The Breakfast Grille

TMK Chemical Berhad is a company that deals in chemical manufacturing, distribution, storage and logistic services, which will go for IPO on 12th December. We speak to Wong Kin Wah, its Managing Director, to find out more about the company and how they intend to use its IPO proceeds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The e-hailing industry in Malaysia has been largely dominated by Grab for a long time now, but will Bolt be the challenger that will measure up to the task? Philip See speaks to Afzan Lutfi, General Manager of Malaysia at Bolt to talk about competition in the industry, automation, driver acquisition and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in Malaysia's economy, contributing 38.4% to GDP and providing over four million jobs, but the lack of financing remains a major challenge to their growth. We speak with Datuk Fazlur Rahman Zainuddin, Principal Officer at Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan (SJPP), a Ministry of Finance-owned company that offers government-backed guarantee schemes to support SMEs as to their role and its efficacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Finland celebrates its Independence Day on Dec 6th, marking its declaration of independence from Russia after the Bolsheviks took power in late 1917. Anne Vasara, Finland's Ambassador to Malaysia talks about what today means to her fellow Finns, after Russia invaded Ukraine more than two years ago, prompting Helsinki to join NATO. She also explains Finland's position on the Israel-Palestine issue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Allianz Partners, part of the larger Allianz Group, is one of the world's largest insurance and assistance companies. Various trends have emerged in the insurance industry, from the rise of electric and autonomous vehicles to increasing cyber threats. Shazana Mokhtar will be discussing with Vinay Surana, Regional Managing Director for Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa at Allianz Partners about how the company compares to other regional outposts of Allianz and how it navigates the evolving insurance sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winstar Capital Berhad is an aluminium product manufacturer that is scheduled to be listed on the ACE Market on 19 December. We speak to their Executive Director, Lee Yong Zhi as to why they are opting for a listing after being in operations for more than 20 years, their strategies for growth in a competitive and fragmented market and should we consider buying their stock.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is a signatory of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and has translated the convention into legislation through the Persons with Disabilities Act 2008. However after 16 years in force, the PWD Act has failed to live up to expectations of upholding the rights of Malaysians with disabilities.How should the law be reformed to enable PWDs to lead decent, dignified and independent lives? We discuss these themes with our panel of experts on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.Podcast TranscriptSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to CEO of Golden Screen Cinemas Koh Mei Lee on how streaming has impacted the cinema business as it navigates itself from the pandemic to Hollywood Strike as we probe efforts taken to diversify and remove its reliance on those Hollywood Blockbusters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russia is seeking to enhance trade ties with economies it considers its friends amid sanctions by the United States and its allies over what they deem as an invasion of Ukraine while Moscow insists it is still a special military operation. Alexey Gruzdev, Deputy Minister of Industry & Trade of the Russian Federation sits down to talk about how his country has managed to overcome restrictions to how it trades and even how it moves money internationally to why BRICS might restore some balance in the world order.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We get into a conversation with Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim, an outspoken force against the government, from being critical of corporate deals to his own party's track record when it comes to reforms. Now in the spotlight again with him being called up before PKR's disciplinary board. We speak to him to understand his unwavering reputation as an outspoken lawmaker which was acknowledged when he was conferred the 37th Lim Lian Geok Spirit Award for 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The logistics sector has become increasingly competitive, with players fighting to get a piece of the e-commerce boom. One such player is Ninja Van Malaysia. Although the company is known for its last-mile delivery service, it has been venturing into new services, especially in the B2B space. Philip See will be speaking with Lin Zheng, CEO of Ninja Van Malaysia, about how the company plans to grow its business and remain competitive in the long run.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As our country works in overdrive to attract foreign direct investments, this time, we'll be focusing on Melaka. Being one of the smallest states in Malaysia, with a contribution of 3% to the national GDP, how can Melaka stand out among powerhouse states such as Selangor and Penang? Wong Shou Ning will be speaking with Datuk Ginie Lim Siew Lin, CEO of Invest Melaka—the state government agency tasked with attracting investments to the state.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 is a pivotal year for electoral politics in Indonesia: not only did they have their presidential elections in February; this week they will also hold regional elections to elect over 500 positions including governors and local council leaders. What are the political dynamics under a government led by President Prabowo Subianto who was inaugurated last month? We discuss what to watch with Dr. Djayadi Hanan of the Indonesian International Islamic University.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hydropipes is a soon to be Leap listed manufacturer of steel pipes. We ask their CEO, Datuk David Ang why they are coming to capital markets as opposed to using debt to fund growth and the challenges of this very competitive business. And of course if you should buy their stock if you qualify as a sophisticated investor.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is World Television Day, first commemorated in 1996 to signify the powerful influence of TV. Over the three decades since, the landscape for media consumption has changed, with streaming platforms and social media taking centre stage. It’s against this backdrop that media conglomerate Warner Brothers Discovery launched its new streaming platform Max in Southeast Asia on November 19. How will it build market share in a very competitive environment? We speak to James Gibbons, the President for Asia-Pacific at Warner Brothers Discovery to find out their strategy for Max and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Children’s Day commemorates the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which establishes basic protections and rights for all children, regardless of background and jurisdiction. However in Malaysia, these rights are not extended to non-citizen minors, including refugees and those who are deemed as stateless, putting the future of thousands of children in limbo, many of whom are born and raised on these shores. We reflect on the consequences of this gap with our panel of experts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United Nations recognises November 19th every year as World Toilet Day and the discussion on this programme centres around TOTO Ltd, a Japanese company that has been producing and innovating toilets, toilet seats, and other bathroom products for more than a century. Endo Daisuke, the president of TOTO Asia Oceania, talks about the company's focus in this region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The changing political dynamics at the federal government have led to renewed attention on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and what Sabah & Sarawak are entitled to under the historic deal. A key contention is whether the MA63 grants Sabah and Sarawak a right to hold 35% of seats in Parliament. We’ll hear both sides of the argument today from two prominent academics that have commented extensively on the issue - Dr. James Chin of the University of Tasmania & Dr. Wong Chin Huat of Sunway University.Image Credit: Labor Studio / Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The internet, a utility that we have become so dependent on, is powered by an unseen network of submarine cables laid on ocean floors across the world. We speak to OMS Group, a Malaysian company involved in this industry that provides subsea digital infrastructure solutions. It has a global presence and strong backers like the KKR Group. Ronnie Lim, the Group CEO, tells us about its growth strategy and monetisation plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OYO Rooms, finally turned a profit in its latest financial year since being founded in 2012. The Indian multinational hotel chain which is backed by Japan's Softbank, is now refocusing its efforts into increasing that profitability by reducing the number of purely budget hotels and providing a more varied range of products to suit more people. Akshay Rathod, country head for OYO Malaysia gives us an insight into what changes can be expected to maintain this positive momentum.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Body Shop is an iconic skincare, cosmetics and perfume brand that was synonymous with conservation and recycling even before ESG became mainstream. However it recently has gone into receivership and emerged with a new owner, Aurea Group. We speak to Mike Jatania, the new Executive Chairman of the Body Shop on their turnaround plans and why they see value in this company.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Logistics Consulting Asia – Savills (LCAS) is a Malaysian consultancy that helps businesses across Asia strengthen their supply chains and logistics capabilities. What are the supply chain trends shaping the region amid ongoing US-China trade tensions? We speak with John Talbot, CEO of LCA Savills about how its business is navigating the challenging climate and ways to boost supply chain resiliency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The fertility, obstetrics and gynaecology services industry is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11% to reach RM470 million ringgit by 2026, on the back of slowing population growth. How is Metro Healthcare looking to capitalise on this momentum through its ACE Market listing? We speak to Managing Director Jason Lim for more on how the company intends to use its IPO proceeds and the outlook for the sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Madani Government is working on a new policy blueprint for public higher education to replace the current plan that ends in 2025. What is the policy direction we should be taking to improve the higher education landscape for national progress? We discuss themes in higher education with Dr. Sharifah Munirah Alatas, an Independent Scholar and Chair of the Malaysian Academic Movement (GERAK), and Dr. Wan Chang Da, a Visiting Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak InstituteImage Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spain was once seen as the laggard of the Eurozone, but following the post-pandemic recovery it is now one of the bloc’s outperformers. We discuss the factors in the change in Spain’s economic narrative as well as the aftermath of the tragic floods that hit Valencia early this month with H.E. Jose Luis Pardo, the Ambassador of Spain to Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Security seals are often a forgotten part of the supply chain. We speak to the world’s 3rd largest player which is due to list on Bursa Malaysia as to their reasons for listing, how they got OCBC to be their shareholder and why should you buy their share. Their Group MD, Datuk Adrian Ng joins us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine has been in the midst of war after Russia invaded its western neighbour nearly 1,000 days ago, and now controls around 18% of that country. Today, Ukraine's Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Trade & Agriculture, Taras Kachka, who is on a mission around the world to drum up more trade, shares about the ongoing challenges and whether or not there is still potential for more bilateral trade with his country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia and Cuba have had diplomatic relations since 1975 and citizens of both nations don't require visas to visit each other. Yet, bilateral trade remains low. Florentino Batista González, the ambassador of Cuba to Malaysia shares his views on the potential of bilateral relations after both countries became BRICS partners, as well as how the continued US economic embargo on the Caribbean island nation is wreaking havoc on its citizens' wellbeing.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

November has become associated with novel writing, thanks to the grassroots NaNoWriMo movement, to the extent that in the US, November 1st is designated as National Authors Day. In this spirit, we discuss themes related to the Malaysian writing and publishing industry with author Cheeming Boey and publisher Amir Muhammad of BukuFixi.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Levi's, a brand synonymous with jeans, has a 170-year heritage. But does it still have a cache, and how does this world-leading apparel maker compete in SEA? We pose these questions to Sameer Koul, General Manager for Southeast Asia and Country Manager for Thailand, Levi Strauss & Co.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3REN Bhd is a soon-to-be-listed automation solutions and engineering services provider, primarily focusing on the semiconductor, electronics, and manufacturing sectors. Koh Dim Kuan, its executive director and CEO, shares the company's future plans following its listing to raise some RM31 million to expand its operations and to enhance its R&D capabilities.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The past year has seen a seismic shift in the political landscape in Europe, with far-right groups and ideologies gaining momentum across the continent, including in France. Is the French principle of laicite a bulwark or a vulnerability in the face of the far-right movement? We get a better understanding of the concept and how it's implemented with Ambassador Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, Counselor for Religious Affairs at the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2025 is the most expansionary in history at RM421bn with the goal of fiscal consolidation while growing the economy through the introduction of new taxes and incentives. To delve into the implications of this budget for businesses, we speak with Tai Lai Kok, Head of Corporate Tax at KPMG, and Datuk William Ng, National President of the Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1MDB is undeniably the largest financial scandal in Malaysia’s history. Malaysian journalist Leslie Lopez has released his first book, The Siege Within, which reveals previously unpublished material from his own archives related to the embezzlement of 1MDB funds. The book explores the roles of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and fugitive financier Jho Low in this political crime. We speak with Leslie about his journey in covering this story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Swiss Re a key player in the insurance business has been providing coverage to insurance companies as a reinsurer since 1863. Paul Murray, CEO of Life and Health Reinsurance at Swiss Re, shares his insights on their role in risk management, growth strategies, and the pricing challenges faced in today’s environment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eligible American voters have just two more weeks to cast their votes for either Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump to be the next resident of the White House. Early voting, either in person or by mail will go on until Nov 5th. Wendy Schiller, a professor of Political Science at Brown University helps us understand what current polling numbers tell us, what issues resonate with voters and who might actually win.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Madani government unveiled the most expansionary budget in history with a federal expenditure of 421 billion ringgit. With a theme; ‘MADANI Economy, Prosperous Nation, Well-being of the People.’, we ask Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, Secretary General of Treasury at the Ministry of Finance if this budget sets the country on the right path to economic and fiscal reform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak to Anuja Kar, Senior Agriculture Economist at the East and Pacific Region Agriculture and Food Global Practice of the World Bank as she helps us unpack the World Bank’s latest Malaysia Economic Monitor report, entitled “Farming the Future: Harvesting Malaysia’s Agricultural Resilience through Digital Technologies”. The report sheds light on why DATs or Digital Agriculture Technologies have the potential to drive economic growth by unlocking extra productivity in the country’s structurally critical agriculture sector.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ahead of the Budget 2025 tabling, we get the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Johari Abdul to give a rundown on the parliamentary agenda this session and what he’s doing to strengthen parliamentary democracy. We will also tackle his decision on the Bersatu 6 and the anti-party hopping laws, as well as how he deals with perceptions of bias.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The theme of this year’s national budget is MADANI Economy: Prosperous Nation, Well-being of the People. It is the third budget by the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Will it deliver the much needed reforms to improve our fiscal position yet be expansionary? Professor Dr. Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice Chancellor for External Engagement at Taylor's University and former Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry tells us.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Markets have been volatile due to uncertainty over the pace of the Fed Fund rate cut and US elections. Yet, equity markets have been resilient with the S&P500 up by 22% and the Nasdaq by slightly more than that quantum. What can we expect for the last quarter of the year and 2025? George Maris, CIO and Global Head of Equities at Principal Asset Management tells us whilst weighing in on Chinese and Japanese equities.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pearson VUE, a subsidiary of the British education conglomerate Pearson plc, is responsible for administering high-stakes examinations in a range of different sectors. How is the company capitalising on trends that will drive digital testing and licensure exams in Southeast Asia for business growth? We find out from Craig McFarlane, Vice President of Australia and Southeast Asia at Pearson VUE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Both Vietnam and the Philippines are claimant states in South China, but they have different relationships and approaches towards China. We discuss how Manila and Hanoi are navigating internal political turbulence as well as broader geopolitical dynamics with the respective country experts. Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founded in 1968, Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia advocates for a non-racial, secular, and socially just Malaysia. Once a dominant force, particularly in Penang, the party lost all its parliamentary seats in the 2018 elections and subsequently left Barisan Nasional after more than five decades with the coalition. Datuk Dr. Dominic Lau, the National President tells us about Gerakan’s current influence and why they are part of Perikatan Nasional.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarawak is Malaysia's largest state by land area yet it contributed only 9.1% to the country's GDP last year. That is now expected to change with the state having invested some RM20 billion ringgit to develop its infrastructure so far. Timothy Ong, CEO of the newly established InvestSarawak, shares his vision to bring sustainable investments into the state known for decades for its oil & gas industry, as well as for developing homegrown SMEs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scania has been in Malaysia manufacturing heavy commercial vehicles like lorries and buses from its sole assembly plant in Port Klang since the 1970s. Joyce Antar, recently appointed the managing director of Scania Southeast Asia three months ago, shares her vision of where she wants the company to go in terms of growing its sales volumes while ensuring the overall net zero ambition targets remain in sight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Solar District Cooling Group Bhd specialises in supplying building management systems, solar thermal systems, and energy-saving services. Listed on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market, following an IPO that was oversubscribed by 144 times we asked Managing Director, Edison Kong about their post-listing plans and if there is still upside to the share price after a strong debut.Image Credit: shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple Vacations is one of Malaysia's largest outbound travel agencies with a history dating back to the mid-1990s when travelling on group tours was the preferable and indeed more affordable option. Dato' Sri Lee Ee Hoe, the co-founder and group executive chairman of Apple Vacations, talks to us about surviving the Covid-19 lockdowns, adapting to changing travel preferences and the process of putting in place a succession plan for the firm.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Germany celebrates Unity Day today but 34 years after the creation of a United East and West Germany, what challenges does the EU's most powerful member state face? We speak to their ambassador to Malaysia, H.E. Dr Peter Blomeyer, to find out if populism is once again challenging the foundations of modern Germany whilst talking about relations with Malaysia as we are their largest trading partner in Southeast Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has earned both flowers and brickbats in his interactions with foreign leaders, most recently with President Vladimir Putin of Russia. How is Malaysia’s foreign policy shaping up under the Madani Government? We discuss the developments and policy signals with our panel of experts.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.