The Breakfast Grille

Ee Ching Wah, Executive Director of the REAL Education Group comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the landscape of the education sector in Malaysia and the current boom in private education. Established in 1986, REAL Education group is one of the earliest on the scene, and recently saw the entry of CIMB Private Equity as a shareholder. He talks about what the entry of CIMB means for REAL, what is the next stage of growth for the group, and whether going rural is an option.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kim Wales, Founder and CEO, Wales Capital, discusses the business of crowdfunding, the JOBS Act, the various schemes available, the challenges inherent (such as over-regulation its its nascence), and the opportunities available. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scomi Engineering Bhd's CEO Kanesan Veluppillai comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the progress of the company's monorail projects in both India and Brazil. Scomi is in the business of designing and supplying monorail trains and systems, but has been loss-making for the past three years on the back of forex losses and projects delays. Kanesan talks about how he aims to turn the company profitable in 18 months and what its future project pipeline looks like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

His Excellency Mario Sammartino, the Italian Ambassador to Malaysia, speaks to us on the Breakfast Grille in conjunction with the nation's National Day which commemorates the birth of the Italian Republic and  also the upcoming EU Presidency which will be chaired by Italy from July to December. He also  discusses Italy's ailing economy, new Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, the lack of a Free trade Agreement and Italy-Malaysia trade ties.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lim Kwee Shyan, President of the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers Association or Margma, comes on the Breakfast Grille to discuss the current state of issues facing the rubber glove manufacturers. From issues of gas hikes to water disruption, he gives his outlook on how the members are coping. Margma, was established in 1989 as a non-profit industry association that extends a range of services to its members comprising Malaysian rubber glove manufacturers and the rest of the ecosystem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ken Myres, president of Romacorp Inc, best known for the Tony Romas line of casual restaurants comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the challenges facing the industry post-2008 global financial crisis. After facing bankruptcy in 2005, he talks about how the company managed to bounce back, its choice to do the franchise model overseas and how Romacorp sees Asia in general.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Tan Say Jim, Group Managing Director and Group CEO of IRIS Corporation Bhd, discusses his core e-passport business, high trade receivables, its primary contribution to group revenues and the reasons behind its pursuit of business with African nations. He also discusses its expansion into education with Stamford College, renewable energy, property development (in the Pacific islands) and its Rimbunan Kaseh projects, its agro-technology efforts. He also discusses the entry of FELDA, which purchased a 20% stake in the company earlier in 2014.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jayant Menon, Lead Economist at Asian Development Bank, discusses the ADB's role and efficacy in funding the development of poorer, developing nations. He also questions the GLC phenomenon in Malaysia, and argues that their presence and growth is detrimental. He says GLCs crowd out the private sector, drives up prices and reduces the country's competitiveness.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As GST dawns upon us in about a years time, exempt list, zero-rated items and unscrupulous profiteering are on our list of concerns. Subromaniam Tholasy, Director of GST at the Royal Malaysian Customs, tries to clarify this along with the question of whether the GST is progressive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The strong outlook for the Malaysian insurance landscape is supported by low penetration, bancassurance, takaful and regionalisation. Maybank is well-represented on all fronts: Etiqa Insurance and Takaful is an amalgamation of all previous incarnations and acquisitions that has exposures in the life and general businesses as well as Islamic and conventional products.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mandarin Oriental brand is well-known and respected. Richard Baker, Executive Vice President and Operations Director – Asia, talks about what it takes to achieve that. The ultimate objective is still profitability where pricing power that comes with brand recognition complements an occupancy strategy. The rise of social media sites like Tripadvisor that rates hotel quality is also explored.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Koh Pee Seng, Managing Director, Milux Corp, talks about his company's transition from low-margin electrical appliances into metals and mining.  An industry known for its capital-intensive nature and unstable prices, is this the turning point for the group to return to profitability?   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sam Tan, group managing director of Ken Holdings Bhd comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about its status as a boutique developer and how it plans to build on that going forward. Currently the company boasts a landbank of just over 47 hectares, and in 2012 recorded RM55.8 million in revenue and RM20.9 million in net profit. He talks about Ken's plans for the future and how the the company plans to weather the storm currently faced by the property players. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Morten Lundal the new CEO of Maxis Bhd comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about how the country's largest telco is undergoing a change. Once considered the top dog among the telcos, Maxis has been suffering from declining market share and sluggish earnings. Morten talks about transforming Maxis, what the future holds for the company and how he intends to regain the top dog position.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have teachers become the new whipping boy for all our frustrations with our education system? What responsibility does Government bare in declining standards?  And are parents themselves guilty of conflicting values and priorities that undermine teachers in their role to create well-rounded students? We speak to Shahnaz Al-Sadat. Appointed Trustee at Yayasan Amir in 2010, this lawyer and accountant devotes her time to educational reform. She currently serves on various Boards of education-related entities such as Teach for Malaysia, PINTAR Foundation and MINDA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We look into whether tourism's growth motive may be at odds with the quest for sustainability. David Scowsill, President and CEO of the World Travel and Tourism Council, also gives his views on how Visit Malaysia Year 2014 will pan out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The rise of Asia is perhaps the singular developmental and political story of our era, attracting praise and criticism, wonder and skepticism,” Professor Quah is reported to have said on the announcement of the new inter-disciplinary center. He speaks about Western obsessions over ‘ballot box democracy’, the importance of the performance dimension of governance, what will be a game changer for Southeast Asia and why Malaysians are given to so much self-loathing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prof. Michael Heise, Chief Economist, Allianz SE speaks to us on the Breakfast Grille on the group's decision to move its regional office to Singapore to spearhead growth in the region and his chief advisory role to navigate the group in times of great turbulence and political instability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the Budapest Memorandum of 1994, Russia, the US, and the UK confirmed, in recognition of Ukraine becoming party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and in effect abandoning its nuclear arsenal to Russia, that they would: respect Ukrainian independence and sovereignty within its existing borders; refrain from the threat or use of force against Ukraine; and also refrain from using economic pressure on Ukraine in order to influence its politics. Have they breached an agreement they themselves agreed to? Can Russia deploy the argument of supporting self-determination and democratic will without jeopardizing the perhaps more important principle of national sovereignty? We speak about the crisis in Ukraine and the threat of a Second Cold War.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lazada is Southeast Asia's biggest online shopping mall, with operations in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. We speak with Igor Pezzilli, Chief Executive Officer of Lazada Malaysia who discusses the increasingly crowded e-commerce marketplace and coping with fickle consumer trends.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kedai Rakyat 1 Malaysia or KR1M is a project funded evenly by Mydin and the government but 100% owned and operated by Mydin. Datuk Wira Dr. Haji Ameer Ali Mydin declares this a loss-making project. This can be beneficial if a relatively small investment can fulfill social objectives like lowering the cost of necessities for the poor. We look into whether KR1M stands the tests of logic, transparency and good policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bas Melssen the National Biomass Strategy Team Leader and Executive Vice President of Agensi Inovasi Malaysia (AIM) speaks to us on the Breakfast Grille on his role to mobilise the biomass strategy and the potential for RM 30 billion in contribution to national income. He also discusses what's in it for palm oil growers to partcipate and if innovation is alive and well in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ng Yih Chen, Executive Director of Tomei Consolidated Berhad discusses the group's financial performance and aspirations reeling from a tough year in 2013 and increasingly volatile prices. He speaks on sustainability of gold investment schemes, possible prixe-fixing by giant cartels and increasing the group's retail presence in the market. He also discusses the everlasting appeal of these precious gems and its intrinsic value.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

LBS Bina Group Bhd's managing director Datuk Seri Lim Hock San comes on the Breakfast Grille to discuss the property developer's prospects as challenges for the property sector mounts. Listed on the stock exchange with a RM852.7 million market capitalisation, we talk to him about LBS' recent joint venture in Johor's Iskandar, the company's focus in Cameron Highlands as well as its prospects in China.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Ismail Ibrahim, Chief Executive of Iskandar Regional Development Authority, discusses progress report on “developing Iskandar Malaysia into a strong and sustainable metropolis of international standing”, re Investments and Population targets, secured projects, high-speed rapid-transit link between Singapore and Johor, clean/sustainability ambitions, projects oversight & corruption/leakage issues, social fallout such as income and costs inequality, foreign / regional competition, skilled labor deficit/concerns, source of investment (local/foreign, MidEast/Singaporean), outlook for MY-SG ties, outlook for further govt funding, price bubble concerns and future landmark projects.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is a lot contractors and the government can do to make the nation a better place, some of which include removing bottlenecks and addressing governance of big projects. We talk to Matthew Tee, President of Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) as well as Group Executive Director of Bina Puri about this.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Mohd Nor Idrus, CEO, Kidex Sdn Bhd, discusses the 14.9km Kinrara Damansara Skyway in terms of: the need for another highway, highway vs public transportation (MRT/LRT Line), benefits and business case, the homes, offices and buildings that will be displaced, Health, Safety and Environment issues, public feedback / consensus sought and the social impact and controversy of the project. He also discusses the toll rate, and legislated increases and government compensation issues, the mode of project award and the co-tenderors, the track record of Kidexowners Zabima Engineering and Construction Sdn Bhd and Emrail Sdn Bhd, the funding structure and the reported RTO. He also discusses governance concerns such as the presence of Umno legal adviser Datuk Mohd Hafarizam Harun and the wife of former Federal Court judge Tun Zaki Azmi as major owners in Zabimah and Emrail.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Petronas is pumping billions of dollars into the Canadian economy through its wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, Progress Energy Canada Ltd, and Canadian global oil and gas exploration and production company Talisman is here in Malaysia. Is that the extent of the relationship between the two nations? We speak on the recently inked MOU on security as well as plans for Canada to capture a bigger share of the Malaysian overseas tertiary education market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Girish Ramachandran, director of strategy and transformation for built assets consultancy EC Harris. The company helps its clients to make the most from their investment and expenditure in assets in their four main sectors namely buildings, infrastructure, water and environment. He talks about the challenges of playing a middle man when implementation is an issue and his take on the current water situation, among others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato' Chevy Beh comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about his family company, one of Malaysia's leading healthcare providers, BP Healthcare Group. He discusses his progression from Ivy League universities to his time on Wall Street, along with BP Healthcare's growth and regional expansion plans to Indonesia and Thailand. What are the implications of an aging Malaysian population on the healthcare industry?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AEON Co Malaysian Bhd's Executive Director Pooh Ying Loo comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the company's growth path and what to expect in the coming months. AEON is already a household name and is gradually strengthening its niche in suburban areas. However, as budgets get tighter, how will the retailer cope?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Juan Valdez was a brand set up to give fair pricing and recognition to Colombian coffee growers. It is now also the name of a coffee shop with an international franchise. We look into how Juan Valdez balances the profit motive with its original social mission.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harith Iskander, the dubbed godfather of Malaysian comedy comes on the Breakfast Comedy Grille to tell us about his transition from burger advertising to becoming one of Malaysia's biggest names in stand-up comedy. He encourages Malaysians to embrace our multi-cultured diversity and to seize the day, one pound at a time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Looi Kong Meng the CEO of Lonpac Insurance Bhd comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the landscape of the insurance industry in Malaysia, and in particular the company's plans going forward. He talks about how Lonpac wants to be different from its peers by focusing away from motor and towards fire insurance, the challenges he sees both local and abroad, and what the tragic case of MH370 will impact the insurers connected to it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What has Malaysia’s economic and political trajectory been since its formation? Was the May 13th incident and the suspension of Parliament a derailment of the positive trajectory that we were on? Professor Woo, President of the newly established Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia, talks about the watershed moment in the country’s recent economic history and argues for a bi-partisan consensus around “an inclusive national development” plan as the only way forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tami Overby, the Vice President of the US Chamber of Commerce for Asia comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the future of USA-Malaysia relations and how it can grow further. She talks about the controversy surrounding the TPP and how it will help, rather than hinder, trade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mr. Sip Mun Yee, Chief Operating Officer & Director for DA Land speaks to us about his property developments to the Northern Klang valley, specifically Rawang and the stigma behind leasehold perceptions. How will Rawang develop as a property hub?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thevendran Sivanantham, General Manager, Strategy Planning & Marketing of Fuji Xerox Asia Pacific Pte Ltd comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the future strategies of the company as both technologies and needs change. Fuji Xerox is best known for its copying machines and printers, but some see it as a sunset industry. Thevendran comes on to discuss the evolution of the company and how it intends to grow. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mukhtar Hussain, Group General Manager and CEO HSBC Bank Malaysia, discusses housing sector, defaults / NPLs, household debt, bad-loan impairments, exposure to manufacturing and household-retail sectors, deposits, cost of funds, personnel costs, Shariah finance, the Islamic Financial Services Act (IFSA) 2013, KL as an Islamic finance hub, subsidy rationalisation, GST, Consumer, business confidence and China corporate defaults and the risk of a market collapse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick Blethon, President of South Asia Pacific , United Technologies Corp, Building & Industrial Systemsisn't worried about China's slowdown affecting business. Asian countries continue to see urbanisation at a rapid rate. This will drive demand for UTC's lifts, air-conditioners and security systems. The company's results have been good and no pick-up in bad debts, a reflection of economic health, has been seen. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adventa Bhd's Chief Executive Low Chin Guan comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the company's future direction following the upliftment of its PN17 status. The company, which was formerly known as a manufacturer of medical examination gloves, is now shifting its focus to offering medical related services instead. We ask about the company's strategies going forward as well as the outlook of the industry in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech Mahindra ASEAN region Vice President and Enterprise Business Head Ram Ramachandran, comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the business of BPO. Tech Mahindra is in the business of the providing of solutions and services in the Information, Communications and Technology industry with a base of over 605 global customers. However, in Malaysia BPO is still relatively new, so what does the future hold?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eva Au, Managing Director of International Data Corporation (IDC) Asia Pacific, discusses its core businesses of market intelligence, advisory services, and events, how they are doing in her purview (15 countries in Asia-Pacific ex-Japan) versus its biggest rivals (Forrester and Gartner), addressable market and opportunities.  She also discusses trends and themes in its core proprietary research division and the challenges therein, such as uncovering new themes, hiring qualified people and culture, among the big four tech themes: Cloud, Mobile, Social Analytics and Big Data.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Glove manufacturing is one of the few industries in which Malaysia is a global leader, occupying significant market shares. Dato' Seri Stanley Thai, Executive Chairman / Group Managing Directorn of Supermax highlights the advantages of nitrile over latex gloves as well as how the government's intervention of natural rubber prices have shifted demand and research into nitrile usage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this 2014 interview, Peter Miller, CEO, Tune Insurance Bhd, discusses his financial results, provides a business update on his airline and general insurance divisions, investment income, rate deregulation, AirAsia and AAX tieup, M&A plans in Indonesia and Thailand, collapse of purchase of PT Batavia Mitrama, E-Commerce platform, marketing strategy, fallout from nurse ad, tie-up with Cebu Pacific, KLIA 2's delay, dividend policySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

James Wong, ED of JCY, explains how increased mobility through smart devices does not necessarily equal lower growth for hard disk drives (HDD). He also refers to specific industry factors like the dearth of competitors and the Thailand factor that might help the fortunes of the company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this 2014 interview, M.Prakash Chandran, CEO of Siemens Malaysia discusses its global CEO change, a reportedly deteriorating economic environment and offers an update on Siemens' local business (staff size, major projects, area of concentration, new investments). He also discusses the upcoming High-Speed Rail project and the Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit among its infrastructure initiatives, involvement in power projects (Tanjung Bin, Manjung Prai and Tenaga), recent developments at Bakun Dam and the broader energy sector in Malaysia.He also discusses its decision to call off its JV to build the magnet plant with Lynas and offers points on its Siemens Healthcare division, as well as broader challenges like graft and corruption in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Anthony Tan, CEO of MyTeksi explains how taxi-booking app MyTeksi fills the gap in the notorious problems with taxis. Strong growth is accompanied by careful navigation of the regulatory environment and maintaining quality standards.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mohd Razlan Mohamed, CEO of Malaysian Rating Corp elucidates the role of rating agencies especially after the bad press suffered by foreign rating agencies in the aftermath of the global financial crisis.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ng Kok Heng, the CEO of mobile operator XOX Bhd comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the prospects of the company, which is in the telecommunication space as a mobile virtual network operator or MVNO. The company has however, come under fire for delaying submission of financial statements and showing variances between audited and unaudited results. He comes on to talk about how XOX intends to overcome that through a number of new products and a stronger financial footing following a private placement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.