The Breakfast Grille

His Excellency Carlos Dominguez Diaz, the Spanish Ambassador to Malaysia, breaks down Catalanonia's independence movement, latterly moving on to the improving Spanish economy, the rise of populism in Europe, what appears to be a dearth of Far-Right politics in Spain and Portugal and the wave of immigration in Europe.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having made 10 acquisitions since 2012, Samsonite clearly has no intention of resting on its laurels. Satish also explains Malaysia's importance as a growth market for the world's largest luggage maker by volume.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From its beginnings as a land transport company in 1965, Xin Hwa has recently bet on e-commerce to drive its growth forward. Kok also outlines key features of the RM100 million expansion plan over the next 2 years, for the integrated logistics services provider.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matt Whittaker shares the growth story of New Zealand-made Whittaker’s chocolate, the country’s Most Trusted Brand ,which was established by over 120 years ago by his great grandfather. He talks about their successes in Asia, particularly in Malaysia and also their future growth plans in China and North America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Jeffrey Chew to find out how Paramount is growing two different but synergistic businesses and moving from strength to strength via acquisitions and an asset light strategy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There had been news that Japan's Yamato is considering taking a majority stake in Malaysian GD Express Carrier Bhd (GDex) from its 23% currently, and it wants to “position Malaysia as a strategic base". In an exclusive interview with BFM, Teong Teck Lean CEO and largest shareholder of GDex revealed that he is still very invested in the company. "For me, it is better that we have a strategic partnership. I still have a lot of passion and like to take this whole business to the region," he said. GDex signed a collaboration to look at the ASEAN market with its substantial shareholder Yamato -- Japan’s largest door-to-door delivery service company. Teong gave an update on how the collaboration is panning out and what are the targets for this partnership. Apart from Indonesia where GDex has already set up shop, Teong shared that they are also looking at Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand and the Philippines but pointed out that they need to ensure they find the right partner for the markets. Teong invested into the company in 2000 when GDex was loss-making. Why buy into a loss-making company that had creditors lining up for payments? And at that time, there was no sign of the e-commerce boom yet. Teong shared with us what was it about GDex that caught his eye. He also talked about intensifying competition as the e-commerce play heats up and what is the company's strategy to fend them off. Teong also spoke about GDex's next move in the midst of a tougher operating landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to newly-elected Malaysian Bar President George Varughese about the role of the Malaysian Bar in contributing to public discourse and the progress he has made on the Legal Aid Scheme. He also explains why the Malaysian Bar viewed the recent appointments of Tun Md Raus Sharif and Tan Sri Zulkefli Ahmad Makinudin as "unprecedented and unconstitutional".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The prevailing narrative today is that the news media is in trouble. This is fuelled by the disrupted business model, the rise of “fake news” as well as some people claiming that there are media who are no longer balanced but are used as a tool by governments or owners to their own benefit.What's a media veteran's take on that? We speak to Datuk Wong Sai Wan, Editor-in-Chief of Malay Mail, to get his views on this. He is also the COO for the media business of Ancom Bhd. Wong, over three decades of experience in hand, also shares his insights on the sector that has been disrupted. We also talk about Malay Mail -- one of the oldest printed English daily in the Klang Valley at 121 years old. During its peak, the Malaymail printed 60,000 copies in the mid-1980s. Today, the numbers are down and the paper is lossmaking.Can Malay Mail find back their glory days?Wong gets frank about this and shares his plans for the paper moving forward in the midst of a challenging landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trade between Malaysia and Brazil is expected to hit a record high of US$4 billion this year. But given its political turmoil, corruption scandals and alleged violations of international trade rules, how can Latin America’s largest country shore up confidence in the global community?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato Sri Meer gives us an overview of the retail sector in Malaysia,and the upcoming 18th Asia-Pacific Retailers Convention and Exhibition (APRCE) organised and hosted by the Malaysian Retailers Associations. We also talk to him about his businesses and how Habib Group is evolving with the times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the world's leading economists of inequality, Branko Milanovic looks at who has won and who has lost from globalisation. He discusses the now famous 'Elephant Graph' which has been called the most important chart of 2016.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bermaz Auto is the sole distributor of Mazda vehicles in Malaysia and the Philippines. It saw its latest quarterly earnings fall by over 50% amid a challenging industry landscape. We speak to CEO Dato' Sri Ben Yeoh on the company’s sales performance, the steps being taken to counter the slump and opportunities in the automotive industry, regionally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia Debt Ventures (MDV) has disbursed more than RM11 billion in financing to more than 680 technology companies since its inception in 2012. Its latest fund of RM1 billion will focus on technology-based companies that are in early stages of growth and development. This is in stark contrast to MDV’s previous funds that were catered to developed, mature and revenue-stage companies that had clear and strong credit profiles. Why venture into a riskier area? Are they not concerned if these companies do not see profits fast enough? MDV Managing Director and CEO Datuk Md Zubir Ansori Yahaya believes in thinking big rather than to focus on fast profits. He also shares his observation of the challenges in the tech start up industry and where is the funding gap here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Quick Ride, a company conceptualised by Cartrade Group and Koperasi Amanah Pe-laburan Bhd (KAPB), is providing a new leasing service targeted at the fresh grads and unemployed, to leverage on the network of Uber and Proton cars. Its CEO, Mohamed Fahmi Mohamed Ilyas discusses the viability of its business model, including answering the key question of whether this is an unwelcome return to the archaic and punishing legacy leasing model that damaged the old taxi system. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ATA Plus is one of the six companies approved and licensed by the Securities Commission Malaysia to operate an Equity Crowdfunding (ECF) platform in the country. It aims to create a thriving ecosystem for socially responsible and ethical Malaysian businesses. We speak to its co-founder, Elain Lockman to better understand equity crowdfunding landscape and how she picks the right companies to invest in.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the lead up to Malaysia Day on the 16th of September, we reflect on the state of the Federation, its strengths as well as some of its serious challenges. Colouring much of the national conversation is a feeling of not being treated as genuine partners in the country’s developments. From slights in popular culture - like Ola Bola - to the seeming ignorance of those from the Peninsular Malaysia, even politicians about basic historical has fed into a general unhappiness. Today we explore these feelings as well as ways to move forward and strengthen the Federation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norwegian telco, Telenor, which has a 49% stake in Digi, has described its Malaysian operations as its 'main headache'. Murty outlines how Malaysia's largest telco by subscribers plans to stem falling revenue, total subscribers and profitability, as it contends with industry headwinds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Asia School of Business is a collaboration between Bank Negara Malaysia and MIT Sloan. Professor Charles Fine spells out how he plans to grow ASB's student body by nearly ten-fold over the next 10 to 15 years, while ultimately having this B-school counted amongst the global elite.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his latest book 'Minister of Finance Incorporated: Ownership and Control of Corporate Malaysia', Professor Edmund Terence Gomez explores the role of the Government in the Malaysian corporate sector.  He discusses the findings of his study on Government Linked Investment Companies (GLICs) and the increasing concentration of power in the office of the Executive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How are oil & gas companies coping with the extended period of lower oil prices? We speak to Olivier Blaringhem, Vice President for Asia Pacific at Subsea 7, a subsea engineering and construction services company, on their strategies to weather the uncertainty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speculation is rife about when the next, and 14th, General Elections will be called. Needless to say, speculation is rife with the timing of the polls the subject of coffee shop and wedding kenduri talk. To raise the bar on a question that has both economic as well as political implications, we have an evidence based discussion on the when, whys and hows of GE14.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is set to roll out a new tourism tax effective 1st September 2017 after a series of delays. It has been met with heavy criticism from various parties including The Malaysian Association of Hotel Owners (MAHO). Shaharuddin shares his concerns about potential implementation issues and broader trends in the hotel industry, including the rise of unregistered premises.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last month the United Nations’s released a report which shows that Malaysia together with nine other countries accounted for over 95% of all new HIV infections in the Asia-Pacific region. Produced by the Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS, the report is entitled “Ending AIDS: Progress Towards the 90-90 Targets”. The report shows that HIV infection via sexual transmission outpaced transmissions from intravenous drug use which used to be the main source of transmissions. Today, we explore if criminalisation of drug use and the demonisation of homosexuality are impediments to combating the disease.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato' Yusli Yusoff, President of the Malaysian Institute of Corporate Governance (MICG) and former CEO of Bursa Malaysia, discusses the local corporate governance landscape while addressing thorny issues like dual-class shares, China-based companies, directors remuneration and frontline regulation of the share market. He also discusses public sector governance and the example it leaves for the corporate sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to its Project Director,S Nalgunalingam about KL Sports City, the newly refurbished Bukit Jalil complex that was originally constructed during the 1998 Commonwealth Games.He also shares the initiatives taken to ensure sustainability of the sporting complex once the games are over. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founded in 1985 and listed in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, Vinda Group is the company behind personal hygiene brands such as TENA, Libresse, and Drypers. With core business segments in tissue, incontinence care, feminine care and baby care, Vinda aims to become a leading hygiene company in Asia. We speak to Su Ting Nee, Southeast Asia Regional President of Vinda Group on their operations in Malaysia, its green initiatives and prospects in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a year of political turmoil following the Brexit vote, UK-Malaysia businesses and trade ties remain strong. But the unfolding of Brexit negotiations between the UK and the European remain uncertain and in today’s Grille ask what will keep Malaysia an attractive destination for investments, are we well placed to be a regional hub for British businesses and does Malaysia’s turn to China for armaments pose challenges for the British arms industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rolls-Royce is a brand associated with the pinnacle of luxury and prestige. We catch up with Paul Harris, Asia Pacific Regional Director of Rolls Royce Cars; on how the brand is evolving in the region, and maintaining leadership in the top end of the market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Golden Gate Ventures is an early-stage venture capitalist firm in Southeast Asia with over 30 investments across 7 countries, including Carousell, Redmart and CodaPayment. Founding partner Jeffrey Paine talks about how Malaysian startups and the domestic ecosystem stack up against the rest of the region. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 As Allianz Malaysia continues to roll out its digitisation agenda, what would that ultimately mean for its 17,933 agents (as of 2016) and its customers? Zakri also provides industry updates following the detarrification of motor insurance premiums in July, and the new corporate governance policy by Bank Negara Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout 2016, TBWA Worldwide has secured a line up of new business, most notably U Mobile, Taylor’s University, Dairy Farm and Tealive. We speak to Troy Ruhanen, President and CEO of TBWA to discuss the Malaysian advertising landscape, upcoming trends and engaging millennials.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato’ Seri Mustafar Ali was appointed Director-General of the Immigration Department in August last year, parachuted in from his previous position in the Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC). One year on, we follow-up with the Director-General on efforts to make good on his pledge to clean up corruption in the department, as well as challenges in tackling border management issues, undocumented workers and curbing trafficking in persons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is RM6 billion enough to bring Malaysia Airlines back to sustained profitability and a 2019 relisting? How will MAB retain its crew amid fierce industry-wide competition for talent? Is premium still the way to go for the national carrier? Peter addresses these issues and more in his second Grille in two years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is one Sri Lanka's major trading partners with a trade surplus of over RM2.5 billion. We speak to HE AJM Muzammil, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to discuss how the country is open for business and the relationship it shares with China, India and Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent survey showed that many young people are unclear where they stand in the race to capture the heart and minds of voters in the upcoming 14th General Elections. Whose fault is that and to what extent can political parties remedy the situation that some might blame them for. Today, we take a non-partisan approach to the question of the involvement of young people in politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato’ Zamani Kasim, CEO, Astaka Holdings Limited, talks up the vast potential of the Johor/Iskandar region, helped by the royal and political connections of its controlling shareholder Datuk Daing Malek. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With some 60,000 'beauty consultants' here in Malaysia, how much more can Mary Kay grow in the domestic market? KK also speaks about the direct-selling cosmetic company's plans for halal certification, e-commerce, and regional expansion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato Foong Wei Kuong, Managing Director of JF Technology Bhd shares his journey from starting his company from his kitchen to becoming an innovator in the electrical and electronics industrySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having been rejected twice by Malaysian regulators, Aspen Group finally got its IPO off the ground on July 28, albeit via Singapore's Catalist board. Dato' Murly highlights the property developer's flagship project, Aspen Vision City, which features the Ikea store in Penang, along with possible expansion plans across ASEAN.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) is hosting the Latin American Business Day in Kuala Lumpur next Tuesday. The event serves as an opportunity for local businesses to look at trade opportunities between Malaysia and the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries. On one hand, critics say the grouping suffers from a confusing “spaghetti bowl” of free trade agreements; on the other hand, Malaysian entreprenuers have focused on Mexico, almost to the exclusion of this fast field of play. Today we hear from the Mexican Ambassador as well as MATRADE representiative about what is on offer at the MITI event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Yu Runze, Chief Strategy Officer of Country Garden Pacificview, discusses the China developer’s mammoth Forest City project, in terms of human capital management, commercial returns, governance, funding, politics, environment and technical challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Currently serving as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry in the School of Medicine at Georgetown University, our guest today is the author of many books on terrorism and violence. Having interviewed hundreds of terrorist, Speckhard studies the thinking as well as the external conditions that makes a person a ready recruit to terror organisations. Her books included “Talking to Terrorists: Understanding the Psycho-Social Motivations of Militant Jihadi Terrorists, Mass Hostage Takers, Suicide Bombers and “Martyrs”, and “Bride of ISIS: One Young Woman's Path into Homegrown Terrorism”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato’ Nicol David, eight times World squash women's champion and five times British Open winner, talks about Malaysia’s pipeline of top sporting professionals, the SEA Games, Squash’s continued exclusion from the Olympics and her continuing aspirations as a top professional.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Moon Jae-in of South Korea was elected in May 2017 promising economic reform, amidst widespread public outrage over corruption allegations that plagued his predecessor. But a shadow hangs over the dynamic economy as its northern neighbour sends Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles in it way. We speak to South Korea’s envoy about the complexities at play in the divided peninsular, their fight against graft and bilateral trade relations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Published in the  South China Morning Post, an opinion piece by the regionally syndicated columnist, has pushed buttons over the expression “optimism deficit” . Are we an overly critical and negative lot, or are some people burying their heads in the sand while the country sinks? Today we look at both optimistic and pessimistic points of view and whether the twain will ever meet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matrix Concepts has won the Forbes Asia's 200 Best Under A billion Award and is currently part of the Edge Billion Ringgit Club. With affordable housing at the top of the mind of homebuyers, government and property developers, Dato Mohamad Haslah Amin, Chairman of Matrix Concepts shares his secrets on how Matrix Concepts remains competitive in this market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the last six decades, Chuan Huat has weathered many challenges in its key segments, namely steel and IT retail. Dato Mark Lim explains how the company intends to fend of the recent threats posed by Chinese steel imports and lacklustre retail consumer spending, all while expanding its production footprint across the Asean region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With a background in both journalism and conflict resolution, Vatikiotis, is able to look beyond the glass and steel facades of Southeast Asia’s rapidly growing economies to get at deep dynamics that are shaping the region. Today we tap him for his views on this emerging community of over 600 million with a focus on the seemingly futile fight against graft, the failures of democratisation, and the rise of religious extremism.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Dr Mohd Yusoff, CEO, Malaysian Industry Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) is asked about his agency’s mandate, KPIs and results in delivering the country’s science and technology ambition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Hai Hsin, Managing Director of Retail Group Malaysia  joins us on the Breakfast Grille to provide some insights into the retail industry eco system and how the industry is responding to numerous challenges, including the rise of eCommerce.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.