The Breakfast Grille

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.

Among the first listings of 2015, health-supplement company Bioalpha Holdings Berhad, which listed on the ACE Market on 14 April 2015, has big plans to tap into new markets like the Middle East & Indonesia with the funds it has raised. MD William Hon also discusses valuations, forex volatility and its strategy for expanding its distribution network.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Goh Peng Ooi thinks there's nothing new in the new economy. That kind of philosophy or at least Silverlake's version of that philosophy has enabled them to be a dominant force in banking software. However, have they become to cozy with their banking sector strengths? We also glean details of expansion plans, especially into China.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Muhammad Rizhan bin Mohd Razif, Head of Corporate Finance & Strategy at Damansara Realty Bhd, discusses the entry of the well-connected Johor businessman Datuk Daing Malek, and how he has altered the profile of this formerly staid property, construction and services firm. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The National Union of Bank Employees (NUBE) represents 28,000 employees from the clerical and non-clerical sector of Malaysia's commercial banks. Trade unions however are seeing an overall declining trend in membership. Only a mere 9% of Malaysia's 11 million workers are unionised -- lagging far behind nations like Japan, the UK and Singapore. What does the decline in membership mean for unions' 'strength in numbers' philosophy?Will they still have the collective bargaining power?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once dubbed the "Iron Lady", the former Minister of International Trade and Industry, shares her thoughts on the Goods and Services tax (GST), Malaysian Airlines, the role of government, car prices, the ASEAN Economic Community, the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, the leadership of both Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Prime Minister Dato' Seri Najib Razak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rocket Internet has a mission to be the World's Largest Internet Platform outside of China and the US. Its portfolio of companies include the wildly popular and successful groups like Lazada, Foodpanda, and Zalora. Kiren Tanna shares what are the group's strategies for the Asia-Pac region and the potential he sees.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legal scholar Professsor He Jiahong who currently teaches criminal law and anti-corruption investigation techniques to both students and government officials at the Renmin University in Beijing is also a best-selling author. He shares with us how the Communist Party is tackling corruption in the growing nation and his concept of amnesty & for stricter reforms forcing officials to disclose their assets publicly.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amin Halim Rasip doesn't believe that there's a "fight" between Integrax and Tenaga - this is just the normal course of business for him. We look into the finer points of the M&A overtures and Amin's possible responses. For a port that is highly dependent on Tenaga for business, we also look at Integrax's strategic direction.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to an eminent historian and China expert on the story of Asia’s transformation. From his childhood in pre-World War Two Ipoh to the effects of Cold War politics on his career to the dramatic moments that’s marked his six decades as a student of history. Professor Wang gives his view on the contradictions between China’s rapid economic development and its stunted political change, the reasons behind authoritarian governance as well as the deep history of the region's South China Sea debacle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petronas continues to be the dominant giver of Malaysian oil and gas awards based on policies of national interests. Would the oil price rout force more competition into the sector in order to safeguard national coffers?Meanwhile, Barakah's strong balance sheet and healthy annual cash flows open up acquisition possibilities, but at what cost?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

E.H. Lim, CEO of Eduspec Holdings Bhd comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the business of education.Eduspec, formerly known as Litespeed Education, provides IT literacy material for primary and secondary, including providing IT and language labs, e-learning and school management systems among others. The company recently finished a placement, so we ask about the plans for the money it raised, about its lumpy earnings and the future of education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ali Jaleel, Country Manager, Philips Group of Companies, Malaysia, discusses its move into consumer lifestyle healthcare and lighting; macro prospects and competition; RGT weakness, GST introduction, dealing with the government and prospects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The various quantitative easing policies (QEs) have pushed up prices of financial assets and widened inequality. The World Development Report 2015 on "Mind, Society, and Behaviour" explores psychological and cognitive dimensions in addressing poverty but that depends on how quickly such thoughts can be translated to policy. This is coming at a time when the so-called Washington Consensus (loosely comprising the IMF, World Bank and US politicians) is being challenged by China's Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is bad for humanity may not be bad for business. In fact, breaching ethical rules often results in a competitive advantage, until bad reputation catches with you. Running an ethical accreditation service requires breaking down blurred lines in the world of business. We also ask Ethical Alliance whether the commercial service of setting ethical standards is conflicting and counter-intuitive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Established in 2011, DagangHalal provides a single E-commerce platform for consumers worldwride to source and purchase Halal products and services. Mohamed Hazli shares the potential of the Islamic e-commerce market and the challenges in verifying the the halal status & certification checks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The formation of alliances by the world's largest shipping companies is a reflection of the state of shipping capacity oversupply. While Westports loses volume coming from 2M, it will be a net gainer from the O3 or Ocean Three alliance.We also discuss Malaysia's strategic location as a transshipment hub. Moving forward Westports doesn't believe that size is everything and there is no need to achieve the size of the likes of Singapore's port at all costs but they do want to grow with their customers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brahmal Vasudevan, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the private equity (PE) fund Creador, discusses his India PE experience, the pull of ASEAN, association with Ananda Krishnan, Creador's investors, promised returns, performance, fundraising and competition. He also talks about his investing style, the broader PE industry and investments like CTOS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the 8th of December last year, an open letter was sent by a group of 25 prominent Malay personalities, calling on “moderate Malays, Muslims and Malaysians” to speak out against “extremist, immoderate and intolerant voices”.The 25 signatories include retired senior civil servants such as former Secretary-Generals, Director-Generals, and ambassadors.Melisa Idris speaks to two representatives of the G25 on the Breakfast Grille: Tan Sri Mohd Sheriff Mohd Kassim, former Secretary-General of the Finance Ministry, and Dato’ Latifcah Merican Cheong, the former assistant government of Bank Negara.They both call for a public discussion on the place of Islamic laws within Malaysia’s constitutional democracy, the urgency to address the breakdown of federal-state division of powers, and the rise in moral-policing throughout the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mykris Ltd Group's executive chairman and CEO, Chew Choo Soon comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the future of the company's managed internet services.Listed in New Zealand, Mykris already has a large portfolio of large corporate users and hotel operators, among others. It aims to be a provider of a Wireless Last mile for businesses, and for financial year 2014 revenue came in at NZ$7.3 million. We talk about growing the business, competition and challenges that lie ahead, as well as whether listing in New Zealand was the right decision.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato' Richard Curtis says that Cahya Mata Sarawak is a follower of state and federal policy but we try to find clues of where CMS leads and influence policy that adds to state vibrancy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Tan Ling Geck, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Interbase Resources, which owns Lelong.com.my & Superbuy amongst other Internet properties, talks about his ecommerce journey, sale of Autoworld, 'DotCom 3.0', Seek's purchase of Jobstreet, Lelong vis-a-vis competition from Rocket Internet and Rakuten, its expansion with Superbuy, listing possibilities, profitability and possible trade sale/disposal. He also talks about his South African Naspers shareholders and Interbase's financials.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeff Kong, executive director for Nirvana Asia Ltd comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the end of life business.Nirvana, which was known as NV Multi when it was listed in Malaysia, is best known as an integrated bereavement services provider. It completed its listing on the Hong Kong stock exchange in December 2014 and now has its eyes firmly on its future expansion plans. We ask Jeff about life since the de-listing on Bursa Malaysia and how does Nirvana plan to expand its services portfolio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul Gibbons, managing director of Sports Direct Malaysia comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the sporting retail business.Sports Direct Malaysia, is actually a partnership between local golf retailer MST and UK's largest sports retailer SportsDirect.com. Built on the concept of big box stores, Sports Direct just set up its 11th outlet in Intermark with an aim to open another 25 over the next five years.Sports direct in the UK current majority owner and chairman is Mike Ashley, who is currently the owner of Newcastle United. Its UK parent recorded 2.7B pounds in sales for 2014, so we ask about expansion plans, competition and what some see as the death of the big box.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Francois Nunez, product director for Victorinox AG comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the company's foray into the watch business.Victorinox, is best known for its utility knives, bearing the highly recognisable cross on shield motif. The company is the largest manufacturer of pocket knives in the world, but has recently branched out to the likes of luggage, clothing and watches. We ask about future direction, challenges post 9-11 and whether it diversifying could possibly dilute the brand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam, the Director of The Asian Strategic and Leadership Institute (ASLI) and Chairman of the Centre for Public Policy Studies (CPPS), discusses the funding, integrity, efficacy and independence of Malaysian think tanks.He also talks about the background behind the 2006 resignation of one of its directors, Dr Lim Teck Ghee, whose research asserted that Bumi corporate equity stood at 45%, in excess of the 30% target set under the new Economic Policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this 2015 interview, Dato? Wei Chuan Beng, Group Managing Director, REDtone International Bhd, discussed the surge in interest in his listed shares, the role and increasing presences of Tan Sri Vincent Tan, the Sultan of Johor and Chairman Dato Sri Al-Habshee, the growth of his data and managed services segments. He also talks about possible new interest in Digital Terrestrial TV Broadcastng (DTTB), Redtone's interests in China, its NSA pact with Maxis and new businesses like vehicle inspections and the Internet of Things.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.