The Breakfast Grille

Equity markets started on a wobbly note in 2025 due to uncertainty over a Trump Presidency. We ask Anand Pathmakanthan, Head of Regional Equity Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group and Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer for Affluent Product & Proposition, CIMB Bank Berhad for their views on how politics impacts markets, the investment strategy to adopt and where are the money making ideas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After more than two years of helming the position as Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has recently released a book titled “Saving The Planet”, documenting his experiences as Minister. As Malaysia has a strong commitment to its net-zero goal, we speak with him to understand how our country can translate ambition into action as well as how we can reconcile climate policy with political expediency.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GXBank was the first digital bank to launch in September 2023. Has their customer acquisition strategy paid off, how they intend to benefit from the Grab ecosystem and when can they be profitable? Questions we pose to Lai Pei Si, CEO of GXBank.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Visa is upbeat about its future in Southeast Asia with various surveys pointing to an increasing number of people in the region adopting a cashless lifestyle. Serene Gay, the global payment network's group country manager for this region as well as the senior VP of global clients and acquirer for the Asia Pacific region also discusses efforts to combat fraud and enhance cybersecurity.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The importance of cybersecurity cannot be understated enough as any compromises or breaches can threaten supply chains, financial stability - and even of course democracy. Sarene Lee, the Malaysia country manager for, Palo Alto Networks, talks about the cybersecurity service providers efforts to enhance Malaysia's readiness and the battle to stay ahead of cyber-criminals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Presenter Phillip See will be sitting down with Steven Xie, Head of South East Asia, Swisslog, a company with Swiss roots that specializes in warehouse automation. They’ll be discussing the company’s warehouse automation and management system, what sets Swisslog apart from its competitors, how it is adapting to operating in different regions globally, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Madani Government launched the National Artificial Intelligence Office (NAIO) in December 2024 to mobilise the industry to leverage on the A.I. technology. We discuss the priorities of the new body with its CEO, Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The regulatory landscape for Malaysian aviation is undergoing a revolution as the body tasked with overseeing the economic health of the industry, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) is being merged with the technical safety body, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). How prepared is CAAM to be the sole regulatory entity amid headwinds for the aviation players? We discuss this with CAAM CEO Dato’ Captain Norazman Mahmud.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The stage is set for Malaysia in 2025, as it assumes the chairmanship of Asean as well as being admitted to the BRICS grouping as a partner country. This year also sees divisions being drawn between the US with a new president and its long-term rival China. Dr Prashanth Parameswaran, founder of the ASEAN Wonk newsletter and a fellow at the Wilson Centre in Washington DC shares his views on what we can look forward to this year.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

DKSH, the Swiss-based market expansion services provider is responsible for consumer brands such as Famous Amos and SCS Butter in Malaysia. What do its fortunes tell us about the state of the Malaysian consumer? We speak to Sandeep Tewari, Head of Country Leadership and Executive Director of DKSH Malaysia on the growth prospects of the company, especially in the healthcare segment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The solar industry has been been growing by leaps and bounds due to a raft of government policies and incentives. But it’s also extremely competitive and requires capital. We speak to Lew Shoong Kai from Northern Solar Holdings Berhad as to if going public will provide the funding it needs to grow, the competition and are their valuations fair.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Presenter Phillip See will be sitting down with Euan Smith, Group CEO of Astro Malaysia Holdings Berhad about the company’s financial performance, how they’re adapting to the rapidly changing media landscape, how hard it is to market in Malaysia, leveraging their strength in creating vernacular content, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In August last year, Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif was appointed as Kuala Lumpur’s first female mayor. After serving in the role for almost five months, we speak with her to discuss her achievements so far and areas for improvement moving forward as she contends with the challenges of getting the basics right as well as transforming Kuala Lumpur into a global gateway into Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia under the Madani Government has set a national goal to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. But are the policies in place sufficient to ensure Malaysia’s resilience in the probable likelihood that the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold for warming is breached? We discuss themes in the climate change agenda with Yin Shao Loong of Khazanah Research Institute, lead author of "What Is To Be Done? Confronting Climate Crisis in Malaysia."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Signify has a 125-year history as an innovator and global leader in lighting. However, with the increasing demand for energy saving solutions, how does this company retain its edge today in an increasingly commoditised industry. Sukanto Aich, Managing Director, Professional Business Southeast Asia & President, Signify Malaysia tells us.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The global media and entertainment industry is undergoing structural changes impacting traditional business models. How are industry players adapting to the evolving conditions? We revisit conversations with media & entertainment majors and regulators on how they're navigating the challenging landscape.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 was the year geopolitical fault lines became even more pronounced between the US, China and Russia amid the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza. How are Malaysia and other countries navigating the currents? We revisit conversations on foreign policy issues that dominated the year.Image Credit: Shutterstock.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This year marks 2 years since Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim took office. Is the Madani Government living up to expectations? We revisit conversations with key leaders and political figures on the highlights and lowlights of Malaysian politics this year.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is competing with regional peers to attract foreign direct investments but do we have the right competitive advantage as investors flock to themes like AI, data centres and semiconductors. We revisit conversations on what's driving investment into the country. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Benjamin Franklin once said that an investment in knowledge always pays the best interest - this statement rings true until today. In Malaysia, education issues have ranged from how politics have influenced policies resulting in issues that affect us and future generations to come. We revisit conversations with the primary stakeholders to see what some of these issues are.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A country's democracy is only as strong as the institutions of governance that underpin it. How far has the Madani Government lived up to expectations of its reform agenda? We revisit conversations discussing how Malaysia's political and democratic institutions can be strengthened.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supreme Consolidated Resources is a newly ACE listed frozen food supplier. We speak to Dato’ Richard Wee, their Executive Chairman about the business of importing, trading and distribution of food products in East Malaysia, as well as its plans for IPO proceeds and course, should we consider adding the stock to our portfolio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACE-listed KHPT Holdings Bhd has been an automotive parts and components supplier to Proton for 29 years and to Perodua for 24 years, through 'Tier 1' suppliers and manufacturers. Upon debuting on Bursa Malaysia in early October, the company set aside over 75% of its 21.7 million ringgit in IPO proceeds for capital expenditure. We speak with KHPT’s group managing director Datin Eloise See about the firm’s long term growth plans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Online travel agencies have arguably become the primary platform to explore options for the next vacation, with the online travel market in Southeast Asia estimated to be worth USD46 billion in 2024. How is digital platform Booking.com competing with other players in an increasingly crowded space? We discuss themes in the business of travel and tourism with Anthony Lu, Regional Director of Southeast Asia & China at Booking.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gurtaj Singh Padda, Executive Director of Tune Talk speaks on his acquisition of the majority of shares in the telco company, sparking innovation that brings convenience to consumers in Malaysia, the dual 5G network rollout, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Life Water Berhad, a bottled water and beverages producer homegrown in Sabah made its debut on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia last month with an IPO price of 65 sen per share. What does Life Water intend to do with the RM63.4 million ringgit proceeds from its listing? We speak to Liaw Hen Kong, Managing Director of Life Water Berhad to find out.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made his maiden visit to Brazil where he reiterated that Malaysia would like to join BRICS. We speak to His Excellency Ary Norton De Murat Quintella, Brazilian Ambassador to Malaysia about the chances of that materialising, the new global world order with Trump 2.0 and the possibility of Malaysia having an FTA with Brazil to improve trade.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is one of Canada's largest bilateral merchandise trading partners in Southeast Asia. Bilateral trade between both countries reached RM8.05 billion as of August 2024, which is a significant 41% year-on-year increase. Philip See speaks with the new High Commissioner of Canada to Malaysia, Her Excellency Jodi Robinson, to discuss the growing economic ties between Canada and Malaysia as well as Ottawa's vision for strengthening bilateral relations with Putrajaya.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.