The Breakfast Grille

The World Trade Organisation has warned that global trade could contract by as much as 0.8% this year as a result of potentially higher US tariffs on imported goods, which affect nearly every country in the world. So, what does this mean for logistics players such as DHL Express? We catch-up with Global CEO John Pearson for updates.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Seah Boon Tiat, Managing Director of Hartanah Kenyalang Berhad to talk about its financial performance - the company’s revenue roughly quadrupled in the last 4 years, the unique challenges of taking up government projects, plans for the funds raised from its Ace Market listing, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each year on May 9th, we celebrate Europe Day, reflecting on the strengthening EU-Malaysia bilateral partnership. Today, we sit down with H.E. Rafael Daerr, EU Ambassador to Malaysia, to discuss key issues such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), U.S tariffs, trade, climate goals, security, and other areas of cooperation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Teleport, the logistics arm of Capital A has the lofty goal of delivering 2 million parcels a day by the end of the year - which means they need to increase their volume five-fold. What’s the pathway to achieving this amid competing headwinds? We discuss company updates with Teleport CEO Pete Chareonwongsak.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

HI Mobility Bhd, the Johor-based bus operator, made a strong debut on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia in March, opening at a 4.1% premium after raising RM115.9 million through its initial public offering (IPO). CEO Lim Chern Chuen shares how he plans on steering HI Mobility toward a future of cleaner, smarter, and more efficient mobility solutions across Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When President Donald Trump exited the White House in 2021, many didn’t foresee that he would stage a remarkable comeback four years later. What do the first three-months of his second presidency tell us about the direction he’s taking the world’s largest economy? We reflect on some of the developments in US policy and politics with Wendy Schiller, Professor of Political Science at Brown University.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PEOPLElogy Group is a 24 year-old, homegrown award winning integrated people development solution provider dedicated to upskilling and reskilling individuals and businesses for the digital economy. Founder, Managing Director, and Chief Peoplelogist Allen Lee sits down to discuss PEOPLElogy’s future plans as it prepares to achieve its dream of becoming a listed company this month.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) was established in 1992 as a hybrid public-private organisation in Malaysia’s healthcare system to provide premier cardiothoracic treatment. Is this unique position a boon or a bane for IJN as it navigates the competing aims of commercial interests with public service ethos? We discuss this with IJN CEO Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohamed Ezani Md Taib.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets have been whipsawed in light of US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Todd Jablonski, Global Head of Multi-Asset and Quant Strategies at Principal Asset Management speaks about the outlook for listed companies across the world and what investment strategy one should adopt during these turbulent times.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AEON Bank is Malaysia 1st Islamic digital bank. We speak to Raja Teh Maimunah, CEO of AEON Bank about the bank's ambitions, how it intends to monetize the AEON brands and the path to profitability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mechanical and electrical engineering firm West River is raising RM27.9 million through its ACE Market debut, aiming to leverage on the booming property sector and energy efficiency trends. But is this the right time to go public amidst global  economic uncertainty? We discuss the plans and prospects of West River with its Managing Director Stanley Lim.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s Medical Device Authority (MDA) stands at the intersection of regulation and innovation, safeguarding public health while advancing the nation’s medtech ambitions. From AI-driven diagnostics to global partnerships, the MDA is positioning Malaysia as a regional hub. Aisalli Ayub speaks to CEO Dr. Muralitharan Paramasua who shares his insights on MDA’s strategy, enforcement, and the future of digital health in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarawak-based Reach Ten Holdings is scaling up its digital infrastructure ambitions with a RM104 million IPO—marking the state’s first Main Market listing in 15 years. With a strong focus on profitable growth, the company is expanding its reach through fibre rollouts, 4G/5G towers, and satellite upgrades across rural regions in East Malaysia. Aisalli Ayub talks to Managing Director Leo Chin about the company’s business strategy and how Reach Ten is positioning itself in Malaysia’s evolving digital economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 2024 Budget Speech, the Prime Minister proposed a new law for urban renewal, with the bill expected to be tabled this year. However, this Urban Renewal Act, currently open for public consultation is not without its controversies. Dr. Suraya Ismail, Director of Research at Khazanah Research Institute, tells us about how to ensure the interests of all stakeholders are protected.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fibromat a geotechnical solutions company is transferring from the Leap to the Ace Market. We speak to Danny Ng, CEO, Fibromat Berhad about why they are making that shift, strategies for growth and the benefits of being "buatan Malaysia”.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Construction and earthworks firm Wawasan Dengkil made its ACE Market debut on 25 March, but its share price has since trailed its IPO price of 25 sen. What does this portend about the prospects of the company? We discuss the future plans with Lim Soon Yik, Executive Director of Wawasan Dengkil.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dominating the headlines these past weeks was how US President Donald Trump's trade policies - and the subsequent reversals of some - have impacted the global economy and world markets, from equities to bonds to commodities. Katrina Ell, Director & Head of Asia-Pacific Economics at Moody's Analytics helps us unpack how the Trump administration’s unpredictable trade moves are reshaping Asia’s economies, investor confidence, and Malaysia’s growth outlook.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Once a Hong Kong TV giant, TVB is now eyeing Southeast Asia for growth. Desmond Chan, General Manager of TVB International, discusses the company’s push into Malaysia, the challenges of digital transformation, and whether the broadcaster can turn the corner after years of losses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DataSnipper is changing the game for accountants and auditors by automating time-consuming tasks like data matching and document preparation. With a strong focus on profitable growth, the company is expanding its reach, particularly in Asia Pacific. Philip See talks to CEO Vidya Peters about their business strategy and why Kuala Lumpur was selected as their new regional hub.Image Credit: DataSnipperSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is welcoming President Xi Jinping for a 3-day official visit starting today. Xi’s tour of our country is being closely watched in the region amid growing trade tensions between the US and China. To help us unpack this landmark visit, Philip See will be speaking with Dr Cassey Lee, Senior Fellow and Coordinator at the Regional Economic Studies Programme at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute and Angeline Tan, Analyst at the Institute Of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FTA will catalyze EU-Malaysia trade. Karl Godderis, CEO of Eurocham discusses the current state of trade relations between Europe and Malaysia, the ongoing volatility affecting global trade, and more and the benefits of concluding the EU-Malaysia FTA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Moody’s Descriptor: Moody’s is a brand name that is arguably best identified as a credit ratings agency, but its biggest revenues come from its non-ratings business, Moody’s Analytics. How much of a foothold does Moody’s have in the extremely competitive data analytics industry, especially in Southeast Asia? We find out from Wael Jadallah, General Manager and Head of Asia Pacific & the Middle East at Moody’s.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has unleashed uncertainty after uncertainty in the 80 days since taking office as President of the United States for a second term. The latest is his imposition of tariffs on practically all of America's trading partners on Earth. Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, the pro-vice chancellor for External Engagement at Taylor's University, and Dr Afzanizam Rashid, Bank Muamalat's chief economist help us unpack the fallout for Malaysia, regional strategy, and how businesses can brace for even more uncertainty.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johore has ambitions to be the state to attract the most investments in Malaysia. Is SEZ the catalytic project that will be the game changer? We speak to Lee Ting Han, Johor State EXCO Member for Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs & Human Resources to find out if this time round, plans will turn into reality.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A slowdown in demand for goods due to US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs is a major downside risk for logistics players, including Westports Malaysia Bhd. Back in the hot seat is Datuk Ruben Emir Gnanalingam, Executive Chairman of Westports Holdings Bhd, to discuss the company’s growth plans, how Trump tariffs might affect it, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Construction player and property developer, Lim Seong Hai Capital Bhd, transferred from the LEAP Market of Bursa Malaysia after less than four years and debuted on the ACE Market recently. Brandon Lim, its executive director, discusses the challenges of navigating the pandemic until today, as it looks to also become a facilities management company, following its concession contract to manage the iconic KL Tower.Disclaimer: This interview was conducted before the lawsuit against the company and the on-going operator of the KL tower was filed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sumisaujana Group Berhad, a Malaysian firm specialising in oil and gas specialty and industrial chemicals, is gearing up for its debut on the ACE Market on April 9. CEO Norazlam Norbi joins us to discuss the company’s IPO and how the RM74 million ringgit raised will fund regional expansion, digital transformation, and new infrastructure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia emerged from 2024 on strong economic footing, but how resilient is the country's foundation to withstand potential global turbulence? And as conditions become more challenging, how might this affect the appetite for much needed reforms? We discuss these themes with Tan Sri Andrew Sheng, Distinguished Fellow at the Institute for Capital Market Research Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What is the state of inclusion for autistic persons in the Malaysian working environment? On World Autism Awareness Day, we discuss this with Beatrice Leong, Founder of the Autism Inclusiveness Direct Action Group (AIDA) and Florence Tan, Corporate Sustainability Leader of PwC Malaysia.For the full transcript, click here. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The wholesale grocery sector is notoriously competitive given its high-volume low-margin business model. So what’s the story behind the Sri Ternak Group, which began as a livestock and agricultural business in 1979 before evolving into one of the fastest growing wholesale retailers in Selangor? We discuss the ambitions of Sri Ternak Group with its Group CEO, Dato’ Raymond Ho.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sorento Capital Bhd, a bathroom and kitchenware distributor, was listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia in late October last year. Lee Chee Keong, their Executive Director tells us about their strategy for growth, the intense competition in a very fragmented market and why the stock is worth considering despite the expensive valuations.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Budget 2025, the Madani Government increased its allocation for the Ministry of Health by 10% to 43.5 billion ringgit. So how will this benefit pharmaceutical players like Duopharma Biotech Bhd that rely heavily on government procurements? We discuss the company’s fortunes and prospects with Group Managing Director Leonard Ariff.Image Credit: Duopharma Biotech BerhadSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian real estate sector was upbeat in 2024, and this is reflected in the full year earnings of mid-cap property developer Paramount Corporation, which scored its third year of total revenues over the RM1 billion ringgit mark. Can this momentum be sustained into 2025 in light of the economic headwinds at play? We discuss Paramount's expansion strategy, sales outlook and why the Urban Renewal Development Act could be good for the property sector with Group CEO Jeffrey Chew. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As many debate whether the oil and gas sector is in structural decline, Perdana Petroleum Berhad posted its biggest net profit in 18 years. Despite this strong performance, what is the new phase of growth and is this compnay overshadowed by big sister, Dayang? Questions we pose to Jamalludin Obeng, their Managing Director.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia, or LKIM, has been at the forefront of shaping policies, supporting fishermen, and ensuring sustainable seafood production since its inception in 1971. Its chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil discusses how LKIM is steering the industry forward amid rising costs, climate change and an evolving market landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kingdom of Bhutan is often referred to as the happiest country, having pioneered the Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index as a multi-dimensional metric of national development, beyond GDP growth. But in the post-pandemic era, how is Bhutan navigating the geopolitical and socio-economic challenges that could threaten the well-being of its population? We discuss how Bhutan is revamping its image while staying true to its roots with His Excellency Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of Bhutan. His book is titled, "Enlightened Leadership: Inside Bhutan’s Transition from Monarchy to Democracy."Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Issues surrounding Malaysia’s healthcare sector have become increasingly discussed in political settings, as it faces challenges such as overcrowding and a shortage of medical workers. To help us assess the state of our healthcare system and explore potential policy interventions, Philip See will be speaking with Dr. Khor Swee Kheng, CEO of Angsana Health and a Specialist in Public Policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From the early days of independence to the present, Malaysia has missed key opportunities to build a truly united nation. Phillip See speaks with Datuk Mohamad Hussein, author of “How Malaysia Missed Seven Chances in Nation Building”, about the lessons from these moments and their impact on the country's future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As climate change wreaks havoc on weather patterns around the world, how equipped is MetMalaysia to forecast inclement weather in order to prepare for increasingly severe natural disasters? We go behind the scenes of MetMalaysia operations with the Director-General Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has ambitions to be a digital economy and cashless society. How are we progressing on that front and what role does TNG Digital play? Questions we pose to Alan Ni, their CEO whilst asking if they are keeping their market share with the arrival of digital banks in Malaysia, and how its business has evolved the path to profitability. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's retail landscape continues to evolve with shifting consumer behaviour, uneven government policy implementations and rising cost of living. Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin, the MD of Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd and advisor to the Bumiputera Retailers' Organisation, talks to us about his business as well as what he would like to see the government do to make life easier for both retailers and consumers.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legacy media companies have struggled to compete with a plethora of platforms that offer varied content. What is the solution to this structural decline? Rafiq Razali, Group Managing Director, Media Prima Berhad tells us his answer whilst we discuss their most recent financial results.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UCSI University is today one of Malaysia's top ranked higher educational institutions of learning, ranked 265 on the latest QS World University Rankings. It now has a campus in Bangladesh, along with four in Malaysia and hopes to share its Trans-national Education initiative with the world. Vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir shares her views and observations from when she once served as the director-general of the Ministry of Higher Education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1909, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) became the first professional accountancy body to admit a woman as a member. 120 years on, the body boasts a gender diverse leadership line-up and women make-up almost half of ACCA membership. But how much is this reflected in the broader accounting industry? To mark International Women’s Day on March 8th, we speak to corporate veteran Datuk Zaiton Mohd Hassan, Vice President of the ACCA Council for her observations and reflections.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outside of the UK, Vimto, the 107-year-old Manchester-born beverage, has been most popular in the Middle East, particularly during Ramadan. It is now venturing into Malaysia where nearly two-thirds of the population are Muslim. Matt Nichols, the International Commercial Director of Vimto (and also the founder's great-grandson) discusses the company's plans here and beyond. Image Credits: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The post-Covid-19 years have been wrought with challenges for Malaysia's glove makers as demand normalises from the unexpected surge at the height of the pandemic. Oon Kim Hung, the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers' Association (MARGMA) president, talks about his expectations for the industry with the demand and supply situation reaches an equilibrium, amidst the rise in China's own glove makers and the threat of tariffs from a new Trump administration in the US.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founded in 1997, Universiti Teknologi Petronas has been steadily climbing the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings and for the first time is amongst the top 250 in the world. Professor Dato' Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib, the Vice-Chancellor of UTP takes us through the history of the university and its future plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s achieve a trade surplus of RM137 billion in 2024, the highest ever recorded in the nation’s history. However with a tariff storm brewing and increasing geopolitical tensions, will Malaysia continue to see strong performance and reap the benefits of the Madani government policies. Questions we pose to Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Property sales are the highest in a decade for the whole industry but is listed LBS Bina also showing a similar trend in 2024 and of course what is the outlook this year? Questions we pose to executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Hock San whilst asking him about succession planning and their diversification plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia and Malaysia celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations this year, having developed strong cooperation in sectors like trade, defence, education and tourism. Danielle Heinecke, Australia's High Commissioner to Malaysia, shares how both nations can enhance these ties to benefit both nations and the Southeast Asian region, amid global uncertainties and opportunities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.