The Breakfast Grille

B Dato' Mohd Hilmey bin Mohd Taib, Exec Chairman of HeiTech Padu Bhd, talks about his and the company's transition from PNBIT into listed company. He also discusses and addresses the long-term prospects of his systems integration business, which is competitive and suffers from low margins. In addition he addresses concerns over the company's heavy reliance on government jobs, and his expansion plans overseas. He also talks about the company's dividend policy, payour ratio, yields, trading volume and whether there are plans to free up float and boost liquidity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vincent Chin, Partner and Managing Director of The Boston Consulting Group, tells what needs to be done to transform the country. Fundamentally it boils down to the education system and leadership to see through changes that are good for the country.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Famed investor and commodities bull Jim Rogers talks about the Eurozone's impact on global and US recovery, iterates his bearish views on the Euro and its long-term future, as well as the prospects of a double-dip recession occurring. He also discusses Asian frontier markets like Sri Lanka and Cambodia, presents a bearish view on India, talks bout some hot commodities and how best to play this theme. He also talks about the risks of investing in China, and how investors should address these challenges. He also discusses equities investing against the backdrop of global volatility, and whether behaviours and approaches needs to change. He also has views on farming as a career -- and how agriculture in his view, is going to be the best place to be in the next 30 years. He bookends the interview with parental advice for all parents, because he became a father at a late stage in life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator Dato’ Abdul Rahim Rahman, Founder and Chairman of Rahim & Co Chartered Surveyors Sdn. Bhd, talks about how the real estate landscape has evolved and his reasons for entering politics almost at the same time as he entered real estate. In this regard, he discusses the thinking behind the government deciding to award the land in Sg Buloh to EPF, the redevelopment of Kampung Baru, the Sungai Besi Airport. as well as the Pudu Jail. He also provides his view on whether Malaysian real estate is peaking or whether there is more appreciation to go. He also addresses the growing disconnect between average selling prices and their affordability to most Malaysians, and ends with a view on the plethora of REITs being launched recently.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georg Harrasser, CEO of roofing specialist Monier, talks about its beginnings in energy-conscious products, target markets, problems in Europe and US, the Monier Asia Pacific market, its choice of Malaysia as a regional HQ, Malaysia market share, competition, and how it taps into the green movement in Malaysia.He also talks about its Cool Schools Program, the main technological advancements occurring in its local R&D and spends a little time on company financials.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PRCAM President Julia Ahmad talks about opposition to legislating the PR industry, alternative methods to improve it, the myriad challenges and headwinds facing PR and how these can issues be resolved. She also discusses whether PR is a profession -- and whether it matters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sim Tian Liang, CEO of KimLun Corp Bhd, talks about his listing plans, corporate govenance, revenue mix, plans to diversify geographically as well as in product mix, order book, win rate.He also addresses concerns over the slow rollout of government jobs, labour shortages, the looming double-dip recession and steel costs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Suseela Menon, ED of UMW Holdings, talks about corporate governance issues such as independent directors, whistleblowers, and over-regulation. She also discusses UMW's auto business in the context of the recall issues plaguing Toyota USA earlier this year, as well as her outlook for car sales, market share, the appreciating ringgit and hedging. She also talks about UMW's oil and gas unit, and whether it has performed to expectations since inception in 2002. She also talks about the Impact of the new Petronas CEO and the status of the listing of UMW Oil and Gas. She ends with a discussion of UMW's dividend policy, and UMW's plans for uts cash hoard of 1.9b rgt.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Willie Wong, CEO of Frontken Bhd, demystifies the business, how it grew, industry drivers, risks, challenges and catalysts. He also discusses competition, its overseas businesses in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan, China  and Indonesia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Microsoft Msia MD Ananth Lazarus talks about cloud computing, Office 2010, Windows Mobile, gaming, piracy and corruption.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chok Kwee Bee, Managing Director at Teak Capital, talks about the challenges working with entrepreneurs, and what she looks for when making investments. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ragunath Kesavan, President  of the Malaysian Bar Council, discusses Malaysia as a Parliamentary Democracy, the separation of powers, the role of the Bar Council, the rule of law, how a thousand lawyers marched on Putrajaya in 2007 over the Lingam case, the Teoh Beng Hock case, the defensiveness of the police force in the shooting case, legislation needed and unneeded, such as the ISA, the OSA and the Printing and Publications Act. He also talks about legislation that Malaysia does need such as the WhistleBlower Protection Bill, the Freedom of Information Act,  as well as the Bar Council’s stand on topical issues like the proposed motor insurance scheme, access to legal representation, the efficiency of the courts ad well as commercial law issues such as the companies' preference to conduct potential arbritration issues abroad, not in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik, Director & CEO of OCBC Al-Amin, talks about operations, branch networks, differentiators, OCBC's uniqueness, its share of the pie and how big a player it is keen to be. He also discusses challenges such as the difference with conventional banking, fragmented interpretation of what amounts to Shariah, (perceived) dearth of qualified practitioners, the need for innovation and the Shariah regulatory framework. He also provides his views on Shariah products, their popularity here and abroad, his views on the Sukuk market, competition and liberalisation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bas Van Den Berg, Managing Director of Dutch Lady Malaysia, discusses his plan to reach the RM1 billion revenue mark within three years, the company's share of the local dairy market, its rate of growth, its biggest challenges, cost components and how these challenges are met. He also discusses whether the company will raise prices. He also provides a view on studies showing that dairy products lend themselves to increased cancer risks as well as that of auto-immune diseases like diabetes. He ends with a discussion of holding company Royal FrieslandCampina, whose business is based on a cooperative model.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Sri Datuk G and Ruben Gnanalingam, Executive Chairman and Executive Director of West Port, talk about how they took the business from a greenfield project in 1994 with 20 staff to the 11th-largest port in the world, with 3,500 staff. They discuss challenges, strategies, financials and industry drivers. Tan Sri G also discusses his involvement in Maika Holdings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Gue See Sew, President of the Oxford Cambridge Society in Malaysia, tells us what makes Cambridge and Oxford worldclass universities, and what it takes to gain admission into these prestigious universities. This is our Education Special.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar Ali, President and Vice Chancellor of the Open University talks about how students with minimal education qualifications can upgrade themselves at the university. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato' Saifuddin Abdullah, Deputy Minister of Higher Education, explains government's rationale for scrapping JPA scholarships, issues regarding the PTPTN fund deficit, the declining standards of public universities and appointment of Vice Chancellors. He says entry to public is based on merit, and not race or creed, and that there should be no special preferential treatment to certain students.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeffrey R Beard, Director-General of International Baccalaureate, offers an overview of the program, how it prepares people to be more competitive, issues faced in implementing the IB across the world, how it ensures standards are met,  as well as other challenges and its practical applications.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Frank Brown, Dean of Business and Management School INSEAD, talks about MBA rankings, entry criteria, costs, expansion of the school, relvance in a changing world (subsequent to the global financial crisis) and outlook for B-School grads.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Valentine Willie, founder of Valentine Willie Fine Art, gives insights into the state of Southeast Asian art market. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ramanathan Sathiamutty, MD of IBM Malaysia, talks about how Big Blue is coping with the smaller, more nimble players, its 'Smarter Malaysia' initiative, and the challenges of doing business in Malaysia vis-a-vis corruption and 'middlemen'.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Serina Hijjas, Director of Hijjas Kasturi Associates Sdn Bhd, talks about the green movement, the work she has done, about the business of architecture and working with her father, Hijjas Kasturi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chan Kwai Heng, Executive Director of Padini Holdings, tells us why the group managed to double its sales and triple its profits over the past four years, and the important ingradients for success in the retail business. He explains why Vincci created the Vincci + line (premium product), and has to move out of KLCC given that it's highly profitable and has helped create brand awareness among foreigners especially the Middle Easterners. Brands Outlet which saw more than 120% growth in 2009 is expected to be a major driver of sales growth for the next 2-5 years because it is not located in many malls yet. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senator The Hon Kim Carr, Australia's Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, talks about how Australia is spreading its wings, to diversify from the China growth engine for future growth. He also discusses how the Australian Labour government is dealing with opposition to its moves into higher value-add in the context of its proposals for R&D tax write-offs, and its resources super-tax. He also outlines his government's methods in maintaining the viability of its carmaking industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uche Okonkwo, Executive Director at Luxe Corp in Paris and a luxury brand consultant talks about building luxury fashion brands and Malaysia's potential in jewellery design. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chin Jit Sin, Managing Director of New Hoong Fatt Holdings Bhd, talks about staying remarkably focused on the business of making and selling replacement vehicle parts, how growth is going to come from ASEAN, driven by AFTA, dividend policy and outlook for capital expenditure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Boon Kang, Managing Director of Ken Holdings Bhd, discusses their move into green buildings and their environmental aspirations, project pipeline, plans to venture into boutique hotels, views on slope protection and rehabilitation works and financial outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Sri Dato' Sri Lim Wee Chai, Chairman and founder of Top Glove Corporation, tells us how he started the business, what it takes for a Malaysian entrepreneur to become number one in his industry, and why the premium for Top Glove's shares is justified. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Datuk Pang Tee Chew, Managing Director of Mamee Double Decker Bhd, talks about how it went from a family owned business into a major exporter of snack food, venturing into new countries like Australia, Uganda, Armenia, Congo, Liberia and Guam -- and the secret of their success in these far-flung markets. He also talks about why they quit the China market, how it formulates ideas for new flavours and snacks, whether they have encountered any flak from using MSG as flavoring, A&P allocation, financials like its dividend policy, a discussion on raw material costs, subsidy restructuring, market outlook and growth drivers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Azim Mithani, CEO of Prudential BSN Takaful Bhd, talks about the difference between Takaful and conventional insurance, regulation, role of takaful in motor insurance debate, how BSN secured a tieup with Prudential, outlook for premiums and investible assets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato' Sri Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia group, tells us why the Sydney route is important to AirAsia. He clarifies that the Indonesian and Thailand operations are profitable - the losses are due to hedging. On its focus on capacity management rather than yield management, he says that has to be the case because AirAsia is a low cost carrier. He addresses listener questions and how he does not let success get into his head. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Albert Chan, Managing Director of HPI Resources, talks about how the company started, some of its key challenges, and the challenges of the Chinese business community in Johor, where he is based.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ham Hon Kit, Managing Director of Voir Group, talks about how the company went from simple beginning in 1970s as a family owned business into a listed multi-brand fashion wear company. He also discusses the fashion business, marketing and branding and the business and financial outlook.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato' Teo Chiang Quan, Executive Deputy Chairman of Paramount Corp, owner of KDU College group and one of Malaysia's oldest property developers, discusses the country's challenges in the education and property sectors. In particular, he touches on and talks about the government decision to teach maths and science in Malay, and the level of consultation with private educators in the buildup to the decision. In property, he discusses the award of the land in Sungei Besi, seemingly without open tender. Lastly, he discusses the status of his plans to sell 20% of its Jerneh Insurance business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dennis Lim, senior executive vice president/senior managing director/CEO of Templeton Asset Management, Ltd. discusses Malaysia in some detail, in the context of capital controls, the NEM, weightage, corruption, and its investments here. He also discusses other emerging markets like Vietnam and Thailand, and offers his views on ongoing problems in Thailand, China, Greece and te Eurozone.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

KW Lau, Founder & Executive Director of Cellsafe Group International, talks about how this stem cell biotechnology company offers cryogenic preservation of a newborn baby’s umbilical cord blood stem cells, which is rich in haematopoetic stem cells that can be used in treating certain blood diseases and disorders through transplantation treatment in future. He also discusses a growing trend among adults who are also preserving their stem cells to address ailiments as they get older. We also get his thoughts on his position as a serial entrepreneur, with his involvement in Oriented Media Group Berhad and Viztel Solutions Berhad, in addition to his status as co-founder and executive director of Cellsafe International Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thoo Chow Fah, the Executive Chairman of Notion VTec Berhad, talks about the origins of the business, its management style and focus. He also discusses the business outlook and focus, operations and finance, corporate maneouvers and expansion. In particular, he addresses issues like the cyclical nature of the business, the threats of an appreciating ringgit, the teething problems of its expansion into the new 2.5inch form factor, its decision to raise capital via a share placement versus a rights issue, his outlook for profits and revenues over the next five years and its dividend policy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ganesh Kumar Bangah, Group Chief Executive Officer of MOL Global, defends his acquisition of Friendster, and discusses the price he paid, its users, value of patents, its revenue, and his gameplan for the company. He also discusses online payments, which forms the majority of his business, the fact that he might base Friendster in Joho's Iskandar region and whether he has plans to re-list MOL Global. He also discusses the working relationship with his major shareholder, Tan Sri Vincent Tan, of Berjaya Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ir. Abdul Kadir Mohd Din, CEO of Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK), talks about the dynamics of his business, which entails providing sewerage services to over 18 million users in Malaysia, with the exception of Kelantan, Sabah, Sarawak and Johor Bahru City Council operational areas. He discusses default rates (which are quite high!), amounts owing, reasons for non payment, plans to recover outstanding amount. He also discusses the financials of the business, and with rates so cheap, whether the industry needs restructuring. He also discusses the growth and outlook of the company, and how he plans to transform the business from a utility to a long-term entity that is less dependent on the Government's financial assistance.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gregory Wade, Managing Director of Research In Motion (RIM) SEA, talks about how Blackberry passed the tipping point to hit the broad market, and won its stranglehold on the corporate customer. He also discusses the RIM business model, competition, innovation, the importance of strategy and its path to global success. he also lays down an outlook for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mohammad Azlan Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of Big Tree Outdoor Sdn Bhd, talks about the business of outdoor advertising and how it works. He also discusses its exclusive advertising concessions, market share, opportunities for growth and sites, outlook for adex, as well as the darker side of outdoor advertising" billboard monopoly deals and corruption at local authority level.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matti Lievonen, the President and CEO of Neste Oil, tells us the prospect of the biodiesel industry given that many producers are operating under-capacity and are loss making. Neste is producting at full capacity due to demand for its renewable diesel which is said to deliver better performance than traditional biodiesel. While some environmentalists are against the use of palm oil, Neste says palm oil is still the best commodity for its production taking into account environmental concerns but will continue to research and develop alternatives. He also explains why Neste chose to locate its plant in Singapore rather than Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allan Soo, Managing Director of CB Richard Ellis (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, discusses the recent drastic increase in property prices in the Klang Valley, the disparity in prices between Malaysia and other Asian markets like Hong Kong and Singapore, whether there is a asset bubble in the property sector, the issue of capital drain, his outlook for the sector in the medium and longer term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dato' Nelson Kwok, the Founder of Nelson's Corn in the Cup, talks about the origins of the company, his plans for the future and his aim to list the firm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Privasia Technology Bhd MD & founder Puvanesan Subenthiran talks about how he grew the company by acquisitions, how he funded it in the early years, how he identified the companies before purchasing, provides an outlook for the SI business as well as for ICT services and the outsourcing industry. He also talks about winning jobs under the national broadband plan. and proivides an outlook for growth and new business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gerry Khouri, Co-Founder of Bufori Motor Car Company (M) Sdn Bhd, talks about the origins and gestation of the company, his early -- and lossmaking association with Vinod Sekhar, the business in its curent incarnation, new models, costs, its famous owners, development budget, financial crisis, and the biggest challenges for the company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Eng, the Research Director at OSK Securities, discusses energy security in Malaysia: how power from the Bakun will instead be channelled to East Malaysian projects instead of to the Peninsula, and the effects of that on the national power reserve margin. He also talks about the government's willingness to reduce the gas subsidies, which if continued, will hamper the supply of gas to power producers. He also talks about the impact on Tenaga Nasional, MMC Corp and Malaysia's Green aspirations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Penny Wong, Executive Director of metal fabricator Seremban Engineering Bhd, talks of the company's origins, how it came to be bought by listed light maker Sucess Transformer Bhd, the strategy it employed to go from a small player to a hundred-million-ringgit revenue company, how it secured its main clients, how most of its business is export oriented, and that most of its customers are operating in the palm oil industry. She also talks about the company's expansion into oil and gas, waste treatment, food processing and the pharmaceutical industries. She also discusses the IPO exercise, including revenue and profit targets, orderbook size and pipeline, as well as the risks, such as rising steel costs and dependence on its two key customers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zang Toi, the Malaysian international fashion designer based in New York, tells us what it takes to be successful in the unforgiving business of fashion and his expansion plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.