The Breakfast Grille

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.

Loke Kah Meng, CEO of Axa Affin Life Insurance, talks about the strategies to double premiums and get into the big insurance boys' league. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jimmy Cheah, Managing Director of SAS Malaysia, talks about how its mothership, SAS Institute Inc. is the "most important software company folks have never heard of", discusses the company ethos, the Malaysian experience and whether he replicates the culture here, the perks in Malaysia and whether local employees have taken unfair advantage of the perks. He also discusses the next Big Thing: predictive intelligence -- and how SAS is staying at the front of this curve, in the context of local clients like Gentubg, the Inland Revenue, as well as in other Asian nations.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chi Oi Meng, Executive Chairperson of Hing Yiap Group, explains why the group focuses on active, sporty and casual wear segment, why the group recorded lower sales in 2009 compared to competitiors, the use of the Diesel name and the rationale for diversifying into an unrelated business (Theobrama Chocolate Lounge) though it is targeting the same mass market. Fashion brandnames under Hing Yiap Group are BUM Equipment, Antioni, Bontton, Diesel (not to be confused with the Spanish brand) and Union Bay.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Ng, Country Manager of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei, tells how the logistics company managed the volcano ash crisis in Europe, and the Malaysian business performance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan Schwartz, author of 'The Future of Finance', talks about the evolution of the private equity industry in Asia, how it is different from the US or Europe, how it can transform the current shareholder–driven corporate governance model, who funds PE nowadays, exit strategies, risk appetite, trade sales how PE can play a role in rebuilding the financial system, the pan-Asia, India and South Korea markets. He ends with the top 3 sectors to get the best returns in future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Ruoss, Managing Director of Envision and a consultant and advisor on solar energy solutions, gives some insights into the solar energy industry in Malaysia. Salient points are: 1. Global demand for solar energy is estimated to be worth RM150 billion and Malaysia is poised to become a major player. In 2009, Malaysia's market share is 7% (fifth largest producer). It has the potential to go up to 11% in 2010 when the solar energy companies ramp up production. China is the production leader with a 40% market share. 2. In terms of cost, solar energy can be at parity with power from conventional sources like fossil fuels if subsidies for the latter are removed not just in Malaysia but also others parts of the world. He believes Malaysia could get there in five years if there is earnest effort to remove subsidies. 3. Europe is the biggest consumer of solar energy due to incentives given to solar energy producers and also the introduction of a feed-in tariff system. 4. Under the feed-in tariff system, individual owners of solar panels can claim a rebate from the utilities companies on the solar energy they (individuals) generate. The rebate is in turn paid out from a fund, set up by the government. Households therefore can get a guaranteed return on their solar panels which could cost about RM40,000. This investment cost could be part of the purchase cost of homes. The payback for the individual could be about 15-20 years. 5. In Malaysia, a Renewable Energy Action Plan is expected to be tabled in October but Daniel says a source of debate is funding it. In Europe, households pay a levy into this fund. In Malaysia, this would probably not be popular measure despite good intentions to become greener. 6. Some of the biggers producers of solar energy panels or components like Sunpower, Q-cells and First Solar have set up production plants in Malaysia due to incentives and access to qualified workforce. Here, Daniel emphasises for Malaysia to move up the rankings as a market leader, it need to beef up its education to supply the necessary talent, and also be able to learn from these producers and get into R&D. 7. It's also important for Malaysia to have a robust domestic market and also to create more opportunities for entrepreneurs. Otherwise, Malaysia would just be a producer for multinational companies and there'll be no significant added value to the economy nor will there be transfer of high level expertise. 7. Daniel also says there could be more joint ventures between local and foreign companies to encourage further investments in this industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fermin Fautsch, South East Asia CEO of FTSE-listed Logica Plc, talks about the size and scale of the Malaysian market, working with global clients government procurement in Malaysia, discusses global issues facing Logica's business model, perceptions of being a low-margin, cyclical and crowded industry, financials such as revenue growth, main service sectors, profit margins and group contribution, its Asia value propositions and discloses his efforts in growing the Asia / SEA business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Patrick Wee, Founder and CEO of True Group, talks about the ownership structure of the True Group, when, how and why he started, how he differentiates effectively, talks about the market value of the health and fitness industry, who his competition is, market share and target growth. He also talks about his market research, what percentage of the firm Dubai Investment Corp owns, his financial performance, how many members, churn rate, growth  plans, outlook for fitness in Malaysia, and how hard it is to get good people. He also fields questions on poor customer service.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chow Yuen Liong, the Managing Director of Tomypak Bhd, addresses concernas that it is too reliant on the food packaging industry, discusses his main clients , whether he has plans to expand away from mainly food industry clients. He also discusses growth plans and order pipeline. He also discusses raw material prices, oil prices, whether he hedges costs, as well as its news metallisation technologues and provides an outlook for earnings. He also talks about the company's outlook, and whether its shares can still rise, given that they have risen 8-fold in one year. He also addresses concerns that liquidity is still very low and whether he has any plans to increase the company's share capital.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eugene Goh, CEO of MTouche Technology Bhd talks about the challenges of doing business in China, where global businesses are moving towards. He also provides some insights into the current trends of the mobile solutions industry and discusses on what could the future have in store not only for MTouche, but for the industry as a whole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ba U Shan-Ting, the COO of Dommal Food Services, tells us what's cooking at Domino's Pizza. The most popular product line is still the Aloha Chicken because it's a safe choice especially for families with children. And unlike Americans, Malaysians do not usually mix their toppings. Sales in 2009 for Domino's pizza business in Malaysia was RM75 million, exceeding the target of RM50 million. This was in part due to the strategy of offering value meals in the form of Indredible Meals for RM10 per person - proven to be effective in an economic slowdown. Domino's business really took off from 2005 onwards when the present shareholders acquired the assets. Ting says the market needed time to appreciate Domino's concept and a certain scale had to be achieved. Ting also clarified that Dommal Food Services reported a loss in 2008 due to intercompany charges, and the group as a whole is profitable. Ting is expecting sales to grow by 20% in 2010 and this would be achieved through an addition of 10 new outlets. Expected number of outlets is 52 by end 2010. On outlets with dine-in customers, he says it's not a conscious strategy to do so and is dependent on the space that is made available. Domino's wants to continue to focus on delivery services. Domino's will also be expanding into Singapore - plans to have 10 outlets by end 2010. During the Asian crisis, the previous franchisee (different owner) had pulled out of the market and Ting believes that they will succeed this time because they have the experience. Dommal Food Services is the master franchisee of the Domino's pizza business and is owned by Mikenwill Sdn Bhd. Dato' George Ting, former director of KFC Holdings, is a major shareholder of Mikenwill. While Shan-Ting is Dato' George's son-in-law, he explains that qualified business managers are placed to run the business professionally.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tan Sri Amirsham A Aziz, Chairman of the National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC) and former CEO of Maybank, on the new economic model (NEM). Salient points addressed by Tan Sri Amirsham: 1. The government is not obliged to adopt all of NEAC's recommendations on the NEM but based on coversations with the Prime Minister, Tan Sri believes he is commited in pushing for reforms. 2. Malaysia has produced nine Malaysian plans and poured billions of dollars on infrastructure and supporting affirmative action. Yet our GDP per capita is only $7,000 while countries that were on par or behind us decades ago like Singapore ($37,000), Taiwan ($15,000) and South Korea ($16,000) have surpassed us. Our income per capita is also the lowest among oil producing nations. The question is why should Malaysians believe the administration can deliver on its promises. 3. The NEM report acknowledges political will is needed to push through reforms. The question is what are the real obstacles and why is political will so difficult to muster. And is this a good time for the Prime Minister to push for changes? According to the Merdeka Poll, his approval rating has risen to 68% but more Malaysians place their trust in the Prime Minister (31%) rather than in Umno (22%). 4. Recent events have raised doubts on the government's commitment to make changes. For example, GST (goods and services tax), subsidy reforms and tariff increases have been delayed. Tan Sri says it is justified to do more consultation and education because it will affect the poorest groups. 5. On errors in the contracts disclosed in the Myprocurement website - Tan Sri says it is a new portal and a good idea but it needs more time to develop. Earlier the value of food ration contracts were reported to be worth RM6.4 billion and was subsequently modified to RM6.4 million. Another contract was reported to be worth RM78 million to build a 200 room hostel - the amount was modified to RM7.8 million. 6. Private investments have been lagging in Malaysia. As an indication, the country has fallen to where Indonesia was in the Asian crisis years (1997-99) in terms of investment as a percentage of GDP (20%). The NEAC says it's because the government and GLC involvement in business had crowded out opportunities for the private sector. In going forward, the private sector should take charge in dictating the course of the nation's growth. But in unveiling the NEM, the Prime Minister then announced that EPF will jointly develop 3,000 acres of land in Sungai Buloh. MRCB, another GLC, is expected to be the frontrunner in developing the project. Property players question why there is no beauty contest in managing the development. And questions are raised whether EPF has the necessary experience to be a township developer. Tan Sri says more information is needed to clarify EPF and MRCBs' role in this project. 7. Also the government had set up Danajamin to ensure companies can continue to access the bond market. In effect, the government will be guaranteeing debt securities of issuers. In turn, these issuers will receive AAA rating when previously they wouldn't have qualified for it. Recently, Danajamin announced that it would be guaranteeing Kencana's bond issuance. The question is whether it's necessary for a government-owned organisation to guarantee the debt of a fundamentally strong companies like Kencana. Tan Sri Amirsham believes this government intervention is justified to help the bond market, and he points out that such guarantees do require a commercial fee. 8. Tan Sri Amirsham explains that it's not a misnomer to have market-friendly affirmative action. To achieve this, one needs to build the capacity and capability of 40% of the bottom of the population through education. The NEM report also says some schemes for tilting government tenders towards the bottom 40% will have to be considered but it has to be done on an open and competitive basis. Tan Sri justifies this recommendation of giving out contracts to a select group as common practice in other countries. 9. On the government's goal of achieving income per capita of $15,000 in 10 years time and calling it high income level - Tan Sri explains this is now classified as high income by World Bank standards. 10. On why 80% of the working population only have qualifications up to SPM, and where did our system fail, Tan Sri says what is important is to look forward rather than dwell on the past. On the decision to revert teaching Math and Science in Bahasa Malaysia, he says these subjects are taught in the national language in South Korea too. So the issue is not language, but the quality of teachers. 11. While oil money accounts for 40% of the budget's revenue, Tan Sri is optimistic that the country wil

Tjark Auerbach shares the story of Avira, which grew from being a humble anti-virus shareware distributed on magazines into one of the world's biggest and most well-known anti-virus solutions. With over 130 million customers worldwide, Avira commands a respectable position and is known for up-to-the-minute software security solutions. He also talks about the Auerbach Foundation which he had set up personally to benefit the underprivileged.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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