The Breakfast Grille

Torstein Dale Sjotveit, CEO of Sarawak Energy, is optimistic that there will be sufficient demand for energy in Sarawak, and the environmental impact of the hydro dams and coal fired plants. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Great Wall Plastic Industries CEO Lim Kok Boon talks about the company background, the upcoming IPO, valuation, offer-fpr-sale perception, market receptiveness to another packaging company, how its business differ from other players such as Daibochi and Tomypak, use of IPO proceeds, reasons for expansion to America, issues related to oil prices, and the price of resin, addresses cyclicality of the business and forecast earnings and growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Diageo Plc Regional MD for Malaysia,Singapore and Indonesia, Siobhan Hamilton, talks about the importance of the Asia Pacific region to global business, popular barnds, market trends, dynamics, themes and challenges. She also discusses the trend of premiumisation across the region and how this is being manifested in her portfolio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato Sri Idris Jala, CEO of PEMANDU, talks about the economic transformation programme and his plans to revive private sector investment, PEMANDU's plans to get government to step aside, how the programs will sit alongside affirmative action as well as the GLC phenomenon. He discusses how PEMANDU will convince the private sector to invest in Malaysia, the possibility of a revamp of the policy framework, and getting the civil service to buy into the transformation program. He also dicusses the accountability structure, how transgressions are punished, the extent of PEMANDU's powers, the success measurability of the ETP as compared to the GTP. He also discusses thepossibility of the day when -- if -- the current government is one day no longer in power and the fate of the transformation programs, the presence of 'champions'to drive development in the National Key Economic Areas, and how their credentials were established. Dato Sri Idris also fields a number of callers, answering questions on subjects ranging from education to transport integration to corruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adlan Hercus, Financial Controller at Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre (MGRC), tells us about the growth potential of MGRC and why the IPO is priced at a discount. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Derrik Khoo, CEO of ACGT, a subsidiary of Genting Plantations, tells us the potential of genome science in oil palm and jatropha. He is optimistic of the potential of jatropha despite its unproven convertibility to biodiesel and difficulties in commercial cultivation. He also gives his perspective on who would win the biodiesel versus bioethanol debate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harrienath Pillay, Regional Director Southeast Asia, The London Speaker Bureau, tells us about what the bureau offer and how to get on the roster of speakers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ravi Prasad, Deputy Chairman of Himalaya Global Holdings, tells how the personal and healthcare products company combines Ayurveda products with modern best practices, what new products it will focus on for the next 10-20 years (anti-ageing, HIV and cancer), and also its growing business in natural drugs for animals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Wulff, co-founder of Sentinext Theraputics, tells why the biotechnology company is banking on developing the vaccine for EV71, a virus that has been spreading in Asia. While incidences of deaths may be relatively low, survivors may suffer neural damage. The company needs to raise about $1 billion to bring the drug to the market. Currently it's funded by funds from the Malaysian government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chia Song Kun, Founder and Managing Director at QL Resources justifies the investment in Lay Hong although QL is the bigger and more profitable player in egg production. On the surimi business, he tells how QL overtook its competitors in Thailand and Japan to become the number one producer in Asia, and briefly, the issues of our fishing industry. On the third business - palm oil - he justifies the investment although margins have been comparatively small compared to the fish-based business and the market has become more competitive with more mills in the market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DXN Holdings Berhad Founder/CEO Dato' Dr Lim Siow Jin talks about how his early research (and his father's job as a herbalist) led him into the medicinal properties of Lingzhi mushrooms. He also discusses the beginnings of DXN following this research, and his decision to use Multi-Level Marketing as a means to grow the business. He also discusses global expansion, operational issues, the lack of visibility on the shares and his moves to counter this. He also talks about the financial position and the possibility of corporate activity to reward shareholders, including implementing a dividend policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Huzzell, Managing Director of IKEA Malaysia Singapore and Malaysia, talks about its corporate structure, its franchise concept and its founder Ingvar Kamprad. He also discusses operational challenges, competition, pricing and styling issues. He also talks about the expansion plan and future branch openings,  the cost of opening a branch and traffic ranking on a global basis. He also discusses quality issues and the concept of "scandinavian design".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kenny Lim Seng Lee, Deputy GM of Spritzer Bhd, talks about the story of its beginnings -- how the company was founded -- how the name Spritzer come about, early challenges, branding strategies, how the brand is differentiated and market share. He also discusses company financials, the fact that that Yee Lee Corp now has 32.5% of Spritzer, whether there is anything environmentally friendly about them, and the difference between RO - distilled - mineral - boiled.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato Lim Cheah Chooi Founder and Managing Director of Unimech Group, talks about a possible slowdown at the end of this year, competition from China-made valves, and how business has been for this first six months of 2010. He also discusses his overseas business contributions and expansion plan. He also shares his thoughts on entrepreneurship, philanthropy and charitable donations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Giles Chance, the author of 'China and the Credit Crisis -- The Emergence of a New World Order', talks about his argument that China had a role to play in the credit crisis. He also discusses Sino-US relations, the concept of mutual dependence, whether China is ready to step into a role as Top Dog on the global stage. He also talks about future of the US dollar, which for nearly 60 years has been the globe's reserve currency; and the role China will play in helping Asian emerging economies. He also discusses China's challenges -- human rights record, attitude to intellectual property, the rule of law and corruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Finance Minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah talks about corruption, rule of law, the opposition, UMNO and the mass media. He also discusses the possibility of BN as a multi-racial party, his new multiracial NGO and the role of Perkasa. He also gets into Petronas, education, oil royalties, the Petroleum Devt Act, the NEM and affirmative action. He ends with memories of Tunku Abdul Rahman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Reza Hussein, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Virtual Currency Builder Jambool, talks about Google's acquisition of his company, the business of online payments, social networking and .. being Malaysian in Silicon Valley!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Media Chinese International Director Rita Sim and Political Analyst Dr Ong Kian Ming talk about the so-called classification of Malaysia's Chinese into the G1, G2 and G3. Following this classification, they discuss the dangers of engagement on a homogenous basis and on several levels, whether on a trade, political or social basis. They also discuss the the Three PIllars of the Chinese community in Malaysia: Chinese Schools, Chinese Media and Chinese Organisations and how influential they are. Briefly, these are the G1 and G2 definitions: G1- Chinese education part of socio-cultural life and even their identity as a race.- Chinese associations and Chinese media form part of their identity.- distinguished by their relative sense of self-sufficiency.- do not depend on nor do they demand too much of the government.- Many run their own businesses, mostly small and medium scale enterprises or SMEs.- political stability, good economic environment to work and live in very important- expect the powers-that-be to provide that climate for growth.- want the government to be fair and not to interfere too much in their businesses- wants to be left alone.- think they can take care of themselves as long as there aren't too many barriers or interference- Northern Corridor Economic Region, Iskandar Development Region do not excite the G1.- feels it benefits the GLCs rather than SMEs like their own- live in their own ethnic bubble- probably know more about what is happening with political personalities in Taiwan than, say, Umno or PAS.- uncompromising when it comes to Chinese education.- Political affiliations, historically:      * 30% hardcore DAP     * 25% hardcore MCA     * 10% indifferent to politics, elections     * 35% swing votersG2- not Chinese-educated- speak English, include large number Christians, peranakan, Lions and Rotary Clubs set.- does not subscribe to the three pillars concept- have begun sending their children to Chinese schools.- think these schools offer a better standard of teaching and that it is useful to learn an additional language.- more likely to read English and Malay papers than Chinese papers- social life and networking do not revolve around the traditional Chinese associations.- more open to Western ideas and ideals.- G2 are issue-oriented.- influenced by issues and their votes swing from one election to another.- mostly middle-class, articulate and prone to take issues to the press and Internet- not afraid to air their political views or who they will vote for.- have been the most critical of the ruling party in recent years.- The Christians in the G2 are particularly concerned about the issue of Islamic state.- survival of the common law and the secular state very importantSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ng Su Onn, Executive Director at Berjaya Retail, talks about the potential of the 7-Eleven and Singer group businesses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Panasonic Malaysia Managing Director Jeff Lee talks about the company's sales and distribution outlets, size and value of the electronics and electrical market in Malaysia and the value annually. He also talks about Panasonic's market share, ranking, expected sales in Malaysia in 2010, product types, importance of branding as a differentiator, and how profitable the business is.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Barry J. Marshall, Co-Winner of the 2005 Nobel Prize for Medicine and Physiology, talks about how, in the course of his groundbreaking research, he famously experimented on himself. He also talked about how life changed after his prize, finally getting acknowledged for all the years of hard work and dedication, the critics that sought to discredit him. He also discusses other expected advances in the field of gastroenterology and what remains unsolved in his field.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shahari Sulaiman, Managing Director, Malaysia Airlines Cargo Sdn. Bhd., throws some light on how the cargo division is run, discussing rates, marketing, yield trends, credit control, payment terms as well as about fleet expansion. He also discusses the outlook for the sector, its contribution to overall MAS revenues, growth rates and the sustainability of these rates. He also talks about key markets like Europe, China and Australia, fuel surcharges and ends with an outlook on fuel prices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eversendai Corporation MD Datuk AK Nathan talks about the impact of the financial crisis on his Middle-East-heavy business, plans for an IPO, and his expansion plans for India. He also discusses management techniques and strategies to address challenges like design variation, escalation in raw material prices and safety.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Sin Chong, Managing Director of the Travel Division at Reliance Pacific Berhad, tells how it is changing with trends in the travel industry. Among its initiatives are building on its online capabilities (www.pyotravel.com) and Riang Ria tours to capture the Malay market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TSM Global Bhd Managing Director Dato' Lim Kheng Yew talks about the significance of (finally) gaining entry to supplying to Proton and Perodua, and his hopes that it would be a game changer for his wire harness business. He also discusses expansion into the electrical and electronics market, after buying a company that supplies die casts to the HDD sector. He talks about what drove this decision, his expectations, Western Digital's outlook warning and whether he is concerned. He also discusses the company financials, such as profit margins, plans for his cash of RM120 million, whether there are plans for a dividend policy. He also discusses TSM Global's health and wellness division.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Raphael Le Masne de Chermont, group Executive Chairman at Shanghai Tang tells us how he turned around Shanghai Tang, the profitable segments, how to avoid brand fatigue, and measures to reinforce its brand proposition like setting up cafes and introducing travelogues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato' Borhanuddin Osman, Executive Director, AMP Radio Networks, talks about Astro's radio business, its market share, revenue contribution and expansion plans. He also discusses his role as President of Commercial Radio Malaysia, and how he strikes a balance between what consumers want and what regulators want.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato Wan Abdullah Wan Ibrahim, MD/CEO UEM Land Holdings Bhd, talks about the progress of development work at its flagship Nusajaya development, discusses its expansion plan, including in Cyberjaya and outside of the Klang Valley, outlook for property demand and prices. He also discusses the financials as well as financial targets for UEM Land.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dunham-Bush Holding Bhd CEO Jeffrey Albright talks about the reasons for and the merits of its re-listing plans. He also discusses company financials, outlook and overseas markets, as well as the Russian connection: its major owner Dr Mikhail Bolotin, said to have close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Randy Weddle, Asia Pac Managing Director, International Herald Tribune, talks about circulation in Asia, how that compares with its most direct rival -- the WSJ -- its biggest newspaper market, charging for online content, brand equity, revenues, comparison between NYT Global versus IHT print, and how the IHT is coping with the seismic shift in the newspaper business. He also discusses the IHT's other businesses of co-branded newspapers as well as seminars and conferences.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sir Robert Fry, Chairman of McKinney Rogers, talks about bringing military discipline and precision to forge company focus and vision, contingency planning and last-minute changes. He also talks about the giggest differences between corporate and military life, military-analysis techniques and how such analysis can be applied to business strategy. On a wider viewpoint, he talks about America’s military, political and economic aspirations in the 21st century, how much of that involves Southeast Asia, and its impact on a small firm like McKinney Rogers. He also discusses the UK’s ‘Special Relationship’ with the US and how that affects global dynamics in today’s world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wally Amos, Founder of Famous Amos, discusses how he started his company -- and then lost it due to inexperience. He also discusses life after Famous Amos, and then shares some of his life and business anecdotes.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Universal Mccann Msia CEO Prashant Kumar talks about being a Google-certified search expert helps him in his work, how campaigns need to fully leverage the power of digital, the challenges of Digital terrorism and Telekom Malaysia's 'Through My Window' campaign. He also discusses the business and its growth and focus, and moves on to managing in a downturn, and the importance of creativity. Lastly, he discusses the dos and donts of a successful social media campaign.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian Palm Oil Council CEO Tan Sri Datuk Dr Yusof Basiron talks about the problems the Malaysian palm oil industry is facing with Western Environmental NGOs (WENGOs), the anti-palm oil campaign in Europe, the proliferation of new certifications in European countries and whether there has been enough engagement with the European anti-palm lobby. He also talks about the political motivations behind Europe's restriction on Malaysian palm oil. how the EU funds these NGOs. He also discusses enviromental issues, such as the prevalence of coal mining in the West, the need for developing countries to cut down their forests -- to a certain limit -- as part of their sovereign right to progress -- and how he saw the positive side of Copenhagen's failure in so far as it was a defeat to the Western powers in their efforts to limit the economic growth potential of emerging countries. He also discusses his outlook for palm oil prices.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

INSEAD Chaired Professor of Strategy Anil Gupta talks about China and India's evolution into global economic superpowers and the importance for companies to position themselves to benefit from this. He also discusses renewable enery and sustainable development, and whether emerging economies are prepared to slow down their growth rates for the sake of humanity and how in fact innovations in energy transportation and transmission could be one way for emerging economies to springboard itself in this sphere. He also talks about China- and India-specific challenges such as political will, corruption and bureaucracy -- and how insurmountable these problems are. He also discusses the Eurozone's problems, and how much of a danger these problems pose for Asia’s emerging markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ng Sek San, landscape architect and founder of Seksan Design, talks about the changes he'll make if he is the mayor of Kuala Lumpur, and the concept of third world aesthetics, and how he collaborates with artists to find inspiration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elie Ayache, Author of 'The Blank Swan', talks about his 'Blank Swan' theory, which dispels the notion of probability in financial markets. In his discussion, he promotes only the use of simple derivatives in evaluating asset prices, and suggests that the use of these simple derivatives is essential in evaluating financial assets in a period where great uncertainty is the order of the day.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeffrey Seah, CEO at Starcom Mediavest Group South East Asia and Chairman of the group's Asia Digital Leadership team, talks about how digital marketing is a mindset, not just a department, and the state of play in Asia, as well as how other players like telco companies are morphing into media, and how media owners like the Malaysian Reserve can further leverage on the online space.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Teng Boo, Managing Director of Capital Dynamics, tells whether he believes there will be a double dip and his outlook for China in 2H 2010, as well as for Malaysia. He also tells how he picks stocks for his iCapital Global Fund (Singapore) and iCapital International Fund (Australia). On the closed-end fund, iCapital.biz (Malaysia), he explains why the fund is trading below its net asset value (NAV). Capital Dynamics will be organising an Investor Day ala Berkshire Hathaway style on the AGM of iCapital.biz.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tom Stewart, Chief Marketing and Knowledge Officer at Booz & Co New York, explains his role at the management consulting firm, how his role is also relevant in other organisations, and the firm's latest thinking in management.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad Bashir, Managing Director of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, talks about government stake sales, growth of non-aeronautical revenue (faster than aeronautical revenue), KLIA as a planned hub, tourist arrivals, the LCCT, foreign expansion, and its five-year plan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ricky Ow, Senior Vice President and General Manager of SPE Networks Asia, talks about the prospects and plans of AXN Asia and Animax, and how programmes are selected for viewing. He wants to make Animax a youth destination and shares some insights about the youth market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Texcycle Technology (M) Bhd MD Periasamy a/l Sinakalai talks about his main waste management business, its relatively new chemicals trading business as well as its smaller camouflage unit. He also addresses the company's profit margins, demand for waste recycling, lack of visibility and coverage of the company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carlsberg Malaysia Managing Director Soren Ravn talks about the World Cup, price increases, market share, plans to add brands, details about its new Singapore unit, outlook for dividends and dividend policy, demand outlook amid a slowing economy, whether expectations of a rise in excise duty this year in Budget 2011, Carlsberg’s policy of rotating country heads and his own arrival in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Paul Low, President of Transparency International Malaysia, tells why corruption has increased in Malaysia, the effectiveness of MACC, about police reforms, and ensuring more transparency in the postal votes system, and how private-public sector partnerships could work. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

EA Holdings Founder and CEO Mohammad Sobri Saad talks about the upcoming IPO such as his offer for sale of 18 million shares, weak IPO market conditions, the unfavourable opinions of the investment community and the subscription rate. He also briefly explains the business. He also discusses the company's prospects in the GLC segment, its RFID business and order book.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Michael Schuman, author of the book "The Miracle: The Epic Story of Asia's Quest for Wealth", talks about why the economies and government-protected companies in some Asian countries like Malaysia have progressed slower than South Korea.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Volvo Car Malaysia President, Goran Larsson talked about Volvo's history, direction and sustainability in the ever-growing competition for their market segments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nokia Singapore and Malaysia and Brunei GM Vlasta Berka, talks about its smartphone struggles despite global market share leadership, the perception that it's behind Apple and Blackberry in the smartphone market, its Ovistore Apps store, its Malaysia business, its networks division, and future challenges like energy considerations, its Vertu, and in fact, whether smartphones are the only way to go in future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Dato Dr Chuah Hean Teik, President and CEO of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), says affordability is what makes UTAR unique, and how quality of teaching is maintained. He also tells his personal mission for the university, and addresses questions on accomodation and donation issues relating to the Kampar campus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.