The Breakfast Grille

Ordinary Malaysians are in dire need of financial advice and planning. But just as dire is awareness on who the right people are to advise and plan. Issues like conflicts in commissioned selling and high costs of financial products also stand out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Law Minister of Malaysia explains the reasons for the amended Sedition Act. She also talks about the need to have a review on laws regarding marital rape. She stands tall against terrorism, even when doing things that are against the grain of popularity by introducing the Prevention of Terrorism Act.YB Nancy Shukri is one of only two full women ministers in the cabinet. She hails from Sarawak and has a strong grasp of racial and religious harmony, and why Malaysia, above all else, must strive to achieve it. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arica Walters, Executive Director and COO of the SGX Catalist-listed, Malaysia-based maker of mid-to high-end office furniture Versalink Holdings Limited, talks about its recent listing and dealing with the ringgit’s collapse, the introduction of GST and the plunge in oil prices, which has hurt business in its core Malaysian and Middle Eastern markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founded in 1853, Levi Strauss & Co is now 162 years old -- the oldest of the five Fortune 1,000 apparel companies that have been around since 19th century. Nic Versloot, the Managing Director for Australia and Southeast Asia for Levi Strauss, talks about how innovation has kept the brand exciting over the years.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joel Neoh of Kfit wants to pack in the gyms with people through technology and clever pricing. He also wants Kfit to be a major contributor of revenues for fitness clubs. We talk about whether the feeling is mutual for customers and clubs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In May this year President Aquino made remarks to the effect that his Administration was not dropping long-standing claims to Sabah. While the Malaysian government summoned Philippine Charge d'Affaires over the remarks, and Malacanang is not pursuing the matter actively, the Sabah claim continues to drive politics in the archipelago’s southern provinces.   We cover this as well as the Bangsamoro peace process, the Lahad Datu incursion, South China Sea tensions, BIMP-EAGA successes and a ‘rosy’ assessment of the Filipino economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Asean region is steadily becoming one of Volkswagen most important market since its entry into Malaysia in 2006. Armin Keller discusses the group's efforts to address quality concerns & its after-sales service that has fallen short, as well as how the industry as a whole is coping with post-GST amidst tighter lending guidelines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FGV's Group President and CEO Dato' Mohd Emir Mavani Abdullah discusses FGV's poor performance since their 2012 IPO, the group's much-criticized M&As such as Pontian Plantations, APL and more recently the deal that has become the talk of town: a share sale agreement with Indonesian plantation PT Eagle High that has sparked strong negative reaction in Malaysia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Kenneth Pereira, Managing Director of Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd., Malaysia's first Special Purpose Acquisition Vehicle (SPAC), discusses his company's path to profit, the viability and attraction of his assets in Norway, the Middle East and Australia, and the possibility of new acquisitions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Never mind 'cutting-the-cord', a phenomenon where people end their contracts with cable companies, there is now a new generation of 'never-the-cord' adopters who consume entertainment directly from the internet and smart devices. While iflix wants to capture the expanding market of people who are dissatisfied with traditional TV or Cable, the challenge is getting around content costs and retaliations by incumbents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world of investing is often viewed as closed & exclusive, with many not having the capital or expertise to start investing. 8 Securities is leveraging on its technology expertise & robo-advisory services to help ease people into investing with lower fees and a customised portfolio. We find out from Mathias Helleu if you should hand your investments to a computer that helps you track the markets cheaply. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The e-commerce realm is a jungle, and it can be hard to keep up with all the options. iPrice, an eight-month old startup based in Kuala Lumpur, aggregates the options available to the online shopper. Live in the studio, Heinrich Wendel founder and CTO, discusses his business model, how iPrice differentiates itself from other price comparison sites and the online shopping trends of Malaysia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his 2004 memoir, John Perkins reflects on his life working in the upper echelons of corporate & political circles and how as a so-called 'economic hitman', he helped the U.S. cheat poor countries around the globe of trillions of dollars. Mounted with debts they could not possibly repay, these countries are effectively neutralised to succumb to US political pressure. A deadly exposé of corruption and scandal, Perkins had received numerous threats and bribes to prevent him from publishing his book which has since then sold millions and become a NYT bestseller. Perkins writes on current matters at http://www.johnperkins.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 11th Malaysia Plan was launched with much fanfare, but most Malaysians are asking what the hype is all about. As consumer sentiment and the ringgit weakens, Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar discusses the hallmarks of a developed nation and whether it stretches beyond infrastructure & construction projects. Should more be done to improve other indicators like freedom of expression, education & wealth inequality? From one of eleven siblings in an impoverished family,  Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar speaks to us not only as a key policymaker but also as an insider with experience in the private sector Malaysian economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sakae's conveyor belt system of delivering sushi, called Kaiten isn't new. Much of the innovation is made through its business processes. Sakae talks to us about how they try to offset the problem of fish depletion with minimal wastage and lowering their overall carbon footprint. Longer term, higher protein consumption from rising affluence will support growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crescent Rating is a ratings company for Halal friendly travel services, and complementing that, is the HalalTrip.com site that helps Muslim travellers plan and book their trips. Fazal Bahardeen, founder & CEO of Crescent Rating and HalalTrip discusses the potential of the halal tourism market, and the business of rating Muslim-friendly hotels and services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Established in 1992, IJN or the National Heart Institute occupies a peculiar spot in the local healthcare space to target the affluent whilst remaining committed to provide affordable healthcare as a partly-government owned institution. Datuk Dr Mohd Azhari shares if this business model makes sense and of his own experience as a surgeon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Yong, the executive director of Crest Builder, is back on the Breakfast Grille. He talks about Crest's tie-ups with Prasarana and gives an update of its project portfolio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite having had a long history in Malaysia, regulatory restrictions stop OCBC from unfettered expansion. Its branch network is for instance one-tenth that of Maybank. The recent mega-merger attempt raises further questions on whether size is a competitive factor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prasarana Malaysia is the asset owner and operator of the two LRT networks, the KL Monorail, and the bus services of RapidKL, RapidPenang and RapidKuantan. Its newly-appointed managing director, Azmi Abdul Aziz, gives an update on Prasarana's ongoing projects, including the Ampang & Kelana Jaya LRT Line Extension, the LRT 3 Line, and the Bus Rapid Transit project in Sunway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Sabah Forestry Department has implemented many stringent conditions to raise sustainable planting in Sabah's timber sector This has made the last few years very challenging for timber players like Priceworth. Through Priceworth, we get insights into how timber companies operate in this very controversial industry and whether environmental standards are high enough.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Getty Goh, the co-founder and CEO of CoAssets, talks about how the crowdfunding platform will give the man in the street access to real-estate deals -- previously only available to high-net-worth investors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A cultural landmark, Kayu Nasi Kandar started from modest beginnings in SS2, PJ to become now what is Malaysia's most well-known food & mamak store chain. Burukan Mohamed shares the beginnings of his business, importance of management & control and why he prefers keeping it in the family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Launched in 2014, CompareAsiaGroup is a financial comparison platform to help consumers make more informed choices about the type of financial products to purchase. Its latest funding round saw the group raise over US$40 million led by Goldman Sachs to finance its expansion. Gerald Eder charts the path ahead for the group and objectivity challenges. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From humble beginnings in an estate in Negeri Sembilan, self-made Malaysian-born billionaire Maha Sinnathamby is now ranked by Forbes as the 40th richest man in Australia. A real life rags-to-riches story. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having an orderbook to supply kitchenware to property developers like UEM Sunrise makes earnings defensive in the short term. In the longer term however there would be delayed reactions to the vagaries of the property sector. Their presence in direct retail will mitigate this to an extent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Formerly known as Extol MSC Bhd,, AppAsia Bhd is pinning its hopes on its mobile content and app development strategy to turn-around the company. Wong Ngai Peow shares his restructuring plans and its venture into new developed markets in the US & UK.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tariq Alrifai has been involved in Islamic finance for over 18 years, and was previously the Global Director of Islamic Indices at S&P Dow Jones Indices. But in 2008, Tariq was hit hard by the 2008 financial crisis. As a professional working in the field, he was shocked at what happened, not because it could happen, but because he couldn’t see the signs of it coming. He spent the next 5 years reading and researching past financial crises and the history of the financial system, and in his book 'Islamic Finance and the New Financial System' argues  why modern finance should consider looking at Islamic finance for solutions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lampe Berger Paris products in Malaysia faced controversy after the multilevel-marketing company DCHL misrepresented the brand. Dato' Julie Lim, the Managing Director of Jubilant Prestige Sdn Bhd, has now taken over exclusive distribution of Lampe Berger products. She shares how she had to repair the reputation of the products locally and why she chose to switch from the MLM model to direct retail sales at shopping malls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"Too often well thought out decisions are made only to de diluted and ultimately forgotten as time passes and inaction prevails,” said the president of the Malaysian International Chamber of Commerce and Industry in a forward to a submision on the 11th Malaysia Plan. Today the Najib Administration will announce the 11th Malaysia Plan. Will it be marked more by continuity than discontinuities? And what became of the 10th Malaysia Plan: were the problems it identified and the solutions it proposed acted on and proved effective? Today we ask our guests some basic questions about the desirability of long-term planning, and for their assessment about what the 11th Malaysia Plan ought to address.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BT is taking big steps to grow its business in Southeast Asia, with the group now serving more than 6,500 large corporate and public sector customers. Totton shares the challenges and opportunities of managing BT's global services and network infrastructure base in this fast-growing region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The high growth in travel and high mobile roaming costs create the ripe conditions for a business which is exactly what Flexiroam is exploiting. Is such a business model a complement or a threat to existing telcos? And can the business achieve scale economies on globally? We find out from Jef Ong, CEO of Flexiroam.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Operating the world's largest sovereign wealth fund with a fund-size of over $900-billion is more than a matter of governance, but also sound investment principles like diversification and sustainability. In two days, Norway will also celebrates its National Day which commemorates the signing of its constitution over 200 years ago. H.E. Hans Ola Urstad joins us to share the festivities of the occasion and its significance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Torstein Dale Sjotveit, the CEO of Sarawak Energy (SEB), addresses allegations of corruption by international NGOs and what SEB has done to improve its image. He also gives us an update on the company's power projects and makes his argument as to why he believes hydropower is the most sustainable renewable energy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yelp is now in Malaysia! Miriam Warren, Vice President of New Markets at the crowd-sourced business directory talks about what it takes to enter a new market, the competitor with other review sites, and the potential she sees in Malaysia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having overcome the no-resource challenge to become one of the world's most dynamic economies, Singapore is now facing the challenges of an ageing and somewhat dissatisfied public.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Little, the Director of Development for crowdfunding platform Kiva, shares how they've leveraged the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions, to help alleviate poverty. She also addresses the critics of microcredit.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Jones, CEO, MCIS Insurance, discusses life after selling the general insurance business, dynamics of foreign-local partnerships, life insurance drivers, national industry catalysts and challenges, the investment outlook and financial targets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morten Frost Hansen, Technical Director, Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), discusses his new six-year stint to rejuvenate national badminton, his KPIs and the challenges inherent. He also discusses Denmark's abilities on the global sporting stage and what it takes to succeed as a world-class athlete.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

N Gopal Kishnam, Secretary General, Malaysian Trade Unions Congress (MTUC) discusses its desires for a higher minimum wage, the introduction of a Cost of Living Allowance, and recognition by employers of Unions under Convention 87 of the International Labour Organisation.He also talks about MAS' jobs cull, financial sector consolidation, and workers' rights in general, relating especially to crime levels in the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Internet giant Tencent is making waves in the world circuit to strengthen its network & monetize from its growing user base. SY Lau a Malaysian, who heads the Online Media Group shares the group's frontiers on its wildly popular WeChat messaging platform, creating original content and what Malaysia can do to drive its digital aspirations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zilzar, meaning “earthquake” in Arabic, is a global e-commerce trade and lifestyle platform, which aims to bring together products, services and information in a one-stop Muslim Lifestyle Marketplace. Rushdi Siddiqui, the CEO of Zilzar tells us more about the monetisation of this business model and the overall ecosystem of the halal market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the big picture question on China and the Pacific Century, the “shifting economic centre of gravity” to the successes and failures of the National Economic Advisory Council (2009-2011) and the threats to Malaysian diversity, we engage on the grand narratives as well as the values debates - state-lead versus market driven - that shape our contemporary world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The FCC in the US passed the "net neutrality" rule  which forbids tiered pricing for internet users. Big ISPs can no longer say this curbs innovation or stifles free market activity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pantai Holdings is wholly-owned by Parkway Pantai Limited, which in turn is a subsidiary of IHH Healthcare. Pantai Holdings has a network of twelve hospitals throughout Malaysia under two brands, Pantai Hospitals and Gleneagles Hospitals. Collectively, the group has some 2,000 beds, with over 170,000 admissions a year.Ahmad Shahizam Mohd Shariff, the CEO of Pantai Holdings, discusses the drivers for growth in the private healthcare sector and Pantai’s expansion plans on the back of that growth. He also clarifies much of the confusion on GST levied on patients of private hospitals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prolexus is a garments manufacturer, or Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) for international brands like Nike, Under Armour and Asics. Ahmad Mustapha Ghazali, the Executive Chairman of Prolexus Berhad talks about customer concentration risk, labour issues, and the company's expansion plans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Symbion International Sdn Bhd is the Malaysian unit of the Chicago-based global pharma giant, Symbion. SISB recently introduced a new store format: a warehouse-concept community pharmacy called The Super Pharmacy Megastore. David Mah, the Managing Director of Symbion International, talked about the ‘Dispensing Separation’ policy between doctors and pharmacists to be implemented soon. He also discusses the fierce competition in the pharmaceutical sector, and Symbion’s expansion plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia was estimated to have lost over US$48.93 billion (RM170.7 billion) in illicit outflows in 2012, making it a cumulative US$394.87 billion during a 10-year period between 2003 through 2012. Raymond Baker shares why emerging countries like Malaysia are still susceptible to such leakages and what are the reforms to stem them.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the Asean Economic Community (AEC) something that excites businesses in the European Union or is it just same old, same old? Do participants even have a clear idea what it is? We try to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Dr Rebecca Sta Maria, Secretary General, Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) gives an update on the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement negotiations, its "aspirational deadlines", and no-go policy areas.Listen to the podcast for an insider's take on Malaysia at the negotiating table.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.