The Breakfast Grille

Malaysia has secured the presidency of the UN-Habitat General Assembly for the 2025–2029 term, but is this accolade deserved when there is still a long list of property reforms to be accomplished. And is the property market weighed too heavily in favour of the developers? Questions we pose to Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government whilst asking if he is next in line to lead DAP.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government estimates that in 2024, cybercrime incidents incurred total losses exceeding RM1.5 billion ringgit involving more than 35,000 reported cases. As businesses step up safeguards against cyberattacks, how is ACE Market-listed cybersecurity specialist LGMS positioning themselves to benefit from this long-term theme? We catch-up on the business strategy and prospects of LGMS with CEO Fong Choong Fook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The value of US-ASEAN trade in goods grew by 13% in 2024 - but is the era of trade growth coming to an end in light of the seismic shift in US economic policy? We discuss the evolution of US-ASEAN economic ties and what's ahead with Marc Mealy, Executive Vice President of the US-ASEAN Business Council. Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

JTI Malaysia, the Malaysian Business of Japan Tobacco, is one of the three largest tobacco players globally. We’ll be speaking with Juliana Mohd Yahaya, Managing Director of JTI Malaysia to understand the pace of the transition from cigarettes and also how regulatory changes are reshaping the business model of tobacco companies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As more consumers and businesses go cashless, how are payment industry players positioning themselves to capitalise on this potential growth, especially in Asian digital economies? We discuss the business strategy and regional prospects for Global Payments with Krishnaraj Tantri, Senior Vice President for South and Southeast Asia.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Signature Alliance Group, an interior fitting-out specialist company, is set to make its market debut on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market. Darren Chang, its managing director, talks about the company's growth strategy, its edge in a competitive sector, and what investors need to know about its post-IPO plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CUCKOO International, best known for its home appliances and wellness solutions, is set to become Bursa Malaysia's biggest listing in 7 months when it debuts on the Main Market this Jun 24. Hoe Kian Choon, CUCKOO's CEO, talks about the IPO journey, the company's pivot from distributor to brand powerhouse, its growth ambitions, and whether current market sentiment will support its lofty valuation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Malaysia facing significant labour structural issues, Minister of Human Resources, Steven Sim has a hard task ahead of him. We ask him what are the solutions and whether the government remains too pro-business. We also ask if DAP is MCA 2.0 and his own political future when tasked with uniting the party.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Microsoft recently launched Malaysia West, its first hyperscale cloud region in the country, part of a USD2.2 billion investment spanning four years. What’s the end game for Microsoft in Southeast Asia, and how do we translate the benefit of AI to the Malaysian workforce? We discuss this with Scott Guthrie, Executive Vice President for Cloud + AI of Microsoft on the sidelines of the Microsoft AI Tour: Kuala Lumpur.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As nations confront the twin challenges of ageing populations and shifting global influence, questions of sustainability and governance take center stage. Fredrik Reinfeldt, the former Prime Minister of Sweden, discusses these issues from a uniquely Swedish perspective as well as the lessons Malaysia can learn.Prime Minister Reinfeldt will be a speaker at the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2025 organised by KWSP happening on the 17-18 of June.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s tech leasing space is picking up speed, driven by growing demand for smarter, more flexible ICT solutions. One local player stepping up is ICT Zone Asia Berhad, a home-grown device financing firm making the jump from the LEAP to the ACE Market, with plans to raise RM26.6 million ahead of its June 3 listing.  Managing Director & CEO Tommy Lim joins us to discuss their growth strategy.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fertility specialist Alpha IVF is looking to expand its regional presence to 15 facilities by 2027 following its ACE Market debut in 2024. We catch up with Managing Director Dato' Dr Colin Lee on the expansion strategy of Alpha IVF amid shifts in the regulatory landscape for private healthcare in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penguin Random House, one of the world’s largest English-language publishers, has expanded in India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa. Aisalli Ayub speaks to regional CEO Gaurav, Gaurav Shrinagesh, of Penguin Random House India, South East Asia, Middle East and North Africa on amplifying local voices, embracing regional languages, adapting to digital trends, and taking regional authors to the global stage.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This morning Philip See sits down with Oscar Ow, Executive Director of MSB Global Group Bhd, a company that specializes in the distribution, marketing and services of automotive parts and lubricants. Philip will be quizzing Oscar on the decision to list on the ACE Market in these turbulent times, whether it is affected by global supply chain troubles, its plans in the EV industry and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryt Bank — a joint venture between YTL Digital Capital and e-commerce giant Sea Ltd — is the latest digital bank to commence operations. We’ll be speaking with Melvin Ooi, the bank’s CEO, about its journey so far.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two years after Betamek was listed on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market, this automotive electronics company has seen some solid earnings, made strategic acquisitions, and has EV-related tech in its sights. Mirzan Mahathir, the company's managing director, gets candid with why Betamek's share price isn't performing as well as it should as well as his personal legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), a leading not-for-profit private university in Malaysia, continues to nurture talent and drive innovation across the region. We speak with Ir. Professor Dato' Dr. Ewe Hong Tat, President of UTAR, about the university’s journey, its commitment to accessible education, and preparing future-ready graduates in a rapidly changing world.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Toys "R" Us Asia has been largely insulated from the bankruptcy fallout of its American parent company in 2018. How resilient is the toy retail business in the face of rapidly changing consumer trends, supply chain risks and geopolitical uncertainties? We discuss its strategy for brand longevity and sustainability with Leo Tsoi, CEO of Toys "R" Us Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The idea of a universal basic income or UBI has been gaining attention and sparking debate, as the planet grapples with rising inequality, job insecurity, and rapid automation. Professor Guy Standing, Professorial Research Associate at SOAS University of London and a founding member and honorary co-president of the Basic Income Earth Network, helps us unpack the economic, political, and ethical dimensions of this idea and if Malaysia is ready for it.Professor Guy Standing will be a speaker at the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2025 organised by KWSP happening on the 17-18 of June.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.