The Breakfast Grille

The global defence industry is big business. We speak to Stephen Phipson, Head of UKTI-DSO, a body tasked with promoting British defence companies, their products and services to the world. Listen as we uncover the ethics of marketing weapons of war, as well as the use of taxpayers funds for this purpose.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sweden-based JAK Members Bank is a member-owned, cooperative enterprise that operates on an interest-free savings and loan system. It's been called the safest bank in Sweden. Can a bank operate successfully if it does not charge interest on its loans? Sammy Almedal, CEO of JAK discusses the similarities of its model of interest-free banking with Islamic finance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Christoph Mueller's concealed reasons for his resignation raises more questions about the restructuring and future of Malaysia Airlines. Certainly great strides have been made in the short term by targeting low hanging fruits through cost rationalisation. But Malaysians would ultimately want to know whether they would have to continue funding a national identity indefinitely. Listen to the full interview with the new Malaysia Airlines CEO, Peter Bellew on The Breakfast Grille dated 22nd July 2016 Interview Highlights What factors led to your resign decision? You said it’s due to personal reasons but did you feel a sense of responsibility to sit out your contractual term? "Yeah, good morning Julian, and thanks for having me, also thanks for the question to clarify. I do understand that this is a business station and I would ask you, which part of personal reasons do you not understand?" "You might recall that I signed to join Malaysia Airlines as early December 2014, I joined in January 2015, and have been busy working on this case ever since. So, let’s talk what has been achieved so far, and I believe we have moved very very swiftly, and very decisively in our restructuring plan" Was there an agreement by both parties to terminate this contract so soon after you signed it? "You might recall that I signed to join Malaysia Airlines as early December 2014, I joined in January 2015, and have been busy working on this case ever since. So, let’s talk what has been achieved so far, and I believe we have moved very very swiftly, and very decisively in our restructuring plan. We’ve seen more than just green shoots in going forward, we have a positive quarter in 2016. Our operating cash flow has turned into positive territory. We’ve stopped the bleeding. " "So, we ticked a lot of boxes in our restructuring plan which on our projected timeline, were marked as being later. So I think the whole the whole team have 14,000 employees of MAB can look back and say, you know, we’ve achieved a lot, but the job is not done - yet. Certainly. But I believe we can be proud of what we have achieved and that is basically where we are today in May 2016." Does Khazanah give you a free hand in managing MAS (MAB)? "We have embarked on MAB from the very first moment in, let’s say, running the company on commercial terms. And since Khazanah has pronounced, as early as August 2014 that they are not in for the long run, but as soon as this airline is marketable again, they will re-float MAB group through the market, as constituted behavior, on our part, as well as our shareholders’ part, we’ve behaved like a normal listed company in whatever we do, so I would strongly object that there is any let’s say undue influence that is different to any listed company." "We simply haven’t had the work for these 6,000 people. I still believe this was the darkest hour of MAS respectively, MAB, ever, to let go 6,000 people. It was a very hurting moment in our history." Was Khazanah okay with laying off of the 6,000 staff which has got implications for our national employment? "Yeah, but let’s face it. We simply haven’t had the work for these 6,000 people. I still believe this was the darkest hour of MAS respectively, MAB, ever, to let go 6,000 people. It was a very hurting moment in our history. But as we see, we have cut cost by 32% year over year. Our payroll cost are down 40% year over year. Our average fare per passenger, increased 22%, our production down merely 30%, we have turned into positive territory." "I think that most of the people if not all of them, have found new employment, and I want to say once more, that Malaysia is a place to do business, and the economy is very strong…. And literally apart from statistical unemployment, we are operating in an environment where everybody finds its fair place in the society and the economy " "These were necessary cuts and you know the workforce of Malaysia Airlines was bloated. Processes were inefficient, but on the good side, I think that most of the people if not all of them, have found new employment, and I want to say once more, that Malaysia is a place to do business, and the economy is very strong…. And literally apart from statistical unemployment, we are operating in an environment where everybody finds its fair place in the society and the economy" "We are often called regional airlines, and I would strongly oppose that because in airline language regional airlines are airlines flying within the country and regional aircrafts. We are an international airline. We transport more than 10 million passengers a year. Our route network is a global network. If you incorporate our partners, we want to connect Malaysia with the world. We want to support the local economy and we are suppose to fly to those places where Malaysian business people want to conduct their business" Does the strategy to cut staff,

The Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement brings about various changes to our IP laws, from copyrights, trademarks and patents, right down to the methods of valuing our IP. Listen to MyIPO's Deputy Director General, En Abdul Aziz Ismail and the Director of Ella Cheong Malaysia, Mr. Soh Kar Liang break down the complicated issues surrounding the IP laws in relation to the TPP.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U Mobile is the smallest of the four mobile telco players and positions itself as a “challenger” to the Big Three incumbents - Maxis, Celcom and Digi. Can they keep this position amidst talk there could be a new entrant to the market? Wong Heang Tuck, the CEO of U Mobile joins us on the Breakfast Grille to discuss this and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waze is an Israel-based mapping and navigation company, which was acquired by Google in 2013 for over $1 billion. Malaysia is the biggest Waze markets in the region, with over 2.5 million monthly active users in KL alone. So why has Waze done so well in Malaysia? Amir Mirzaee, Business Development Lead for APAC, EU & US for Waze, joins us on the Breakfast Grille to discuss the reasons.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Briand Greer, President of Honeywell Southeast Asia joins us as we explore at length the business of Honeywell Asia. We discuss their aeronautics, electrical and electronics business, as well as their oil & gas division among others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EPF has made great strides in diversifying into foreign assets as well as upping its equity allocation. But retirement adequacy is still a huge problem. EPF is now having dialogues with the government for some kind of national income policy. There also appears to be an existential crisis of how to deal with the sharply devalued ringgit over the last few decades and how to move away from the mindset that home is best as far as investments are concerned. To catch the video, watch it here Interview Highlights Statutory bodies like Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera, Tabung Haji, MARA; now they've all received very negative press regarding they way they conducted businesses. EPF however, seems to be spared that. Care to share with us why? "Well I think, as you know, the EPF takes a very high view on integrity, on governance and transparency as well. So I think if you look at what we're trying to do over the last four or five years especially, is to increase the amount of transparency of our proceedings, of what we do, and also in terms of our governance standards, to make sure the people understand that the EPF operates at the highest level of governance." "So it goes beyond just the structure of EPF. We have two boards. The board of directors that looks after the social security issues, and an investment panel that looks at independently at investment decisions. But all the way down to our transparency, if you look at what we do at a quarterly basis, we are one of the very few funds that actually announces quarterly results. We believe that is important because we hold public listed companies to a particular standard, and we want to make sure that we try to adhere as close to that as well." "If you look at our annual report, it goes into a lot of detail and not only about our investments, our accounts, but even down to our operations and what we do for our members. And I think it's important to remember as well, it's not just about managing money, it is also about managing the experience of our 14 million members and our 600,000 employers to make sure that whenever they come to an EPF branch, when they deal with the EPF staff, they get the highest level of service as well. So I think that the nett experience from the customer point of view, which is an affirmation that our belief in the integrity of the whole process. This basically goes along with assuring people that we are the kind of organization that they can rely on. Not just to manage the money, but to deliver the best service possible to members." You were appointed to head EPF back in April 2013, what sort of succession plan does EPF have? "Well, succession planning is extremely critical for any organization. For us especially at the EPF, we have been doing a lot of work over the last few years. Introducing new trainings and new programs to make sure that we have an internal pools of successors ready for a lot of key positions. I know, we have had discussions with our management, we're trying to focus on an 80-20 principle where at least 80% of all positions that come available for promotions or hiring are filled from internal resources. And only about 20% are from external resources." "And to do that we have invested a lot in terms of making sure that we have our people ready at all times. Sitting underneath me i have three deputy CEOs who are all very capable people and certainly I think at a pinch any one of them could fill in for me if I were to not be in the organization any more. And seeing things as far as EPF is concerned, our board takes a very serious look at it, and is a very augmented program to ensure that we have key people available for all key positions." "And what we do today is that we already know in advance, who's retiring, who's leaving the company, and we try to make sure that 3 months ahead of that departure, we have someone in place already to take over and to shadow that position for at least a few months before they step in to take over." "Well, they've renewed my contract in 2015 for another three years so certainly I think if all goes well, I'll be here for all those three years until 2018. Well I think it is quite an important period for us as well as we are doing a lot of transformation during this period as well as the introduction of our Shariah savings programme." "Well certainly if all goes well, I will be here for another 2 years until 2018. And I think it's an important period for us as well. We're doing a lot of transmission during this period including introduction of our syariah savings programme as well as you could see during the presentation of our annual report of changes of how we deliver our services. We're focusing on a lot more internet delivery and pushing online. And that's a very big part of my plan for the EPF for 2017, 2018. And b basically to make EPF and online organisation as far as possible. " "So certainly until 2018 I will be there. And anything beyond that is anybody's guess." The long term perfo

Tan Sri Muhammad Ali Hashim, Chairman of Awqaf Holdings is never shy about his opinions regarding the shortcomings of GLCs and "Malaysia Inc". He proposes a more equitable way that balances religious obligation and corporate acumen that seeks to redistribute wealth from the top 1% back to the majority of the people, particularly to the poor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Engineering firm Surbana Jurong has played a huge role in developing city master-plans for over 30 different countries including its home-base in Singapore. Group CEO, Wong Heang Fine discusses some of its successes in urbanising the city's landscape and the future of cities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In conjunction with World Press Freedom Day, we interview one of Malaysia's most influential press companies, Utusan Melayu Berhad on their thoughts on press freedom in the country. Listen as we have a frank discussion with Utusan's Group Managing Director, Datuk Mohd. Noordin Abbas, and ask what he thinks about the selective prosecution of journalists, leeway given to government press organs, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BHIC Bofors Asia is a joint venture company between BAE Systems and Boustead Heavy Industries. Listen to their Deputy CEO, Nils Ove Gustaffson explain their plans on expanding their business here, and how technology transfer happens, between three countries; Sweden, Britain, and Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Synonymous with credit cards, Visa is charting a new path as a payments solution company. Head of Products for Southeast Asia, James Lim discusses some of the new frontiers the group is embarking on, as it faces stiff competition from more nimble technology firms. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Singapore’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Yeo is a veteran politician having served in 4 senior Cabinet positions after a career in the Republic’s airforce where he earned his stripes as a Brigadier-General. Since losing his parliamentary seat in the 2011 General Elections, has been associated with the Lee Kuan Yew School for Public Policy and more recently was elected Chancellor of Nalanda University in Bihar, India. We tap for his thoughts on island state as a model for other nations as well as tensions in the South China Sea.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Heineken Malaysia Berhad, formerly known as Guinness Anchor Bhd (GAB), has been in sharp focus recently, following the government's move to change the excise duty structure. Managing Director Hans Essaadi discusses the impact of GST on its operating costs and what this will mean for the selling prices of its products. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The threat of cyber security is ever increasing. While BAE Systems is traditionally associated with military hardware, particularly their Typhoon Eurofighter,  they are also investing heavily in promoting cyber defence to many countries, including Malaysia. We sit down with John Brosnan, BAE Systems Managing Director for South East Asia to learn more about their growth strategies for this region and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are too many medical graduates but too few specialists leaving healthcare needs unfulfilled. Doctors and specialists are lured by lucrative positions in the private sector. Medical qualifications have become a commercial, supply side focus while healthcare funding and proper policy are left wanting.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

YB Senator Dato' Dr. Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki, the Deputy Minister in the PM's Department in charge of Religious Affairs, discusses the role of the government in determining what being Shariah compliant means, the controversies surrounding Tabung Haji and other Islamic NGOs like YaPEIM and JAKIM. We also find out why the government believes that Zakir Naik is the voice of moderation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to Michael Tan, Executive Director of Pecca Group Berhad, discuss the listing of the company on Bursa Malaysia. They are a leather upholstery manufacturer and currently have a large client base in car makers. They plan to diversify into aircraft clients pending their approval from the DCA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) recently compiled a list of the top 10 risks to the global economy, which included the possibility of Donald Trump winning the US presidential elections, a hard landing in China and the likelihood of a 'Brexit'. Simon Baptist, the Chief Economist at EIU walks us through the list, and shares his views of the most pressing concerns in today's increasingly volatile economic environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPAC) are still under scrutiny but can Reach Energy stay above the rest? Listen to their CEO, Ir. Shahul Hamid explain their position.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) is one of the world's largest pulp and paper company. Tracing its origins from the Suharto regime in Indonesia, APP is now operating in over 120 countries globally. Listen to Jose Raymond, APP's Vice President of Corporate Affairs explain how APP is combating haze and pollution, while at the same time remain profitable and commercially viable. He also explains how Singapore's Transboundary Pollution Act affects his firm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his postscript to his collection of columns and speeches titled “The Malaysia That Could Be” the former Editor-in-Chief of the New Straits Times Press Bhd lays bare the country’s political dynamics as he sees. Having had a leading role in helping the Administration of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi set the early course of his government, Kalimullah speaks to issues of leadership, “the unforgiving world of Malay politics”, UMNO factionalism, racism in the media establishment and a sense of hopelessness for positive change in the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tower sharing can greatly lower capex cost for telco players. OCK takes this proposition to other emerging Asean economies where mobile usage growth is expected to be strong. It helps that Telenor is also OCK's customer, giving OCK a bluechip insulation from some of the political risker nations in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On February 18th, the Human Resources Ministry signed a MoU with Bangladesh to bring in 1.5 million workers, over the next three years.The very next day, the Home Ministry announced a freeze on the intake of all foreign workers. And happening concurrently is the rehiring programme to legalise undocumented foreign workers. We sit down with Deputy Home Minister, Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed, to cut through the cloud of confusion over the current state of our foreign labour policy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan Tobacco International (JTI) claims that sales of illicit cigarettes are on the rise. Listen to JTI's MD, Guilherme Silva explain why he thinks the industry is at a 'tipping point' on the back of the aggressive excise sales tax imposed by the government in recent months.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Environmentalism has a price and can be funded easily if spread around all consumers according to Dato' Carl-Bek Nielsen, Chief Executive Director of United Plantations. We look at some of the most prominent issues in the palm oil sector today including labour, biodiesel and the proposed French tax on palm oil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Bolze, the president and CEO of GE Power discusses the impact of low commodity prices on GE’s power generation technology businesses. We also speak to Marco Annunziata the Chief Economist at GE, responsible for the global economic analysis that guides GE’s business strategy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The industrial building system comprises prefabricated materials that are supposed to pave the way for cheaper homes. The CIDB estimates IBS homes are one-third the normal cost of conventional construction. So why is adoption so low?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RGB International is a company that distributes slot machines to the various casinos here in Malaysia and in Asia. Listen to their COO, Datuk Steven Lim explain how the company plans to take this business further by penetrating nascent economies in Indochina and the Philippines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The campaign for justice over the oil resources of the Timor Sea kicked off in earnest last week. The activist group calls itself the ‘Movement Against the Occupation of the Timor Sea’ with protests held in Dili, the capital of Timor Leste and cities in Australia and in ASEAN. These are protests against Australia's refusal to negotiate with East Timor. According to the Sydney Morning Herald over 10,000 people gathered at the Australian Embassy in Dili on Tuesday. Today, we ask what Timor Leste wants.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1MDB’s Mr Fixit‘It’s business challenge that’s been politicized,’ insists Arul Kanda Kandasamy, President and Group Executive Director of 1MDB. His cherubic looks belies a full grasp of the facts to defend, what many stakeholders strongly believe is, the indefensible.“We can’t stop people telling lies,” he added to an over hour long interview with BFM, freely admitting that “that things could have been done better, from a communications perspective.”“I was brought in to do a job, and that job was to help the company resolve its challenges. Alhamdulillah we have achieved that.”Arul Kanda speaks to BFM’s Julian Ng and Ibrahim Sani. Interview Highlights “As you know, BNM has extensive powers, regulatory and administrative powers. We at 1MDB fully respect the authority of the Central Bank. Clearly these are matters that happen a long time ago, and we have explained in detail to the Central Bank the reasons as to why we are unable to comply with their requirements. Now, in relation to the specific comments attributed to the Governor, we have not received anything official or in writing from the Central Bank, so I can’t really add to what is already in the public domain. But I look forward to sharing that as and when we do.“As I mentioned earlier the Central Bank has the authority to demand certain actions. Now, whether certain actions can be met or not is a function of the facts of the situation … we fully respect the law and the authority of Bank Negara to impose any such action as it may deem necessary.”“Absolutely, and again there’s no dispute on that fact … But clearly, the USD1.83 billion which over time ended up as being USD2.33 billion in fact, a large proportion of that has already been spent on various requirements, and the balance has been designated for a debt for assets swap that we have in place with IPEC. We have explained this in detail to the Central Bank, they are aware of these facts, but of course we respect their right to impose whatever sanction that they may deem necessary under the law.”“I’m sure you would’ve seen the various explanations we have issued on this point starting from January or February last year. But if I could briefly summarize, 1MDB entered into a JV partnership with a company called PetroSaudi. They are specialist in the O&G industry for which 1 billion dollars of equity needed to be contributed by 1MDB for a 40% stake. 1MDB duly complied with that requirement to transmit the billion dollars and receive 40% of its shares. Now over time, a decision was made in 2010 for the JV to be terminated. 1MDB converted its equity into debt by way of Murabahah, and subsequently added an additional USD830 million of Murabahah debt for a total of USD1.83 billion. So what started of as equity was converted to debt which was to reduce the risk to the company and generate a stable and recurring income.These were matters that happened before my time, so I can’t really speculate on the detailed decision making. What I can say based on the company records and minutes of the various Board meetings, is that the Board at that time determined, given various circumstances, that it was better for the company to convert from equity into debt which provides more certainty and regular income to the company.Recent announcement of Bank Negara Malaysia’s action against 1MDBIs there room for non-compliance with Bank Negara requirements?Why did 1MDB ignore instructions from Bank Negara on repatriating the USD1.83billion dollars fund?How did USD1 billion investment in the joint venture with PetroSaudi in 2009 turn itself into an asset worth USD2.3 billion?Why take such a risk? We can’t stop people telling lies. “Well we can’t stop people making allegations and we can’t stop people telling lies. What we can do is to say should anyone have any facts or evidence then please do submit that to the relevant authorities.”“I’m glad you talked about the bottom the end of it. The reality is the USD 1.83 billion ultimately was converted and ended up as fund units which as of 31st March 2014 were worth USD 2.33 billion. From the USD 2.33 billion, USD 1.44 billion was redeemed in cash and paid out for various purposes where there’s currently a balance of USD 940 million of fund units. So, I think your line of questioning should also take into account the end result, which is whatever started as an investment of 1.83 billion was ultimately redeemed in cash of 1.44 billion and has a balance of 943 million in fund units.“So the USD 1.44 billion as we mention has already been redeemed in cash and spent. The USD 940 million fund units have been designated for this broader debt for asset swap with IPEC. So when that transaction is completed, that will represent a monetisation of those units in return for IPE

En route to Bursa Malaysia's main market, convenience store player Bison Consolidated operates the myNEWS.com outlets in Malaysia. It has aggressive expansion plans to open 115 stores using the funds raised from its IPO. Group MD, Dang Tai Luk explains the decision to list, amidst softer market sentiment and a weaker outlook for the consumer sector. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bukit Bintang City Centre Project is an ambitious development situated on none other than the former Pudu Jail site. The first phase of the project is already estimated to cost over RM 4 billion with multiple blocks of serviced apartments, hotels and an entertainment hub in the pipeline. Datuk Richard Ong, the CEO of BBCC Development Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between UDA Holdings and Eco World Berhad, explains the new and exciting developments currently taking place on the site. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's crunch time for Sona Petroleum. They must get at least 75% shareholders approval for a purchase on an oilfield in Australia, of which  failure will mean the dissolution of the company. Listen to Datuk Seri Saw Choo Boon, VP of Business Development explain how they plan to get this done.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 20 years in service and more than 15 million cards in circulation, Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd is seeking to move beyond travel and transit, by building its network of merchant partnerships. CEO Syahrunizam Samsudin thinks technological innovation will be key to achieving its goals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HeveaBoard Berhad, which manufactures and exports particleboard and ready-to-assemble furniture, has been a prime beneficiary of the strong US dollar and weaker Ringgit, as 95% of its revenues are USD-based, while its cost is RM-based. We ask Group Managing Director Yoong Hau Chun how long the good times will last, for the company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Private international Islamic schools are becoming increasingly popular in Malaysia. The Breakfast Grille brings together a panel of Islamic school principals to discuss why such schools are gaining popularity, as well as the business of private education in Malaysia. Zulfan Haidar, Principal  for International Islamic School Malaysia (Secondary) and Zaliza Alias, Director of Idrissi International School share their thoughts with BFM. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fujitsu is a company that has been reinventing themselves recently. Listen to Philip Soh, President of Fujitsu Malaysia as he explains their expansionary plans for Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The mammoth Forest City project is a JV between local partners led by the Sultan of Johor and giant Chinese property firm Country Garden. 700,000 residential units will be housed in 4 man-made islands over the next 2 decades in a project that will cost RM175b. We explore the genesis and end-results of this controversial project.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Australia’s first woman Governor-General, Dame Quentin crowned a career of several firsts as the country expanded access to women. Today, on Commonwealth Day - with its theme of inclusivity - we explore the role of women, the republican challenge to Australia's constitutional framework, pressures on multiculturalism and women's place in global leadership.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SC has done a great job in ensuring a level playing field for fund raising and investment and trading. New ground will continue to be broken as seen in the areas like equity crowdfunding. We discuss whether it is time to put more focus on the transparency of financial products especially in the areas of uninformed investor protection, product costs and conflicts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

M.K Goh, CEO of the world's largest condom maker, Karex Bhd, joins us on the Breakfast Grille to discuss the company's move into the retail business, expanding on their core activity of being suppliers to global condom brands like Durex.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bank Negara is in the middle of a 10-year financial blueprint to ‘modernise the payment landscape’ by 2020. They want see greater use of debit cards, displacement of cheques and more ubiquitous use of e-payments. The end result of this is disinflation: lower costs of credit/debit cards, a more fluid transaction process and generally lower costs of doing business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Mari Elka Pangestu was Indonesia’s Minister of Trade from 2004 to 2011, before moving to a tourism post in a cabinet reshuffle. She comes on the Breakfast Grille to discuss Southeast Asia's largest economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chin Hin Group Berhad is listing this week and it's IPO oversubscribed by eight times. Listen to their Managing Director, Chiau Haw Choon explain the macro plans for the company as well as potential headwinds for the companySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spanning East and West - that imaginary division of the classical world - Turkey’s social and political dilemmas as well as the responses to them should be of keen interest to all of us. From the secularism of Kamal Ataturk, to dreams of European membership, the rise of the AK Party, the crackdown at Gezi Park and the brutal wars that have turned Turkey into a frontline state, each must give us pause to reflect. Today Akyol, a journalist and believer, walks us through many contentious Turkish conversations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Established in 1942 as a tea merchant under the popular 888 brand, Thong Guan Bhd started off with modest beginnings in the F&B sector. It subsequently diversified into the plastics industry which grew with export volumes. It is now going back full-circle to expand on its consumption business.  Tying-up with COFCO group, it now has plans to tap into the organic noodles market in China.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vivocom Intl Holdings Bhd, previously known as Instacom, is in the midst of diversifying their business from being a telco tower builder to now, a construction giant. We ask their Executive Director, Choo Seng Choon, how they plan to do this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarawak Cable Berhad is powering up this year, setting itself a lofty target to achieve RM1bil in sales and to further penetrate the Indonesian market. CEO Aaron Toh also discusses the company's diversification into renewable energy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.