The Breakfast Grille

Andy Jackson, the Managing Director of Debenhams Malaysia, answers the following questions:  - UK positioning -- more of a High Street brand. Globally? In Malaysia? Can it establish itself higher purely by virtue of being foreign and British?  - Global positioning? Malaysia - competitors  - Represents edgier brands - issues  - International franchise - terms - issues  - Majority of the investor and corporate messaging indicates a strong focus on the UK retail scene and very little hoopla about international store growth - why  - Debenhams Malaysia master franchisee is Stellar Retail Sdn Bhd - historical perspective -- whether involved in the earlier foray  - Govt instrumental in abolishing import duties on clothes - 25% plus GST - ‘game changer’  - MY Franchise? Details - backers - financial capability - The Curve - 3 million ringgit investment (12,500sf) - Starhill Gallery 6 million ringgit (40,000sf) - Penang 19,000sf, 4.5 million ringgit)  - Ascertaining local selling conditions - product range - target markets  - Like-for-like sales  - Gross profit margins - Purchasing -- system - whether an ‘Asian advantage  - Buying centralised from the UK but how do lower costs get passed down -- e.g. cotton prices  - Competition: M&S, Zara, H&M, Uniqlo - vicious - price cuts  - 50% storewide discounts - implications: footfall, word of mouth? How are these promotions decided upon, frequency?  - UK - growing online sales -- good mitigator - Malaysia takeup  - Expectations - Penang - buying habits - Johor next  - Regional plans - Singapore - capital raising - flotation See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Speed is everything in turning around a company. Newly appointed global CEO of Air France, Alexandre de Juniac talks about transforming the lumbering carrier that has been reporting four straight years of losses. He also talks about upping customer service to achieve 5 star ratings by Skytrax, and competing with Malaysia on the KL-Paris route. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Darrel Webber, Secretary General of the RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) is on the breakfast grille to discuss: - proportional representation on the RSPO where only 15% of members are made up of growers and millers - imposing RSPO principles and criteria on the small growers. Is it economically viable? - formulation of human rights policies. Does this really help the lower skilled labour force in palm oil production? - Oil Palm and the environment - the industry's reputational issues and how to move onSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Emmanuel Jeyaprakash, Deputy CEO of Bank Simpanan Nasional is on the breakfast grille to discuss: - the relevance and future of BSN in a rapidly urbanised Malaysia - how it continues to service the rural and suburban population - whether its a commercial entity or performing a national service? - its diverse product offering including micro finance, wealth management and Sijil Simpanan Premium See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hari Krishnan, the Managing director for LinkedIn in Asia Pacific and Japan, comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the company's prospects in the emerging markets, which include Malaysia.  Linkedin is a professional social network, with over 200 million members and boasts a joining rate of 2 members per second.Among the discussion points are: - Plans for the emerging markets, which currently make up about 8% of the NYSE-listed parent company's revenue. He also talks about plans for the Malaysian market as well.  - He also talk about their recently revamped search engine and the response to it.  - LinkedIn's credibility among both potential employers and employees. He admits that it is impossible to check every single profile, but they do have tools to make sure fraudulent accounts are reported and removed.  - He also says that localisation goes beyond just changing the sites language. It is also about understanding. - He also talks about whether parent LinkedIn can sustain the good growth it saw in its latest fourth quarter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The music streaming service, Spotify, is expanding into eight new markets from the current 20 world-wide, to places including Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore in Asia. Stockholm-based company already offers services in the United States, most of Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Spotify, which launched in 2008, is a free on-demand streaming service. People can pay to hear music without interruptions from advertising and the ability to play lists and preferences from any device any time. On the Breakfast Grille is Sriram Krishnan, Spotify’s Head of New Markets for Asia Pacific. He discusses: -- Spotify's business model and the 'discovery' element -- Its revenue model operating under a 'Freemium' model, and how this can be profitable -- Why beating rampant digital piracy is the ultimate goal -- Challanges for Spotify when moving into new markets -- How to convince consumers in developing markets to pay for music -- His response to criticism that Spotify had been failing to compensate artists fairly -- How Spotify is planning to beat its competitionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ambassador of Chile to Malaysia H.E. Christian Rehren discusses:  - The Malaysia-Chile Free Trade Agreement - Trade value - breakdown;  - Talks on services and investments - commencement - two years implementation of the Trade in Goods Agreement;  - Copper - salmon - wine - as among Chile's biggest industries;  - Chile - Malaysia trade currently favors Chile -- reasons - trade balance - outlook;  - Chile - strongest sovereign bond rating in South America - issues;  - Global Competitiveness Report - Chile; - FTAs - abundance - issues;  - Rule-based countercyclical fiscal policy - reasons - issues;  - Chile - world’s top producer of copper - issues;  - Double-edged sword - over-reliance; - Copper as economic mainstay;  - Global demand - prices - downturn;  - Plunging gold prices not helping - help reduce cash costs of mining copper - double whammy;  - Economic outlook - Chile - copper prices continue declines;  - Oversupply: huge concern; - Resource boom - cost inflation - declining competitive advantage - social frisson - Gini Coefficient; - Investment in astronomy - historical reasons - innovation - research.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this 2013 interview, Prasarana Group MD Dato Shahril Mokhtar, discusses:  - Clearing confusion - role Prasarana - MRT Corp;  - Shareholder - Regulator - Transport Ministry - overlap - coverage - issues; - Two different agencies - very similar projects;  - Further clouded - MRT Corp to come under Prasarana umbrella after completion in 2018 - issues;  - LRT extension projects - prequalification - expertise and ability;  - Time - budget - health and safety; - TRC Synergy - death - Subang;  - Penalty - suspension - consequences; - Effect on budget - delivery - cost;  - Transparency - issues - status of investigations;  - Health and safety - Klang Valley and Putrajaya construction projects - accidents;  - Non-fare revenue expansion - targets - rail plus property concept - revenue model - details;  - Fare review - unchanged in a decade - issues; - Bus business - Rapid - relationship with Pakatan-led states - Lim Guan Eng comments on non-delivery; - Monorail - Pg - monorail award in 2008 - Prasarana involvement - no developments since - issues;  - High-speed rail - whether Prasarana will be involved;  - Financial situation - debt levels - revenues - losses; - Prasarana bonds - pricing - issues; - 2018 listing - details. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Breakfast Grille we have Daniel Glinert, Chairman of Sarin Technologies Ltd, a diamond and gem technologies company listed on the Singapore exchange. We discuss: - the highs and lows of the company's share price  - the impact of volatile diamond prices on its trade and his outlook on prices - how they have taken steps to expand their revenues beyond the processing of rough diamonds - whether diamonds qualify as safe haven assetsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Kevin Gaskell, former Managing Director of Porsche and BMW in the UK, on how he turned around and grew both companies, and what auto brands like Proton should do to become a global player. Gaskell is now a business consultant, and was with Porsche in 1987-1996, and BMW in 1996-2000.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crescendo Corp Bhd MD Gooi Seong Lim discusses:  - 100% - Johor-focused positioning -- reasons -- implications;  - Industrialisation theme;  - Whether Iskandar theme has stretched to Crescendo;  - Land acquisition costs - Johor; - Non-Johor projects;  - Other trends: residential - relocation from expensive Singapore to cheaper Johor; - Johor sales outlook; - Resorts development - expansion - details;  - Education - expansion - details;  - Dividend policy - outlook;  - Governance issues - also MD of Sykt Kim Loong Resources Sdn Bhd.,major owner in Crescendo and Main Market-listed Kim Loong Resources Bhd. - issues;  - Also Chairman/MD - conflicts - counter to CG Best Practices;  - Four Goois on a board of seven;  - Outlook: economy - issues;  - Elections - unrest - Johor - issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Maclean Services Group CEO Simon Lim discusses:  - Differentiate from the listed company McLean;  - How it started - inherited business - challenges;  - Labour as biggest challenge - supply - quality - motivation;  - Minimum wage - issues;  - Client sectors - Retail - building - factory - in that order;  - Management - productivity tweaks;  - Rockefeller habits: details;  - Revenues 24m - profits 1.4m - 2012 - margins -- compression - outlook;  - Expansion Plans - list - trade sale.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Webb, the Corporate and Economic Governance Activist and Founder of Webb-site, discuss:  - Chosen career path;  - Conflict between the commercial and regulatory roles of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange;  - Arguments for a super regulatory authority to assume the oversight role;  - Fight for improved investor representation on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange;  - Hong Kong is - trying to extend legal culpability over financial advisors to an IPO;  -Role as independent non-executive director on HKSE;  - HK - voted among Asia’s best-governed exchanges - whether contradiction;  - Role of INEDs - necessity elected by independent shareholders;  - Big government in HK - whether violates principle of "big market, small government;  - Poll voting and Project Poll- Family owned structures - governance concerns - Related Party Transactions;  - His annual Christmas share tip.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Revenue of GUH Holdings fell from RM311 million in 2011 to RM280 million in 2012  due to a slowdown in the printed circuits board (PCB) division. Dato Kenneth H'ng, the managing director, explains how the small cap company is re-engineering its growth through diversification rather than solely focusing on its core business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Breakfast Grille, Raj Lorenz the Group Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of GHL Systems. He discusses the electronic payment infrastructure business and how GHL Systems is structured around three core business segments: shared services, solutions services and transaction payment acquisition. Raj also talks about the company's return to the black and why he believes the turnaround is sustainable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rod Young, Global Chairman and CEO of Cartridge World discusses on the Breakfast Grille: -- Cartridge World’s business model of refilling and remanufacturing printer cartridges -- quality control  -- possibility of diversifying -- his response complaints that remanufactured cartridges leak -- margins in this business -- moving with technology developments -- expansion plans and how Cartridge World plans to grow market share -- its franchising model and the relationship with its franchiseesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WTO braces for leadership race AFP March 31, 2013 The World Trade Organisation is bracing for the start of the race to lead the body that polices the rules of global commerce, a unique contest in the often-opaque sphere of international diplomacy. From April 2nd, the 158 WTO member states will start cutting a field of nine candidates for the post of director general, whose main task is to revive long-stalled talks on boosting international trade. After two four-year terms for Frenchman Pascal Lamy -- a former European Union trade chief -- emerging nations aim to stake their claim on the top job which is vacant on September 1st. Dr. Herminio Blanco Mendoza is Mexico’s candidate for the post of World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General. On the Breakfast Grille, he explains his plans for the organization in the short, medium and long terms. He also discusses why he is running and why his experience avails him as the strongest candidate for the post.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Breakfast Grille, Henrietta Lovell the founder and director of The Rare Tea Company discusses how she left behind a successful career in corporate finance to start the company, sourceing fine hand-crafted teas across the world’s most remote estates direct from farmers and their tea gardens. She talks about how businesses can be both profit driven and socially conscientious and draws parallels between the wine and tea trades.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In his book "Habit: the 95% of Behaviour Marketers Ignore", Dr Neale Martin a consumer behaviour expert debunks marketing myths that it's customer satisfaction and advertising creativity that drives buying decisions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malindo Air's CEO Chandran Rama Muthy comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the latest airline to take to the skies in Malaysia. Part of Indonesia's Lion Group, Malindon says what makes it different from the rest is that it is a "hybrid" airline, which offers low cost carrier fares but with full cost carrier frills. However, the landscape has remained tough for the airlines and the task is for Malindo Air to stand apart from its competitors. He also talks about: - The plan to add another 10 planes to the existing 2 in its current fleet by the end of this year. At the moment, Malindo flies to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, but its planning to expand to 12 destinations by the end of 2013, which includes Sibu and Miri as well as India. - He also talks about leveraging off Lion Group's other airlines and the synergies between; - He also says that the feedback for the maiden flights has been good;  - He addresses the fact that the Malindo's website went down in initial stages but says that improvements have been put in place to make sure it does not happen again; - He says its still early days yet in the airline to talk about whether they will meet their goal to break even by the end of the year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CLIQ Energy CFO En Kamarul Baharin Albakri discusses:  - Reasons behind news reports of termination from role as CEO of Petra Energy;  - Track record in finance-related oil and gas;  - Quantum raised - Identity of placees;  - Portion of company owned by management;  - Initial investors - price paid - issues; - Management fee? -- Annual amount paid to management;  - Listing fees;  - Management team - track record - experience - relevant skills;  - Viable alternative to - basket listed global mining / energy blue chips / global energy fund / energy or mining ETF- Qualifying asset - details - region - IRR - issues;  - Entry/production/operating costs - QA: details;  - Oil prices - outlook - impressions - shale - issues.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Andriesen, Managing Director for Agricultural Commodities at Chicago Mercantile Exchange, discusses:  - Revenue model;  - Extent of business;  - SEA relevance, local commodities and the USD Palm Oil futures contract - lack of takeup - Ringgit CPO Futures contract is still more popular - issues;  - Sophistication in US market - SEA as a nascent but huge market - issues;  - Scope for innovation - Asian scenario; - Other derivative products in future;  - Interest levels - In Asia: exchange collaborations - growth - mergers;  - Talk that CME had approached Deutsche Boerse on a merger - issues;  - Challenges to CME - Sequestration - Trading Volumes - extending trading hours - Competition. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roberto Verganti, Professor of Management of Innovation at Politecnico di Milano, and author of the book Design Driven Innovation, tells how to change the rules of competition by finding new meanings through product and service design.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George O'Grady, the Chief Executive of the European Tour, discusses:  - Primary business model;   - Updated number of tournaments - total prize money;  - Contrast with the much richer PGA Tour - issues;  - Tournament venues - who decides where - when - etc;  - China - growing presence - WGC Shanghai -- issues - credibility - ranking points;  - Middle East Unrest - players are reluctant to make the trip - outlook for the game in MidEast;  - Competing Asian Tours - no sign of resolution soon -- how bad is this getting for the game - co-sanctioning point of view;  - GFC issues - exodus of top European players to PGA Tour Card - issues;  - Jetset calendar - downsides - jet lag, amongst other things - issues;  - The PGA Tour - converted its events to charities - whether / why European Tour considered this avenue;  - His and PGA Tour head Tim Finchem's reaction to Steve Williams' racist remark against Tiger Woods - reasons;  - his bet for the winner of the Maybank Malaysian Open 2013. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Breakfast Grille, Hussain Najadi the chairman and CEO of Arab Investments for Asia Kuwait Limited Group (AIAK). He talks about his rebellious youth in Bahrain: from the setting up the Bahraini Liberation Front (BLF), to staging one of the first street demonstrations in Bahrain, that culminated in him being expelled from the Kingdom. On his work in Malaysia, Najadi explains why he sold his shares to Tan Sri Azman Hashim and exited the banking scene. He talks of the then limiting regulatory parameters in the banking scene, and how vital it is to have the right connections. He also writes, in reference to Bahrain, that during the course of his career he had to deal with “the elite world of high finance, the power play of big oil and the fickle fancy of politics” and how some signs of this are emerging in Malaysia. Najadi talks about the circumstances that led to his 7-year imprisonment in Bahrain, as well as the ensuing international lobby for his release. Listen to the podcast to find out why he hasn't be able to return home to Bahrain since. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daya Materials Bhd's group CEO Datuk Mazlin Junid comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the group's prospects and how it intends to stand shoulder to shoulder with the bigger players in the group. He talks about: - Daya Materials four year plan to reach RM1 billion in revenue by 2015, but addresses the fact that revenue for FY2012 actually came in lower year-on-year although margins improved. - However, he remains positive that the group will see about 20% growth for the coming year. - Daya Materials was also one of the companies bidding for the risk services contract for Petronas for Tembikai and Chenang, which was pulled due to logistical issues. However, he does not rule out it coming back on the table and Petronas has announced another 10 RSC contracts potentially in the pipeline. - He also talks about the group's polymer segment, which is losing money and he says is in a "sunset industry". He does not rule hiving it off or letting it die a natural death. - He also addresses the group's business in Indonesia and talks about potential business from Sri Lanka, among others.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Mark Mobius, Executive Chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets Group, talks on the Breakfast Grille about his view on the current run of the markets and how he expects it to play out in the coming months. In the interview he also talks about:  - About the current movements in the US markets; - Prospects in Latin America, which is the US' third largest trading partner, whose economy is on the rise; - Addresses the issue of crime and drug trade in the country, but says that it seems to be improving and that the on the ground feeling is vibrant;  - He also continues to like Brazil and Russia, he considers a hidden gem thanks to its natural resources; - In Asia, he still continues to like Indonesia, but also sees prospects in the SEA countries.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Breakfast Grille, Naeem Shahab the chairman and CEO of Philips Group of Companies in Malaysia, explains the three main businesses: Lighting, Healthcare and Consumer Lifestyle He also discusses: -- potential for growth within each of the business lines -- the focus on health and wellness, going forward -- the Philips Lumileds facility in Penang and the potential for more investment in Malaysia -- how Malaysia's aim to move higher in the value chain would change the way Philips approaches its business here -- The sale of Philips Electronics' audio and video business to Japan's Funai Electric Co -- The repositioning away from consumer electronics -- The Philips' brand -- The culture of invention and innovation -- The procurement process of the public healthcare system -- The uncertainty of the upcoming elections -- World Sleep Day: Philips and University of Malaya Specialist Center collaborate to open South East Asia’s first excellence center for sleep disorders, the first of its kind in Asia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Affin Fund Management Berhad CEO Datuk Mohamad Ayob Abu Hassan discusses:  - AUMS - reasons behind relatively small size;  - LTAT: Mandates - whether over-dependence;  - Performance - Targets - methodology; - Distribution? Agency workforce - branches;  - Products innovation - rollout plan;  - Target market? Malay / rural savings - Institutionals - non-Islamic market;  - Investmet philosophy - USPs;  - Local - Equities - views;  - Elections - issues - concerns;  - QE-led rally - missing the boat;  - Sectors / companies;  - Invested / cash levels;  - Foreign equities? Issues;  - Foreign competition - Direct to market - opinion;  - Examples like Templeton -- very fast - other big foreign houses - e.g. Nomura, Aberdeen etc;  - Growth - M&A - issues;  - If Hwang DBS - issues - cultural fit- Still-small component of overall Affin earnings -- whether board pressure - demanding KPIs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Breakfast Grille, Hansgrohe Prvt Ltd's MD KC Lee, which overseas the operations in Southeast Asia, talks about the companuy's growth prospects in emerging markets while remaining true to its "Made in Germany" brand. The company is best known in the sanitation space, with a product range that includes showers, taps and bathroom fixtures, and in 2011, the German parent registered a revenue of EUR761 million. Other salient points include: - How China is a double-edged sword. While the market is vast, but there is also the threat of intense competition.  - About how controlling costs remains an issue, and adding to that is the fact that the bulk of their factories are in Germany. - However, KC feels that there is still upside for the higher end segment.  - He admits that the property cycle, where they are a presence, can be cyclical but says that the retail segment can help to smoothen it out - Also the importance of advertising, with an emphasis on emerging markets. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Breakfast Grille, Yuri Wahab the managing director of Cisco Systems (Malaysia) explains the 'Internet of Everything' and what it means for all of us. He also discusses: -- the Malaysian business and the wide portfolio of its products and services -- the Malaysian infrastructure and the coming rollout of 4G-LTE -- growing Cisco's presence in the SME/SMB market -- the SME/SMB mentality: price-sensitive, wants simplicity -- tech trends to watch for: Cloud & BYOD -- ICT talent gap -- Belkin's acquisition of Linksys and Cisco's exit from the consumer business -- future plans for MalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Travis Atkinson, the CEO of AmGeneral Isurance Bhd, talks on the Breakfast Grille on life post the RM1.67 billion acquisition of Kurnia. He talks about the challenges the insurance sector faces and how the company intends to growh going forward. He also addresses: - The teething problems that come with merging two insurance entities. He talks about changing mindsets and how the bring in both entities and finding the synergies.  - He talks about the focus on the car market segment, and how they intent to cross-sell both the brands, and educating consumers on new products.  - He also talks about how the focus is also on growing other segments, such as commercial insurance and the importance in the face of natural disasters.  - He also thinks that the market will grow with GDP See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MGPA Head of Asset Management-Asia, Hugh Andrew discusses: - Story behind inception - James Quille - management buyout of Lend Lease Corporation's Global Property Investment fund unit in February 2004 - early stage PE tumult of fundraising - track record - cashflow; - AUMS - Asia / Europe footprint - breakdown; - Identity investors - time frame for holding - retention rates - 're-ups'; - Broad PE RE industry challenges - global financial crisis: > Changes to fund structuring terms - extent of pressure it placed on PERE fund terms - concentrated focus on fund management fees - shorter fund terms - cash returns and not management fee waivers - pressure to structure fees? > Regulatory reforms playing a bigger role - Liquidity and oversight rules - contrast with compliance costs - extent to which investors willing to compromise; > Regulations that impact the real estate funds industry - Dodd-Frank Act - Alternative Investment Fund Managers (AIFM) Directive - AIFM (Non-EU-based platforms) - Basel III - etc; > Potential accounting changes - Fair value implications - how rental income, real estate taxes, operating expenses, property level debt, etc. shown on the financial statements - contrast with current investment company model; - Investing philosophy - 'above-average returns' - details; - Investing proposition for European assets - classes - countries details; - Europe Issues - liquidity surfeit (Draghi ‘whatever it takes’) - massive unemployment - distressed asset opportunities - sovereign rating downgrades - etc; - Asia issues: countries - strategy - details - Dynamics: middle class - urbanisation - population boom - rising affluence - changing taste patterns - central bank flush cash - record-low rates, massive liquidity; - Inflation - property curbs - China, Singapore and to lesser extent Malaysia - implications.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Breakfast Grille, Soren Ravn the managing director of Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia Bhd discusses: --  the company's FY12 results --  its dividend payout ratio --  improving production efficiency and product mix outlook for 2013 --  brand equity update and competition --  in-house brewing --  the performance of its latest imported premium beer: Somersby Apply Cider --  A&P spend --  Carlsberg as the first ever official beer partner of the Barclays Premier League --  distribution channels --  likelihood of a beer excise tax hike in 2013 --  raw material prices --  possibility of product price increase this year --  hopes of revamping the current alcohol tax structureSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SGX-listed Super Group Ltd's Darren Teo, who heads Group Corporate Strategy & Business Development, comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the group's prospects in the highly competitive FMCG space. The group however, recently posted a good round of results where net profit grew by 27.7% to SG1810.4 million. He talks about - What will continue to drive the group's prospects in their key markets of China, Singapore and Malaysia. - The status of Super Group's new plant in Malaysia, and how it will help the group diversify on the back of a new operations dealing with herbal extracts.  - Darren also does not rule out the possibility of partners, given the current consolidation wave going on the FMCG space, but says that there is nothing concrete as of yet.  - He also talks about the recent spate of rebranding that the group underwent in order to give its product a fresher look, in a bid to attract the younger crowd. - He also addresses issues of quality control, given the recent horsemeat scandal in Europe, which has made people jittery. Interestingly he points out that it was because of a food scare in China that Super Group saw the opportunity to go into the food ingredients business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrea Illy shares his passion for the family's eponymous coffee brand, and his distribution strategy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Breakfast Grille, His Excellency Miles Kupa, the Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, discusses: --  the Malaysia-Australia relationship, especially in trade and economic co-operation --  the newly effective Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (1st Jan 2013) and opportunities under the FTA --  Independent Senator Nick Xenophon's deportation from Malaysia on grounds that he posed a “security risk” to the country --  the events of that morning, according to the High Commissioner --  his take on comments that Senator Xenophon was meddling with Malaysia’s internal affairs and accusations of foreign interference --  the upcoming Australian polls and the way elections are conducted in the country --  an update on the refugee swap plan between Malaysia and Australia --  if there has been an increase in the Malaysian migration trend to Australian See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Munchy's Group's CEO CK Tan comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about the current course of the group, which is best known as a manufacturer of biscuits, and how it intends to hold on to its market share of about 20%. According to published statistics, the value of the biscuit market in Malaysia is worth around RM1 billion per annum. He also talks about - How they are hoping to see double digit growth for its topline, driven by innovation and new products.  - They recently entered the snack food space, and says that the group aims to launch new products every year. However, he admits that not all the products launched are successful and they normally give it around three to six month evaluation period.  - They do not rule out the possibility of listing, but says that it is in the far future.  - They have been approached by bigger companies looking to acquire them, but nothing has been decided yet. On the flipside, they are also on the look out for assets.  - China is another of their markets. CK admits that quality control is an issue, in the light of the recent scandal in the Eurozone about products contamindated with horsemeat. However, he says that they will adopt the same measures seen here.  - Indonesia is also set to be another big market, and they plan to see results from a JV they have there over the next 10 months. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune Ins Holdings Bhd CEO Peter Miller discusses: - IPO - lukewarm market -- election jitters - whether misgivings - issues; - Institutional ownership - details; - IPO proceeds - 'strategic investments' - details - valuations - prospects; - Dividend payout ratio - visibility; - Online: strategy; - Conventional: strategy; - Managing differing insurance 'ethos’ - reconciling;- Chances of disposing conventional division - future; - Geographical segmentation - three-year outlook; - If/when the acquisitions are made, which areas first - importance of culture and fit; - Claims ratios - benign: low-single digits - Reasons - outlook; - A&P strategy - spend - proportion; - Distribtution - hotels - airplanes - tenures of partnership - exclusivity - issues; - Dependence on AirAsia as a potential challenge; - Malindo as a rival airline and therefore a potential competitor; - General competition - issues; - Margins - outlook; - Whether forecasts achievable -- expected CAGR going forward.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia Debt Ventures Bhd MD/CEO Datuk Md. Zubir Ansori Yahaya discusses: - Business model - rates - tenures - details; - VC model - equity participation - exit options; - Process - time of application; - No. of applicants, award rate; - Total fund size currently -- utility of cash before disbursement; - What has the Malaysian taxpayer received from a decade of funding; - How police disbursements; - Audit of borrowers - action taken - enforcement; - NPL rates; - How MOF polices MDV - properly allocation; - KPIS: 'Nation building' - Profitability; - Details: the biggest successes? Failures; - Audit of investees -- measurable performance; - Of the 450 firms you have funded, how many have deteriorated to legal; - 'Pressure' from above.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The main objective of the Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MFCCI) is to promote the development of business relations between Malaysian and French Companies. On the Breakfast Grille, Pierre Cheyron, the president of MFCCI, discusses why more and more French companies are saying "Bonjour!" to Malaysia. He also examines Malaysia's competitiveness and the bilateral trade between the two countries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Breakfast Grille Altran's Chairman and CEO Philippe Salle comes on to talk about the group's aspirations for Malaysia and Asia in general. The French company is better known in Europe, where  its main business is outsourcing R&D for company's starting from the conception of their projects to the end. Altran has just opened its office in Kuala Lumpur and plans to make Malaysia's its main hub for Southeast Asia. Other talking points from the interview include:  - Altran's plans for the rest of Asia, with a focus on China and India. Malaysia is set to serve as the company's main jumping point for the rest of SEA and the group plans to spend several million Euros in investment.  - He also talks about the challenges being faced in the Eurozone, how the economy has definitely slowed and their strategy for overcoming the hard times.  - Finding talent remains the main issue for Altran as it seeks to try and double its workforce in certain areas consistently.  - He also hints at a possible acquisition in India coming up for the group after having completed the acquisition of a German company. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Horst Schulze, legendary hotelier, former executive of the Ritz Carlton, and founder of Capella Hotels talks about where ultra-luxury hospitality is headed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Westports Malaysia Dragons president and co-founded Datuk Wira Dani Daim and co-founder and deputy president and co-owner Ruben Emir Gnanalingam talk about what drove them to form a professional basketball team given that Malaysians interests seem to be skewed more towards football and single person sports. They give a history on how it all started, together with Datuk Robin Tan and where they want to bring it. - All three have extremely famous fathers, namely Tun Daim Zainuddin, Tan Sri G Gnanalingam and Tan Sri Vincent Tan. They admit that sometimes having famous fathers means that it is sometimes hard for them to find funding. - All three are also corporate figures in Malaysia but do no run the basketball teams as just a hobby. They do not personally manage the team, but instead have a professional team of managers to run it.  - All the funding came from the three individuals but they wouldn't mention how much was invested, just that it was substantial. - Their ultimate aim is to make the team self sustaining but admits that it will take some time. In the meantime they invest in camps and training to build up the local players.        President and Co-Founder Datuk Wira Dani Daim and Co-Founder & Deputy President and Co-Owner Ruben Emir GnanalingamSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wipro-Unza's Managing Director for Southeast Asia Kumar Chander returns to the Breakfast Grille to give an update on how the company has been doing in the region and the new markets the company is eyeing. The group has a portfolio of 48 brands comprising familar names such as Enchanteur, Aiken and Carrie. On the Breakfast Grille Kumar discusses - How the company keeps ahead in a highly competitive environment, and how it keeps its brand relevant.  - The bulk of manufacturing done by Wipro-Unza is in-house, so while that allows a better control of costs, it also leaves the company open to fluctuations in raw material costs.  - Kumar also gives an update on the acquisition of LD Waxsons and how it is fitting into Wipro-Unza's portfolio of brands, and addresses the issue of cannibalisation within its portfolio.  - He also talks about the new market segments on Wipro-Unza's radarSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world’s most powerful bank is one most people have probably never heard of. It’s not Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, HSBC or Bank of America. According to this book, it is China Development Bank. Henry Sanderson Beijing-based Bloomberg journalist and co-author of ‘China's Superbank: Debt, Oil and Influence - How China Development Bank is Rewriting the Rules of Finance’ discusses: -- the CDB and how China's rise as a global economic superpower over the past decade is intricately tied to this bank -- Chen Yuan, the Chairman of CDB since 1998, and the power and influence he wields -- CDB's China-Africa Development Fund — China's largest private equity fund investing in Africa — and its attempts to stimulate manufacturing in Ethiopia, and CDB's lending to Ghana -- CDB's work to secure a steady flow of oil and gas to China through loans-for-energy deals around the world, particularly to Venezuela -- CDB's lines of credit that have helped new Chinese firms in telecom and alternative energy win significant global projects See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the Breakfast Grille, Joey Yap, the founder of Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics gives us a preview of what to expect in the Year of the Snake.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some 7.4 million people worldwide are estimated to have Parkinson's Disease -- almost one person in every 500 will get this condition. Currently there are no biomarkers, no simple bloodtest that you can take to diagnose this neurological disorder. But soon, thanks to research by Dr Max Little and his team, a mere 30-second phone call to a computer could very well tell you whether or not you have Parkinson's Disease. Dr. Max Little, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at MIT and the director of the Parkinson's Voice Initiative discusses this breakthrough technology on the Breakfast Grille.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

His Excellency, Dr Guenter Gruber, the German ambassador to Malaysia, discusses: -- If the worst of the Eurozone crisis over -- An expected time frame for a meaningful recovery -- Growing Euroscepticism, especially in the UK -- German sentiment towards the EU, as the biggest contributor to the bailouts of Greece, Ireland and Portugal-- Cyprus as the next point of contention in the Eurozone crisis -- Market turbulence over political uncertainty in Italy and corruption allegations that senior politicians in Spain -- The focus of the general elections in Germany on September 22nd- - What Malaysia can learn from Germany's free education system -- The German embassy’s funding for projects linked to NGO Suaram, as well as Wisma Putra's reactionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Redberry Group CEO Datuk Siew Ka Wei is on the Breakfast Grille. Listen to the podcast for the expanded version, as he discusses: -- his plans for the media division -- the outdoor advertising business -- the performance of the Malay Mail since its reincarnation on January 30th, 2012 -- editorial policy -- coverage on GE -- rationale of distributing one million copies of the Malay Mail on December 7th -- balacing editorial content with the need to sell to advertisers -- print as a sunset industry -- outlook on adex -- performance of Malaysian Reserve -- rationale of buying internet radio Durian FM -- challenges in running print media -- PM's brother Datuk Johari Razak on board of AncomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.