitalism, From British Rule to the Present Day” whose book is credited with responding to “naysayers” who have had a hard time explaining the success of our particular model of capitalist growth. We also explore her recent work on the “precious” relationship between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China, especially as it has rapidly evolved over less than a decade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frontier Digital Ventures (FDV) is focused on investing in online classifieds businesses that are in underdeveloped and emerging countries. Granted there is potential with the digitalisation of ads and growing internet/smartphone penetration… But, are they able to monetize this shift to online ads? While the company’s revenue is up year-on-year, net loss for FY2016 widened nearly 100% to $4.6 million Australian dollars (2015: $2.5 million). From the 13 platforms that it is in, all are making negative EBITDAs for 1H2017. What is FDV's path to profitability looking like? The company expects some of its investments to turn profitable this year but it will not be enough to bring the group to the black ink in 2018. Is FDV looking at M&A opportunities given that the company is sitting on cash of some AUD 16 million? (as at September 30, 2017) Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the unipolar world that ended the American century giving away to the next hegemonic power like a China or is it going to usher in a multi-polar world? And if its going to be a multi-polar world, which countries are waiting in the wings and what do they stand for? Today we speak to the author of “Post-Western World: How Emerging Powers Are Remaking Global Order” who looks at countries in the BRICS grouping and beyond.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump was inaugurated on the 20th of January last year, 12 months later his approval rating languishes at 39%. Today we look back on the first year of the Trump administration, in particular we take a look at how its policies have impacted the global balance of powers, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The under 30s form two-thirds of the 3.7 million who are not registered but eligible voters in the country. Is it political apathy or is it a disenchantment with politics and the political elite? Today we ask two young politicians, who have taken the plunge, how they make sense of their respective parties as well as the attitudes of their peers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Michael Tio talks about zigging, while his larger, listed rivals are zagging, by embracing Social Media. PKT is a Facebook-compulsory company, and that's not all: he's also embracing e-commerce at a time when Jack Ma's Alibaba is steaming ahead with expansion plans in Malaysia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malay Contractors Association Malaysia (PKMM) was established to promote the interests and competitiveness of bumiputera contractors. We discuss the effectiveness of affirmative action policies in the construction industry with its Deputy Secretary-General, Dato’ Ir. Jamaludin Non.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Valiram Group is a homegrown Malaysian success story; from its humble beginnings as a family enterprise in the 1930s, it has morphed into one of Southeast Asia’s leading luxury, lifestyle and travel specialist retailers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The author of “The Geneva Consensus, Making Trade Work for All” speaks to the arguments once levelled at global trade, the need to address growing populist politics in the developed world, the imperatives of policy coherence at an international level and the wisdom of addressing the losers with social policy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The public portion of Binasat's IPO was oversubscribed by 34.23 times and its debut on the ACE market today is Malaysia's first listing for 2018. Zulamran explains how the telecommunication supporting service provider is poised to overcome potential challenges as it aims to fulfill its growth potential.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Timothy Edgar is the author of the book ‘Beyond Snowden’, which he wrote to provide recommendations on how to reform US mass surveillance after the NSA leaks of 2013. As a civil liberties lawyer turned intelligence insider, we asked Tim if it's better to work from the inside to change the system, or do what Edward Snowden did -- and blow the system wide open with massive leaks of top secret documents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A unit of AJ Vaccines is investing over RM138.2 million to build Malaysia’s first vaccine manufacturing facility, even as Pharmaniaga announced similar plans. Dr. Tabassum explains the growth potential and challenges for halal vaccines in Malaysia and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia and Japan celebrated 60 years of diplomatic ties in 2017. We speak to H.E. Dr. Makio Miyagawa, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, about Japanese domestic issues as well as diplomatic, defense and trade relations between Malaysia and Japan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Perodua has been the best-selling vehicle badge in Malaysia for over a decade. Datuk Aminar explains how the automaker is fending off multiple challenges to its dominance, including ride-sharing services, stringent hire-purchase loan approvals, and the Geely-backed Proton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We round-up the year with a look back at the political highlights of 2017, with some insights from the conversations we've had with political leaders and analysts on the show.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We round-up the year with a review on key sectors of the economy. In this episode, we look back at developments in the property sector and the ongoing debate on affordable housing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We round-up the year with a review on key sectors of the economy. In this episode, we look back at the performance of the automotive industry and developments within the transport infrastructure. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof Dr Zakariah Abdul Rashid the Executive Director at The Malaysian Institute of Economic Research makes a case for an independent research institute for national interests, before going on to discuss Malaysia's economic performance and what can be done to improve the country's competitiveness. He also shares MIER's advice and recommendations for the government.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Scandinavian country of  just over five million people, is an active part of the conversation on drug policy (recently decriminalising drug use), on gender equality and FM radio (it recently was the first country to shut down its entire FM network taking the country completely digital). Today we focus on Norway’s Oil Fund, one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds, with an estimated USD1 trillion in assets, three times its GDP. And ask why its under-performing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In light of recent revelations of major security breaches of personal data, many Malaysians are wondering how secure our digital infrastructure and framework is. We discuss these concerns with Dato' Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab, the CEO of Cybersecurity Malaysia and find out more about the role and responsibilities of this agency in safeguarding the country’s online landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to a recent Economist Intelligence Unit index, New Zealand’s education system tops the list in terms of preparing students for the future. We dive into what sets the NZ education environment apart and the challenges it faces. We also go into how education providers are adapting to the changing demands of the global economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 GEMS Education is the world’s biggest operator of private schools, and entered the Malaysian market in 2015 with its Penang campus, followed by its Subang campus earlier this year. Alister explains how GEMS plans to differentiate itself from the other private and international schools already here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato Seri Hamzah Zainudin addresses claims he associated the rising cost of living with 'God's will'. The minister also explains the fuel pricing mechanism, the Price Control and Anti-profiteering Act, and KR1M 2.0.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 With AUM of RM137 billion as of end-September 2017, Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) will have to more than double its fund size to fully take over the Federal Government's total pension liabilities. Dato' Wan dives into the investment strategies for Malaysia's second largest pension fund.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2018 will be the year Deleum re-engages back its plans to venture overseas, says Group Managing Director Nan Yusri Nan Rahimy. The group stopped its plans to venture out of Malaysia in 2014 because of the drop in oil prices. Nan says Deleum was in the process of assessing its positioning in other countries but it had to be put on hold in 2014 because of the drop in oil prices. "We believe that after 3 years, the new norm is here to stay.. the lower for longer environment (for oil prices) is here. We have come to terms with the new norm.. 2018 will be an area where we would like to re-engage in that process of looking into this expansion," Nan tells BFM Morning Run in an interview. He also shares that they are always seeking and looking for M&A opportunities. "In the oil and gas industry, size does matter," he points out. Deleum’s history can be traced back to the early 1980s. It was listed 10 years ago and has grown to become a niche oil and gas provider in the country with three core business segments-- power and machinery, oilfield services as well as integrated corrosion solutions. Nan also shares Deleum's expansion plans and strategies as well as the earnings visibility moving forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent establishment of the National Integrity and Good Governance Department (JITN) under the Prime Minister's Department raised questions on whether resources could have been better allocated elsewhere. Are there too many cooks in the kitchen?On the eve of International Anti-Corruption Day, we speak to JITN Director Zaiedah Mohamed Esa, to find out more about the role of the department in strengthening governmental integrity, transparency and good governance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Will Robots and automation replace human jobs in the future?Andrew shares with his insights on how the second machine age is going to have a greater and more positive impact on society than the industrial revolutionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tony shares his insights and over 40 years of experience in discussing the complex challenges facing governments in their quest to secure their national borders, especially in light of increased immigration, the refugee crisis and the rising threat of terrorism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Established in 1910, plantation company United Malacca remains a small player in the industry and yet, its yields have surpassed many of the big players. We ask CEO Peter Benjamin what's their secret to this. He also shares his outlook on the industry and CPO prices as well as his plans for the company moving forward. Peter also spoke about diversifying into cash crops to mitigate risk from being an upstream business and the group's regional expansion plans. We also chat about United Malacca going into mechanisation and the rationale behind this strategy as well as the expected investment for it. United Malacca borrowed and expanded for the first time in FY2016. Do they expect to take on more debt moving forward? Peter also talks about dividend and yields. Listen in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don shares his insights on how technology is changing the way educators and institutions approach teaching and how profound changes in education are needed to build the digital workforce of the future. He also shares his views on the Malaysian education system and tells us what the gold standard is for countries in the fore front of education transformation in the Asia Pacific region. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before TripAdvisor, Expedia or Skyscanner, there was Travelocity. Travel industry veteran Terry Jones led the team that founded the travel aggregator website Travelocity in 1996, which went on to revolutionise the online travel landscape. Terry speaks to us about the evolution of technology in the travel industry, and the use of artificial intelligence in his current project, WayBlazer.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Czech Republic is at a curious crossroads. Having just elected its own billionaire business tycoon to lead the country and facing rising Euroscepticism in response to ongoing immigration debate, international commentators are closely watching the Czech Republic for its next steps. We speak to H.E. Rudolf Hykl, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Malaysia on the latest developments in the country as well as potential opportunities for growth in Malaysia-Czech bilateral relations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since starting up shop over two decades ago, Golden Eagle Retail International Group's retail assets has expanded to 31 stores in China spanning across 19 cities today. The business has certainly grown over time but in recent years, its earnings have been hit. Net profit halved to RMB400 million in FY2016 and it is much lower than the group's profits in 2012 of RMB1.2 billion. Can mall earnings ever get ever go back to their heydays prior to the digital disruption? Group’s founder and chairman of Roger Wang shares his views on this. Having been in the retail mall industry for three decades, he also talks us through the evolution of global retail shopping from the 80s up to today. In the midst of a tougher operating landscape, Roger shares insights about Golden Eagle's strategies go ride out the current turbulence faced by mall operators. He also talks about what the group is doing to stay relevant in a fast changing environment. A major global retail trend is the big shift to e-commerce. Is this current shopping trend shift cyclical or structural in nature? What will shopping be like 10 years from now? Tune in to listen to Roger's take on this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian football has just equaled its record low ranking of 174 out of FIFA's 211 member associations. Sanjeevan explains how the governing body of world football can assist its member associations to develop its respective football programmes. He also speaks about FIFA's attempts to overcome its corrupt past, and Oceania's role in the expanded 2026 World Cup format.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Minority Shareholder Watchdog Group or in short (MSWG) was formed to encourage good governance amongst public listed companies with the objective of raising shareholder value over time. It was also set up to protect the minority shareholders. But just how effective are they? We ask MSWG's General Manager Lya Rahman this. We also raise the question on independence of MSWG. Lya also talks about rejuvenation of board representation and gender diversity. We also chat about the pressing corporate issues that have come up in recent years and where does Malaysia stack up in terms of minority shareholders protection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Abdul Razak Baginda is back in the public eye as the head of newly-established think-tank ICON Centre for Global Affairs. He joins us on the Breakfast Grille to talk about ICON's research and consulting work, and how he's moved forward from his previous ventures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with Women's Entrepreneurship Day on 19 November, we spoke to Vivy Yusof, the co-founder of FashionValet and The dUCk Group. In a candid interview with BFM, Vivy shares her business strategies in the midst of intensifying competition at a time when everyone wants a piece of the tempting e-commerce pie. She also shares the gameplan behind their diversification strategy and talks about their online/offline strategy. When FashionValet started in 2010, it made RM46,000 in revenue. Now, that figure has propelled to RM42 million for 2016. But from a bottomline perspective, the group has yet to ring profits. When will that "profitable" day come? Vivy reveals that they are nearing the profitable line and hope to breakeven this year. She also gets frank about the challenges of her entrepreneurial journey that has taken her to where she is today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.