The Breakfast Grille

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.

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.