The Breakfast Grille

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.

Equity markets started on a wobbly note in 2025 due to uncertainty over a Trump Presidency. We ask Anand Pathmakanthan, Head of Regional Equity Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group and Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer for Affluent Product & Proposition, CIMB Bank Berhad for their views on how politics impacts markets, the investment strategy to adopt and where are the money making ideas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than two years of helming the position as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has recently released a book titled “Saving The Planet”, documenting his experiences as Minister. As Malaysia has a strong commitment to its net-zero goal, we speak with him to understand how our country can translate ambition into action as well as how we can reconcile climate policy with political expediency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GXBank was the first digital bank to launch in September 2023. Has their customer acquisition strategy paid off, how they intend to benefit from the Grab ecosystem and when can they be profitable? Questions we pose to Lai Pei Si, CEO of GXBank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Visa is upbeat about its future in Southeast Asia with various surveys pointing to an increasing number of people in the region adopting a cashless lifestyle. Serene Gay, the global payment network's group country manager for this region as well as the senior VP of global clients and acquirer for the Asia Pacific region also discusses efforts to combat fraud and enhance cybersecurity.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The importance of cybersecurity cannot be understated enough as any compromises or breaches can threaten supply chains, financial stability - and even of course democracy. Sarene Lee, the Malaysia country manager for, Palo Alto Networks, talks about the cybersecurity service providers efforts to enhance Malaysia's readiness and the battle to stay ahead of cyber-criminals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Presenter Phillip See will be sitting down with Steven Xie, Head of South East Asia, Swisslog, a company with Swiss roots that specializes in warehouse automation. They’ll be discussing the company’s warehouse automation and management system, what sets Swisslog apart from its competitors, how it is adapting to operating in different regions globally, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Madani Government launched the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) in December 2024 to mobilise the industry to leverage on the A.I. technology. We discuss the priorities of the new body with its CEO, Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The regulatory landscape for Malaysian aviation is undergoing a revolution as the body tasked with overseeing the economic health of the industry, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) is being merged with the technical safety body, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). How prepared is CAAM to be the sole regulatory entity amid headwinds for the aviation players? We discuss this with CAAM CEO Dato’ Captain Norazman Mahmud.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stage is set for Malaysia in 2025, as it assumes the chairmanship of Asean as well as being admitted to the BRICS grouping as a partner country. This year also sees divisions being drawn between the US with a new president and its long-term rival China. Dr Prashanth Parameswaran, founder of the ASEAN Wonk newsletter and a fellow at the Wilson Centre in Washington DC shares his views on what we can look forward to this year.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DKSH, the Swiss-based market expansion services provider is responsible for consumer brands such as Famous Amos and SCS Butter in Malaysia. What do its fortunes tell us about the state of the Malaysian consumer? We speak to Sandeep Tewari, Head of Country Leadership and Executive Director of DKSH Malaysia on the growth prospects of the company, especially in the healthcare segment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The solar industry has been been growing by leaps and bounds due to a raft of government policies and incentives. But it’s also extremely competitive and requires capital. We speak to Lew Shoong Kai from Northern Solar Holdings Berhad as to if going public will provide the funding it needs to grow, the competition and are their valuations fair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Presenter Phillip See will be sitting down with Euan Smith, Group CEO of Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad about the company’s financial performance, how they’re adapting to the rapidly changing media landscape, how hard it is to market in Malaysia, leveraging their strength in creating vernacular content, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In August last year, Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif was appointed as Kuala Lumpur’s first female mayor. After serving in the role for almost five months, we speak with her to discuss her achievements so far and areas for improvement moving forward as she contends with the challenges of getting the basics right as well as transforming Kuala Lumpur into a global gateway into Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia under the Madani Government has set a national goal to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. But are the policies in place sufficient to ensure Malaysia’s resilience in the probable likelihood that the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold for warming is breached? We discuss themes in the climate change agenda with Yin Shao Loong of Khazanah Research Institute, lead author of "What Is To Be Done? Confronting Climate Crisis in Malaysia."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Signify has a 125-year history as an innovator and global leader in lighting. However, with the increasing demand for energy saving solutions, how does this company retain its edge today in an increasingly commoditised industry. Sukanto Aich, Managing Director, Professional Business Southeast Asia & President, Signify Malaysia tells us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global media and entertainment industry is undergoing structural changes impacting traditional business models. How are industry players adapting to the evolving conditions? We revisit conversations with media & entertainment majors and regulators on how they're navigating the challenging landscape.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 was the year geopolitical fault lines became even more pronounced between the US, China and Russia amid the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza. How are Malaysia and other countries navigating the currents? We revisit conversations on foreign policy issues that dominated the year.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year marks 2 years since Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim took office. Is the Madani Government living up to expectations? We revisit conversations with key leaders and political figures on the highlights and lowlights of Malaysian politics this year.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is competing with regional peers to attract foreign direct investments but do we have the right competitive advantage as investors flock to themes like AI, data centres and semiconductors. We revisit conversations on what's driving investment into the country. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benjamin Franklin once said that an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest - this statement rings true until today. In Malaysia, education issues have ranged from how politics have influenced policies resulting in issues that affect us and future generations to come. We revisit conversations with the primary stakeholders to see what some of these issues are.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A country's democracy is only as strong as the institutions of governance that underpin it. How far has the Madani Government lived up to expectations of its reform agenda? We revisit conversations discussing how Malaysia's political and democratic institutions can be strengthened.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supreme Consolidated Resources is a newly ACE listed frozen food supplier. We speak to Dato’ Richard Wee, their Executive Chairman about the business of importing, trading and distribution of food products in East Malaysia, as well as its plans for IPO proceeds and course, should we consider adding the stock to our portfolio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACE-listed KHPT Holdings Bhd has been an automotive parts and components supplier to Proton for 29 years and to Perodua for 24 years, through 'Tier 1' suppliers and manufacturers. Upon debuting on Bursa Malaysia in early October, the company set aside over 75% of its 21.7 million ringgit in IPO proceeds for capital expenditure. We speak with KHPT’s group managing director Datin Eloise See about the firm’s long term growth plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Online travel agencies have arguably become the primary platform to explore options for the next vacation, with the online travel market in Southeast Asia estimated to be worth USD46 billion in 2024. How is digital platform Booking.com competing with other players in an increasingly crowded space? We discuss themes in the business of travel and tourism with Anthony Lu, Regional Director of Southeast Asia & China at Booking.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gurtaj Singh Padda, Executive Director of Tune Talk speaks on his acquisition of the majority of shares in the telco company, sparking innovation that brings convenience to consumers in Malaysia, the dual 5G network rollout, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Water Berhad, a bottled water and beverages producer homegrown in Sabah made its debut on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia last month with an IPO price of 65 sen per share. What does Life Water intend to do with the RM63.4 million ringgit proceeds from its listing? We speak to Liaw Hen Kong, Managing Director of Life Water Berhad to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made his maiden visit to Brazil where he reiterated that Malaysia would like to join BRICS. We speak to His Excellency Ary Norton De Murat Quintella, Brazilian Ambassador to Malaysia about the chances of that materialising, the new global world order with Trump 2.0 and the possibility of Malaysia having an FTA with Brazil to improve trade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is one of Canada's largest bilateral merchandise trading partners in Southeast Asia. Bilateral trade between both countries reached RM8.05 billion as of August 2024, which is a significant 41% year-on-year increase. Philip See speaks with the new High Commissioner of Canada to Malaysia, Her Excellency Jodi Robinson, to discuss the growing economic ties between Canada and Malaysia as well as Ottawa's vision for strengthening bilateral relations with Putrajaya.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.