The Breakfast Grille

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.

Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology is strengthening its focus on industry collaboration, research excellence, and student development to stay competitive. President Prof. Ir. Dr Lee Sze Wei highlights challenges including financial sustainability and workforce demands while emphasizing the university’s commitment to innovation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has been rolling out a series of renewable energy policies that have benefited the solar industry. One beneficiary is listed Solarvest Holdings. We ask their CEO and co-founder as to their financial performance, the competition and their transformation plans from being an EPCC player to also an asset owner.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boost Bank is one of the 5 digital banks in Malaysia which was launched in June 2024. We check in with Sheyantha Abeykoon, Group CEO of Boost to find out their strategies for growth and the path to profitability in a competitive environment whilst looking at how soon this regional fintech can monetise their business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's trade hit a record RM2.88 trillion in 2024, with exports rising 5.7% and imports up 13.2%. We speak to Liew Chin Tong about the outlook for this year and strategies to position the country as a key investment hub.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With AI, demographic shifts, and geopolitical tensions, is research still the key to understanding this new world order. We speak to Ben Page, Global CEO of IPSOS, to find out whilst asking if AI makes a difference to the accuracy of polls and also the financials of this French-listed company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2025, third-party enterprise software services provider Rimini Street marks 20 years since its entry into the IT landscape disrupted conventional business models of major Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) players. How is it navigating the challenging economic landscape ahead, including the overhang of a long-running litigation case? We discuss the outlook of the business with CEO Seth Ravin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump baffled many around the world when he made known his intentions to retake the Panama Canal on his very first day in office. Why does Washington DC want a canal in another sovereign country? Today we explore the historical significance of the canal and the origins of the present political dynamics with Julie Greene, Professor of History at the University of Maryland and author of the book “The Canal Builders: Making America's Empire at the Panama Canal,” published in 2009.Image Credits: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oriental Kopi’s impressive listing on the ACE Market saw its shares nearly double on debut, marking a strong start for the brand. But beyond the hype, how will it sustain its momentum and stand out in Malaysia’s fast-moving F&B scene? Managing Director Dato’ Calvin Chan shares the company’s strategy for growth and long-term success..See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transparency International's annual Corruption Perceptions Index for 2024 has ranked Malaysia 57 out of 180 countries and territories, with a score of 50 - a score of 100 is considered the least corrupt. These results are essentially unchanged from 2023's index. Dr Muhammad Mohan, the outgoing president of Transparency International Malaysia shares his thoughts on Malaysia's fight against corruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scam Inc is the latest podcast series produced by the news magazine The Economist, and it uncovers the sprawling global network behind online financial scams. In the spirit of World Radio Day, we go behind the scenes of making the podcast and its many revelations with Sue Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent with the Economist and host of Scam Inc.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The earnings of Karex for FY2024 were exceptional but will this new world order disrupt this trend in 2025? We ask Goh Miah Kiat their CEO if Trump 2.0 gives him sleepless nights, what are his strategies for growth and why the stock remains unloved by analysts despite the positive outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, 2024 saw 1.4 billion international tourists, signaling the return to health of an industry that was decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic. What will be the trends shaping the tourism industry in 2025, and more importantly is Malaysia positioning itself to leverage the Asia-Pacific tailwinds? We discuss these themes with our expert panel.Image Credits: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It was only last year that Malaysia amended its laws to give Malaysian women equal rights as men to confer automatic citizenship to children born overseas. Despite this breakthrough, what are other gaps in the legal framework that affect the rights and well-being of Malaysian families? We discuss these themes with our expert panel.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For 2024, Bursa Malaysia had a record year of initial public offerings with 42 companies going public with a market capitalization of RM31.4bn. We look back at some of the conversations we had with some of these companies that include Prolintas, Alpha IVF and Johor Plantations.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2024, Malaysia's property market saw an uptick in transactions and values across all sectors, driven by positive sentiment and increasing investor confidence. We speak to Jamie Tan, Managing Director, JLL, and Keith Ooi, Group Managing Director at Knight Frank Malaysia, on the outlook for 2025 and how one can still make money from this asset class.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Johor has become synonymous with Malaysia’s burgeoning data centre industry, and the spotlight on the southern region has only intensified with the signing of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone agreement between the two countries last month. What is the role of the state promotional agency, Invest Johor in courting investors to the SEZ? I discuss the potential economic growth levers in Johor with CEO Natazha Harris.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uzma Group, a leading energy and technology company in Malaysia, is achieving notable progress with its 60:40 revenue split between O&G and non-core sectors, alongside key projects like the Kedah solar farm and satellite launches. Founder and Group CEO Dato' Kamarul Redzuan Muhamed discusses the company’s expansion, market challenges, and future outlookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On January 20th, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in for a second term, making a remarkable comeback as the 47th President of the United States after previously serving as the 45th. To help us reflect on how the early days of his second administration are shaping up, Philip See will be speaking with Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before any concert involving a foreign artist can be held in Malaysia, approval is required from the Central Application Agency for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes, better known by its Malay acronym PUSPAL. We go behind the scenes at PUSPAL and discuss what goes into their decision-making process with Yazman Yahya, Undersecretary of the Content Development Division at the Ministry of Communication.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is a magnet for business tourism, generating an estimated RM12.3 billion in economic impact since it was first opened in May 2005. As the centre celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, what do its prospects tell us about the health of the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibition (MICE) industry? We discuss what's next with General Manager John Burke.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Evergreen Max Cash Capital is one of three pawnbroking companies listed on Bursa Malaysia and is operating in a landscape that is challenging and rife with stigma. The company's executive director Low Kai Loon talks to us about EMCC's expansion plans and how it plans to embrace technology and AI going forward while growing its market share.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swift Energy Technology has the distinction of being the year’s first IPO on Bursa Malaysia, making its ACE Market debut on the 8th of January. How is the industrial automation and power systems provider making use of its RM70 million ringgit IPO proceeds? We discuss the company's origins and growth trajectory in its niche markets, including process controls, explosion-proof solar PV and power distribution systems, with CEO Tan Bin Chee. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.