The Breakfast Grille: Recent Episodes
BFM Media
Sharper and stronger than a double espresso. The Morning Run stretches your mind and braces you for the business day. It's your fast track into work where you can hit the ground running. From 6am to 10am weekdays, the Morning Run brings you the biggest stories and must-listen-to interviews. Stay enlightened, make educated business and investment decisions.
DXN Holdings has quietly built one of Malaysia's most international businesses through a global network across some 200 markets. Prajith Pavithran, the company's executive director and group CEO, explains why DXN is investing heavily in manufacturing and expanding across Latin America, while still fundamentally a direct-selling company, or something more?
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While solidly green, Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) is helping create what pundits are calling the Blue Wave. After the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections the role of Parti Islam Se-Malaysia or PAS as part of a future federal government is being entertained as a real possibility. In this conversation with discuss PAS’ current political strategy, the foundations of its economic philosophy, the tensions between its ‘populist’ social policies and the demands of being Shariah-compliant and also the SG4 initiative that aims not only to attract investment but also to promote the idea that a PAS-led government will be business friendly and inclusive of all Malaysians.
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Nearly 80 years after the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the institutions created to uphold it are under unprecedented strain. Philippe Bolopion, the Executive Director of Human Rights Watch discusses Gaza, Malaysia, refugees, international law and why, despite mounting challenges, he still believes human rights are worth fighting for.
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Scicom MSC Bhd started life as a call centre. Today it processes the visa for every international student entering Malaysia, and holds a 15-year concession on GITC — the country's first national platform matching TVET graduates to jobs, launched by the Deputy Prime Minister in June. After 3 straight years of falling revenue, trailing twelve-month revenue is up 37%, profit up 96%, and the share price has more than doubled. Group CEO Datuk Seri Leo Ariyanayakam on what the platform actually does, how much of the group rides on government contracts, and whether a doubled dividend is sustainable when cash has halved and receivables have doubled.
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PEOPLElogy just turned 25, and it's marking the milestone with a pledge to make five million Malaysians AI-ready by 2028, roughly one in three working Malaysians. It's a bold ask at a moment when over 52,000 Malaysians have already lost their jobs this year, more than half of them PMETs. But 14 months after listing on the ACE Market, the stock is at 21 sen, below its 25-sen IPO price, and FY2025 net profit came in at just RM41,000 on RM29.8 million in revenue. Managing Director and Group CEO Allen Lee returns to the Breakfast Grille to account for the numbers, the IPO proceeds, the dividend, and whether the recovery is real.
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China and Taiwan have had frigid relations since Democratic People's Party (DPP) became the ruling party in 2016, currently with President Lai Ching-te at the helm. How are the dynamics between Beijing and Taipei shifting in light of the Trump administration 2.0 policies? We discuss developments with Bonnie Glaser of the German Marshall Fund.
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Barisan Nasional’s switch in strategy paid off handsomely, grabbing half the state assembly and with Perikatan Nasional securing control of the state. The question being asked is if this winning strategy can go national and deliver UMNO leadership of the country? Also laid bare several are other political realities: Pakatan Harapan’s weak hold of the Malay ground, Wawasan’s replacement of Bersatu as PAS’ Malay nationalist partner and Borneo’s potential loss of the kingmaker position if GE16 goes the way of the PAS-UMNO alliance.
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In 2023, the elections ushered in a Pakatan Harapan-led government with the support of the Barisan Nasional. Neither coalition had sufficient seats to lead the 36-member assembly. In this election, Barisan has switched strategy, forming an informal electoral pact with Perikatan Nasional instead. No doubt the outcome of the Negeri Sembilan vote will be consequential for the people of the state but will it determine the future stability of the current Federal government.
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As Malaysia Business Events Week 2026 gets underway, the spotlight is on how the country plans to strengthen its position as a regional destination for international conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events. Amid intensifying competition from neighbours such as Singapore and Thailand, success will depend on more than marketing, with infrastructure, sustainability, regulatory efficiency, and measurable economic returns all coming under greater scrutiny. Can Malaysia build a more competitive and resilient business events industry?
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Teladan Group has spent nearly three decades building homes in Melaka. Now, the Main Market-listed developer is embarking on its most ambitious chapter yet, expanding into Negeri Sembilan, the Klang Valley and industrial developments. Richard Teo, Managing Director of Teladan Group, discusses the company's growth strategy.
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Pekat Group Berhad has transformed itself from a lightning protection specialist into a leading player in Malaysia's solar engineering sector, reflecting the country's accelerating energy transition. With plans to move from Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market to the Main Market, the company is entering a new stage of growth amid rising demand for renewable energy and data centre infrastructure. Can Pekat maintain its momentum as competition intensifies and the clean energy landscape evolves?
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The latest entrant to the Malaysian political scene is Parti Wawasan Negara led by Dato’ Sri Hamzah Zainuddin and comprising disgruntled former members of Bersatu. How is Wawasan positioning itself in an increasingly crowded space? We find out from the party’s Secretary General, Dato’ Sri Saifuddin Abdullah.
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The Malaysian Media Council or Majlis Media Malaysia (MMM) is a statutory body established to uphold journalistic standards, mediate public complaints and advocate for press freedom. How will it shape the contours of the media industry for the future? We discuss the role and aims of the MMM with its newly appointed Chair, Tan Sri Nallini Pathmanathan, former justice of the Federal Court.
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Recent international trade numbers are record breaking. In the first half of the year, it grew 22.4% year-on-year to a record RM1.796 trillion in the first half of 2026. The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry said exports increased 27.5% to RM971.59bil, while imports rose 16.9% to RM824.44bil, resulting in a trade surplus of RM147.15bil. Reports stated that “manufactured goods continued to underpin export growth, led by electrical and electronic products, which recorded an increase of almost RM140bil in export value.” While the Malaysia Investment Development Authority reported healthy levels of Domestic Investments, yet in this volatile international order, what challenges remain for the country’s leadership to navigate?
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As Food & Drinks Malaysia 2026 opens at MITEC, the food and beverage industry is navigating shifting supply chains, evolving consumer demand, and growing regional competition. Trade exhibitions are also changing, with greater emphasis on delivering measurable business outcomes rather than simply showcasing products. What will it take for Malaysia to strengthen its position as a regional food and beverage hub, and where are the biggest commercial opportunities for the industry?
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CGS International Securities Malaysia is looking beyond its traditional roots as a stockbroker to become a broader investment house. Its CEO Khairi Shahrin Arief Baki explains what's driving that strategy, where future growth opportunities lie and why the future of brokerage will depend on far more than executing trades.
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Samaiden, an integrated renewable energy solutions provider and asset owner is one of the big beneficiaries of the RE transition momentum, with revenue and profit growing steadily over the past 2 years. However as external factors create cost pressures and with increasing competition in the EPCC space, can Samaiden maintain its shine? We discuss the fortunes and prospects of the company with Group Managing Director Dato’ Chow Pui Hee.
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This month, No.10 Downing Street is set to welcome a new resident: Andy Burnham is expected to replace Keir Starmer as the 5th UK Prime Minister since 2020. How will this influence the UK policy agenda? We discuss this with Mark MacGregor of Penta Group.
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Medical insurance has become one of Malaysia's biggest public policy challenges amid rising healthcare costs and insurance premiums. Vibha Coburn, Group CEO of Manulife Malaysia, discusses the company's growth strategy, the future of medical insurance, and how rebuilding consumer trust will require action from insurers, healthcare providers and regulators alike.
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France and Malaysia have had formal diplomatic relations ever since Merdeka, with the relationship growing significantly over the decades, leading to expanded cooperation in trade, higher education, and defence. HE Marc Abensour, Ambassador of France to Malaysia join us on this Bastille Day to discuss the evolution of Malaysia-France relations and its future.
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The big winner was Barisan Nasional going from 40 to 48 seats in the 56 seat House with UMNO’s partners contributing a large part to the extra eight seats to that boost. The MCA doubled its representation from 4 to 8, and the MIC increased from 3 to 4, giving them 25% of Barisan’s ADUNs. Biggest losers were Perikatan Nasional fielding candidates in 33 seats, but they won none, losing the three ADUNS they had. And finally Pakatan, which was in a confidence and supply agreement with the previous Barisan government, had its representation shrink from 12 to 8 ADUNs in the Assembly. We look at the depth of the Blue Wave, the Bersama spoiler effect, PAS’ ‘Malay-Muslim’ government strategy and the wake-up call for Pakatan.
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Johor goes to the polls on Saturday and Negeri Sembilan in a couple of weeks, and Melaka soon after: the country enters a period of domestic political volatility after three and a half years of relative stability. What harm will the current jostling for dominance between coalition partners do to the MADANI government? What does the future hold for the DAP as it holds its national congress after two state elections? And what new political realities and leaders will Malaysians wake up to in the coming months. All this against the backdrop of big power rivalries that are rocking the international stage and upending the rules-based order.
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More than half of finance professionals are quietly sweating over what AI means for their careers, and Gen Z graduates are the most anxious of all. But is automation destroying the profession, or simply clearing out grunt work to give humans a more strategic role?
Pulkit Abrol, Director of Asia Pacific at ACCA, joins The Breakfast Grille to look past the AI hype and talk about real human trust. We dive into "agency decay", the danger of younger professionals blindly trusting machine reports over their own judgment, and explore how corporate ethics must evolve as technology shifts.
We also unpack why massive corporate collapses are almost always failures of human courage rather than technical math, and break down the eye-opening data from ACCA's latest Global Trends report, including that 66% of Malaysian finance talent are unhappy with their pay, and 61% face severe workplace mental health strain.
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Malaysia's timber industry is at a crossroads. While it remains one of the country's largest commodity exporters, the sector is contending with weaker global demand, US tariffs, labour shortages, and mounting pressure to automate and meet stricter sustainability standards. As the government pushes the industry towards higher-value products and stronger global competitiveness, can Malaysia transform its timber sector into a modern, innovation-driven export powerhouse?
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As the Madani Government enters the home stretch of its tenure, the question is not only what's left of its legislative agenda but also what it has accomplished thus far, and how much time does it have for the remainder of its term. With the noise from the upcoming Johor and Negeri Sembilan elections increasingly obscuring the cooperation at the Federal-level can the government convince the public that it has accomplished the most important legislative tasks the country needs.
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Parti Keadilan Rakyat has been in the hot seat about their commitment to reform including its pace. But as a former PKR activist writes, “PKR did not become one of Malaysia’s mainstream political parties because it had the most sophisticated reform manifesto, but because it assembled a broad coalition spanning the urban middle class, wage earners, civil society, minorities, and voters seeking an alternative model of governance.” Arguing it's not only sloganeering over values, but coalition-building leading to taking Putrajaya that’s the real test for commitment to reform.
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The US-Malaysia Agreement on Reciprocal Trade that was signed in October last year remains in limbo as the Trump administration tries to sort out its tariff regime. What does the uncertainty mean for US-ASEAN business activity? We break down the latest developments on US tariffs and discuss what growing US involvement in critical mineral supply chains means for ASEAN with Marc Mealy of the US-ASEAN Business Council.
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The global Sukuk market entered 2026 with strong momentum after a record year in 2025, when global issuance grew 25% year-on-year to surpass USD 300 billion for the first time. Then came the US-Iran war, triggering a 35% plunge in first-quarter global Sukuk volumes, effectively grounding the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) market to a halt in March.
Bashar Al Natoor, Global Head of Islamic Finance at Fitch Ratings, joins The Breakfast Grille to break down how the asset class is navigating this ultimate geopolitical stress test.
We dive into why global yields refuse to return to pre-war baselines, how Malaysia’s local, ringgit-denominated market acts as a shield against international volatility, and whether the future of Shariah-compliant capital will be powered by blockchain tokenisation.
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Malaysia's food delivery market has evolved beyond restaurant meals into a broader contest over groceries, convenience, and quick commerce. As rivals tap into larger ride hailing, e-commerce, and fintech ecosystems, foodpanda is pursuing a more focused strategy centred on operational efficiency and rapid delivery. With competition intensifying and its parent company undergoing global restructuring, can foodpanda build a sustainable and profitable business without the advantages of a super app?
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For thirty years, Puspakom, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DRB-Hicom, has been the sole company appointed by the government to conduct mandatory inspections of commercial and private vehicles. This long-term monopoly officially ended in August 2024. How prepared is Puspakom to compete in an open market and can it overcome the legacy issues it has collected over the years? We discuss Puspakom’s strategy and outllook with Mahmood Razak Bahman, the CEO of Puspakom.
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Malaysia's hospitality sector is enjoying strong tourism growth, but hotel operators are also navigating rising labour costs, wage pressures, and intensifying competition. Marriott International continues to expand aggressively across both established and emerging destinations, raising questions about brand positioning, operational efficiency, and the long-term potential of secondary cities. As the industry evolves, how is Marriott balancing growth with profitability in one of Southeast Asia's fastest-changing hotel markets?
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With the Johor state assembly around the corner there is increased jostling between political parties, even those which are formally in alliances. And there has been quite a bit of chatter about wanting youth voices and with many parties claiming that their candidates reflect a mix of veterans and new faces, experience and youthful idealism. But what’s really at stake in the political contest and can our political leaders speak from a different script? We talk about the history of youth wings, cooperation during the Madani period, UMNO Supreme Council Puad Zarkashi's shock resignation and if Bersama is eating any party’s proverbial lunch.
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The US-China geopolitical rivalry and President Donald Trump's mercurial policies have upended the established multilateral order, to the detriment of countries like Malaysia that base development strategies on the rules-based system. Can multilateralism survive these geopolitical shifts and what role do smaller countries play in reshaping multilateralism for the future? We discuss these themes with Danny Quah, the Li Ka Shing Professor in Economics at the National University of Singapore.
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Malaysia's refugee policy vacuum, rising anti-Rohingya sentiment, and whether refugee issues are becoming politically salient in the lead-up to upcoming elections. Adrian Pereira of the North South Initiative and May of the Refugee Emergency Fund and Reimagine Education, discuss refugee governance, shifting public attitudes, and whether Malaysia's decades-long approach is still fit for purpose.
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The Netherlands has long been one of Malaysia’s key partners in Europe, with ties spanning trade, investment, semiconductors, water management, and sustainability. As geopolitical tensions, supply chain shifts, and climate challenges reshape the global landscape, both countries are looking to deepen cooperation in areas critical to future growth and resilience. How is the bilateral relationship evolving, and where do the biggest opportunities for collaboration lie in the years ahead?
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Atlas Copco is a Swedish multinational giant in the industrial sector, providing much of the infrastructure and equipment needed for manufacturing plants to operate. How are they navigating global economic headwinds and does Malaysia provide safe harbour for geopolitical currents? We catch-up with Khalid Shaikh, General Manager of Atlas Copco Malaysia & Singapore.
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Industrial chemicals rarely grab headlines, but they sit quietly behind Malaysia’s most aggressive economic sectors, including the massive infrastructure and data center construction boom. Now, specialty chemical distributor Eckem Holdings is stepping out from behind the curtain, looking to raise RM15 million via an IPO on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia. However, the listing arrives alongside a complicated financial reality: profit after tax has tumbled roughly 35% over consecutive years due to cyclical, oil-linked chemical prices and a steep rise in finance debt used to fund a RM60 million industrial land bank.
Executive Director Jack Tan joins The Breakfast Grille to defend the company’s 16.7x earnings valuation multiple against contracting profit after tax. Jack breaks down how their local in-house laboratory acts as a technical moat to secure customer loyalty over direct foreign suppliers, addresses the governance optics of declaring a RM1.9 million pre-IPO dividend, and details the strategic roadmap to double its capacity in high-margin rubber export manufacturing to transform the business from a pure middleman into a resilient industrial player.
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The World Bank Group recently released its biannual flagship publication on Malaysia’s economy titled “Raising the Ceiling, Raising the Floor: The Jobs Agenda as a Productivity Agenda” which focuses on the Malaysian Government’s progress in undertaking structural changes of the economy as well as improving living standards. Taking into account conflict in the Gulf and expectations of a supply-side induced crisis, we ask what the domestic and external hurdles to growth are.
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Malaysia has long been a global leader in Muslim-friendly tourism, but can that leadership evolve into something more? Mohammad Faisal Abu Suaib Khan, Director-General of the Islamic Tourism Centre, discusses the growth potential of the Muslim travel market whether or not Malaysian standards such as MFAR can become an exportable asset.
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The Securities Commission is reviewing the Malaysian Code of Corporate Governance (MCCG), last updated in 2021. What changes are needed to encourage more publicly-listed companies to level up on corporate governance practices? We discuss the progress made and gaps to overcome on Malaysian boards with our expert panel.
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As Malaysia attracts billions of ringgit in data centre investments, demand is rising for the critical power infrastructure needed to keep these facilities running without interruption. Fresh from a strong Bursa debut, EI Power finds itself at the centre of this trend, providing specialised engineering and power solutions for mission-critical environments. With a growing order book, regional expansion ambitions, and increasing competition, can the company sustain its growth momentum and translate the data centre boom into a durable long-term advantage?
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While taking on the role recently, and with less than half the government’s term left, we ask the Minister about his concerns about policy continuity amidst political and economic uncertainty. From the much anticipated National Climate Change bill, to issues of carbon tax to the Community Ranger initiative, we ask the Minister what are his priorities. With his own 100 days KPIs, we take a measure of what has been achieved on the Green Agenda.
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Malaysia’s automotive market is becoming increasingly competitive as Chinese brands gain ground with aggressive pricing and technology-rich vehicles. Against this backdrop, Kia has taken direct control of its Malaysian operations for the first time, establishing Kia Sales Malaysia and making Kuala Lumpur its Asia-Pacific headquarters. As the brand embarks on a factory-led reset, can Kia rebuild consumer confidence and strengthen its position in an increasingly crowded market?
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According to the latest Global Terrorism Index, the world is a safer place than it was 10 years ago, with overall terrorist attacks on a declining trend. But the positive trend belies a damaging pattern of states using counter-terrorism as justification for actions that violate international human rights, including in conflicts that are unfolding in the Middle East today. We discuss the real-world implications of inherent tensions between security and liberty with Prof. Ben Saul, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.
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Inspace Creation Berhad recently made its debut on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market after attracting strong investor interest, positioning itself as a specialist in customised commercial office fit-outs and workplace transformation. As multinational corporations expand their presence in Malaysia and workplace expectations continue to evolve, the company is seeking to grow beyond its current footprint in a highly fragmented industry. But with customer concentration, project-based revenue, and increasing competition all posing challenges, how sustainable is Inspace’s growth strategy, and can its turnkey approach provide a meaningful competitive advantage as it pursues regional expansion?
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As growth in the US market cools down, the battle for pickleball dominance is shifting to Asia, and Selkirk has made Malaysia their Asian HQ.
Mike Barnes, Co-CEO of Selkirk Sport, joins The Breakfast Grille to discuss their $30 million investment, their expansion strategy, and why the pickleball economy will avoid the post-pandemic crash of hardware peers like Peloton.
We dive into how Selkirk uses its unique in-house R&D lab to build a strong patent moat , how they leverage sub-brands to create a customer "ladder" without hurting their premium image , and why a cooling market is actually opening up aggressive opportunities for Selkirk to lead a wave of industry M&A and consolidation.
Finally, Mike shares surprising consumer insights on why Southeast Asian players often view a premium paddle as a prime status symbol rather than a price hurdle.
Photo Credit: Selkirk Sport
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Francisco Retondo, General Manager of Sika Malaysia, joins The Breakfast Grille to discuss how the specialty chemical giant has decoupled from a slowing global market.
While global sales flattened and a real estate crash hit operations in China, Southeast Asia emerged as Sika's star performer. Francesco breaks down the mechanics of their extensive local footprint, now spanning six factories, and reveals how they are managing a volatile energy crisis.
We unpack the delicate trade-off between protecting profit margins and passing costs down to increasingly price-sensitive local contractors, the strategy for fending off aggressive Chinese suppliers looking for overseas buyers, and Sika's bold corporate roadmap to double its Malaysian business.
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Elsa Bhd is preparing for its ACE Market debut, but this is a firm that is more than your traditional oil and gas services provider. Its managing director, Daniel Ilham Khong talks about Elsa's evolution from engineering consultancy to digital solutions, robotics and energy technology, and whether that transformation can drive its next phase of growth.
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The Malaysia Higher Education Blueprint 2026 to 2035 was launched in March, setting out the policy direction for tertiary education in the country over the next decade. Does this plan address the realities of higher education institutions in Malaysia today, and what will it take to achieve the aim of becoming a global education hub by 2035? We explore themes and trends in higher education with our expert panel.
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Streaming platforms are entering a more demanding phase, where subscriber growth alone is no longer enough to sustain expansion or satisfy investors. For players like iQIYI, the challenge now is balancing profitability, localisation, creator monetisation, and AI-driven innovation while competing for audiences across Southeast Asia’s increasingly crowded entertainment landscape. As viewing habits evolve and pressure builds on both advertising and subscription models, how is iQIYI positioning itself for the next stage of growth in the region?
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As Malaysia’s digital infrastructure and enterprise technology spending continue to expand, newly listed ICT players are facing growing pressure to differentiate beyond traditional hardware distribution and project-based revenue. Pentech Holdings is positioning itself around cybersecurity, managed services, and AI-driven solutions as it prepares for its ACE Market debut at an IPO price of 20 sen per share on June 15. But in a sector known for tight margins and intense competition, how sustainable is the shift toward recurring revenue and higher-value digital services, and what should investors be watching as the company enters its next phase of growth?
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Between 2022 and 2024, Samsonite enjoyed a massive travel boom, but now the market is slowing down and cheap rivals are flooding in.
Ambert Khoo, General Manager of Samsonite Malaysia, joins The Breakfast Grille to explain how they keep Asia more profitable than their other major markets, and how selling 90% of their products directly to customers drives that success.
We also discuss how moving into everyday items like ladies' handbags and backpacks protects the business when people travel less, as well as dive into a new franchise plan designed to help their budget brand, American Tourister, win back customers from cheaper competitors.
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A.I. technology has developed at an exponential rate over the past 5 years, but it comes at the cost of regulatory and cybersecurity frameworks playing catch-up. We speak to US legal practitioner Guillermo Christensen, a partner at the law firm K&L Gates to discuss how governments are responding to the cybersecurity risks that AI poses and how businesses should adapt to the rapidly evolving landscape.
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Is artificial intelligence stuck in your cost structure and completely missing from your bottom line? Arya Bolurfrushan, Founder and CEO of The Applied AI Company (AAICO), joins The Breakfast Grille to break down exactly what enterprises are getting wrong about AI adoption.
We explore his firm’s $100 million war chest and aggressive private equity-style acquisition strategy, as well as why patching an AI agent into an existing legacy setup is a dangerous automation trap. Arya reveals how to properly design an AI-first process with strategic human placement rather than contorting your business around rigid code.
Finally, we dissect the unique mathematical vulnerability where a tiny 1% error rate compounds into an 11% operational crisis across multiple agents, and why AAICO is locked in a multi-million dollar race to chart all 2.7 million finite, regulated business processes on Earth.
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Les' Copaque Production built one of Malaysia’s most recognisable animation franchises in Upin & Ipin. Now, the company is expanding beyond content, into education, F&B, and even a theme park, as it looks to evolve into a full-fledged IP-driven business. Datuk Burhanuddin Md Radzi its founder and managing director shares how he plans to fulfil his lifelong dreams.
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IKEA has been part of the Malaysian retail landscape for 30 years and as consumers become more cost-conscious and e-commerce reshapes retail, it is evolving beyond its traditional megastore model. Malcolm Pruys, Country Retail Director of IKEA Malaysia discusses affordability, omnichannel retail and expansion for the IKEA experience in Malaysia.
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UCSI University, which in 2024 found itself at its highest position in the QS World University Rankings since its inception, slipped slightly in the 2025 list. Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir, the university's Vice-Chancellor, discusses whether UCSI University can sustain its position as competition intensifies and weighing in on Malaysia’s higher education system.
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Telco tower veteran Suresh Sidhu launched EdgePoint Infrastructure in 2020, scaling the regional venture to over 16,000 sites across Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, with backing from DigitalBridge, and then later the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.
However the infrastructure model now faces a more complex reality: carrier consolidation and a higher for longer interest rate environment that creates a more challenging environment, in particular for a PE-backed player. Can ASEAN’s underlying tide of data demand outrun these mounting structural pressures?
Suresh Sidhu joins the show to discuss navigating private equity expectations in a high-rate climate, the shifting economics of a consolidated customer base, and the new growth engines driving the TowerCo model.
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Pharmaniaga officially exited PN17 status in March, having taken three years to complete its regularisation plan. The firm is now vying to become the most valuable pharmaceutical company in Malaysia by 2030 leveraging on its ongoing government concession in logistics and biopharma manufacturing capabilities. We catch-up with Managing Director Dato’ Zulkifli Jafar to find out how he intends to achieve this goal.
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Still fresh from his re-entry into UMNO, we ask the former Minister and Youth Chief what role he sees for himself in the party ahead of GE16, and his views on the Barisan-Pakatan cooperation and what the Malay community wants. We also tap him for his views on great power rivalry, the US-Israeli attack on Iran and the global crisis it has created. Are our political elite up to the task of navigating the global crisis, or will they keep our house permanently divided?
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How is the US-China geopolitical rivalry affecting other countries also involved in the semiconductor space, like the Netherlands and Malaysia? We discuss the Dutch approach to semiconductor advancement and lessons that can be learned by Malaysia in growing its domestic industry with Michiel Sweers, Vice Minister for Foreign Economic Relations of the Netherlands.
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Putrajaya has been laying out strategies to deal with what is being called a “supply-side crisis” sparked by the American and Israeli attack on Iran on February the 28th. From the Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, to the impacts on crude oil supplies and agriculture, leading to shortages of petroleum derived products and disruptions to manufacturing supply chains, to geo-political realignments and its economic consequences, the crisis is about to hit with increasing severity in the coming months. Are we ready for what it will demand of all stake-holders in the country?
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The European Union has not been spared geopolitical whiplash under the Trump administration as US-China competition, the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East upends the global order. How is the bloc navigating these challenging times and how is this shaping its relations with Malaysia? We catch up with H.E. Rafael Daerr, EU Ambassador to Malaysia on the eve of Europe Day.
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Is the world on the brink of a recession?
10 weeks into the paralysis of the Strait of Hormuz, the global market is still missing between 10 to 15 million barrels of oil daily, and the longer this goes on, the darker the economic scenarios look.
Dr. Gaurav Ganguly, Head of International Economist at Moody’s Analytics, joins the Breakfast Grille to unpack Asia’s ‘Two-Part Story’, where Asia’s weakness in energy is offset by a surge in electronics exports due to the AI boom.
We explore why Malaysia’s RM5 billion monthly subsidy bill is testing the absolute limits of fiscal resilience, how the supply shock could trigger a "wage-price spiral" that threatens to break the global labor market, and what this prolonged shock means for the permanent re-ordering of the global order.
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MARA Liner Group has been connecting rural communities across the country for decades, but with rising costs and low margins, can that model hold? New CEO Wan Agyl Wan Hassan discusses the challenges of transforming a legacy bus operator through digitalisation, diversification, and operational reform while navigating thin margins.
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The Warisan Kuala Lumpur initiative, which was launched in April last year with a RM600 million funding injection from Khazanah Nasional, is beginning to reap rewards with the reopening of heritage buildings in the city centre. We catch up with Dato' Hamdan Abdul Majeed of Think City on KL urban regeneration efforts and the potential economic multiplier of the upcoming Kuala Lumpur Festival beginning May 6th.
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The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed for over two months following the outbreak of war in Iran. What are the implications of this prolonged closure for international trade, shipping, and the lobal legal maritime regime? We explore these themes with Prof Dr Jason Chuah, Chairman of the Board of Research with the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA).
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It has been two months since the start of the Iran War and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery carrying 20% of the world’s oil and 40% of Malaysia’s crude imports. Despite early optimistic projections of a four-week resolution, the deadlock has entered its ninth week, with global supply losses reaching 1 billion barrels.
So, is this still just a "temporary shock"?
Brian Coulton, Chief Economist at Fitch Ratings, joins The Breakfast Grille to audit the growing stagflation threat, a toxic mix of rising prices and falling output. We explore why Asia is uniquely exposed as a net oil importer, why equity markets are dangerously disconnected from energy realities, and why the "fragile" global job market is the real trigger for a 2026 recession.
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Islamic banking now makes up nearly half of Malaysia’s financial system but as it matures, questions around differentiation, sustainability, and global competitiveness are coming into sharper focus. Rafe Haneef, president of the Association of Islamic Banking and Financial Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) talks about challenges going forward maintaining Malaysia's lead in this space.
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Southeast Asia’s real estate markets have long been seen as a growth story. But in a world of higher interest rates, shifting supply chains, and rising geopolitical tensions, that narrative is being tested. Michael Glancy, Managing Director for Southeast Asia at the international real estate advisory JLL, shares his insights.
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Systech Bhd has undergone a major shift following its acquisition of Wilstech Sdn Bhd, driving strong revenue growth and a new push into AI and GPU-as-a-Service, and with a new man at the helm. That person is Dr Wilson Low, the founder of Wilstech and now the MD for Systech. He discusses his ambitions and plans to turn Systech into a profitable business again.
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Japan already sells more adult diapers than baby diapers, a stark harbinger for a rapidly aging Malaysia. By 2040, the national support ratio is projected to collapse to just five working adults for every senior, signaling a fiscal crisis unless longevity is reframed as a frontier marketplace.
Michael Hodin, CEO of the Global Coalition on Aging (GCOA), joins the Breakfast Grille to discuss the $22 trillion Silver Economy. We explore why he believes the next 30 years of global growth will be driven not by the youth, but by a demographic that holds the lion’s share of disposable income. Is it time for a corporate "Aging Strategy" that goes far beyond bathroom grab bars.
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World Book Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) dedicated to promoting reading, literacy, and the joy of books worldwide. This year it is being celebrated under the shadow of several high profile and inexplicable book bans and seizures. While Malaysia boasts a literacy rate of over 94% and the government estimates that the average number of books read rose from two a year in 2005 to 24 in 2023, many issues remain to make reading books a popular way of experiencing the world.
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The New START Treaty between the U.S. and Russia expired in February 2026, marking the end of the last, major nuclear arms control agreement. Alarm bells went off with the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres noting that “for the first time in more than half a century, we face a world without any binding limits on the strategic nuclear arsenals.” So how do we re-institutionalise restraints in an age of re-emergent Great Power rivalry?
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What happens when Malaysian unicorn Carsome stops chasing "growth at all costs" and starts chasing the bottom line? After raising over $800 million and hitting a peak revenue of RM5.6 billion (pertaining to Carsome Sdn Bhd), the regional automotive e-commerce platform made a surprising move: it got smaller to get fitter.
Group CEO Eric Cheng joins the Breakfast Grille to explain the revenue contraction, how financing now contributes up to 30% of their profit margin, and why their recent $30 million raise isn't a lifeline, but a tech-heavy bridge to Greater China.
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What happens when Malaysian unicorn Carsome stops chasing "growth at all costs" and starts chasing the bottom line? After raising over $800 million and hitting a peak revenue of RM5.6 billion (pertaining to Carsome Sdn Bhd), the regional automotive e-commerce platform made a surprising move: it got smaller to get fitter.
Group CEO Eric Cheng joins the Breakfast Grille to explain the revenue contraction, how financing now contributes up to 30% of their profit margin, and why their recent $30 million raise isn't a lifeline, but a tech-heavy bridge to Greater China.
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The European Union and ASEAN will mark 50 years of diplomatic ties next year - but the pathway to the anniversary is fraught with geopolitical and economic uncertainties. How might the current Middle East energy crisis shape the trajectory of EU-ASEAN economic relations in the months to come? We discuss this with Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
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Few companies endure for more than a century. So, as Royal Selangor, one of Malaysia’s oldest and most recognisable brands, turns 141, we ask if a heritage, craft-driven business model can still scale in today’s economy. Dato' Yong Yoon Li, Royal Selangor's MD shares his thoughts on leading this family business now into its fourth generation and into the future.
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With Whitman’s move on the LEAP market, a fundamental question emerges: Can you scale a 'trust-based' business without losing its soul to shareholder pressure?
After 25 years of organic growth, Whitman Holdings’ public listing signals a shift from dividend payouts to expansion mode, potentially driven by an M&A appetite to consolidate Malaysia’s fragmented retirement advisory market.
Founder and Managing Director Yap Ming Hui also discusses the firm’s quest for vertical integration via a traditional portfolio management license, rejecting pure robo-advisory in favor of human-led expertise, and his aspirations for an "Expert AI" agent designed to clone his 25 years of proprietary wisdom.
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While the international system undergoes dramatic changes, Malaysian politics seems to be trapped in the same old political scripts and petty political rivalries. Even as many Malaysians yearn for a way out of stagnant politics, the question is will the next generation be part of the solution. We speak to two Kelantanese politicians about rebellion, Kelantan’s governance challenges and mobilising the young.
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Following the US-Iran War, Malaysia’s retail landscape is entering a state of "nervous calm" as fuel prices surge and costs ripple through supply chains. Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin of Mydin Mohamed Holdings joins the Breakfast Grille to warn that increases in basic food and retail items is imminent as logistics, LPG, and other costs surge.
Ameer also breaks down the Madani Mart model, drawing on his own RM185 million loss with Kedai Rakyat 1Malaysia (KR1M), and his key concerns about the model, as well as why he views work-from-home policies as "burning money" for the economy and why Malaysia may be "too nice" to foreign retail competition.
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Golden Destinations Group is heading for a public listing after a sharp recovery in global travel demand. But as growth begins to normalise, can the company sustain its momentum? Mita Lim, its managing director, discusses its B2B model, expansion plans, and what investors should expect.
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Boustead Holdings, the investment arm of the Malaysian Armed Forces Fund (LTAT) is undergoing a major restructuring exercise to rebuild its financial position and realign its strategic assets in support of the domestic defence sector. We speak to the newly appointed managing director, Datuk Dr. Ahmad Sabirin Arshad about his plans to repair Boustead's image, which has been tarnished by scandals like the littoral combat ship (LCS) procurement, and the pathway to create a long-discussed defence ecosystem in Malaysia.
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As AI automates the transactional tasks that once defined the profession, accounting faces a critical identity crisis. The hope is that this liberates practitioners to move from "bean counters" to strategic business advisors, but that is easier said than done.
CPA Australia President Dale Pinto joins the Breakfast Grille to discuss the 17th Small Business Survey, why trust remains the industry’s primary currency, and how human ethics remain the ultimate safeguard against future corporate scandals. He also warns of a mounting skills gap as graduates use AI to bypass the foundational work that historically forged professional skepticism.
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AMS Advanced Materials is seeking an ACE Market listing to raise approximately RM33 million, aimed at facilitating its transition further up the industrial value chain. The IPO arrives with a valuation of 20 times earnings and follows a financial year characterized by negative operating cash flow. For potential investors, the focus remains on whether the capital will effectively drive the company's shift from its traditional trading roots toward higher-value industrial processing.
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MTT Shipping and Logistics is the dominant player in the Malaysian shipping sector commanding 46% of the domestic market. Its upcoming IPO, priced at RM1.03 and potentially raising RM652 million, is the biggest in the logistics sector since 2013. But could uncertainty in the global industry deter investor sentiment? We discuss MTT’s growth strategy in the face of headwinds with Managing Director Ooi Lean Hin.
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Mechanical & electrical engineers Kee Ming Group’s share price surged on debut, riding optimism around data centres and renewable energy. But the question is - can this company deliver the growth needed to justify its valuation? Its Managing Director Nick Liew talks to us about Kee Ming's parnership with Solarvest, human resources and when it plans to pay a dividend.
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Is your digital bank built to last, or is it just a very expensive app? Despite massive hype, only 24 of the 55 digital banks tracked across Asia have reached profitability. The rest remain trapped by vanity metrics, offering unsustainably high deposit rates instead of building real margins.
As a massive wave of industry consolidation looms, Simon Loong, Founder and Group CEO of WeLab, joins The Breakfast Grille to reveal his Southeast Asian acquisition targets, why merging struggling banks is a trap, and what survival in the new financial landscape actually costs.
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Since 2017, Sarawakian corporate figure Dato' Sri Idris Jala has taken the PEMANDU transformation ethos beyond the corridors of Putrajaya through his consultancy, PEMANDU Associates. He outlines his latest pivot into capital investment through PEMANDU Capital and the growth targets for SME acquisitions.
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Apple Inc. is 50 years old, a milestone once thought impossible when the company sat 6 weeks from bankruptcy in 1996. Today, as a $3.6 trillion "Empire," the Tim Cook era faces scrutiny for prioritising operational scale over the blockbuster hits of the Steve Jobs era.
David Pogue, CBS correspondent and author of Apple: The First 50 Years, joins the Breakfast Grille to dissect Apple’s near-death experience and debunk persistent myths surrounding Steve Jobs. He explores the stark transition from a "rebel" cult to a “Empire” status, the critical innovations that could define the Tim Cook era, and why he believes Apple, at its core, remains a "Steve Jobs company".
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Uzbekistan, a doubly-landlocked country in Central Asia, is stepping onto the global stage, balancing ties with major powers while pursuing economic reform and regional influence. Ambassador Karomidin Gadoev discusses Tashkent’s multi-vector foreign policy, its engagement with the US, China and Russia, and how Malaysia fits into this evolving partnership.
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ISF Group is a family-run piping systems specialist that listed on the ACE Market in January, raising RM61 million ringgit. They have been beneficiaries of the data centre boom in recent years, but can this trend sustain future growth? We discuss ISF Group’s business strategy and prospects with second-generation Managing Director Jeff Ai Boon Chen.
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Xiao En operates in a sector many overlook, yet one that is essential. It is also a business that demands land, capital, long-term vision and deep empathy. Dato’ Frank Choo, Managing Director of Xiao En Group, discusses the realities of building a bereavement care group, and why it is far from a “dying” industry.
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Analysts Ryan Bohl and Jared Mondschein join Philip See to discuss the Middle East's volatility, questioning U.S. strategic regional influence versus reactive crisis management and its economic impact on Asian markets.
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Kazakhstan is a land-locked central Asian country situated along the ancient Silk Road and it aims for bilateral trade with Malaysia to grow from US$220 million currently to US$1 billion in the next few years. Ambassador Bulat Sugurbayev shares thoughts on how to make this happen, as well as his country's role in geopolitics and how Borat helped put Kazakhstan on the map.
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With over 500 companies currently under investigation for bid-rigging in government tenders worth RM2 billion, MyCC is sharpening its enforcement teeth. Datuk Iskandar Ismail, CEO of MyCC, discusses the critical upcoming amendments to the Competition Act, why the commission is targeting digital platforms, and the hard lessons learned from high-profile courtroom battles with Grab and Malaysia Airlines.
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How does a mid-sized European nation navigate an increasingly turbulent world? Juraj Koudelka, the Czech Republic’s Ambassador to Malaysia, shares his thoughts on the state of Malaysia-Czech relations, opportunities for trade and investment, and how a Central European country, and member of NATO, approaches today’s shifting geopolitical landscape.
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- MUDA completed its inaugural election last Saturday, ushering in a new leadership team. On today’s Breakfast Grille, Sharaad Kuttan sits down with new president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz and founder Syed Saddiq, MP for Muar, to discuss the party’s future plans, leadership approach, and strategies ahead of GE-16.
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Solarvest Holdings is the largest pure-play solar energy player listed on Bursa Malaysia and can be seen as a bellwether of the national industry. While it's a darling of analysts, its share price has taken a hit trending 32% lower on a year to date basis. What is Solarvest doing to change investor sentiment? We discuss the prospects and growth strategy of the company with CEO Davis Chong.
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Building construction firm Tuju Setia debuted on the Main Market in 2021 to much fanfare, but investor optimism for the stock has plummeted since as construction costs skyrocketed post-pandemic. What is Tuju Setia doing to reverse its fortunes? We catch up with Managing Director Wee Eng Kong and discuss his strategy for revitalising the firm.
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Varia Berhad is a Bursa-listed mid-tier construction firm that has been involved in infrastructure projects ranging from flood mitigation to highway upgrades and sewerage treatment plants. It managing director, Datuk Benson Lau, is now setting his sights on transforming the firm into a property developer while aiming for a RM1 billion market capitalisation by early next year.
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The Madani Government came into power on the promise of institutional reform and anti-corruption, with Prime Minister Dato' Sri Anwar Ibrahim pledging no compromise in tackling misconduct in state-linked entities. Why then has progress on reforms been slow to emerge? We dig deep into the roots of Malaysia's Political-GLC Complex with Prof. Emeritus Edmund Terence Gomez of Universiti Malaya. He is the author of "Misgovernance: Grand Corruption in Malaysia."
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On The Breakfast Grille this morning, we examine Venezuela’s political crisis following the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro and what it means for diplomacy, sovereignty, and bilateral ties with Malaysia. Philip See speaks with H.E Radames Gomez Azuaje, Ambassador of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
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Three years ago, Fabrice Benard stood at the helm of a complex corporate marriage: the acquisition and merger of AXA Affin and MPI Generali into what is now Generali Insurance Malaysia. At the time, the priority was clear, integration.
Today, the company has secured its position as the country's fourth-largest general insurer. However, being a general insurance heavyweight isn't enough. Generali is now actively hunting for a major life insurance acquisition to match its general insurance footprint and crack the top five in the life space.
Meanwhile, the broader industry faces severe on-the-ground crises. With medical inflation hitting 15% and causing roughly 340,000 Malaysians to cancel their policies, the sector is banking on a massive, multi-stakeholder RESET project to fix private healthcare costs.
Simultaneously, rising flood risks are forcing insurers to deploy hyper-local data models, fundamentally changing how motor coverage is priced.
To unpack the shifting economics of modern risk, his M&A strategy, and the future of consumer premiums, Fabrice Benard, CEO of Generali Insurance Malaysia, returns to The Breakfast Grille.
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Malaysia has ambitious climate goals, including a target to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. But is the country’s institutional framework up to the task? We unpack the findings of the Malaysia Climate Change Institutional Assessment report with Carmen Loo of the World Bank Group.
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On International Women's Day, Minister of Women, Family & Community Development, Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri assesses Malaysia’s progress on gender equality and women’s rights. She also discusses the implementation of the Anti-Sexual Harassment Tribunal, the challenges survivors face in reporting abuse, and persistent legal and cultural gaps around marital rape and underage marriages.
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The latest war in the Middle East erupted when the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran following failed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme. Was this conflict avoidable and how is Iran responding to the onslaught? We hear from H.E Valiollah Mohammadi Nasrabadi, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Malaysia.
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The Middle East tinderbox was struck ablaze on Saturday when the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran. How might this conflict shape the power dynamics in Tehran as well as the broader region? We discuss the stakes at play with Middle East expert Dr. James Dorsey.
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One year into his presidency, Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto faces a complex balancing act, from domestic issues to balancing relationships with China and the US. Julia Lau of the ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute and Muhammad Haziq Jani of the S Rajaratnam School of International Studies share insights on the political and economic trajectory of Indonesia under Prabowo.
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Free market proponents have commonly viewed state capitalism with suspicion. However, global trends indicate increasing state intervention in the world economy by both developed and developing economies alike. What are the implications of this for market players and is this development necessarily a net negative for the global economy? We discuss these themes with Adam Dixon, the Adam Smith Chair at Panmure House, a think tank under the Heriott-Watt University.
He's also co-author of the book, The Spectre of State Capitalism.
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Telekom Malaysia is switching its 5G wholesale partner from Digital Nasional Berhad, to U Mobile, a move that comes as Malaysia advances its shift from a single to a dual network model. The announcement has unsettled the market and raised fresh questions about ownership, competition and the economics of 5G. We unpack the implications with Alex Wong, Managing Editor and Co-Founder of SoyaCincau.
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In an industry that has been significantly disrupted, telcos are struggling with declining ARPUs and high capex requirements. Does this change the MNO landscape in Malaysia. Gurtaj Singh Padda, co-founder and CEO of Tune Talk, discusses the company’s prospects amidst intense competition, their monetisation plans and their 5G strategy.
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Philip See discusses Malaysia’s clean energy push with Siti Safinah Salleh, CEO of the Energy Commission, discovering how the regulator is balancing reliability, affordability and sustainability while scaling renewables and regional power trade, as rising demand and new climate laws put the power system to the test.
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Sri Lanka has suffered from a series of crises in recent years, culminating in its 2022 economic collapse and the political turmoil that ousted the Rajapaksa dynasty from government. How is the current left-leaning government charting the country's turnaround? We discuss the trajectory of Sri Lanka with the Acting High Commissioner to Malaysia M.I. Mohamed Rizvi.
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Philip See discusses Malaysia’s clean energy push with Siti Safinah Salleh, CEO of the Energy Commission, discovering how the regulator is balancing reliability, affordability and sustainability while scaling renewables and regional power trade, as rising demand and new climate laws put the power system to the test.
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February 24 marks four years since the war in Ukraine began, the deadliest European conflict since World War II. To mark this grim milestone, we speak with H.E. Dr. Hennadii Nadolenko, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Malaysia for an update on the situation, his assessment of how peace talks are progressing and potential areas to strengthen Malaysia-Ukraine ties.
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Louis Dreyfus Company is one of the world’s largest agribusiness firms, at the centre of global flows of grains, oilseeds, rice, coffee and other essential commodities. Rubens Marques, LDC's Head of South & Southeast Asia, talks about how the company manages price risk, coordinates supply chains across borders, and why Asia and Malaysia in particular, is becoming more central to its strategy.
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Philip See sits down with Dato’ Dr Wong Ruen Yuan, CEO & Managing Director of Smile-Link Healthcare Global Berhad to talk about the company’s business operations, financial situation, audit issue with Bursa Malaysia, and more.
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Japan’s University of Tsukuba took a historic step in 2024 by opening its first overseas campus in Kuala Lumpur, offering a unique program that combines science, design, and global perspectives. But can this ambitious initiative attract students and set a new standard in higher education? Philip See discusses this with its Dean of Faculty, Prof. Dr. Maki Tsujimura.
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Malaysia has emerged as a major data centre hub in Southeast Asia, attracting global hyperscalers and cloud giants such as Microsoft, Amazon and Alphabet. What makes Malaysia so attractive for these investments, and how meaningful are the economic benefits? We speak to Cheam Tat Inn, Managing Director of Equinix Malaysia, the global digital infrastructure company.
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On World Radio Day, Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman, Director-General of Radio Television Malaysia, talks about radio’s relevance in the age of streaming and AI, the challenges of talent and innovation within a public broadcaster. And as RTM turns 80 this April, he reflects on what the future is like for the media landscape.
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2025 was the perfect storm for the world's biggest producer of condoms with tariffs, a strong Ringgit and weak procurement demand. Goh Miah Kiat, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Karex Berhad tells us his turnaround strategy to improve margins and why we should still consider their stock.
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Today, February 11th, is International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Professor Dato’ Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, one of Malaysia's most influential scientists, working in HIV and public health, and who now leads Monash University Malaysia, shares her insights drawing from her experience throughout the decades, assessing what the situation is like today.
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Malaysia’s tourism sector has rebounded strongly after the pandemic, but as Visit Malaysia Year 2026 gets underway, the bigger question is whether this recovery can translate into lasting gains. Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director-General of Tourism Malaysia, discusses strategy, execution, and what Malaysia’s tourism industry could look like beyond 2026.
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2025 was the perfect storm for glove makers hit by the impact of tariffs, intense Chinese competition and their red ocean strategy. We ask Lim Cheong Guan, Managing Director of Top Glove Corporation Bhd if the worst is over for the world's largest glove maker and if margin improvement is in sight.
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Colombia and Malaysia have maintained friendly ties since 1978, cooperating on trade, palm oil and drug trafficking. Philip See will speak with Juan Carlos Moreno Gutiérrez, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Colombia in Malaysia, to explore this bilateral relationship and his insights on the US–Venezuela crisis and its potential regional impact.
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The hospitality industry is a challenging one with global brands present. So what are the challenges for home grown hospitality company, Exsim Hospitality Berhad? Justin Tan, their managing director, tells us their growth strategy and why we should consider buying their stock.
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Hock Soon Capital is heading for a Main Market listing after nearly five decades as a privately run egg producer. Executive Director Alex Ong discusses the IPO, expansion plans, margins, subsidies, export ambitions, and what investors need to believe for value to be hatched from this listing.
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Papa Zola The Movie has taken Malaysia by storm, grossing around RM60 million ringgit domestically and becoming the country’s highest-grossing animated film to date. On today’s Breakfast Grille, Philip See speaks with Mohd Nizam Abdul Razak, Founder and CEO of Monsta Studios Sdn. Bhd, about the film’s success and the journey of building a homegrown animation studio into a global IP powerhouse.
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Philip See speaks to Simon Tay, Chairman of the Singapore Institute of International Affairs, on how intensifying great power rivalry is closing the space for middle powers. As hedging becomes harder and alignment more consequential, they examine Malaysia and Singapore’s differing strategic responses, what this means for ASEAN’s coherence, and whether multilateral institutions still carry real weight in today’s geopolitical order.
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The Ministry of Works oversees more than 20,000 kilometres of roads nationwide, including 33 tolled highways. Beyond ensuring road safety, it plays a key role in driving national growth through infrastructure development at both the federal and state levels. Its Minister Dato’ Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi tells us about these challenges, as well as Sarawak’s political direction, MA63, and the Sarawak Formula.
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Following the first year of the Trump administration, the world has seen shifts in allegiances - economic, political and ideological. Even PM Mark Carney of Canada articulated how middle power countries need to band together. Leo Varadkar, former PM of Ireland shares his views on this issue while he reflects on how current geopolitics might shape the world.
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IJN University College is driving advancements in cardiovascular education, research, and professional training for Malaysia’s healthcare workforce. Philip See speaks with its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Emerita Dr. Durrishah Idrus, about the college’s unique programs, structured upskilling pathways, and its future plans to achieve full university status.
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MAG has had its fair share of turbulence with a revolving door of CEOs and multiple bailouts by Khazanah. Today it has emerged with a cleaner balance sheet whilst enjoying 3 consecutive years of profit. We ask Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, their outgoing Group Managing Director, on the career challenges, his outlook of the aviation industry and why it is time to step away now.
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Alam Flora is best known for keeping Malaysia’s streets clean but behind the green lorries is a company undergoing a major transformation. Its CEO Shariman Yusuf Mohamed Zain shares insights about the company’s shift from a concession-based waste collector into a circular economy and environmental solutions player.
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Solar District Cooling Group debuted on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market in September 2024 with ambitions to move beyond contracting into long-term, recurring energy solutions. SDCG Managing Director Edison Kong talks to us one year on, reflecting on the company's life as a publicly-listed company as well as its recent strategic stake sale to Solarvest Holdings.
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Markets are being pulled in multiple directions, from geopolitics, AI disruption and tariff risk. So how should investors position themselves in 2026? Anand Pathmakanthan, Head of Regional Equity Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group, and Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer, CIMB Bank Berhad give us their perspective.
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Legoland Malaysia was the first of its kind in Asia when it opened in 2012 and has since grown into a full resort with a hotel, water park, and SEA LIFE aquarium. We speak to C.S. Lim, Vice President of Legoland Malaysia, on the challenges of staying relevant and how the park is tapping into Visit Malaysia Year.
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Malaysia’s push towards renewable energy is accelerating, but rooftop solar adoption among households remains low. Zeth Lim, Managing Director of newly-listed Verdant Solar shares his insights into the economics of residential solar, policy support and market realities, as well as his company's post-IPO strategy, and whether rapid growth can be sustained.
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Malaysia’s homegrown digital bank Boost Bank Berhad has a clear focus - serving the underserved and underbanked, and helping to close the financial inclusion gap. Fozia Amanulla, Chief Executive Officer of Boost Bank, talks about how the bank blends fintech innovation with traditional banking services to deliver on that commitment.
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Malaysia is preparing for a new wave of education reforms under the upcoming Malaysia Future Education Blueprint but will these changes actually improve learning in primary schools? We speak with Chan Soon Seng, Chief Executive Officer of Teach for Malaysia, and Datin Noor Azimah Abdul Rahim, Chairperson of Parent Action Group for Education Malaysia (PAGE), on what needs fixing and what must change for reforms to work.
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Sabah and Sarawak are clearly pushing for political and economic autonomy. We speak with James Chin, Professor of Asian Studies at the University of Tasmania and Dr. Evan Lau Poh Hock, Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, who gives us their respective views on the political and economic outlook for East Malaysia in 2026.
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Philip See sits down with Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs, University of Mary Washington to talk about the state of US foreign relations in the wake of the attack on Venezuela and the capture of its President Nicolas Maduro, especially how the White House is viewing its alliances and rivalries.
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Guan Huat Seng (“GHS”) Holdings Berhad, specialising in the distribution and retail of speciality and general grocery products will be listing on the ACE market on 22 January. We ask their Executive Director, Yeo Tien Seng why the company is deciding to go public after more than 40 years of operations, what differentiates the company from its competitors and whether you should consider buying its shares.
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We speak to Edward Koh, Executive Director, Polymer Link Holdings Berhad, on its listing on the ACE Market on Bursa Malaysia. We also ask him how the company, which specialises in compounding high-performance polymers, etched out its niche in the market, what its plans are post-listing, and more.
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Philip See speaks to Warren Cheng, Executive Director, SBS Nexus Bhd, a provider of integrated marketing and branding services about its upcoming listing on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market. They’ll be discussing what makes SBS Nexus different from its competitors, why it chose to list instead of seeking other funding options, whether its valuation is justified and more.
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Ride hailing in Malaysia is a competitive space with 29 licensed players. We speak to Bolt Malaysia General Manager Afzan Lutfi as to the challenges of operating after a year and does their lean cost model apply in this country. We also ask about their niche and if there is validity to their claims that they put drivers and riders first.
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Visit Malaysia Year 2026 puts the tourism sector in the spotlight. Philip See sits down with Hannah Pearson, Director of Pear Anderson, and Nigel Wong, President of MATTA, to discuss gaps in infrastructure and coordination, while exploring the campaign’s theme, “Surreal Experiences".
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EFS Group has been in the solar business since 2013, as the industry in Malaysia graduates from being just about rooftop installations and incentives. Darren Tan, CEO of EFS, talks about how rising costs, contract-based models and large-scale projects are reshaping how his company does business.
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Nearly half of Malaysia’s healthcare is delivered by the private sector, even as public hospital fees remain below ten ringgit and medical inflation runs in double digits. In this Best of the Breakfast Grille 2025 episode, we revisit key conversations on what it takes to keep quality care within reach.
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Malaysia was the best market in Asean for IPOs in 2025 with 60 listings. We spoke to almost half of them who chose to go public asking why they took this route whilst diving deep into their business model. In the mix, we have the winners which include THMY and Oriental Kopi whilst we also include a mix of old and new economy like Foodie Media and Orkim.
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Today on the Breakfast Grille, we are revisiting conversations on the show this year revolving around foreign policy discussions and of course, notable mentions from Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship. This includes US President Donald Trump’s flurry of executive orders, the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war and the recent 47th ASEAN Summit.
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On today’s Breakfast Grille, we look back at our discussions on the media and entertainment scene. It’s been a tough few years for traditional media, with streaming, online platforms, and AI reshaping the industry. We also explore the role of the Malaysia Media Council in navigating these changes.
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Universities may face different challenges, but they’re all aiming for the same result. This episode reflects on conversations throughout the year about the challenges facing higher education from costs to ensuring graduate employability.
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2025 has seen major shifts in Malaysia’s political landscape, from government reforms and cabinet reshuffles to key events like Budget 2026 and the Sabah state election. On today’s Breakfast Grille, we reflect on our conversations about these developments and their implications for the country.
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2025 was the year global trade was thrown into turmoil, thanks largely to US tariffs and geopolitical tensions. How are countries and economic blocs around the world navigating the currents? We revisit conversations on trade and tariff issues that dominated the year.
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As 2025 draws to a close, the world faces unresolved wars, intensifying great-power competition and growing economic uncertainty. Dr Prashanth Parameswaran, fellow at the Institute for Indo-Pacific Security and founder of the ASEAN Wonk newsletter talks about what 2025 revealed, and what 2026 could bring for the US, ASEAN, and the global order.
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The University of Nottinghan Malaysia just celebrated their silver jubilee. We speak to their Provost & CEO, Prof. David FitzPatrick, about how the university has impacted Malaysia economically, whether our government’s policies support its aims, and if there is any disparity between its UK and Malaysian student outcomes.
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On International Migrants’ Day we look at how migration has shaped the economy of Malaysia which relies heavily on foreign labour, while laying bare the gaps between policy, law and lived reality. Sahain Puthucheary of the law firm, Xavier & Koh Partnership and Adrian Pereira, Executive Director of the North South Initiative, a non-profit NGO that works with and empowers migrant workers, share their insights.
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On the Breakfast Grille this morning, Philip See is joined by Tindaro Danze, President & CEO of Siemens Malaysia to talk about the company’s involvement in the country’s data center industry, automation in manufacturing plants, the adoption of Industry 4.0, and more.
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In conjunction with International Universal Health Coverage Day, Philip See speaks to Dr Khor Swee Kheng, CEO, Angsana Health & Specialist in Public Policies about the most pressing healthcare issues in Malaysia right now - affordability, overworking and inconsistent contracts of public healthcare staff, whether the government is relying too much on private healthcare and more.
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Futurise, a wholly-owned company under the Ministry of Finance, is a key driver of the National Regulatory Sandbox. We ask Shafinaz Salim, Acting CEO what the company does, how it works with other Ministries and agencies, how it is funded, and have they achieved commercialisation with any of their companies.
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This week was International Anti-Corruption Day, a good reminder of Malaysia’s ongoing struggle with high-level corruption as we aspire to be amongst the top 25 countries in the Corruption Perceptions Index by 2033. How will that be achieved when we currently rank 57th? A question we pose to Pushpan Murugiah, CEO of C4 Center, and Raymon Ram, President of Transparency International Malaysia, as we look at what legislative reform the country needs.
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Austria is a land known for its pristine moutains but there is more in common with Malaysia than expected. His Excellency Gerhard Eisl, Austrian Ambassador to Malaysia, discusses how our countries are fostering closer ties in trade, education, and tourism against a backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions.
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Daryl Foong, Group CEO and Executive Director of Aquawalk talks about the company’s listing on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market recently, its expansion plans in the region, how to get people to return after their first visit, how resilient the business is in the event of a slowdown in foreign tourism, and more.
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Today, I’m joined by Liew Yoon Poh, Group CEO of LAC Med Bhd. They are a company specializing in supplying, integrating, and servicing medical devices and healthcare IT solutions - think MRI machines. In light of LAC Med’s listing tomorrow on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market, I’ll be asking him about the company’s purpose for the exercise, whether he is worried about renewing contracts with partners, expansion into Indonesia, status of its order book, and whether you should be a shareholder.
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Orkim Bhd, Malaysia’s largest clean petroleum product (CPP) tanker operator, is heading for a Main Market listing on December 9th. CEO Capt Cheah Sin Bi discusses the company’s evolution from a one-vessel operator to a major player transporting refined petroleum across the region as well as its plans for the RM92 million it hopes to raise from this listing.
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Kelington Group is expanding its presence across Asia and now Europe, while diversifying from ultra-high purity gases into industrial gases. Raymond Gan, its founder and CEO talks about this engineering firm's financial outlook, its role in the semiconductor supply chain, and the competitive landscape it operates in.
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GDEX is navigating one of its toughest years yet amid rising competition and a rapidly evolving logistics sector. On today’s Breakfast Grille, Philip See talks with CEO Teong Teck Lean about how the company is adapting, leveraging technology, and reshaping its services to stay profitable and drive future growth.
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MiRXES is a Singaporean biotech company that’s listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Today Elaine Boey will be sitting down with co-founder and CEO, Dr. Zhou Lihan to talk about the technology that the company employs, challenges as Southeast Asia’s biotech unicorn, when it might turn profitable, and whether you should be a shareholder.
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Russia remains at the centre of some of the world’s most consequential geopolitical tensions, while for Malaysia, navigating its relationships with major powers, understanding Moscow’s position has never been more relevant. Naiyl Latypov, Russia's ambassador to Malaysia, discusses bilateral relations as well as what the prospects for peace with Ukraine is like.
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On Saturday, the results of Sabah’s 17th state elections were revealed after a very crowded race. This was followed with the quick installation of GRS Chairman, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor as Chief Minister early Sunday morning. We discuss the election outcome with our panel, Ibrahim Suffian, Co-Founder & Programme Director of Merdeka Center, and Ariff Adi Putera Anwar, Research Associate at the Institute for Development Studies Sabah and how this changes the state's relationship with the Federal government.
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Uzma Berhad may be best known for its oil & gas roots, but the group has been steadily reshaping itself into a broader energy and technology solutions player. Philip See speaks with Dato’ Kamarul Redzuan Muhamed, MD and Group CEO of Uzma Berhad, to unpack the company’s evolving portfolio, the strength and visibility of its current order book, and how its diversification strategy is translating into performance across key segments.
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Since 1957, Japan and Malaysia has built strong ties, shaped by Japan’s Official Development Assistance and Malaysia’s Look East Policy. Today, with geopolitical tensions and protectionism on the rise, we ask H.E Shikata Noriyuki, Japan’s Ambassador to Malaysia, how both nations can keep strengthening trade and their long-standing partnership.
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Nicholas Lim Pinn Yang, CEO of Foodie Media Berhad talks to us about the company’s upcoming listing on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market, what sets it apart from its competitors, where the company’s focus is in terms of growth given its 34 brands across Southeast Asia, and whether it justify its valuations.
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Electricity distribution may not be the flashiest business, but it sits at the heart of one of the biggest investment themes of 2024 and 2025: data centres. We speak with Catherine Wong, Managing Director of ACE-listed Powerwell Holdings, to explore how the group is positioning for growth, the realities of today’s operating environment, and what this means for their share price performance.
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We speak to Yee Chee Meng, CEO of ACE-listed Infomina Berhad, a company that provides mainframe systems and solutions on their strategy for growth which includes a look east policy. We also ask about the rationale to move into the AI space and why one would want to be a shareholder of this company.
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November 21st is recognised by the United Nations as World Television Day, where we continue to ask how influential and relevant this medium is in today's age of AI and social media. Ashwad Ismail, editor-in-chief of Astro Awani, shares his views on the trust in journalism, the role of TV entertainment, and how the medium is reinventing itself for the future.
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World Children’s Day 2025 is a timely reminder of the growing challenges governments, schools, and parents face in keeping children safe in the digital age. Saskia Blume, Chief of Child Protection at UNICEF Malaysia, highlights the alarming rise in both online and real-world crimes against children, drawing on UNICEF’s latest research. She also shares insights on the critical support and skills children need to better protect themselves from predators.
For more, refer to UNICEF’s Parenting in a Digital Age report.
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- We mark World Toilet Day by examining one of Malaysia’s most overlooked essentials, our national sewerage system. Rising costs, ageing infrastructure, climate risks and rapid urbanisation are straining Malaysia’s sewerage system. We speak to Indah Water Konsortium’s CEO Narendran Maniam, on how it is tackling this issue and more.
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1.8 million people will be voting in the Sabah elections, of which more than half a million will be under the age of 30. However, voter turnout for this segment is low at just 55%. We speak to grassroots movement HAI MANDAK, as to why this is the case and what are the issues facing young Sabahans.
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A total of 596 candidates are vying for 73 seats in Sabah’s 17th state election. We ask Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal, leader of Warisan as to why his party has decided to contest in every seat, what does the campaign message of "Save Sabah" mean against the backdrop of MA63 and his chances of becoming the next Chief Minister.
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Daniella Ortega Menezes, Ambassador of Brazil to Malaysia Brazil describes the increasing number of potential investments and trade opportunities between Malaysia and Brazil including one in the semiconductor industry. She also talks about Brazil’s potential trade deal with the US and COP30 which is held in Belem this year.
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As demand for AI and cloud computing soars, the Bain Capital-backed, Singapore-based, Bridge Data Centres is betting big on Southeast Asia and Malaysia in particular. CEO Eric Fan explains where their next hyperscale hubs will likely rise as well as how to keep them cool, efficient, environmentally sound and profitable. We also find out if going public is in their plans.
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Sarawak is pushing to become a regional digital powerhouse, targeting a 25% contribution of the digital economy to its GDP by 2030. Dato Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), unpacks the company’s strategy to achieve this goal.
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Slovenia, a small nation of 2 million inhabitants, is a member of the EU and NATO navigating the complexities of modern geopolitics. Marko Ham, its Ambassador to Malaysia, based in Canberra, Australia, outlines the country's diplomatic strategy in Southeast Asia and where it stands in an increasingly divided planet.
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By 2044, Malaysia will face a “silver tsunami”, with 14% of its population aged 65 and above. Chai Sen Tyng, Senior Research Officer at MyAgeing, Universiti Putra Malaysia, and New Sin Yew, Constitutional Lawyer, discuss whether Malaysia is ready for an ageing population.
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The Sabah state elections scheduled for the end of November will be a crucial test for the Madani Government as well as the various political factions and alliances that uniquely operate in the state. We discuss some of the themes to watch during the campaign season with economist Dr. Saizal Pinjaman of Universiti Malaysia Sabah and political analyst Jo-Anna Henley Rampas of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak.
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With US President Donald Trump declaring his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping “a 12 out of 10,” we ask how much of it is hyperbole and how much is substance. Dr Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation, and Vishnu Varathan, Head of Economics & Strategy at Mizuho Bank , share their thoughts on events of the past week and how it might guide world economic growth in 2026.
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Amid the widespread rise of far-right sentiment in European politics in recent years, Romania has managed to maintain a pro-EU government in its recent elections. But what are the challenges it faces in ensuring political stability at a time of economic uncertainty and the ongoing war in Ukraine? We discuss the dynamics shaping Romania’s future and its bilateral relations with Malaysia with H.E. Nineta Barbulescu, the Ambassador of Romania to Malaysia.
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KNM Group is officially delisted from Bursa Malaysia today, ending its journey as a publicly listed company since 2003. The move should enable it to sell its flagship asset, Borsig, and reduce the company’s debt. Ravindrasingham Balasingham, Group CEO & Executive Director, KNM Group Bhd, shares insights on the company’s next steps and turnaround plan.
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Every year on October 10th, World Homeless Day reminds us that homelessness is not just a local problem, but a global one. Yet in Malaysia, it remains a complex and often misunderstood issue. Dr Nur Fareza Mustapha of Khazanah Research Institute and Shyam Priah Marimuthu, CEO of Yellow House KL, help us unpack the realities behind Malaysia’s homeless population, from the root causes to the stigma and possible solutions.
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Do all companies benefit from the AI boom and how does a tech company navigate the US-China trade tensions. Questions we pose to Dato’ Phua Khein Seng, CEO of Phison Electronics whilst also asking why investors should pay attention to its stock even after it has rallied by 100% on a year to date basis despite the intense competition and cyclical nature of the business.
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As internal cracks deepen within Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional braces for the Sabah state election and GE16 thereafter, questions loom over the coalition’s cohesion and credibility. Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin, Bersatu deputy president and Leader of the Opposition discusses efforts to contain party infighting, PN’s electoral prospects in Sabah, and whether he sees himself as the next prime minister.
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World Cities Day is celebrated on Oct 31st every year and this year’s theme is “People-centred Smart Cities”, a reminder that technology and innovation should serve people, not the other way around. Award-winning architect and sustainability advocate Dr Tan Loke Mun and urban planning and design consultant, Ihsan Zainal Mokhtar, give their perspectives on Malaysian cities with a special focus on Kuala Lumpur.
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Malaysia wrapped up its year as ASEAN chair with a high-profile summit attended by world leaders, including US President Donald Trump. We speak with Jayan Menon, Visiting Senior Fellow, ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, and Elina Noor, Senior Fellow, Asia Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, on Malaysia’s achievements, ASEAN’s strategic challenges, and what lies ahead for the bloc.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney gets into conversation with Professor Ngaire Woods of Oxford University at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit on Canada’s engagement with ASEAN, trade diversification, negotiating trade deals and efforts to promote sustainable and inclusive growth across the region
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Malaysia is the chair of ASEAN at a time of geopolitical flux and economic volatility, as the major global superpowers battle for a new equilibrium. How are US businesses navigating the currents in Southeast Asia? We discuss the lay of the land with Ambassador Brian McFeeters, President & CEO of the US-ASEAN Business Council. This interview was recorded on Friday, 24 October ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit.
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Munira Mustaffa, Executive Director of the Chasseur Group, and Dr. Benjamin Loh, Course Director for the Bachelor of Digital Media and Communication at Monash University, discuss the growing threat of media disinformation, why it remains such a widespread risk, and how we can build a more media-literate society.
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- Spain is strengthening its presence in Southeast Asia through trade, diplomacy, and shared global priorities, while balancing its commitments within NATO and advocating for peace in Palestine. Philip See speaks with Spanish Ambassador to Malaysia H.E. José Luis Pardo-Cuerdo to understand Madrid’s global outlook and engagement with the region.
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Sarawak-based Insights Analytics Bhd has built its business helping utilities cut water losses through data and IoT. It is now en route to a listing on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market. Frank Wee, the company's managing director, discusses what IAB's next phase of growth might look like.
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Ooi Can Nix, CEO of THMY Holdings Bhd, tells us how the company is tapping into the AI boom through its hyperscaler clients, the crucial role of testing in the back end of the E&E value chain, and how it plans to utilise the proceeds from its ACE Market listing.
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JS Solar Holding Bhd,an ACE Market–listed company in the solar industry, is charting steady growth post-IPO. Managing Director Johnson Chai Jeun Sian discusses how the company differentiates itself in a market of over 250 competitors, its contract with GSPARX, a TNB subsidiary, and its expansion into battery storage solutions.
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EMGS a government entity is the sole agency responsible for promoting and facilitating international student arrival to Malaysia. Datuk Ahmad Shalimin Ahmad Shaffie, their chairman tells us what their KPIs are and if Malaysian provides a holistic education experience compared to the like of UK or Australia.
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The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) now serves as the sole agency responsible for the technical, safety, security, and economic regulation of the country's civil aviation industry. CEO, Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud, following the merger with MAVCOM, tells us if new structure benefits the aviation industry, stakeholders and consumers.
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Médecins Sans Frontières or Doctors Without Borders, has long been a symbol of compassion in conflict zones. Dr Javid Abdelmoneim, the new International President of MSF, joins us to talk about the realities of delivering medical care in war zones, maintaining neutrality in an increasingly politicised world, and what it means to lead in times of crisis.
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Budget 2026 is the first under the period of the 13th Malaysia Plan that runs until 2030 and which has the lofty goal of redesigning national development. How well does this budget reflect the transformational aims of RMK13? We peel the layers of Budget 2026 with Dato’ Johan Mahmood Merican, the Secretary General of the Treasury.
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Today, all eyes are on Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as he tables Budget 2026, the last before GE16. It continues the Ekonomi Madani agenda and sets the stage for the 13th Malaysia Plan. Julia Goh, Senior Economist at UOB, and Soh Lian Seng, Head of Tax at KPMG tells us their expectations against a backdrop of fiscal consolidation.
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As Southeast Asia faces one of its most uncertain economic periods in recent years such as global trade tensions and currency fluctuations, we speak with Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council 2025, to hear his insights on how businesses and economies in the region can navigate deep volatility, and what opportunities may emerge amid these challenges
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The US-China rivalry is commonly framed as one of ideology between capitalism and socialism, or autocratic versus democratic systems. But researcher Dan Wang presents a new spin on the competition as one between engineers and lawyers, which he details in his book. We discuss his thesis and the prognosis for both economies.
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Koichiro Satomi, Deputy Group Managing Director of Asia Pacific Kinokuniya and Managing Director for Kinokuniya Malaysia to talk about what differentiates Kinokuya from other bookstores in the country, why its digital platform appears to be lagging behind its physical counterpart, whether Malaysians still have the habit of reading, and more.
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With over 1000 listed companies on Bursa Malaysia, how does the country rank when it comes to governance and protecting minority shareholders? Our panel consisting of Ng Zhu Hann, CEO & Founder of Tradeview Capital, and Dr Ismet Yusoff, CEO of Minority Shareholders Watch Group (MSWG) gives us their perspective and what improvements can be made.
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The TRX development project was envisioned under the 10th Malaysia Plan to put Kuala Lumpur on the map as a global financial hub. But has it managed to shake off its association with the 1MDB scandal that haunts its origin story? We discuss the progress of TRX and its development ethos with Dato' Azmar Talib, CEO of master developer TRX City Sdn. Bhd.
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Curtin University Malaysia, Curtin’s largest overseas campus, has worked with the Sarawak Government since 1999 and is ranked 183rd in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Prof. Vincent Lee Chieng Chen, Pro Vice-Chancellor and CEO, talks about the university’s vision, growth strategy, and its commitment to combining global excellence with local relevance.
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Malaysia aims to be among the world’s top 20 AI economies by 2030. Shamsul Izhan Abdul Majid, the CEO of the nine-month-old National AI Office (NAIO), shares the agency's progress and how far the starting RM10 million funding has gotten it to date, while sharing his hopes and dreams for Malaysia's AI future.
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Malaysia aims to move up the high-tech value chain, from electronics to aerospace, green technologies and smart cities. Rushdi Abdul Rahim, President & CEO of MIGHT (the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology), shares how the agency is helping drive these national ambitions.
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TMK made its Bursa debut in December 2024 but has since traded below its IPO price. Wong Kin Wah, their Managing Director joins us again for an update on their growth strategy and if it is time to bottom fish the stock.
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What led to the vacancies in Malaysia’s judiciary, including its two top positions, and how can such critical issues be avoided in the future? Former Malaysian Bar Council president Ragunath Kesavan and constitutional lawyer Lim Wei Jiet argue that the real problem lies not in the law itself, but in the responsibility—or lack thereof—of parties involved in the appointment process.
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The Madani government launched the Bumiputera Economic Transformation Plan 2035 (PuTERA35) in August last year to accelerate the empowerment of the bumi community. What is the role of the Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit, better known by its Malay acronym TERAJU in implementing the comprehensive and complex blueprint? We find out from its CEO Junady Nawawi.
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Today on the Breakfast Grille, Philip See will be sitting down with Teoh Han Boon, Managing Director of Camaroe Bhd to talk about the company’s upcoming listing on the ACE Market on Bursa Malaysia, how Camaroe sets itself apart from the competition in the aquaculture industry, and its growth prospects.
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Riyaz International plans to roll out 50 hotels across Malaysia over the next five years through a regional partnership with China’s hotel giant Jin Jiang. Yap Lip Seng, CEO of RJJ Hotels and Riyaz Hotels & Resorts, shares how this expansion could reshape Malaysia’s hospitality landscape
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Alliance Bank, Malaysia's smallest bank by asset size is halfway through its Acceler8 2027 strategy to diversify its core business and strengthen market leadership in the SME segment. Despite achieving record earnings in 2025, could global economic uncertainty decelerate its progress? We get updates from Kellee Kam, CEO of Alliance Bank.
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Karcher is renowned for its professional cleaning solutions, helping homes and businesses stay spotless with innovative products and services. Philip See speaks with William Kew, Managing Director of Karcher Malaysia, about the company’s growth, market strategies, and vision for the cleaning industry in the country.
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Nearly half of Malaysia’s workforce facing high exposure to artificial intelligence, with women and younger workers most at risk. What does this mean for inequality, education, and the country’s social protection systems? Calvin Cheng, the economics programme director at ISIS Malaysia and Dr Matthew Dornan, a Senior Economist at the World Bank, talk about their new report on this subject.
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The global geopolitical landscape has changed dramatically since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine with the return of President Donald Trump to the White House proving a wildcard in ongoing efforts to find a resolution. How does this affect the foreign policy calculations for Kyiv and how is it strengthening alliances beyond the Western sphere? We discuss this with Ukrainian lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko.
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The UK under Prime Minister Keir Starmer is adjusting its foreign policy to global challenges amid changing geopolitical dynamics. How is the government balancing US-China tensions while pursuing new opportunities with ASEAN? We discuss this with H.E. Ajay Sharma, British High Commissioner to Malaysia.
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Increasingly more companies are required to have internal auditors but what role do they play ? Anthony Pugliese, President & CEO, The Global Institute of Internal Auditors tell us and if AI benefits this profession or threatens it.
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Malaysia is one of just 20 countries that has not yet ratified the UN Convention against Torture, despite expressing commitment to do so over the years. What are the obstacles to signing the treaty and how does Malaysia stand to benefit from taking a legally-backed anti-torture stance? We build a case for Malaysia’s accession to the treaty with our expert panel.
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We speak with Professor Joseph Cherian, CEO of the Asia School of Business (ASB), about the pressures facing U.S. higher education institutions as the Trump administration pulls funding — and what this could mean for ASB. He also shares his views on ASB’s growth potential, key revenue drivers, and whether pursuing further education remains worthwhile for professionals.
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As technology transforms the way we learn reading and writing skills, how can we better navigate the changing dimensions of literacy in the digital age? To mark International Literacy Day, we discuss themes in literacy and education with Dr Tara Béteille of the World Bank.
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We speak to Dato' Dr Kenneth Pereira, founder and managing director of Hibiscus Petroleum, on how the company keeps cutting costs and extending the life of its oil fields despite weak oil prices and how it continues to reward shareholders in this challenging environment.
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Unique Fire Holdings recently became a Main Market-listed company on Bursa Malaysia, after debuting on the ACE Market just three years ago. As a provider of fire protection systems and safety equipment, it now faces the challenge of sustaining growth, defending margins, and expanding its market share at home and abroad. Its Executive Director Dato’ Marcus Liew talks about profitability, competitive positioning, and the family values behind this company.
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With 19 stores in the country, Madam Kwan's is a F&B chain synonymous with Malaysian cuisine. We speak to Datin Maureen Ooi, their CEO as to their strategy for growth, the intense competition and how they stay relevant with fickle consumers.
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In the spirit of Merdeka and the National Day, we sit down with Malaysian songstress Dato' Sheila Majid, whose 40 year music career unites generations of countrymen. We discuss her musical evolution, the impact of digitalisation and AI on the music industry as well as navigating social media as a celebrity.
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On today’s Breakfast Grill, Philip See sits down with artist Jalani Abu Hassan and Beverly Yong, Co-founder of RogueArt, to discuss Malaysia’s dynamic art scene. They delve into the meaning of artistic value, the role of the public and collectors, and how creativity and culture intersect in shaping the local art landscape.
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Despite forming 6-7% of the populace, many Malaysian Indians are trapped in low-income brackets. Does the Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) help the Indian community overcome their social and economic challenges. P. Prabakaran, the head of MITRA and Member of Parliament for Batu gives us his views.
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Tariffs, protectionism and fractured alliances are reshaping the global trading system. With blocs like BRICS rising and the US facing questions over its influence, is uncertainty now the new normal for world trade? Dr Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy at the Hinrich Foundation, joins us to unpack what this means for Asia, ASEAN and Malaysia.
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Control Risks, a risk consultancy, has opened shop in Kuala Lumpur. We speak to their Head of Southeast Asia, Pamela Qiu, about how the company operates when it comes to managing risk in a world of heightened geopolitics. This comes as the war rages on in Ukraine and Gaza, while tensions remain high between the world’s two superpowers, China and the US, and why they have chosen to open shop in KL.
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This Sunday, Ukraine marks its Independence Day on August 24, commemorating its 1991 return to sovereignty. H.E. Hennadii Nadolenkom, Ukrainian Ambassador to Malaysia reflects on the country’s resilience amid the war with Russia, the role of US-backed peace talks in safeguarding its security, and efforts to prepare for upcoming elections despite the challenges.
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Peninsular Malaysia is home to 18 Orang Asli tribes that make up 0.8% of the country’s population, but despite indigenous status they have been denied a litany of rights under both the constitution and the Aboriginal Peoples Act (APA) 1954. The government is finally looking to amend the APA - will this rectify the injustices that the Orang Asli have borne since the dawn of Merdeka? We discuss this with our expert panel.
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Tan Sri Dr. Nik Norzrul Thani, Executive Chairman of Zaid Ibrahim & Co and trustee of the ZICO Law Network in Malaysia, shares his views on judicial appointments, the recent demerger of the ZICO Law Network and KPMG, the growing surplus of lawyers in the country, as well as the U.S. crackdown on law firms and its ripple effects on the global legal industry.
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Global humanitarian capacity is coming under strain as donor funds dry up and geopolitical posturing takes precedence over international law. What will it take for the international community to act for humanity, which is the theme for World Humanitarian Day this year? We discuss this with Dato' Dr. Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, President and Mohd Radzi Jamaluddin, ex-officio exco member of Mercy Malaysia.
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The pharmaceutical industry is at a crossroads, grappling with scepticism over the efficacy of medicines and rising competition We speak to Dr Abdullahi Sheriff, Managing Director of MSD for Singapore, Malaysia, and Brunei, about how the company is navigating these challenges whilst asking what is the strategy for growth.
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Jason Fong, Global Head of FamilyOfficeHK at Invest Hong Kong, discusses the department’s strategy for attracting family offices, the city’s unique competitive advantages, and the challenges it faces.
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Philip See sits down with economist Dr. Nungsari Ahmad Radhi to unpack the 13th Malaysia Plan, focusing on fiscal sustainability, tax reform, and economic resilience. The discussion will also explore how private sector innovation can enhance competitiveness and the implications of an aging population for Malaysia’s future.
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Malaysia is no stranger to water-related challenge with one of the highest per capita water consumption rates in Southeast Asia, while the average non-revenue water level is a staggering 37%. We ask Adam Saffian Ghazali, CEO of Air Selangor, about how Malaysia’s largest water services provider is managing the supply and quality of this vital resource.
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On International Youth Day, we take a look at the realities facing young Malaysians, from underemployment and mismatched degrees to the promises of new policies like Undi18, MPBM2030, and the 13th Malaysia Plan. Fanitsyara Kam Phon, President of the Perdana Fellows Alumni Association, and Wan Amirah Wan Usamah from Khazanah Research Institute share their insights.
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The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) is evolving to prepare future accountants as versatile business leaders, focusing on skills like ethics, AI, and sustainability. Azlina Bulmer, Interim International Director of ICAEW shares insights on how the institute is reshaping the profession and engaging new talent in Malaysia.
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Turner & Townsend has been in Malaysia for 30 years, helping deliver some of the country’s most complex construction projects. As demand grows, how is the firm adapting to local needs while maintaining global standards? We speak with Sumit Mukherjee, Managing Director Southeast Asia, Turner & Townsend.
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What will it take to reverse the decline of the Malayan tiger? Sophia Lim, Executive Director and CEO of WWF-Malaysia, talks about the urgent conservation push and how the organisation is funded to play the long-term conservation game.
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The Energy Commission plays an outsized role by ensuring that Malaysia has a reliable, safe and cost effective supply of electricity and gas. Siti Safinah Salleh, their CEO tells us how they achieve this whilst discussing if Malaysia is on track of achieving its RE goals.
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Snowflake, a cloud data company has been in Asia for many years but has of late increased its footprint in Asean. We ask Satchit Joglekar, Managing Director, Snowflake ASEAN as to the reasons for this, the competition and their strategy for growth.
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Oasis Home Holding Bhd made history in May as Malaysia’s first listed live commerce company, debuting on the ACE Market in May 2025. CEO Datuk Jaden Teoh sheds light on what’s next for the company, and how live-streamed sales are reshaping e-commerce in Malaysia.
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SIRIM Berhad is one of Malaysia’s most recognisable yet least understood public institutions even as it celebrates its golden jubilee. Best known for certifying consumer and industrial products, it also plays a deeper role in supporting industrial R&D, standards development, and national innovation. Datuk Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad, SIRIM's former President and Group CEO reflects on SIRIM's legacy, his time at the organisation and Malaysia's industrialisation direction.
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The World Bank recently published its Inclusive Employment Practices Survey 2024, which aims to provide insights into inclusive employment practices among firms in Malaysia. We’ll be speaking with the report’s author, Shakira Teh Sharifuddin, World Bank Senior Economist for Malaysia about the survey’s findings and policy recommendations.
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Volvo has transformed from a safety-first Swedish brand into a sleek, electrified marque under Geely’s ownership. Chris Wailes, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia & Thailand talks about how the carmaker is preserving its premium identity while navigating local realities in Malaysia and Thailand as well as what’s next for the brand in Southeast Asia.
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According to the UN, six of the world’s top ten remittance-receiving countries are in the Asia Pacific region, highlighting the critical role these funds play in supporting families. Yet, the industry faces growing pressures, from intense competition to falling transfer fees. Epsen Kristensen, Asia Pacific Managing Director of Ria Money Transfer, joins us to discuss how the company is navigating these challenges and if a digital bank is on the cards.
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The Malaysia Competition Commission is set to get more bite once amendments to the Competition Act 2010 makes it through Parliament some time this year. Datuk Iskandar Ismail, CEO of MyCC, joins us to explain how the Commission investigates cartels, enforces fair play in the market, and what new powers it’s seeking through these upcoming legal reforms.
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The oil and gas industry is known for its boom and bust cycles. How then does Velesto an upstream drilling company navigate these challenges. Questions we pose to Megat Zariman their President whilst asking for their growth strategy and why should one be a shareholder.
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It’s been 2 1⁄2 years since Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took office, leading a minority government after GE15 with reform promises up to its gills. Ibrahim Suffian from Merdeka Center and Shahril Hamdan, political commentator and co-host of the Keluar Sekejap podcast share their thoughts on what the Madani administration has achieved and where it has fallen short.
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Science Minister Chang Lih Kang talks about Malaysia’s ambitions in space, AI, and what it really takes to build a tech-driven future that’s inclusive, competitive, and homegrown as Malaysia faces a complex set of challenges in advancing innovation at scale. We also get his take on the goings on within Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) and whether the government is stable enough to enact much needed reforms.
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Faber-Castell is a legacy brand making pens and colour pencils in a world that's getting more used to ChatGPT, iPads and AI textbooks. Its managing director, Andrew Woon talks to us about digital disruption, smart factories, sustainability and why the humble pencil still matters.
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Many Malaysian companies are caught in the whirlwind of uncertainty caused by Trump’s tariffs. So, how challenging is it to navigate such turbulent times? Questions we pose to Synergy House, a cross-border e-commerce seller and furniture exporter as their Executive Director, Tan Eu Tah, joins us.
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- Timor Leste is working hard to join ASEAN, aiming for full membership at the upcoming summit this October. H.E. Lisualdo Gaspar, Ambassador of Timor Leste to Malaysia, shares the country’s efforts in infrastructure development, economic integration, and also reflecting on its journey of peace and reconciliation after years of conflict with Indonesia.
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We dive into the world of POPMART, the brand that's taken Asia by storm with its wildly hyped blind boxes and designer toys. We speak with POPMART’s Head of Southeast Asia and Middle East, Jeremy Lee, to unpack the youth-driven culture, creative strategies, and global expansion behind the craze.
This interview comes as the Chinese toy firm announced yesterday that its profits for the first six months of the year are expected to jump by at least 350%, with revenues more than tripling.
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ASM Automation Group Bhd, a provider of end to end automated machinery solutions for food and beverage packaging recently debuted on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market earlier this month. We speak to Kamalam Kurup Krishnan, their Executive Director about the utilisation of their proceeds, their strategy for growth and if it's time to buy their shares.
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Samaiden Group Berhad, once purely an EPCC contractor, is now transitioning into a renewable energy asset owner. Datuk Ir Chow Pui Hee, Samaiden's Group Managing Director, shares how the company is navigating government programmes like CGPP and LSS5+, investing in land for future solar farms, and aiming to build recurring income streams.
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Loi Tuan Ee, Managing Director, Farm Fresh Malaysia gives us an update on how the company is doing, its expansion plans including East Malaysia as it grows its product portfolio, such as ice cream, and accelerates it expansion to Philippines and Cambodia.
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Animated films are a bright spot for the Malaysian industry, with Ejen Ali the Movie 2 breaking box office records this year. How does the homegrown studio view the prospects and ecosystem of the local animation industry? We discuss this with Wau Animation CEO Usamah Zaid Yasin.
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At our bi-annual investment outlook and with a plethora of headwinds, what is the best investment strategy to adopt? How can you build a resilient portfolio and what are the money making ideas? Anand Pathmakanthan, Head of Regional Equity Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group and Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer for Affluent Product & Proposition, CIMB Bank Berhad tells us.
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Philip See will be joined by Freddy Wong, Executive Director, Wentel Engineering Holdings Bhd on today’s Breakfast Grille. They’ll be discussing the company’s finances, listing exercise, its new plant in Johor, whether there’s a worry of product concentration, and more.
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- US President Donald Trump has threatened an additional 10% tariff on countries that orient themselves along the “Anti-American policies of BRICS” as leaders of the bloc were meeting in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, for its Summit. Discussing how this might affect Malaysia, and whether we will see any trade opportunities arising out of the Summit is Bunn Nagara, Director and Senior Fellow, BRI Caucus for Asia-Pacific & Honorary Fellow, Perak Academy.
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ASEAN aims to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2045. Achieving this requires deeper regional integration and inclusive, sustainable growth. But with rising scepticism toward free trade, what will it take to achieve that goal? We speak with Tan Sri Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Director of IDEAS and former APEC Secretariat Executive Director, and Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman of ASEAN-BAC Malaysia.
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PMCK Berhad, a 30-year-old private healthcare provider based in Alor Setar, is heading for a listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia. Dato' Lee Gaik Cheng, its managing director joins us to discuss the company's affordability-first model, the challenges of expanding in underserved regions, and whether it could one day rival Malaysia’s biggest private hospital groups.
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Philip See will be having a conversation with Sean Hesh, Group CEO of NTT Data Payment Services. The company formerly known as GHL System Bhd provides payment solutions and services to ASEAN businesses. They’ll be discussing the company’s acquisition by its japanese parent company NTT Data, how much its margins are actually, what value it brings to its clients and more.
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MCE Holdings is a homegrown automotive electronics and mechatronic components manufacturer. It is also a part of a critical network of parts suppliers to Perodua and Proton in Malaysia and is now spreading its wings to as far as the US. Dr Goh Kar Chun, its Group Managing Director, reflects on the firm's future after securing over RM120 million in new contracts, including its first entry into the US market.
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The 2026 edition of the QS World University Rankings paints a picture that Asia is on the rise, with Singapore’s NUS now ranking 8th globally, while in Malaysia, Sunway University was the most improved, jumping over 120 spots. Dr Edward Harcourt, Senior Vice President for International Student Recruitment at QS Quacquarelli Symonds also discusses how the current Trump administration's approach towards higher learning institutions might impact attitudes.
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Malayan Flour has seen choppy earnings in the last few years as both the flour and grain business and the poultry JV face their respective headwinds. Teh Wee Chye their Managing Director tells if the worst is over and what is their strategy for growth in a very competitive environment with low margins.
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Malaysia and Switzerland have enjoyed more than six decades of diplomatic ties. Having recently inked a landmark EFTA trade deal, what does this mean for businesses, diplomacy, and shared values in a fast-changing world? Chantal Moser, Switzerland’s Ambassador to Malaysia, talks about these issues and more.
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US President Donald Trump in his second term is rocking the foundation of the legal checks and balances that the US government is built upon. We discuss some of the legal challenges of the Trump presidency with Prof. Julian Davis Mortenson, the James G. Phillipp Professor of Law at the University of Michigan Law School.
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The long-standing Kashmir conflict, strained India-Pakistan relations, and rising tensions in the Middle East are once again testing regional stability. Philip See speaks with H.E. Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, on the prospects for peace, the role of international mediation, and how Malaysia fits into this complex diplomatic landscape.
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Pan Merchant Berhad is Malaysia’s largest solid-liquid filtration solutions provider. It is heading to Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market after 38 years in business. Wong Voon Ten, PMI's MD and co-founder sits down to discuss the company's journey and post-IPO plans.
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Pharmaniaga Berhad,a PN17 company, appears to be on track with its regularisation plan. We speak with Managing Director Zulkifli Jaafar on the company’s restructuring efforts, how they plan to grow operations, and what this means for the future of one of Malaysia’s key pharmaceutical players which has a lucrative government concession agreement.
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The United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) announced global staff cuts as budget constraints bite. On World Refugee Day, we discuss the challenges of upholding protection for refugees and engaging with the Malaysian government despite resource limitations with Louise Aubin, the UNHCR representative in Malaysia.
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Malaysia has a long history in nuclear technology research, with the genesis of what is today the Malaysian Nuclear Agency starting in the early 1970s. How much progress has Malaysia made in nuclear technology over the past 50 years, and where does it position the country as the momentum shifts on public acceptance of nuclear energy? We discuss this with the Director General Dr. Rosli Darmawan.
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BK Gan, President and CEO of Taylor's Schools and Phillip See will be sitting down to talk about what makes Taylor’s Schools different, the price tag attached to education in international schools, whether there is still demand for such education by Malaysian parents, and more.
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Come July 1st, a whole list of items like selected fruit, fish and even services will become more expensive due to an expansion of the sales and service tax. Why has the government decided to make this move despite cost of living pressures. Questions we pose to the Treasury Secretary General at the Ministry of Finance, Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican whilst we also get a preview of Budget 2026 and the state of the government’s finances.
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The international community has missed the 2025 deadline to eliminate child labour in all its forms. What are the gaps in the legal framework, economic mechanisms and societal viewpoints that need to be addressed for child labour to truly be eradicated in Malaysia? We discuss this with Dr Amjad Rabi, Visiting Expert at the Social Wellbeing Research Center at University Malaya; and Sharmila Sekaran, Chairperson of Voice of the Children.
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Professor Dr. Barry Winn, Vice Chancellor and President, Taylor's University, discusses trends in higher education, parents' expectations and student outcomes, income generation, and more.
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Often overshadowed by its larger neighbours, Eswatini is quietly positioning itself on Africa’s economic map. With political stability, pro-business policies, and a young population, the kingdom is eyeing greater regional integration and trade. Aisalli Ayub speaks with H.E. Menzie Sipho Dlamini, Eswatini’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, on investment opportunities and global partnerships.
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Malaysia has secured the presidency of the UN-Habitat General Assembly for the 2025–2029 term, but is this accolade deserved when there is still a long list of property reforms to be accomplished. And is the property market weighed too heavily in favour of the developers? Questions we pose to Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government whilst asking if he is next in line to lead DAP.
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The government estimates that in 2024, cybercrime incidents incurred total losses exceeding RM1.5 billion ringgit involving more than 35,000 reported cases. As businesses step up safeguards against cyberattacks, how is ACE Market-listed cybersecurity specialist LGMS positioning themselves to benefit from this long-term theme? We catch-up on the business strategy and prospects of LGMS with CEO Fong Choong Fook.
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The value of US-ASEAN trade in goods grew by 13% in 2024 - but is the era of trade growth coming to an end in light of the seismic shift in US economic policy? We discuss the evolution of US-ASEAN economic ties and what's ahead with Marc Mealy, Executive Vice President of the US-ASEAN Business Council.
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JTI Malaysia, the Malaysian Business of Japan Tobacco, is one of the three largest tobacco players globally. We’ll be speaking with Juliana Mohd Yahaya, Managing Director of JTI Malaysia to understand the pace of the transition from cigarettes and also how regulatory changes are reshaping the business model of tobacco companies.
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As more consumers and businesses go cashless, how are payment industry players positioning themselves to capitalise on this potential growth, especially in Asian digital economies? We discuss the business strategy and regional prospects for Global Payments with Krishnaraj Tantri, Senior Vice President for South and Southeast Asia.
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Signature Alliance Group, an interior fitting-out specialist company, is set to make its market debut on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market. Darren Chang, its managing director, talks about the company's growth strategy, its edge in a competitive sector, and what investors need to know about its post-IPO plans.
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CUCKOO International, best known for its home appliances and wellness solutions, is set to become Bursa Malaysia's biggest listing in 7 months when it debuts on the Main Market this Jun 24. Hoe Kian Choon, CUCKOO's CEO, talks about the IPO journey, the company's pivot from distributor to brand powerhouse, its growth ambitions, and whether current market sentiment will support its lofty valuation.
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With Malaysia facing significant labour structural issues, Minister of Human Resources, Steven Sim has a hard task ahead of him. We ask him what are the solutions and whether the government remains too pro-business. We also ask if DAP is MCA 2.0 and his own political future when tasked with uniting the party.
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Microsoft recently launched Malaysia West, its first hyperscale cloud region in the country, part of a USD2.2 billion investment spanning four years. What’s the end game for Microsoft in Southeast Asia, and how do we translate the benefit of AI to the Malaysian workforce? We discuss this with Scott Guthrie, Executive Vice President for Cloud + AI of Microsoft on the sidelines of the Microsoft AI Tour: Kuala Lumpur.
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As nations confront the twin challenges of ageing populations and shifting global influence, questions of sustainability and governance take center stage. Fredrik Reinfeldt, the former Prime Minister of Sweden, discusses these issues from a uniquely Swedish perspective as well as the lessons Malaysia can learn.
Prime Minister Reinfeldt will be a speaker at the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2025 organised by KWSP happening on the 17-18 of June.
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Malaysia’s tech leasing space is picking up speed, driven by growing demand for smarter, more flexible ICT solutions. One local player stepping up is ICT Zone Asia Berhad, a home-grown device financing firm making the jump from the LEAP to the ACE Market, with plans to raise RM26.6 million ahead of its June 3 listing. Managing Director & CEO Tommy Lim joins us to discuss their growth strategy.
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Fertility specialist Alpha IVF is looking to expand its regional presence to 15 facilities by 2027 following its ACE Market debut in 2024. We catch up with Managing Director Dato' Dr Colin Lee on the expansion strategy of Alpha IVF amid shifts in the regulatory landscape for private healthcare in Malaysia.
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Penguin Random House, one of the world’s largest English-language publishers, has expanded in India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East and North Africa. Aisalli Ayub speaks to regional CEO Gaurav, Gaurav Shrinagesh, of Penguin Random House India, South East Asia, Middle East and North Africa on amplifying local voices, embracing regional languages, adapting to digital trends, and taking regional authors to the global stage.
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This morning Philip See sits down with Oscar Ow, Executive Director of MSB Global Group Bhd, a company that specializes in the distribution, marketing and services of automotive parts and lubricants. Philip will be quizzing Oscar on the decision to list on the ACE Market in these turbulent times, whether it is affected by global supply chain troubles, its plans in the EV industry and more.
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Ryt Bank — a joint venture between YTL Digital Capital and e-commerce giant Sea Ltd — is the latest digital bank to commence operations. We’ll be speaking with Melvin Ooi, the bank’s CEO, about its journey so far.
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Two years after Betamek was listed on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market, this automotive electronics company has seen some solid earnings, made strategic acquisitions, and has EV-related tech in its sights. Mirzan Mahathir, the company's managing director, gets candid with why Betamek's share price isn't performing as well as it should as well as his personal legacy.
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Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), a leading not-for-profit private university in Malaysia, continues to nurture talent and drive innovation across the region. We speak with Ir. Professor Dato' Dr. Ewe Hong Tat, President of UTAR, about the university’s journey, its commitment to accessible education, and preparing future-ready graduates in a rapidly changing world.
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Toys "R" Us Asia has been largely insulated from the bankruptcy fallout of its American parent company in 2018. How resilient is the toy retail business in the face of rapidly changing consumer trends, supply chain risks and geopolitical uncertainties? We discuss its strategy for brand longevity and sustainability with Leo Tsoi, CEO of Toys "R" Us Asia.
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The idea of a universal basic income or UBI has been gaining attention and sparking debate, as the planet grapples with rising inequality, job insecurity, and rapid automation. Professor Guy Standing, Professorial Research Associate at SOAS University of London and a founding member and honorary co-president of the Basic Income Earth Network, helps us unpack the economic, political, and ethical dimensions of this idea and if Malaysia is ready for it.
Professor Guy Standing will be a speaker at the International Social Wellbeing Conference 2025 organised by KWSP happening on the 17-18 of June.
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The World Trade Organisation has warned that global trade could contract by as much as 0.8% this year as a result of potentially higher US tariffs on imported goods, which affect nearly every country in the world. So, what does this mean for logistics players such as DHL Express? We catch-up with Global CEO John Pearson for updates.
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Seah Boon Tiat, Managing Director of Hartanah Kenyalang Berhad to talk about its financial performance - the company’s revenue roughly quadrupled in the last 4 years, the unique challenges of taking up government projects, plans for the funds raised from its Ace Market listing, and more.
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Each year on May 9th, we celebrate Europe Day, reflecting on the strengthening EU-Malaysia bilateral partnership. Today, we sit down with H.E. Rafael Daerr, EU Ambassador to Malaysia, to discuss key issues such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), U.S tariffs, trade, climate goals, security, and other areas of cooperation.
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Teleport, the logistics arm of Capital A has the lofty goal of delivering 2 million parcels a day by the end of the year - which means they need to increase their volume five-fold. What’s the pathway to achieving this amid competing headwinds? We discuss company updates with Teleport CEO Pete Chareonwongsak.
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HI Mobility Bhd, the Johor-based bus operator, made a strong debut on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia in March, opening at a 4.1% premium after raising RM115.9 million through its initial public offering (IPO). CEO Lim Chern Chuen shares how he plans on steering HI Mobility toward a future of cleaner, smarter, and more efficient mobility solutions across Malaysia.
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When President Donald Trump exited the White House in 2021, many didn’t foresee that he would stage a remarkable comeback four years later. What do the first three-months of his second presidency tell us about the direction he’s taking the world’s largest economy? We reflect on some of the developments in US policy and politics with Wendy Schiller, Professor of Political Science at Brown University.
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PEOPLElogy Group is a 24 year-old, homegrown award winning integrated people development solution provider dedicated to upskilling and reskilling individuals and businesses for the digital economy. Founder, Managing Director, and Chief Peoplelogist Allen Lee sits down to discuss PEOPLElogy’s future plans as it prepares to achieve its dream of becoming a listed company this month.
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Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) was established in 1992 as a hybrid public-private organisation in Malaysia’s healthcare system to provide premier cardiothoracic treatment. Is this unique position a boon or a bane for IJN as it navigates the competing aims of commercial interests with public service ethos? We discuss this with IJN CEO Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohamed Ezani Md Taib.
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Markets have been whipsawed in light of US President Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Todd Jablonski, Global Head of Multi-Asset and Quant Strategies at Principal Asset Management speaks about the outlook for listed companies across the world and what investment strategy one should adopt during these turbulent times.
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AEON Bank is Malaysia 1st Islamic digital bank. We speak to Raja Teh Maimunah, CEO of AEON Bank about the bank's ambitions, how it intends to monetize the AEON brands and the path to profitability.
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Mechanical and electrical engineering firm West River is raising RM27.9 million through its ACE Market debut, aiming to leverage on the booming property sector and energy efficiency trends. But is this the right time to go public amidst global economic uncertainty? We discuss the plans and prospects of West River with its Managing Director Stanley Lim.
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Malaysia’s Medical Device Authority (MDA) stands at the intersection of regulation and innovation, safeguarding public health while advancing the nation’s medtech ambitions. From AI-driven diagnostics to global partnerships, the MDA is positioning Malaysia as a regional hub. Aisalli Ayub speaks to CEO Dr. Muralitharan Paramasua who shares his insights on MDA’s strategy, enforcement, and the future of digital health in Malaysia.
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Sarawak-based Reach Ten Holdings is scaling up its digital infrastructure ambitions with a RM104 million IPO—marking the state’s first Main Market listing in 15 years. With a strong focus on profitable growth, the company is expanding its reach through fibre rollouts, 4G/5G towers, and satellite upgrades across rural regions in East Malaysia. Aisalli Ayub talks to Managing Director Leo Chin about the company’s business strategy and how Reach Ten is positioning itself in Malaysia’s evolving digital economy.
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In the 2024 Budget Speech, the Prime Minister proposed a new law for urban renewal, with the bill expected to be tabled this year. However, this Urban Renewal Act, currently open for public consultation is not without its controversies. Dr. Suraya Ismail, Director of Research at Khazanah Research Institute, tells us about how to ensure the interests of all stakeholders are protected.
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Fibromat a geotechnical solutions company is transferring from the Leap to the Ace Market. We speak to Danny Ng, CEO, Fibromat Berhad about why they are making that shift, strategies for growth and the benefits of being "buatan Malaysia”.
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Construction and earthworks firm Wawasan Dengkil made its ACE Market debut on 25 March, but its share price has since trailed its IPO price of 25 sen. What does this portend about the prospects of the company? We discuss the future plans with Lim Soon Yik, Executive Director of Wawasan Dengkil.
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Dominating the headlines these past weeks was how US President Donald Trump's trade policies - and the subsequent reversals of some - have impacted the global economy and world markets, from equities to bonds to commodities. Katrina Ell, Director & Head of Asia-Pacific Economics at Moody's Analytics helps us unpack how the Trump administration’s unpredictable trade moves are reshaping Asia’s economies, investor confidence, and Malaysia’s growth outlook.
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Once a Hong Kong TV giant, TVB is now eyeing Southeast Asia for growth. Desmond Chan, General Manager of TVB International, discusses the company’s push into Malaysia, the challenges of digital transformation, and whether the broadcaster can turn the corner after years of losses.
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DataSnipper is changing the game for accountants and auditors by automating time-consuming tasks like data matching and document preparation. With a strong focus on profitable growth, the company is expanding its reach, particularly in Asia Pacific.
Philip See talks to CEO Vidya Peters about their business strategy and why Kuala Lumpur was selected as their new regional hub.
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Malaysia is welcoming President Xi Jinping for a 3-day official visit starting today. Xi’s tour of our country is being closely watched in the region amid growing trade tensions between the US and China.
To help us unpack this landmark visit, Philip See will be speaking with Dr Cassey Lee, Senior Fellow and Coordinator at the Regional Economic Studies Programme at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute and Angeline Tan, Analyst at the Institute Of Strategic & International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia.
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FTA will catalyze EU-Malaysia trade. Karl Godderis, CEO of Eurocham discusses the current state of trade relations between Europe and Malaysia, the ongoing volatility affecting global trade, and more and the benefits of concluding the EU-Malaysia FTA.
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Moody’s Descriptor: Moody’s is a brand name that is arguably best identified as a credit ratings agency, but its biggest revenues come from its non-ratings business, Moody’s Analytics. How much of a foothold does Moody’s have in the extremely competitive data analytics industry, especially in Southeast Asia? We find out from Wael Jadallah, General Manager and Head of Asia Pacific & the Middle East at Moody’s.
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Donald Trump has unleashed uncertainty after uncertainty in the 80 days since taking office as President of the United States for a second term. The latest is his imposition of tariffs on practically all of America's trading partners on Earth. Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, the pro-vice chancellor for External Engagement at Taylor's University, and Dr Afzanizam Rashid, Bank Muamalat's chief economist help us unpack the fallout for Malaysia, regional strategy, and how businesses can brace for even more uncertainty.
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Johore has ambitions to be the state to attract the most investments in Malaysia. Is SEZ the catalytic project that will be the game changer? We speak to Lee Ting Han, Johor State EXCO Member for Investment, Trade, Consumer Affairs & Human Resources to find out if this time round, plans will turn into reality.
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- A slowdown in demand for goods due to US President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs is a major downside risk for logistics players, including Westports Malaysia Bhd. Back in the hot seat is Datuk Ruben Emir Gnanalingam, Executive Chairman of Westports Holdings Bhd, to discuss the company’s growth plans, how Trump tariffs might affect it, and more.
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Construction player and property developer, Lim Seong Hai Capital Bhd, transferred from the LEAP Market of Bursa Malaysia after less than four years and debuted on the ACE Market recently. Brandon Lim, its executive director, discusses the challenges of navigating the pandemic until today, as it looks to also become a facilities management company, following its concession contract to manage the iconic KL Tower.
Disclaimer: This interview was conducted before the lawsuit against the company and the on-going operator of the KL tower was filed.
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Sumisaujana Group Berhad, a Malaysian firm specialising in oil and gas specialty and industrial chemicals, is gearing up for its debut on the ACE Market on April 9. CEO Norazlam Norbi joins us to discuss the company’s IPO and how the RM74 million ringgit raised will fund regional expansion, digital transformation, and new infrastructure.
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Malaysia emerged from 2024 on strong economic footing, but how resilient is the country's foundation to withstand potential global turbulence? And as conditions become more challenging, how might this affect the appetite for much needed reforms? We discuss these themes with Tan Sri Andrew Sheng, Distinguished Fellow at the Institute for Capital Market Research Malaysia.
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What is the state of inclusion for autistic persons in the Malaysian working environment? On World Autism Awareness Day, we discuss this with Beatrice Leong, Founder of the Autism Inclusiveness Direct Action Group (AIDA) and Florence Tan, Corporate Sustainability Leader of PwC Malaysia.
For the full transcript, click here.
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The wholesale grocery sector is notoriously competitive given its high-volume low-margin business model. So what’s the story behind the Sri Ternak Group, which began as a livestock and agricultural business in 1979 before evolving into one of the fastest growing wholesale retailers in Selangor? We discuss the ambitions of Sri Ternak Group with its Group CEO, Dato’ Raymond Ho.
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Sorento Capital Bhd, a bathroom and kitchenware distributor, was listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia in late October last year. Lee Chee Keong, their Executive Director tells us about their strategy for growth, the intense competition in a very fragmented market and why the stock is worth considering despite the expensive valuations.
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In Budget 2025, the Madani Government increased its allocation for the Ministry of Health by 10% to 43.5 billion ringgit. So how will this benefit pharmaceutical players like Duopharma Biotech Bhd that rely heavily on government procurements? We discuss the company’s fortunes and prospects with Group Managing Director Leonard Ariff.
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The Malaysian real estate sector was upbeat in 2024, and this is reflected in the full year earnings of mid-cap property developer Paramount Corporation, which scored its third year of total revenues over the RM1 billion ringgit mark. Can this momentum be sustained into 2025 in light of the economic headwinds at play? We discuss Paramount's expansion strategy, sales outlook and why the Urban Renewal Development Act could be good for the property sector with Group CEO Jeffrey Chew.
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As many debate whether the oil and gas sector is in structural decline, Perdana Petroleum Berhad posted its biggest net profit in 18 years. Despite this strong performance, what is the new phase of growth and is this compnay overshadowed by big sister, Dayang? Questions we pose to Jamalludin Obeng, their Managing Director.
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The Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia, or LKIM, has been at the forefront of shaping policies, supporting fishermen, and ensuring sustainable seafood production since its inception in 1971. Its chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil discusses how LKIM is steering the industry forward amid rising costs, climate change and an evolving market landscape.
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The Kingdom of Bhutan is often referred to as the happiest country, having pioneered the Gross National Happiness (GNH) Index as a multi-dimensional metric of national development, beyond GDP growth. But in the post-pandemic era, how is Bhutan navigating the geopolitical and socio-economic challenges that could threaten the well-being of its population? We discuss how Bhutan is revamping its image while staying true to its roots with His Excellency Tshering Tobgay, the Prime Minister of Bhutan. His book is titled, "Enlightened Leadership: Inside Bhutan’s Transition from Monarchy to Democracy."
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Issues surrounding Malaysia’s healthcare sector have become increasingly discussed in political settings, as it faces challenges such as overcrowding and a shortage of medical workers. To help us assess the state of our healthcare system and explore potential policy interventions, Philip See will be speaking with Dr. Khor Swee Kheng, CEO of Angsana Health and a Specialist in Public Policy.
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From the early days of independence to the present, Malaysia has missed key opportunities to build a truly united nation. Phillip See speaks with Datuk Mohamad Hussein, author of “How Malaysia Missed Seven Chances in Nation Building”, about the lessons from these moments and their impact on the country's future.
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As climate change wreaks havoc on weather patterns around the world, how equipped is MetMalaysia to forecast inclement weather in order to prepare for increasingly severe natural disasters? We go behind the scenes of MetMalaysia operations with the Director-General Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip.
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Malaysia has ambitions to be a digital economy and cashless society. How are we progressing on that front and what role does TNG Digital play? Questions we pose to Alan Ni, their CEO whilst asking if they are keeping their market share with the arrival of digital banks in Malaysia, and how its business has evolved the path to profitability.
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Malaysia's retail landscape continues to evolve with shifting consumer behaviour, uneven government policy implementations and rising cost of living. Datuk Wira Ameer Ali Mydin, the MD of Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd and advisor to the Bumiputera Retailers' Organisation, talks to us about his business as well as what he would like to see the government do to make life easier for both retailers and consumers.
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Legacy media companies have struggled to compete with a plethora of platforms that offer varied content. What is the solution to this structural decline? Rafiq Razali, Group Managing Director, Media Prima Berhad tells us his answer whilst we discuss their most recent financial results.
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UCSI University is today one of Malaysia's top ranked higher educational institutions of learning, ranked 265 on the latest QS World University Rankings. It now has a campus in Bangladesh, along with four in Malaysia and hopes to share its Trans-national Education initiative with the world. Vice-chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Siti Hamisah Tapsir shares her views and observations from when she once served as the director-general of the Ministry of Higher Education.
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In 1909, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) became the first professional accountancy body to admit a woman as a member. 120 years on, the body boasts a gender diverse leadership line-up and women make-up almost half of ACCA membership. But how much is this reflected in the broader accounting industry? To mark International Women’s Day on March 8th, we speak to corporate veteran Datuk Zaiton Mohd Hassan, Vice President of the ACCA Council for her observations and reflections.
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- Outside of the UK, Vimto, the 107-year-old Manchester-born beverage, has been most popular in the Middle East, particularly during Ramadan. It is now venturing into Malaysia where nearly two-thirds of the population are Muslim. Matt Nichols, the International Commercial Director of Vimto (and also the founder's great-grandson) discusses the company's plans here and beyond.
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The post-Covid-19 years have been wrought with challenges for Malaysia's glove makers as demand normalises from the unexpected surge at the height of the pandemic. Oon Kim Hung, the Malaysian Rubber Glove Manufacturers' Association (MARGMA) president, talks about his expectations for the industry with the demand and supply situation reaches an equilibrium, amidst the rise in China's own glove makers and the threat of tariffs from a new Trump administration in the US.
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Founded in 1997, Universiti Teknologi Petronas has been steadily climbing the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings and for the first time is amongst the top 250 in the world. Professor Dato' Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib, the Vice-Chancellor of UTP takes us through the history of the university and its future plans.
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Malaysia’s achieve a trade surplus of RM137 billion in 2024, the highest ever recorded in the nation’s history. However with a tariff storm brewing and increasing geopolitical tensions, will Malaysia continue to see strong performance and reap the benefits of the Madani government policies. Questions we pose to Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia.
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Property sales are the highest in a decade for the whole industry but is listed LBS Bina also showing a similar trend in 2024 and of course what is the outlook this year? Questions we pose to executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Hock San whilst asking him about succession planning and their diversification plans.
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Australia and Malaysia celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations this year, having developed strong cooperation in sectors like trade, defence, education and tourism. Danielle Heinecke, Australia's High Commissioner to Malaysia, shares how both nations can enhance these ties to benefit both nations and the Southeast Asian region, amid global uncertainties and opportunities.
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Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology is strengthening its focus on industry collaboration, research excellence, and student development to stay competitive. President Prof. Ir. Dr Lee Sze Wei highlights challenges including financial sustainability and workforce demands while emphasizing the university’s commitment to innovation.
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Malaysia has been rolling out a series of renewable energy policies that have benefited the solar industry. One beneficiary is listed Solarvest Holdings. We ask their CEO and co-founder as to their financial performance, the competition and their transformation plans from being an EPCC player to also an asset owner.
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Boost Bank is one of the 5 digital banks in Malaysia which was launched in June 2024. We check in with Sheyantha Abeykoon, Group CEO of Boost to find out their strategies for growth and the path to profitability in a competitive environment whilst looking at how soon this regional fintech can monetise their business.
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Malaysia's trade hit a record RM2.88 trillion in 2024, with exports rising 5.7% and imports up 13.2%. We speak to Liew Chin Tong about the outlook for this year and strategies to position the country as a key investment hub.
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With AI, demographic shifts, and geopolitical tensions, is research still the key to understanding this new world order. We speak to Ben Page, Global CEO of IPSOS, to find out whilst asking if AI makes a difference to the accuracy of polls and also the financials of this French-listed company.
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In 2025, third-party enterprise software services provider Rimini Street marks 20 years since its entry into the IT landscape disrupted conventional business models of major Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) players. How is it navigating the challenging economic landscape ahead, including the overhang of a long-running litigation case? We discuss the outlook of the business with CEO Seth Ravin.
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US President Donald Trump baffled many around the world when he made known his intentions to retake the Panama Canal on his very first day in office. Why does Washington DC want a canal in another sovereign country? Today we explore the historical significance of the canal and the origins of the present political dynamics with Julie Greene, Professor of History at the University of Maryland and author of the book “The Canal Builders: Making America's Empire at the Panama Canal,” published in 2009.
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Oriental Kopi’s impressive listing on the ACE Market saw its shares nearly double on debut, marking a strong start for the brand. But beyond the hype, how will it sustain its momentum and stand out in Malaysia’s fast-moving F&B scene? Managing Director Dato’ Calvin Chan shares the company’s strategy for growth and long-term success..
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Transparency International's annual Corruption Perceptions Index for 2024 has ranked Malaysia 57 out of 180 countries and territories, with a score of 50 - a score of 100 is considered the least corrupt. These results are essentially unchanged from 2023's index. Dr Muhammad Mohan, the outgoing president of Transparency International Malaysia shares his thoughts on Malaysia's fight against corruption.
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Scam Inc is the latest podcast series produced by the news magazine The Economist, and it uncovers the sprawling global network behind online financial scams. In the spirit of World Radio Day, we go behind the scenes of making the podcast and its many revelations with Sue Lin Wong, Southeast Asia correspondent with the Economist and host of Scam Inc.
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The earnings of Karex for FY2024 were exceptional but will this new world order disrupt this trend in 2025? We ask Goh Miah Kiat their CEO if Trump 2.0 gives him sleepless nights, what are his strategies for growth and why the stock remains unloved by analysts despite the positive outlook.
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According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation, 2024 saw 1.4 billion international tourists, signaling the return to health of an industry that was decimated by the Covid-19 pandemic. What will be the trends shaping the tourism industry in 2025, and more importantly is Malaysia positioning itself to leverage the Asia-Pacific tailwinds? We discuss these themes with our expert panel.
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It was only last year that Malaysia amended its laws to give Malaysian women equal rights as men to confer automatic citizenship to children born overseas. Despite this breakthrough, what are other gaps in the legal framework that affect the rights and well-being of Malaysian families? We discuss these themes with our expert panel.
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For 2024, Bursa Malaysia had a record year of initial public offerings with 42 companies going public with a market capitalization of RM31.4bn. We look back at some of the conversations we had with some of these companies that include Prolintas, Alpha IVF and Johor Plantations.
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In 2024, Malaysia's property market saw an uptick in transactions and values across all sectors, driven by positive sentiment and increasing investor confidence. We speak to Jamie Tan, Managing Director, JLL, and Keith Ooi, Group Managing Director at Knight Frank Malaysia, on the outlook for 2025 and how one can still make money from this asset class.
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Johor has become synonymous with Malaysia’s burgeoning data centre industry, and the spotlight on the southern region has only intensified with the signing of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone agreement between the two countries last month. What is the role of the state promotional agency, Invest Johor in courting investors to the SEZ? I discuss the potential economic growth levers in Johor with CEO Natazha Harris.
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Uzma Group, a leading energy and technology company in Malaysia, is achieving notable progress with its 60:40 revenue split between O&G and non-core sectors, alongside key projects like the Kedah solar farm and satellite launches. Founder and Group CEO Dato' Kamarul Redzuan Muhamed discusses the company’s expansion, market challenges, and future outlook
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- On January 20th, 2025, Donald Trump was sworn in for a second term, making a remarkable comeback as the 47th President of the United States after previously serving as the 45th. To help us reflect on how the early days of his second administration are shaping up, Philip See will be speaking with Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington.
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Before any concert involving a foreign artist can be held in Malaysia, approval is required from the Central Application Agency for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artistes, better known by its Malay acronym PUSPAL. We go behind the scenes at PUSPAL and discuss what goes into their decision-making process with Yazman Yahya, Undersecretary of the Content Development Division at the Ministry of Communication.
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The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is a magnet for business tourism, generating an estimated RM12.3 billion in economic impact since it was first opened in May 2005. As the centre celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, what do its prospects tell us about the health of the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibition (MICE) industry? We discuss what's next with General Manager John Burke.
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Evergreen Max Cash Capital is one of three pawnbroking companies listed on Bursa Malaysia and is operating in a landscape that is challenging and rife with stigma. The company's executive director Low Kai Loon talks to us about EMCC's expansion plans and how it plans to embrace technology and AI going forward while growing its market share.
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Swift Energy Technology has the distinction of being the year’s first IPO on Bursa Malaysia, making its ACE Market debut on the 8th of January. How is the industrial automation and power systems provider making use of its RM70 million ringgit IPO proceeds? We discuss the company's origins and growth trajectory in its niche markets, including process controls, explosion-proof solar PV and power distribution systems, with CEO Tan Bin Chee.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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."
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Transcript
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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- 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Institute
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Monash University Malaysia has the distinction of being the first foreign university in the country and celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. With the landscape for international higher education evolving dramatically since 1998, what is Monash doing to defend its brand reputation in an intensely competitive sector? I discuss these themes with Prof. Dato' Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman, the Chief Executive Officer of Monash University Malaysia.
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Microsoft, Alphabet and Amazon Web Services are just some of the biggest names that have invested in the development of data centers in Malaysia, but will this industry really complement the transformation of this country’s digital economy, and will we see positive spillover effects? Amy Wong, Executive Director at Knight Frank & Ong Chin Seong, PIKOM Chairman joins us for a look behind the curtains of the sector.
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The Ministry of Housing and Local Government is responsible for addressing a wide range of issues important to Malaysians, including affordable housing, sustainable development, the circular economy, and local governance. How are Madani Government policy initiatives being translated on the ground? We hear from Nga Kor Ming, Minister of Housing and Local Government.
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We are living in the Asian century, with the meteoric rise of China, India and ASEAN economies heralding the era of multi-polar geopolitics. Is this an era of optimism for the international order, or is it as some say the most dangerous time in geopolitics since the end of the Cold War? We discuss these themes with Professor Kishore Mahbubani, a distinguished fellow at the Asia Research Institute at the National University of Singapore. His latest book is, “Living the Asian Century: An Undiplomatic Memoir."
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The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales has appointed Alan Vallance as its new Chief Executive. He joins us to discuss his vision for leading the largest professional accountancy body in Europe. This discussion will also explore the role of artificial intelligence in accounting and the declining interest among young people in pursuing the profession.
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The Otis Elevator Company is responsible for installing elevators in some of the most iconic buildings in the world, including the Petronas Twin Towers. Given its long history in Malaysia spanning back to 1909, how has Otis' presence here evolved and what trends are driving growth in the vertical transportation sector? We discuss this with Pradeep Nair, General Manager for Otis Malaysia and Brunei.
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Bursa Malaysia-listed HSS Engineers has had an illustrious 40 year journey transforming Malaysia one infrastructure project at a time - it was involved in the PLUS Highway, KLIA as well the KL MRT lines. Tan Sri Kuna Sittampalam, the firm's founder and executive vice chairman, talks about future plans for HSS, including its overseas expansion with the Baghdad metro lines in Iraq, its most ambitious undertaking yet.
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Parti Pribumi Bersatu was born from the internal strife of UMNO in 2016 and over the course of 5 years rose to the pinnacle of Malaysian politics under the premiership of Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin leading the Perikatan Nasional coalition.
Following Bersatu's exile to the Opposition bench post-GE15, what are their plans to stage a comeback in the next general elections? We speak to Bersatu Secretary General Dato' Seri Hamzah Zainuddin for a better sense of the party's identity and vision.
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The Singapore Exchange-listed Centurion Corporation is in the business of owning, developing and managing purpose-built workers' accommodation as well as students' accommodation assets in Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, the UK as well as the US. Its CEO Kong Chee Min talks about the company's plans to expand in Malaysia where it already owns several assets in Johor, a state that is set to be a main focus with the Singapore-Johor Special Economic Zone set to take centre-stage.
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As the war in Ukraine drags on over multiple years, how has the conflict with Russia shaped Kyiv's foreign policy direction? We speak to Hennadiy Maksak, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Prism, a non-governmental foreign policy council on how Ukraine is navigating relations with US and EU allies as well as efforts to bridge the divide with ASEAN member states that have pro-Russian leanings.
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Malaysia has the distinction of being at the forefront of Islamic finance, with the third largest market for Islamic financial assets, behind only Iran and Saudi Arabia. One of the homegrown bodies contributing to the vibrancy of the Islamic finance industry through human capital development is the International Center for Education in Islamic Finance or INCEIF University. Is Malaysia doing enough to maintain its leadership role in this sector? We discuss the trends in Islamic Finance with Prof Emeritus Dato' Dr Azmi Omar, President & CEO, INCEIF University.
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LH Plus Sdn Bhd is a local plastic manufacturing company that produces products like OEM parts, and home & kitchen products, among others. Its chairman & CEO Callum Chen discusses the details of LH Plus's business and how they intend to future-proof their operations.
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Invest Selangor is the one-stop agency for international investors keen to put their money into the state. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, how have they fared with the Covid-19 pandemic being one of the most challenging time for it? Dato’ Hasan Azhari Idris, Invest Selangor's CEO, takes us through the agency's plan to navigate the future as competition heats up not just with other states in Malaysia but with other countries in the region as well.
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Steel Hawk Bhd is the first company to undergo a listing transfer from Bursa Malaysia’s LEAP to the ACE Market under the new market transfer framework. Shares of this oil and gas services firm doubled on their ACE market trading debut. We speak to Dato' Sharman Kristy Michael, Founder & Executive Director, Steel Hawk Berhad for their growth strategy, the use of the IPO proceeds and whether is there still an upside to the share price.
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Music consumption today has long shifted from the age of physical music media like vinyl, CDs and cassettes, and so too has the discovery of new talent from songwriting to performing. Kenny Ong, the managing director of Sony Music Entertainment for Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore and Special Projects Southeast Asia shares his insights into how the music recording industry has evolved and how the (possible) return of live concerts to Malaysia will move the needle (or not).
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Malaysia’s telecommunications sector was reshaped when Celcom and Digi merged in December 2022 with dominance over 47% of the market. Almost two years down the line, have the promised synergies come to fruition and how is CelcomDigi staking its claim on the ever-evolving 5G landscape? We get updates from CelcomDigi CEO Datuk Idham Nawawi.
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Industrial parks are a sweet spot in the property space with the sudden deluge of data centres and logistic warehousing demand in Malaysia. But do we have world-class industrial parks in this country? We speak to Dylan Tan, Group CEO for AME Elite Consortium for their views, their strategy for growth and why their share price is underperforming.
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Ace listed, MN Holdings Berhad, engaged in underground utilities and substation engineering services and solutions has seen their share prices soar by 70% on a year to date basis. We ask, Managing Director, Clement Toh what their strategies of growth are and is there more upside to their stock price.
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Malaysia is constitutionally a federation where there is a strong central government but yet the individuality of states are also maintained. Is that just idealism or is there conflict between state and federal governments and can it be resolved? Lee Chean Chung, PKR MP for Petaling Jaya and Dr. Afif Bahardin, Bersatu Dun of Taman Medan gives us their perspective.
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Kulim, Kedah is the site of what will eventually become the world’s largest 200mm silicon carbide wafer fabrication owned by Infineon Technologies, the German semiconductor manufacturer. Why have they placed their bets on Kulim and Malaysia for their regional expansion, and how might the sector benefit from their presence? We speak to Ng Kok Tiong, Managing Director of Infineon Technologies Kulim to find out.
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Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said is the current minister in the PM's department in charge of law and institutional reform. On this Breakfast Grille, she reflects on her years in politics with the unique insight of having served under three different administrations - Barisan Nasional, Perikatan Nasional & Pakatan Harapan - as well as why it is so difficult to pass the institutional reforms promised in the manifestos of the coalition which eventually took control of Putrajaya.
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As we gear up to celebrate the 67th National Day tomorrow, we’re featuring a Malaysian brand that’s even older than our country at 139 years old - the pewter craftsmaker Royal Selangor. How are they keeping traditions alive in an era that prizes technological innovation? Executive Director Chen Tien Yue joins us on the Breakfast Grille to share Royal Selangor’s recipe for longevity.
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Malaysia is expected to transition to ageing nation status by 2030 where over 15% of its population will be above 60-years-old. Associate Professor Dr Rahimah Ibrahim, director at the Malaysian Research Institute on Ageing (MyAgeing) and Delren Douglas, the president of the Association of Aged Care Operators of Malaysia (AGECOPE), discuss the country's preparedness to face this reality.
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Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof recently revealed that there have been differing legal views between the federal and state levels, as Sarawak demands more rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 to be fulfilled. These demands were reportedly discussed at the highest council meeting last month. Bandar Kuching MP Dr. Kelvin Yii joins us to discuss Sarawak's interpretation of provisions such as maritime jurisdiction, land, and taxes.
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Our neighbours, Thailand and Indonesia, are facing major political changes with a change in leadership. We discuss the dismissal of Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and whether his replacement can manage the factions with insights from Michael Montesano of the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute. After which we turn to Indonesia where we analyse Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s legacy and what to expect from his successor, Prabowo Subianto with Erin Cook, journalist for Southeast Asian Affairs.
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This Saturday, as we celebrate Merdeka, we speak to Tricia Yeoh, CEO of think tank, IDEAS, about the realities of coalition politics in Malaysia. We also discuss the significance of essential reforms, both institutional and economic and whether the pace of progress is sufficient. We will also explore if Malaysia is on the right path to becoming a nation that truly upholds liberty and justice for all.
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On August 24th, Ukraine marks its Independence Day while continuing to defend against Russian aggression since Crimea's annexation in 2014 and the invasion in February 2022. We speak with Denys Mykhailiuk, Chargé d'Affaires at the Ukrainian Embassy in Malaysia, and examine Ukraine’s recent bold move into Russian territory.
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The humanitarian catastrophe as a result of the war in Gaza is impacting millions of Palestinian lives. In a bid to alleviate the suffering, Malaysia has flown in 41 injured Palestinians and their families for medical treatment, a move that has seen mixed reactions. We speak to H.E. Walid Abu Ali, the Ambassador of Palestine to Malaysia for more clarity on the mission and his assessment of Malaysia's policy on refugees.
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Earlier this month, a mass protest movement led by the youth of Bangladesh ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her ruling party the Awami League after 15 years in power. What are the hopes of and challenges for the nation of a 170 million people following a tumultuous summer? We discuss the future of Bangladesh with its High Commissioner to Malaysia, H.E. Md. Shameem Ahsan.
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Studies have found that Malaysia ranked fifth for countries with the most dangerous roads, and third for countries where you are most likely to die on the road. With these figures, we speak to Dr. Rizati Binti Hamidun, Director of Road Safety Engineering and Environmental Research Centre from MIROS and Dato' Professor Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Vice Chancellor, UPM and former DG at MIROS about what does it take to turn this around.
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Sabah is renowned for its natural heritage but also faces the paradox of plenty: despite being resource-rich, it has consistently lagged in economic development. What is Invest Sabah doing to change the investment narrative? We discuss the priorities and opportunities to bring in investment to Sabah with CEO Dr. Firdausi Suffian.
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The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), established by the Construction Industry Development Act (Act 520), works to improve the construction industry's standards and capabilities. CEO Dato' Sr Mohd Zaid Zakaria addresses the sector’s current challenges, emerging opportunities, and future directions as well as helping us unpack who are the winners and losers in the recent construction boom experienced in Malaysia.
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Kyndryl, the world's largest IT infrastructure player also had the title of world's largest start up after their separation from IBM in 2021. We speak to Effendi Azmi Hashim, Managing Director of its Malaysian and Indonesian operation about being agonistic when it comes to partners, their strategy for growth and how they intend to benefit from the secular trends of AI and Data Centres.
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Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim took office on 24 November 2022 on a platform of sweeping reforms to strengthen Malaysia’s institutions. 20 months later, his unity government has been described as “the most dictatorial that the country has ever had”, according to prominent lawyer Dato' Ambiga Sreenevasan. What prompted this drastic change in sentiment towards the reformist government and is this a fair charge? We discuss the reform agenda versus actions of the Madani government with the former President of the Malaysian Bar and former Chairperson of Bersih.
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It has been 26 years since the first LRT in Kuala Lumpur began its services, transforming how citizens of the city get around. Today there are nearly 140 kilometres of trains, served by the monorail, LRT and MRT lines, supplemented by a bus service under one agency, Prasarana Malaysia. Dato’ Ridza Abdoh Salleh, the former CEO of Prasarana and Afiq Daniel, a public transport activist give us an assessment of how far we have come and what improvements need to be put in place.
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The Institute for Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia was set up in 1983 as an autonomous non-profit research organisation functioning as the nation’s think tank. What role does this body play in influencing the policy decisions of the Madani Government? We discuss Malaysian foreign policy with Datuk Prof. Dr. Mohd Faiz Abdullah, Chairman and Chief Executive of ISIS Malaysia.
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Established in 1969, Agrobank, a DFI is crucial to Malaysia's agricultural development, offering specialised financial services tailored to the sector. CEO Dato' Tengku Ahmad Badli Shah Raja Hussin tells us how the bank aligns with the Ministry of Agriculture's initiatives and how they manage the challenges of being a DFI and managing higher NPLs compared to conventional banks.
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Records were broken for markets this week with a broad global selldown but an almost equally sharp rebound. Anand Pathmakanthan, Head of Regional Equity Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group and Steve Larson, Portfolio Manager for Principal Equities tells us what to expect for the rest of the second half of 2024, what investment strategy to adopt and where the opportunities are.
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The world's largest aeroplane manufacturer, Airbus, has navigated the post-Covid-19 years with increased demand for its aircraft as travel returns with a vengeance amid an increased awareness that sustainability needs to also be a driving force. Anand Stanley, president of Airbus Asia-Pacific, joins us to discuss the path this European multinational aerospace corporation is embarking on following its most recent quarterly results coming in below analysts' expectations.
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Alps Global Holding Berhad aims to revolutionise healthcare through biotechnology research and wellness services, focusing on personalised and precision medicine to reduce costs. Group CEO Dr Tham Seng Kong discusses the challenges of high costs and failure rates in biotech, emphasising their strategy to control the entire supply chain for more affordable treatments.
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While Malaysia has yet to win an Olympic gold medal, Malaysian Paralympic athletes have secured six golds since 2016. But these achievements have not been rewarded with greater investment into para sports. Paralympic Council of Malaysia President Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman makes the case for more funding for para sports development in line with performance merit and addresses controversies of the 2024 Paralympics season.
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Penang has been hard at work wooing travelers back to the island ever since Covid-19 global travel restrictions were lifted, and these efforts are showing results with the number of visitors from China nearly trebling in the first half of 2024, as an example. Wong Hon Wai is the Penang executive councilor in charge of tourism & creative economy outlines his plans to continue to develop new tourism products for the state, covering everything from culture to nature and of course gastronomy.
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Co-opbank Pertama is Malaysia's first co-operative bank set up in 1950 but only having received its deposit-taking license from Bank Negara in 2014. Its CEO Khairil Anuar Mohammad Anuar, shares the bank's growth plans that he initiated when he took over the helm in 2021, while ensuring CBP's members continue to receive attractive dividends.
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The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation or APEC was born at a time when globalisation and free trade were fully embraced, but the conventional wisdom has changed since then. What does this then mean for APEC’s role and approach as an interlocutor platform for its 21 member economies, including Malaysia? We discuss trends in global trade with Tan Sri Dr. Rebecca Sta. Maria of the APEC Secretariat.
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Sarawak has come a long way since 1963 and is charting a seemingly independent economic future that hinges on greater autonomy from the federal government. What is the pathway to shared development and prosperity for Sarawak and Malaysia as a whole, in line with the Dayak phrase “segulai, sejalai” or onward together? We discuss this to mark Sarawak Day on 22 July.
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Will Paris 2024 see Malaysia end its Olympic gold medal drought? What are the policies being considered to make the sports economy more vibrant in Malaysia? We discuss these themes and more with Minister of Youth and Sports Hannah Yeoh at the start of the Summer Olympics.
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Engie Services Malaysia is the local arm of a European and world leader in low-carbon electricity production that also provides B2B solutions to achieve carbon-neutral targets. We speak to their managing director, Wong Yin Kee who will tell us their strategy for growth and how they stack up against the competition.
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With the surprising withdrawal of Joe Biden from the race and the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump, the landscape for the US November presidential elections has shifted dramatically. As the Republican nominee is now confirmed, what strategies might the Democratic Party employ to counter a resurgent Trump campaign? We explore these developments with Mark J. Rozell of George Mason University.
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Farm Price has significantly transformed its business model to focus on the wholesale and distribution of fresh vegetables. This strategic shift led to a successful listing on the ACE Market. We speak with Lawrence Tiong Lee Chian their Managing Director to discuss whether this price appreciation is justified and how the company plans to utilise the proceeds from the listing to drive future growth.
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Data centres and SEZ are the buzzwords for Johor which benefits UEM Sunrise which owns almost 7000 acres in that state. We speak to Sufian Abdullah, their CEO as to how they intend to monetise this opportunity whilst overcoming the challenges of competition whilst examining their transformation plans.
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Penang, Malaysia's second smallest state punches above its weight when it comes to GDP contribution and FDI inflow but what is the next phase of growth for the Silicon Island of the East? Dato’ Loo Lee Lian, CEO of InvestPenang tells us their plans, how they overcome the challenges of talent shortage and manage the competition even from other states.
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Malaysia is the 12th largest furniture exporter in the world based on 2021 data, with a total export value of some RM13 billion ringgit in 2022. This is the landscape that Synergy House operates in, a pure-play e-commerce furniture design, development and distribution company that listed on the ACE Market in June last year. How have they put their RM34 million IPO proceeds to use? We get updates from Executive Director Tan Eu Tah.
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July 18th every year is celebrated as Nelson Mandela International Day honouring the first post-apartheid president of South Africa. Its High Commissioner to Malaysia, Dave Malcomson, discusses how the past 30 years of post-apartheid has led to the country accusing Israel of genocide for its actions in Gaza, balancing it out with its continued engagement with Russia and how the BRICS intergovernmental organisation might bring some balance to an inequitable world.
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French ambassador to Malaysia His Excellency Axel Cruau joins us in the studio for a wide-ranging conversation on the recently concluded French legislative elections, bilateral ties in Malaysia, geo-politics and how the upcoming Olympics will be more economically and environmentally sustainable.
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2024 is the year the global airline industry turned the page on the Covid-19 pandemic - traffic has returned to pre-pandemic levels and airlines are making profits once again. But the positive numbers belie the many headwinds that could still weigh down on future growth. How are airlines navigating these challenges? We discuss these themes with Marie Owens Thomsen, Senior Vice President for Economics & Sustainability at the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
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The shifting political landscape since 2018 has meant that the dynamics in Parliament have changed - to what extent are the present rules and conventions in keeping with this new reality? Do the current electoral laws allow for the maximum public participation? We discuss priority reforms for parliament and elections to strengthen Malaysian democracy with our expert panel.
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George Town, Penang, has celebrated its 16th anniversary of being jointly inscribed on the Unesco World Heritage List with Malacca. Think City, a Khazanah Nasional subsidiary, was instrumental in helping to develop George Town since 2009, helping to maintain its status as a living heritage city. Hamdan Abdul Majeed, shares his experience as Think City's managing director as well as a Penangite.
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The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were conceived in 2015 as a pathway to galvanise the whole international community towards the common aims of economic development, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. With 6 years to go until the 2030 deadline, how far have we progressed in achieving the 17 distinct targets - and why has investment in education consistently been overlooked? We discuss these themes with Prof. Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network.
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Hibiscus Petroleum Berhad has just announced an ambitious plan to acquire a stake in a Brunei gas asset. Will this be a value accretive acquisition for this oil and gas exploration and production company with a price tag of nearly USD200mn. We speak to their managing director, Kenneth Gerard Pereira to find out whilst asking why this company appears to be overlooked by the investment community.
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Optimax, which specializes in a wide range of ophthalmology medical services has now expanded to the aesthetic care industry and set up shop in Cambodia. We ask Sandy Tan, their CEO, about the synergies of their expansion and the challenges of running a business that is capex and human resource intensive.
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HE Group Berhad a electrical engineering services company, listed on the Ace Market earlier this year. Since then the share price has tripled. We speak to Managing Director Amos Haw Chee Seng to explore what strategies will fuel the company's future growth and assess the potential for further appreciation in their share price.
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The music industry has evolved from the days of cassettes, vinyl and CDs, to streaming and social media over the last four decades or so. Dinesh Ratnam, the Managing Director of Warner Music Malaysia sits down to talk about how this company now operates in an increasingly digital world where the consumption and promotion of music and creativity are at levels never dreamed of before. Is this a boon or bane for record labels?
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Kucingko Berhad will become Malaysia's first animation company to list on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market by the end of July. It started life as Inspidea back in 2002 and has chalked up production credits from the Cartoon Network's Johnny Bravo to the BAFTA-nominated BBC series, Pet Squad. Its co-founder and executive director iCJ See talks about how this IPO might be the next step in this company's ambition to become the Dreamworks of Asia.
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This year, Malaysia-China celebrates 50 years of relations. We speak to Peter T. C. Chang, Deputy Director of the Institute of China Studies, University of Malaya on the evolution of this relationship and what the future may hold in this era of increased geopolitical tensions amidst integrated economic ties.
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Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), a government agency under the Ministry of Digital has been tasked since 1996 to ensure that Malaysia becomes a digital economy. Mahadhir Aziz, CEO of MDEC tells us if they are on path to achieve their goals despite the plethora of government agencies involved and what are the challenges ahead considering the digital divide and talent shortage.
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2023 was a banner year for Malaysian cinema in terms of international recognition, however the local industry was bogged down by low box office sales and film censorship controversies. Additionally the consequences of a shift to digitalisation continue to reverberate across the global industry. What role does FINAS play in this changing industry landscape? We discuss this with Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, CEO of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS).
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The Twelfth Malaysia Plan targets to grow the economic contribution of MSMEs to 45% of GDP by 2025 from just under 40% currently. But do the policies at hand recognise the nuances of the MSME landscape, including those related to women entrepreneurs? To mark World MSME Day, we discuss these themes with: Chin Chee Seong, National Secretary General of the SME Association and Gaya Subramaniam, co-founder of Bungalow18, a multi-space boutique featuring local and handcrafted products.
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The Islamic Finance market is small in comparison to its conventional counterpart but that also means that there are plenty of opportunities for innovation and growth. We speak to Mustafa Adil, Head of Islamic Finance at London Stock Exchange (LSEG) to understand the dynamic landscape, the importance of Shariah compliance, the global sukuk market and Malaysia's role in this field.
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MyDigital ID is a national identity and transaction signing platform that hopes to address current vulnerabilities like insecure communication channels and the storage of user credentials. Mohd Mirza Mohamed Noor, CEO of My Digital ID Sdn Bhd, highlights its purpose, integration with existing systems, and goals.
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Go Hub Capital specialises in enterprise IT services, with a particular focus on the transportation sector. Tan Cherng Thong, their CEO tells us why they are electing for an ACE listing, the usage of their proceeds, the competition and is their IPO priced to perfection.
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Poland and Malaysia have had diplomatic relations since 1971 and since the last half-century, trade between the two nations have been chugging along and could be better. Przemysław Zaręba, the Head of the Polish Investment & Trade Agency's Foreign Trade Office In Malaysia, shares with us what he sees could be areas to develop between our countries' businesses as well as challenges he foresees on the horizon.
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Oil prices have been volatile in the last two decades affecting all oil and gas players. We speak to T7 Global as to what their outlook is for the industry especially on the back of the shift towards renewable energy. Tan Kay Zhuin, Group CEO, will also share with us the operating landscape, the competition and do they have regional ambitions.
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For over 32 years, International Medical University Malaysia has provided private tertiary education for those keen to pursue a career in healthcare. It was recently sold off by its original parent company, the Bursa-listed IHH Healthcare, to a consortium comprising US private equity firm, TPG Group, Hong Leong Group and EPF. Professor Gerry George, IMU's group managing director shares his vision for the university's future as a business and as a place from which the next generation of doctors come.
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This year marks 76 years since the British Council was established in 1948 as an education and cultural centre. But as the geopolitical dynamics have shifted over the decades and as attitudes towards higher education evolve, how much pull does the UK have on Malaysians today? We discuss the role and relevance of the British Council in Malaysia with its Country Director Jazreel Goh.
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EUPE Corporation Berhad has been a property developer since 1986 by combining innovative and affordable homes through a unique shared value approach. Dato' Beh Huck Lee, Group Managing Director of EUPE highlights the corporation's distinctive approach to residential design and perhaps explains in the share price has suddenly been on a tear.
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Malaysia is the second largest producer of palm oil after Indonesia, making up 24% of global production. With the sector facing headwinds including challenges in productivity, regulatory impediments and uncertain demand conditions, how well can Malaysia adapt to the changing ties? We discuss these issues with Datuk Dr. Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir, Director General of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB).
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Johor Plantations Group is set to be the latest oil palm company to list on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia. It is part of the 5-year transformation plan of Kulim Malaysia, which was delisted in 2016, to see a more focused approach to the overall operations. Mohd Faris Adli Shukery, the managing director of both JPG and Kulim explains the overall plan for the company and how an IPO falls in line with the long-term plans of both firms.
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Both developed and developing countries have experimented with social stock exchanges over the past two decades with little success. Can India's model be the gamechanger in social funding? We discuss the concept and implementation of the Indian social stock exchange with Dr. R. Balasubramian, Chair of SEBI's Social Stock Exchange Advisory Committee.
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New Zealand's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, was recently on an official visit to Malaysia, after having taken over the roles following the country's general election in October 2023. He sits down with us to discuss bilateral relations between Wellington and Putrajaya, as well as New Zealand's stand on international issues including solutions to the Israel-Palestine crisis.
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IKEA is arguably Sweden’s most prominent export, with a presence spanning 30 years and four outlets in Malaysia. How is the world’s largest furniture retailer navigating the challenges that come with greater competition in the online space, uncertain global economic conditions and increasing pressure to substantiate sustainability credentials? We discuss these themes with Malcolm Pruys, Retail Director of Ikea Malaysia.
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Insurance is a notorious competitive business made doubly so with the entry of the global players. Kamaludin Ahmad, Group CEO of Etiqa tells us about their regional ambitions, is Takaful their focus and how do we improve financial inclusion in Malaysia.
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The banking sector is seen an a barometer of the economy and what does a bank with a 140 year legacy have to share about the state of Malaysian consumers and businesses. CEO of HSBC Malaysia, Dato' Omar Siddiq tells us whilst sharing with us the current operating landscape, how it creates its own niche in a very competitive environment and the KPIs set by headquarters.
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Keyfield International Bhd made its debut on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia in April and is in the business of providing Offshore accommodation services. CEO Dato' Kee Chit Huei explains the planned use of proceeds, addresses concerns about customer concentration risk especially on Petronas, and outlines the company's growth potential.
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The US is Malaysia’s third largest trading partner and also largest contributor of foreign direct investment. However will international unease over US policies in Gaza and its long-running rivalry with China have an impact on our traditionally strong economic ties? We discuss these themes with the US Ambassador to Malaysia, H.E. Edgard Kagan.
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UNICEF recently released a report titled "Living on the Edge," which focuses on low-income families in Kuala Lumpur. living in low cost flats. The report's authors, Dr. Juanita Vasquez Escallon, Chief of Social Policy at UNICEF, and Zouhair Rosli, Deputy Director of Research at DM Analytics, share their shocking findings and policy recommendations to assist these vulnerable households.
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In just 4 decades the People's Republic of China under the Chinese Communist Party, has transformed itself from an impoverished agrarian economy into an industrial powerhouse, that is the world's second largest economy today. Author and investigative journalist Bethany Allen, whose latest book is "Beijing Rules: China’s Quest for Global Influence", shares her views on how China's influence might shape the world order going forward.
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Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) was set up in accordance with section 153 of the Federal Constitution to educate and empower the Bumiputera Community. To what extent has it fulfilled this role and are race-based education policies still relevant in modern Malaysia? We assess the purpose, achievements and controversies of UiTM with its 7th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Shahrin Sahib.
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KTI Landmark, a Sabah developer is gearing for an ACE market listing in mid-June, raising RM48 million. We ask Managing Director, Gordon Loke what are the intentions for the IPO proceeds, their strategy for growth and are they being overly ambitious with plans to start projects in the Klang Valley.
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InDrive, a top-tier provider of mobility and ride-hailing services, is set to redefine the urban mobility scene with its groundbreaking fare negotiation feature. This pioneering approach ensures fair pricing for both riders and drivers alike. We caught up with Mark Loughran, Group President of inDrive, to delve into the company’s core mission, its impact on urban communities, and its expanding presence in Malaysia.
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Renewable energy solutions provider, Plus Xnergy Group, sees much more potential today in Malaysia's solar energy systems business, much more than when it first started out more than 10 years ago. This is thanks to rising utility bills and warmer weather, while government incentives also help spur demand. Ko Chuan Zhen is its CEO and joins us to talk about collaborations, expansion, competition and a possible listing.
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Automotive cover and seat manufacturer Feytech Holdings is set to debut on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market today. CEO Connie Go discusses the objectives behind the IPO, the strategies that drove their impressive three-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 39% in revenue, and the measures they take to mitigate risks of margin compression.
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After 60 years in Malaysia, Dutch Lady will start operating from their new plant. We speak to Ramjeet Kaur Virik, Managing Director, Dutch Lady Industries about how important this is to growth and address those stories of privatisation.
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SBH Marine Holdings is a newly-listed frozen seafood products processor and exporter which is planning to use it RM40 million ringgit IPO proceeds to expand its market and production. Saw Leng Hean, its executive director, talks about the challenges in operating shrimp farms in this highly competitive market, as it starts to explore selling to China from where only less than 3% of its revenue is derived.
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HELP University is one of the pioneer homegrown private education institutions in Malaysia premised on making tertiary learning more accessible. How has it navigated the changing landscape of the sector? We discuss the trajectory of the higher education industry, and the fortunes of the HELP Education Group with Prof. Datuk Dr. Paul Chan, co-founder and Chancellor of HELP University.
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Lawrence Wong officially takes over as Prime Minister of Singapore. We take a critical look at the challenges he inherits and if his leadership will be very different from that of his predecessor. Dr. Michael Barr, Associate Professor, Flinders University and Author of “The Ruling Elite of Singapore gives us his perspective.
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The government will be rolling back petrol and diesel subsidies. What impact will this have on petrol stations and does the increasing proliferation of EVs also mean that this is sunset business. Dato' Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz, President, Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia tells us how the business model is changing to meet these headwinds.
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MYMBN Bhd became the first birds nest processor to publicly list on the ACE Market in 2023, raising RM 21 million on the back of booming business during the Covid-19 pandemic. However high flying hopes have fallen for the stock amid an economic slowdown in China - can they reverse their fortunes? We delve into the business of birds' nests with CEO Lavernt Chen.
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It was announced that Sunzen Biotech will be exiting from its animal health business to focus on human health products and loan financing services. Executive chairman, Ching Chee Pun shares with us the rationale behind this decision, the outlook and why they appear to have a weak track record when it comes to M&A.
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This Europe Day Michalis Rokas, Ambassador and Head of the EU delegation to Malaysia joins us to delve into topics such as Ukraine, Gaza, and the recently announced Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Malaysia and the EU.
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It has been increasingly more challenging to navigate the intersection between corporate responsibility and ethical footing. Alison Taylor, author of "Higher Ground: How Business Can Do the Right Thing in a Turbulent World" joins Philip See to share her insights on the topic and how businesses can help build trust.
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Multimedia Enhancement Operations (METEOR) was set up in 1998 as a consortium of Malaysia’s first 11 public universities, and is the parent company of Open University Malaysia. Does the METEOR Group business model provide a solution to the funding pressures faced by public universities? We discuss its performance record and expansion strategy with Group CEO Dato’ Naharudin Ali.
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Singapore-based Golden Duck makes snacks and are most well-known for their salted egg yolk flavoured potato crisps and fish skin. They are up against some very staunch competition in their home country but has an advantage here with its link to Malaysia's Mamee-Double Decker. Golden Duck's co-founder and CEO Jonathan Shen shares what it has cost to get to where it is today and the challenges in marketing a snack that some might see as bougie.
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The specialty chemical industry is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of 5.2%, reaching USD316 billion by 2026. What opportunities are there in Asia for the world's leading company, Evonik? Questions we pose to Dr Claus Rettig, their President for APAC whilst asking what goes behind their decision to pick a country for expansion.
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The European Union (EU) is ASEAN’s third largest trading partner after the US and China, making up 10% of total trade. As US-China tensions permeate the economic reality of ASEAN countries, does the EU stand as an alternative? We discuss opportunities and challenges in ASEAN-EU trade ties with Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
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Malaysians continue to call for better remuneration as the cost of living continues to accelerate. This comes as the current minimum wage remains markedly below what Bank Negara categorises as a living wage, an income level needed for a household to afford a minimum acceptable living standard. Dr Bawani Lelchumanan, a senior lecturer with the Department of Economics & Finance at Sunway Business School as well as J Solomon, the secretary-general of the National Union of Bank Employees discuss the issues.
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Sin-Kung Logistics Bhd is set to debut on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia, aiming to raise 26 million ringgit. We speak to Alan Ong, their Managing director as to their strategy for growth and how they keep their edge in an otherwise competitive and fragmented logistics industry.
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How can Malaysia improve on its education policy to provide a solid foundation for the labour force for the future? We discuss recommendations with Dr. Tara Beteille, World Bank Lead Economist & Program Leader (Human Development) on their report entitled Bending Bamboo Shoots: Strengthening Foundational Skills.
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QES Group, a player in the fast-evolving semiconductor industry, wants to grow its manufacturing capabilities recognising the significant margins it can garner from this business. This is after years developing its distribution business which has been the mainstay and consistent contributor to its bottomline. Chew Ne Weng, the company's founder and CEO, updates us on QES' latest achievements including a listing transfer to the Main Market and being included in Forbes Asia's Best Under A Billion 2023 list.
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The World Bank recently released Part 1 of the Malaysia Economic Monitor (MEM). Lead economist for Malaysia, Dr Apurva Sanghi discusses with us the health of the Malaysian economy, the importance of fiscal reform and why communication is so important in the roll out of any government policy.
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Fire protection services provider and manufacturer Unique Fire debuted on the ACE market in 2022 and raised RM21 million ringgit for their expansion. How have they utilised the proceeds? We catch-up with Executive Director Ryan Liew to discuss their business strategy and the factors driving their six-fold increase in net profits in the third quarter of the year.
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On today's Breakfast Grille, we delve into the significance of the English language in Malaysia. Despite challenges such as declining proficiency, our conversation illuminates its global importance and the pressing need for educational reform. Through inclusive language policies, Malaysia can chart a course for individual and societal progress.
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Tomorrow is Chinese Language day, UN Celebrated event as it’s one of the 6 official languages used. We look at how Chinese education and language is weaponized and politicised in this country when diversity should be celebrated instead. Or is there merit that Chinese education prevents a national identity? Ngan Teng Ye, president of the KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall tells us.
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Sweden's 10.5 million population have been successful in leading the world in pop culture, automotive, social welfare, climate change solutions and renewable energy innovations. The country has also opened its doors to refugees and asylum seekers fleeing persecution. H.E. Dr Joachim Bergström, Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia, talks about how soft diplomacy is effective and how this has changed Swedish society.
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We speak to Dr. Darren Lim, an expert in international relations and a Senior Lecturer at ANU College of Arts and Social Sciences, Australia that discusses the ramifications of Sino-US technology competition and its ongoing effects on this region, including Malaysia. We also explore Australia's evolving discourse on China and its consequential impact on the nation's foreign policy. Additionally, our conversation delves into the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
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MyNews Holdings Berhad saw a second consecutive profitable quarter with a net profit of RM1.27 million for the first quarter ended January 31, 2024. Group CEO, Dang Tai Luk shares with Philip See if the group will continue to deliver strong earnings, and the ROI timeline for its CU mart brand.
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Velesto is the the largest owner and operator of jack up rigs in South East Asia but how does this company intend to navigate an extremely cyclical industry and has it learnt the lessons of the past where high debts almost crippled it? Questions we pose to their President, Megat Zariman. We also ask if there is still upside to its share price after the recent run up.
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Established in 2014, Epsom College is a British-inspired independent day and boarding school. We ask headmaster, Matthew Brown the relevance of UK education system and curriculum, the composition of students as well as how they measure success.
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Social media has become more than just a place to connect with friends, family and colleagues - it has also become a bustling space for commerce. What is the landscape of Malaysian social commerce and does the industry need regulation to curb predatory practices? We discuss these issues with our panel.
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Fitch Ratings' latest Global Economic Outlook projects this year's GDP growth to come in at 2.4%, which is a 0.3 percentage point improvement from an earlier forecast, and follows a 2.9% growth for 2023. Brian Coulton, the chief economist at Fitch, talks us through how today's current challenges and upcoming events might impact the world's economies continued post-pandemic recovery.
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Manulife Insurance has been in Malaysia for some 60 years and is one of 14 life insurers that operate here. How does it compete in a crowded space, especially with insurtech players also coming onto the scene? We speak to Vibha Coburn, CEO of Manulife Insurance Berhad about her observations on insurance penetration rate in Malaysia, and the impact of inflation on insurance premiums.
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Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) marks its 25th anniversary this year. What have been PKR's achievements and failures as they have evolved from a party born out of protest to running the government? We discuss this with Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Vice President, Parti Keadilan Rakyat and is there a future of this party beyond Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
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The listing of four urban highways via a business trust was a first for Malaysia. We speak to Dato' Mohd Azlan Abdullah, Group CEO, PROLINTAS Group of Companies for why they opted to take that route to a listing, whether the distributable income is sustainable and will upside come from the eventual injection of their other two highway assets.
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Love it or hate it, palm oil's use is so versatile you can find it in foodstuff, cosmetics and cleaning agents, while its feedstock can also be used in sustainable aviation fuel. Dr Julian McGill, an agricultural economist and managing director at Glenauk Economics.
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The latest iteration of Russia’s Foreign Policy Concept issued in 2023 highlights Asia, namely China, India, as well as Southeast Asia among its top priorities. How is the Kremlin navigating its relationships with the Asia-Pacific, amid intense geopolitical competition between the US and China that puts ASEAN in the middle? For more insights into Russia’s Asia-Pacific policy and other developments, we speak to H.E. Andrey Rudenko, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
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As we conclude the first quarter of 2024, we discuss with Manu Bhaskaran from Centennial Advisors the broad macroeconomic trends that are shaping the world, get his view on how geopolitics is shaping economies and framing social changes as we enter a phase of globalization.
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Minor International, a Thai multinational company, listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, is involved mainly in the hotel and restaurant industries in over 50 countries. In Malaysia, it runs the Anantara Desaru and the Avani Goldcoast Resort Sepang. Its CEO Dillip Rajakarier talks about the plans to have 780 hotels and 3,700 restaurants by 2026.
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General Insurance is a competitive industry one with 19 players faced with inflationary pressure that impact cost whilst dampening demand. Puneet Parischa, CEO of Liberty Insurance tells us how the company faces these headwinds whilst telling us about the integration process.
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The Sustainable Energy Development Authority, better known as SEDA, was set up in 2011 to drive the renewable energy agenda of the country. More than a decade later, Malaysia’s RE ambitions have been redefined under the National Energy Transition Roadmap that was launched in August last year. With the energy transition now a national priority spearheaded by multiple ministries, what role does SEDA play in the broad scheme of things? We pose this question to Dato’ Hamzah Hussin, CEO of SEDA.
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Universiti Putra Malaysia is one of the country's largest public universities with a 93 year history but has this institution evolved with the times in terms of academic courses and research? Dato’ Profesor Dr. Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah, Vice Chancellor answers those questions and also how important rankings are, stamping out academic dishonesty and ensuring financial viability.
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The WHO has reported that one in six people suffer from infertility which means that assisted reproductive services is big business. We ask soon to be ACE listed, Alpha IVF what is their strategy for growth, the ethics of the industry and is their valuation fair for the IPO. Their founder and managing director, Dato Dr Colin Lee joins us.
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Zantat Holdings Bhd, a Calcium carbonate producer, will debut on the ACE market on the 27th of March. Managing director, Ivan Chan shares with us why they are going for a listing 39 years after it was founded, what they are doing to minimise the damage to the environment and the uses of its product.
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Alliance Bank, Malaysia’s smallest by asset size, launched Accelr8 2027 in January last year, a 5-year business plan to expand beyond its SME stronghold. How far have they progressed in this transformation and will prevailing economic conditions complicate the process? We get updates from Kellee Kam, CEO of Alliance Bank.
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Coursera is arguably the best known platform for massive open online courses (MOOCs) with over 142 million registered users worldwide and a catalogue of close to 7000 courses. The company went public in 2021 in the wake of the Covid-19 boom in the education technology sector, but has since seen its share price more than halve below its IPO. With generative A.I. at the cusp of transforming business and higher education, how is Coursera positioning itself to capitalise on this trend? We discuss these themes with Jeff Maggioncalda, Global CEO of Coursera.
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H.E. Ailsa Terry, the UK High Commissioner to Malaysia, engages in a discussion including the nuanced impact of globalisation on British politics and foreign affairs. Additionally, she delves into the intricacies of economic ties and the evolving dynamics of post-Brexit trade relations with Malaysia. She also sheds light on collaborative efforts in education and climate change initiatives facilitated through the UK Pact.
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Eastspring Investments, the asset management arm of Prudential PLC has around USD216 billion of funds under management. We ask what their strategy of growth is in a very crowded market, all targeting the growing wealthy households in Asia. CEO, Bill Maldonado tells us whilst weighing in on the investment outlook for the firm.
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Malaysian pharmaceutical Duopharma Biotech achieved their best financial performance to date in 2022, reaching record highs for revenue and profit. However 2023 was not as kind, with profit after tax falling by 25% despite top line growth. How are they looking to reverse course in 2024? We discuss strategy with Group Managing Director Leonard Ariff Abdul Shatar.
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Malaysia spent RM80 billion on subsidies in 2023 which has led to increasing calls for rationalisation as there are unintended economic consequences . We ask Alex Clark, Head of International, APAC at The Behavioural Insights Team and Dr Amjad Rabi, Visiting Expert, Social Wellbeing Research Centre (SWRC), Universiti Malaya the intricacies in the implementation of targeted subsidies, what are the factors at play here and the best method to help those in need.
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Fertiliser manufacturing and distributing powerhouse Agromate has recorded over 3 billion ringgit in revenue, with around 20% of Malaysia’s market share. Philip See sits with CEO and owner Edward Tang to discuss the company’s growth, trends and possible plans for an IPO
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The United Nations tagline for International Women’s Day 2024 is “Invest in Women, Accelerate Progress.” However with Malaysia’s female labour force participation among the lowest in the region and a widening gender wage gap, how much is the Madani government investing towards gender parity and equity policies? We discuss this with Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Women, Family and Community Development.
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There have been warning signs for several months that Malaysia may face a severe shortage of local white rice by at least April this year because of unpredictable weather and the escalating price of paddy seeds. Professor Dr Fatimah Arshad, Research Fellow, at the Institute of Agricultural and Food Policy Studies of Universiti Putra Malaysia helps us analyse the country's overall food security situation and what often appears to be reactionary response policies by Malaysian authorities.
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Milan-listed Leonardo SpA is the 12th largest defence contractor in the world. It has been in Malaysia since the early 2000s and in the past ten years, has also set up a helicopter training academy headquartered in Malaysia, the only one not located in one of its own domestic markets. Salvatore Ritrosi, Leonardo Malaysia's GM, shares the company's plans to be more involved in Malaysia's aerospace industry.
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Children under the age of 18 make up 27% of Malaysia’s total population, accounting for over 9 million individuals, and every single one of them is protected under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Malaysia acceded to in 1995. Do our national policies live up to the obligations we subscribe to under the treaty? We assess this with the Chief Children's Commissioner, Dr. Farah Nini Dusuki and find out the priorities of her mandate.
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Recent results, saw Paramount Corporation Bhd's revenue surpass RM1 Billion. What then is their target for 2024 and will property still remain the main focus of the company? Questions we pose to Jeffrey Chew, their Group CEO, whilst asking him why the share is relatively unloved when the valuations are undemanding.
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CTOS Digital Berhad's FY2023 saw its revenue rise 34% y-o-y to 261 Million whilst net income rose 65% to 118 million ringgit. CEO Erick Hamburger Barraza, shares with us how much growth can investors expect, justification for its share price, and their recent acquisitions in Philippines and Indonesia.
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This year marks 50 years since Australia became ASEAN's first dialogue partner and it will be celebrated with a special summit in Melbourne to expand that cooperation. Danielle Heinecke is Australia's new High Commissioner to Malaysia, beginning her tour of duty in December 2023. She sits down to share what she plans to do while in office from facilitating business linkages to easing people-to-people movement and more.
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Phison Electronics is a global leader in chip designing and manufacturing, and 1 out of every 4 Solid-state drives in the world is Phison’s.
Malaysian-born CEO Dato’ Pua Khein Seng joins us to share their diversification efforts, the impact of US-China tensions and plans to re-establish an integrated circuit (IC) design hub in Malaysia.
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Global outstanding sukuk is approximately 850 billion US dollars at end-2023 and is expected to reach tremendous growth as shariah compliant financial instruments become increasingly mainstream. Bashar Al Natoor, Global Head of Islamic Finance at Fitch Ratings shares with us what the sukuk pricing trend will be as we enter rate cut cycle, and how Malaysia can retain its edge in this market.
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The 7th Bumiputera Economic Congress or BEC 2024 will begin on Thursday, the latest government attempt to revamp the long-running, and contentious, bumiputera economic empowerment agenda. Will the congress critically examine the discrepancy between aspiration and reality in the bumi agenda, and how might it chart new ground? We discuss with our panel of experts.
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The present war in Gaza is only the latest in a long history of violence in the occupied Palestinian Territories. What lessons does the past shed about the path forward towards resolving the long-standing crisis in the Middle East? We speak to Prof. Dr. Ian Lustick of the University of Pennsylvania on the geopolitical dynamics driving stakeholders in the region and the viability of the two-state solution. He is the author of Paradigm Lost: From Two-State Solution to One-State Reality that was published in 2019.
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Malaysia's Hernan Corporation is in the durian business, marketing and distributing its products to Australia, the US, the EU, Hong Kong and of course China. Its founder and CEO is Datuk Anna Teo and she checks in with us on how the company has been balancing high demand for the king of fruits with the challenges coming from climate change and rising input costs.
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In FY2023, Bursa Malaysia reported a 2% rise in revenue to 616.49 million ringgit while net profit rose by 11% to 252.38 million ringgit. Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, CEO, Bursa Malaysia shares with us the outlook for this year, its target of 42 IPOs for 2024 and recent volatility we observed in the market.
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Feb 20 is designated Social Justice Equality Day by the United Nations. Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj, chairman of Parti Sosialis Malaysia assesses social justice in the world and in Malaysia. He also discusses the current political climate as well as PSM's ambitions to champion its ideologies going forward in an increasingly religiously and racially polarised country.
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Indonesians have voted in a new president and the latest exit polls indicate a high chance that former defence minister Prabowo Subianto will lead the country for the next 5 years. The election was also the world’s largest single-day vote in the world’s third largest democracy with more than 200 million eligible voters. Datuk Hermono, Indonesia's ambassador to Malaysia talks to us about what Prabowo may bring to the table as well as outstanding bilateral issues with Malaysia.
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Prof. Serena Nik-Zainal has won international acclaim for her work in genomic cancer research, winning several accolades including the Josef Steiner award in 2019 and the Francis Crick Medal and Lecture 2022. To mark the International Day of Women and Girls in Science this month, we sit down with Prof. Serena to discuss her journey in genetic research and the progress in pursuit of gender equality in science academia.
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PwC global revenues rose to a record US$53.1 billion but are their Malaysian operations showing similar growth? We ask Soo Hoo Khoon Yean, their Managing Partner that question, as well as where are the key areas of expansion and challenges in talent recruitment and retention?
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The global condom market is anticipating a strong growth trend in the coming years, projected to nearly double from US$8-9 billion in 2022 to US$19-23 billion by 2032. Goh Miah Kiat, CEO, Karex Bhd speaks to us on how the company will capture this rising demand, contribution of its other products and their R&D efforts.
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February 13th every year is designated World Radio Day by UNESCO to mark the importance of the medium as a free, portable and vital way to communicate with the population in remote places. Datuk Suhaimi Sulaiman is the Director-General of Broadcasting Department, overseeing Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) and has been with TV3, Astro Awani and Bernama before that. He discusses the relevance of public radio in today's digital world.
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The business of consulting is extremely competitive with the Big 4 and investment banks in this space too. So how challenging is it for a relatively unknown name, Alvarez & Marsal which opened its new office in Malaysia in July 2022. Its head of Malaysia and Managing Director, Tan Tze Yann shares with us the services they provide here, and how they intend to differentiate themselves.
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Listed back in 1994, Bonia has grown its footprint to more than 555 outlets but is the challenge staying relevant to fickle consumers who have a plethora of choice. Dato' Sri Daniel Chiang, their Executive Director tells us what their growth strategy is and why investors should consider this overlooked stock.
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MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd has launched 8 satellites since 1996. COO Yau Chyong Lim clues us in on Malaysia's satellite industry, and tells us how competitive is the industry as well as what their future launch plans are.
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Oloiya has been serving up bak kwa or grilled meat jerky since the 1970s. This family business is now being run by the third generation of the Khue family, brothers Raymond and Peter. Raymond Khue is the executive director handling the developmental aspects of the business and he shares with us the challenges in ensuring tradition stays up to date with the times.
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After an information vacuum of a close to a week, Malaysians finally knew the decision of the Pardon's Board to reduce Datuk Seri Najib Razak's fine and jail sentence. We review the legal, global and economic ramifications of this with P. Gunasegaram, Author, “1MDB The Scandal That Brought Down A Government” and Goh Cia Yee, criminal lawyer.
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Digital media company Catcha Digital Bhd has been in rapid growth through various acquisitions. We ask CEO, Eric Tan how these will contribute positively to the group’s earnings and overall business in the future as well as their recently completed regularisation plan from exiting GN2 status.
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The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is well on its way to a convincing post-pandemic recovery, having already hosted more events that it did in 2019. Its general manager John Burke shares his experience in navigating the challenges from the past years as the Centre went from hosting musicals, concerts and events to becoming a Covid-19 mass vaccination venue, and what is expected moving forward.
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The Melbourne-based Swinburne University of Technology set up its first overseas branch in Sarawak back in 2000; but what makes this campus interesting is the fact that it is jointly owned by Swinburne University and the Sarawak state government. How do institutions like Swinburne Sarawak feature in the state’s long-term plans to provide free tertiary education to resident Sarawakians? We speak to Pro-Vice Chancellor and CEO of Swinburne Sarawak Prof. Lau Hieng Ho for more on the institution and the role of education in building a prosperous Sarawak.
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As advertising turns increasingly digital, how are out-of-home (OOH) media players adapting to the changing landscape? Publicly listed Seni Jaya is in the midst of a three-year transformation plan that involves expanding its digital offerings and geographical reach. We speak to CEO Jeff Cheah about his turnaround strategy for the OOH media firm.
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Malaysia launched its National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) to much fanfare in 2023, setting the goal of reaching 70% renewable energy installed capacity by 2050. On the inaugural International Day of Clean Energy, we take stock of the implementation pathway and some of the pain points that need to be addressed in the process with our expert panel.
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The Yayasan Peneraju Pendidikan Bumiputera is an agency under the Ministry of Economy, and plays a crucial role in continuously evaluating its education financing programs. This enables beneficiaries to swiftly secure well-paying jobs and double their income. Ibrahim Sani, the CEO of the association will discuss these strategic initiatives geared towards fostering the development of the nation's youth.
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Property players are pointing to a better property market this year on the back of stronger sales in 2023, but is this more hype than reality, especially in Johor? Amy Wong Siew Fong, Executive Director of Research & Consultancy, Knight Frank Malaysia and Sulaiman Akhmady Saheh, Director of Research & Strategic Planning, Rahim & Co join us on a panel to share their thoughts and tell us if there is still money to be made.
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BASF Petronas Chemicals (BPC) has been in Malaysia for over 25 years. At its Integrated Verbund Site in Pahang, it produces products that are components in everyday goods used globally. Phillip See speaks with Marko Murtonen, Managing Director of BPC on the company’s experience in Malaysia and how it contributes to the country’s petrochemical value chain.
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2024 will see the introduction of several new taxes like capital gains tax, luxury tax as well as the increase in the sales and service tax. We speak to Veerinderjeet Singh, a tax advisor, Vice Chair of the International Tax Commission, the International Chamber of Commerce and adjunct professor at University of Monash as to it's implementation and if its actually time for a holistic revenue of the entire taxation system.
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To date, of the five licences for digital banks granted by Bank Negara, one has officially launched, while two others recently got the greenlight to start operating. That leaves two more, including the KAF Investment Bank-led consortium that comprises Carsome, Jirnexu and MoneyMatch. Thariq Ahmad is the Deputy CEO of KAF IB, breaks down where their digital bank is heading and if they can meet the BNM deadline to be up and running by the end of Q1.
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Human rights violations took on a new level in 2023 as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Sudan civil war spilling over from the previous year, while Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip following the Hamas attack on October 7th, made things worse. Tirana Hassan, Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, talks about the challenges the New York-based NGO experienced in their work documenting human rights violations worldwide.
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It has been close to 3 years since the restructuring of Malaysia Aviation Group. We ask Group Managing Director, Captain Izham Ismail on whether the group is on the road to sustainable profitability, what are the unresolved legacy issues and his succession plan.
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2023 was not the best year for Farm Fresh as margins took a hit, but is 2024 the year of recovery with lower input prices? Their Managing Director, Loi Tuan Ee shares with us whether the worst is over, why the RM100 million move into ice cream and if competition is going to be a challenge to their dominance as Malaysia's largest integrated dairy producer.
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The Ministry of Works (KKR) is commonly known as the overseer of roads and highways, but their mandate spans all public infrastructure development. We hear from Dato' Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi about the role that KKR plays in achieving Ekonomi Madani, and get status updates on the upgrading being carried out on the nation's major highways.
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Robert Walters is a prominent name in global recruitment that set up its Malaysian presence 17 years ago. What are the trends that could impact the Malaysian labour market in 2024? We speak to Ai Rene Tan, Country Manager for Malaysia at Robert Walters on the findings of their recent salary survey and how the company is navigating economic headwinds.
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Veritas Technologies, a company involved in the enterprise data management business, may not be a familiar name but it has 91% of the Fortune 100 companies on its client roster. Country Director, Sandy Woo shares the importance of data security, how they support businesses in ensuring it is stored securely and how they differentiate themselves from big players like Amazon and Microsoft.
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Organisational consulting firm, Korn Ferry has been in the business of talent for decades. Country Managing Director, Anthony Raja Devadoss shares with us his expectations of the job market, what sectors are hiring, why do companies engage their recruitment services despite the existence of digital platforms as well as what percentage increments employees should look out for.
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In our Bi-Annual Market Outlook, we see if it's time for Asean markets to rerate after a rather tepid performance in 2023. Christopher Leow, CEO and CIO of Principal Asset Management, Singapore and Anand Pathmakanthan, Head of Regional Equity Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group join our panel to answer that question whilst taking a deeper dive on the buys ideas for the region.
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Fahmi Fadzil now helms the Ministry of Communications, which has split from the Ministry of Communications & Digital. This means a new, more streamlined set of responsibilities while still being the official spokesperson for the Madani government, PKR's information chief as well as the communications director for Pakatan Harapan among others. He discusses issues ranging from Malaysia's 5G rollout to preparations for GE16.
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Master Tec Group Bhd is slated to be the first company to be listed on the ACE market in 2024. We ask this wire and cable company why the listing, the usage of the proceeds and their strategy for growth in a highly competitive and fragmented market. Tee Kok Hwa, their CEO answers those questions and why we should also subscribe to the IPO when the valuations aren't cheap.
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ICON Offshore, one of Malaysia's largest Offshore Support Vessel Operators appears to have turned around in what remains a volatile and challenging oil and gas industry. Datuk Seri Hadian Hashim, their Managing Director, shares with us if they have any renewable energy plans, his outlook on oil prices, their strategy for growth and M&A plans.
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Bank Simpanan Nasional was borne of a 1974 Act of Parliament to fulfil the social objective of savings awareness amongst the public. Today, its duties include fulfilling the financial needs of the underserved, unserved and unbanked. BSN is also the sole distributor of government aide to the rakyat. Its CEO Jay Khairil talks to us about how it manages to balance its dual duty of serving the nation and ensuring it remains financially viable.
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On today's Best of Breakfast Grille, we revisit the significant events and prevailing trends that shaped 2023.
Featured interviews include:
Semiconductors, The New Cold War
The Fight For Borsig, KNM's Crown Jewel
Rafizi Ramli On The New Themes Of 12MP Mid Term Review
Why The International Double Standards For Palestine?
Is Crypto Golden Boy The Trial Of The Century?
Syed Saddiq: MUDA Aims To Be A Credible Third Force
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As Malaysia rebuilds its economy after the Covid pandemic, the Madani government has rolled out policies, from the Budget, National Energy Transition Roadmap and New Industrial Master Plan 2030 aimed to build confidence among the investing community. In this Best of the Breakfast Grille focusing on the economy, we revisit discussions we had with key policy makers on what are the solutions to these issues and if the recovery journey is on the right track.
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The year 2023 continued to pose headwinds for businesses amid geopolitical tensions and the uncertain global economy. We round up some of the local companies and explore how they fared this year, with names like MyAirline, CelcomDigi and Secret Recipe.
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In 2023, the Unity Government hit the ground running to set out their policy agenda amid preparations for the state elections before August. We recount conversations with Cabinet ministers this year, as well as what the outcome of the six state elections revealed about public acceptance of the Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional alliance.
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Malaysia and Japan relations have been on an upswing in the last months of 2023, with back-to-back high-level visits between the Prime Ministers of the two countries. What’s the impetus for renewed attention on bilateral relations? We get updates from H.E. Takahashi Katsuhiko, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia on the opportunities being explored between the partners.
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Australia has released a new blueprint entitled "Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040” that envisions nearly trebling bilateral trade with Southeast Asia to A$534 billion by 2040. This is as concerns over its over-dependence on China begin to take centrestage. Keith Kam is discussing all this with Nicholas Moore, Australia's special envoy to Southeast Asia who is also the author of the blueprint.
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Among South Asian countries, Pakistan is Malaysia's third largest trading partner, export destination and import source, with the total trade registered last year between the two countries at US$1.8 billion. We discuss the history of our bilateral relations, and the latest developments in the global geopolitical scenes with H.E Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, Pakistan's High Commissioner to Malaysia.
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ICT Zone Asia Berhad is a LEAP market-listed company that rents, leases, and trades ICT solutions to private corporations. They make it affordable for companies to computerise their operations. CEO Tommy Lim shares with us who are their main clients, the outlook for the industry, and efforts to migrate to the ACE market.
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Bersih has been an instrumental platform in galvanising the civil society and the public to rally for electoral reform. We reflect on the past 5 years of Bersih post GE-14 with former Chair, Thomas Fann who resigned in November despite being re-elected to the role. Why did he step down and what does he make of the reform agenda of the Madani government? We discuss this and more with Thomas Fann.
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International commerce is growing rapidly and many businesses require fast, simple and secure payment services. Singapore based remittance company NIUM solves this issue by providing real time payment transfers in the B2B space. Anwar Mahbob speaks with Anupam Pahuja, its Executive Vice President and General Manager of APAC, Middle East and Africa as the company faces razor-thin margins, tighter regulation and changing consumer preferences.
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The World Islamic Economic Forum (WIEF), headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, was set up in 2005 to build bridges through business between Muslim and non-Muslim communities throughout the world. However, given the 7 year hiatus since the last conference, does this platform still have standing among international business circles? Ahead of the 14th WIEF in Abu Dhabi, UAE in February 2024, we ask Tan Sri Dr. Syed Hamid Albar, the Chairman of the WIEF Foundation about the history and relevance of the forum in today's geopolitical context.
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We are now quite familiar with Sam Bankman-Fried being convicted last month on federal criminal charges for wire fraud and money laundering. What is mind-boggling is how FTX's multibillion-dollar cryptocurrency empire could implode overnight and tragically leave thousands of customers in financial distress - maybe a Netflix series in the making. Rachel Humphreys and Caitlin Ostroff, the Wall Street Journal's producer and reporter, reflect on their month at court and answer outstanding questions about what happened at the FTX trial.
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The Crown Prince and Regent of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah has made environmental conservation and climate change the focus of his advocacy. How are these issues being mainstreamed in Pahang? We sit down with the state regent at the Malaysia Pavilion on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai to find out.
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Malaysia is still not a signatory to the UN’s 1951 refugee convention or the 1967 protocol. This means the 183,000 refugees and asylum seekers in the country are effectively considered undocumented migrants with no access to public healthcare and education as well as having no right to work. Dr Melati Nungsari, an Associate Professor of Economics at the Asia School of Business takes stock of the current situation in conjunction with Human Rights Day celebrated on Dec 10th.
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In conjunction with International Anti-Corruption Day on December 9th, it is timely to have a review of the Madani government agenda in combating corruption. We critically survey the current government’s performance in deterring corruption, the extent of Malaysia’s law enforcement on anti-corruption, and areas needing improvement with Dr Muhammad Mohan, President, Transparency International Malaysia (TI-M), an independent organisation committed towards fighting against corruption.
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UEM Edgenta achieved record revenues in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels; but the performance for the first 9 months of 2023 has been less encouraging. How is Edgenta leveraging on the sustainability theme to propel future growth? We discuss the prospects of the company with CEO Syahrunizam Samsuddin.
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BPAM is Malaysia's sole bond pricing agency and is tasked with price discovery of what is often an opaque market as fixed income is not traded on an exchange. We speak to their CEO, Meor Amri Meor Ayob if their methodology is objective and fair, what is their strategy for growth and the outlook for the bond market in 2024.
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Bioengineering solutions company Fibromat Berhad hopped onto the LEAP Market in 2019, raising RM6.2 million ringgit in its IPO. With green infrastructure and ESG now in vogue, how is the erosion control provider looking to leverage on the demand for sustainable services? We discuss the company's potential and prospects with Danny Ng, CEO of Fibromat Berhad.
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This year commemorates 150 years since Levi Strauss & Co introduced the world to the iconic 501 jeans. But what is this apparels company's staying power and how does it navigate today's realities that includes, sustainability and social issues? Imran Butt, Levi's country manager for Malaysia & Singapore takes us through how a pair of jeans remaining largely unchanged for a century and a half still manages to stay in trend.
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Humanitarian aid for Palestinians under "Ops Ihsan" was transported via a special cargo plane through El-Arish Airport in Egypt on November 10th. The Egyptian Ambassador to Malaysia, H.E. Ragai Tawfik Said Nasr, will discuss the intricacies and difficulties involved in the supply of these aids.
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Self-service laundry outlets have mushroomed in urban areas, providing users a convenient option to wash clothes regardless of the weather. City Coin Group, which owns the LaundryBar franchise of laundromats, is presently the biggest chain in the country, with over 400 outlets and counting. We discuss the business model and growth prospects, as well as plans for a future IPO with the Group Managing Director Paul Ang.
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Negotiations over the concession agreement for Westport 2 should be finalised soon. We ask Datuk Ruben Gnanalingam, Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director of Westport Holdings, how much of a game changer this will be for the company and how they intend to stand competitive compared to the regional ports.
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At the Mid-Term 12 Malaysia Plan, 3 key themes: Sustainable, Prosperous and High-Income Nation were introduced. The Government also recognizes the need to regain trust by ensuring good governance. Lofty and worthy goals but are they achievable? Economy Minister, Rafizi Ramli joins us to make his case.
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In an environment of shrinking adex, Media Prima has seen a challenging 1st half. However is the worse over for this media conglomerate. Rafiq Razali their Group Managing Director tells us while we discuss if AI is a threat or opportunity, the fight for eyeballs and the value of their digital media brands.
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Eye specialist service provider, Optimax has obtained a licence from the Ministry of Health Malaysia to offer plastic surgery and aesthetic services. We will discuss this decision to pivot to other services, their latest financial results, and share price performance with 2nd generation leader Sandy Tan, the CEO of Optimax Holdings. And whether this new vision of aesthetic services will help turn around their share price which has dropped 13% year to date.
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Belgium will take up the Presidency of the European Council in January 2024, where the topic of EU expansion will likely heat up. H.E. Peter Van Acker, Ambassador of Belgium to Malaysia discusses what's at stake in enlarging the membership, and weighs in on areas of opportunity in Malaysia-Belgium bilateral ties.
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Malaysia's largest independent power producer has seen losses for the last 2 quarters. We check in with Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib, their CEO as to why this is happening since IPPs are supposed to be a defensive business. We also ask if Malakoff's Transformation plans are robust enough to compensate for their ageing power assets as the country moves towards a carbon-neutral future.
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Hup Seng ping pong biscuits are no stranger to most Malaysian households as they are a classic snack that we grew up with, dipping the biscuits into our favourite hot beverage. We speak with the family’s 2nd generation, Kerk Chian Tung, Executive Director of Hup Seng Industries Berhad, to share with us the legacy of the company, maintaining product quality, keeping true to its brand values, dividend yields, and how it intends to stay profitable in these challenging times.
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Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence advanced manufacturing solutions and technologies are used to design and make 95% of the cars and 75% of the smartphones manufactured around the world. Lim Boon Choon, President of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence for Korea, Asean, Pacific and India shares with us the company’s outlook, and the Swedish company’s mergers and acquisition strategy to keep ahead of the competition.
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With the announcement that the Progressive Wage Policy (PWP) will be voluntary, incentive-based and productivity-linked, we speak to Dr. Geoffrey William is an economist and a Professor at the Malaysia University of Science and Technology (MUST) to get his insights and perspectives.
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After almost 19 consecutive quarters of losses, there is urgency for Pos Malaysia to transform itself. We speak to their Group CEO, Charles Brewer on what their other revenue sources will be as the core postal business faces a structural decline in an era of digitalisation.
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After 26 years, Secret Recipe has a global and local footprint of 500 stores. We speak to 2nd generation Managing Director, Patrick Sim on their strategy for the next phase of growth, the challenges of the F&B industry and their monetisation plans.
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Malaysian outbound travel agency Apple Vacations was making over RM270 million in sales pre-pandemic, but the Covid-19 pandemic torpedoed revenues amid prolonged lockdowns and border closures. One year after the reopening of borders, have they managed to return to 2019 highs? We speak to Group Managing Director Dato' Sri Koh Yoh Heck on the travel group's fortunes and how the company is adapting to changing consumer preferences.
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FMCG company Mamee-Double Decker, now helmed by the third generation of the Pang family, and boasts a range of food products sold in over 80 countries, including iconic brands Mamee Monster and Mr. Potato. What’s their recipe for longevity in the fast-paced consumer goods sector? We find out how a homegrown Malaysian company conquered the ASEAN snack market with Pierre Pang, Group CEO of Mamee-Double Decker.
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With the six-state election now behind us, what institutional reforms and policies must be the focus of state government moving forward, and should Parliamentary Select Committees be formed and institutionalised at the DUN level in all states? Questions we pose to the CEO of IDEAS, Dr Tricia Yeoh.
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Today, Ukraine celebrates 32 years of independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The country's chargé d'affaires, Denys Mykhailiuk, talks about what it means as war to defend his homeland from last year's Russian invasion continues, the ongoing counter-offensive to retake annexed territory annexed by Moscow and what a post-war future might look like.
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In 5 years, Capital A’s logistics venture has propelled itself to market dominance by disrupting this already competitive industry. We speak to its CEO, Pete Chareonwongsak as to what are the next stages of growth, whether they have the balance sheet for it and their monetisation plans.
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As the mercury rises to unprecedented levels due to global warming, air-conditioning is fast becoming a necessity rather than merely luxury. But given that air-conditioning also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, how are industry players responding to make air-con use more sustainable? We pose these questions and more to Kintaro Izumida of Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning.
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According to the United Nations, 1 in every 45 people on the planet will need humanitarian assistance, especially with the rise of natural disasters and geopolitical tension. To mark World Humanitarian Day 2023 last Saturday, Dato' Dr. Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, President of Mercy Malaysia shares with us their efforts to help those in need, difficulties in securing fund and measures to keep effective administrative expense ratio.
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Slovenia has been a trading partner with Malaysia for a decade, with increasing imports and exports over the years. Marko Ham, the Ambassador of Slovenia, shares with us his views on bilateral trade and what the future holds for relations with Malaysia.
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China launched its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative or BRI some 20 years ago, with around 148 countries signing up to participate in the trans-regional connectivity project, including Malaysia. A recent report from IDEASinvestigates narratives surrounding the BRI in Malaysia and what this reveals about government procurement for development projects. We discuss the findings and recommendations from the report with our panel of experts.
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CyberSecurity Malaysia is an agency under the Ministry of Communications and Digital, and provides a range of specialised technical services. With the unprecedented rise in online attacks, we ask CEO, Dato’ Ts Dr. Haji Amirudin bin Abdul Wahab on their role and responsibilities in the realm of cyber security and digital transformation, whether there is a lack of agency coordination, and the apparent lack of disclosures and prosecution taken against cyber criminals.
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Capbay, a Malaysian home grown multi-bank supply chain finance and peer-to-peer financing (P2P) platform has surpassed the milestone of disbursing over RM1 billion to more than 400 underserved SMEs in Malaysia. We speak with Director and co-founder, Darrel Ang who joins us to share his outlook for investor return rate, collection and recovery strategy, regional expansion, and whether they can grab the #1 spot in market share leadership from their local rivals.
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The final tally of the six state elections on Saturday resulted in a 3-3 tie, with Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional retaining control of Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Penang, while Perikatan Nasional held on to Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah. Although this status quo outcome was widely expected, what do the granular results indicate about voter sentiment towards the main actors in Malaysia’s political theatre? We discuss the takeaways from the state elections with former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming and the former Principal Private Secretary to the 8th Prime Minister Datuk Dr Marzuki Mohamad.
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SNS Network which was listed in September 2022 is now trading below the IPO price. We speak to Ko Yun Hung, it's Co-Founder and Managing Director if the market misunderstands the business model and is it an undervalued gem.
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Bravo Transport is Hong Kong Island’s largest bus company and Templewater owns more than 90% of the group. Cliff Zhang, the chairman of Bravo and CEO of Templewater shares with us the transport infrastructure in place for a region that is highly reliant on its public transport, as well as its sustainability agenda.
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FWD Group is a relative new life insurance player with a presence in 10 countries. What is their strategy for the next phase of growth after a rather phenomenal start and is their delayed listing going to materialise soon? Questions we pose to it's Chairman, Professor Frederick Ma.
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Keppel Pacific Oak US REIT (KORE) is an office REIT listed on the Singapore Exchange, with a portfolio of 13 assets in major cities such as Austin, Atlanta, Denver, Houston, Sacramento, Seattle, and Orlando. So what’s the growth prospects of US office buildings and business premises? We speak with CEO & CIO David Snyder on whether US based REITs still offer attractive dividend yields, and whether their plans for the future warrants us to consider this stock.
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Integrated logistics provider Swift Haulage debuted on the Bursa Malaysia Main Market in December 2021 amid boom times in the logistics industry. However with slowing trade growth and a weak global economic outlook, will this pose a drag on Swift's expansion plans? We speak to Group CEO Loo Yong Hui on the growth opportunities he's focusing on, including leveraging on the rising demand of green logistics.
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Aesthetic medical services provider DC Healthcare Holdings Bhd debuted on the ACE market on 17 July and closed at an 80% premium against the IPO price of 25 sen, and a market capitalization of 500 million ringgit. Managing director Dr. Chong Tze Sheng shares with us how the proceeds will be used, the fierce competition in the industry as well as the ethical considerations for aesthetics medicine.
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Electronic manufacturing services player Cape EMS debuted on the Main Market in March 2023, raising RM155 million in IPO proceeds. How will Cape utilise the funds to build manufacturing capacity at a time of uncertain global economic conditions? We sit down with Group CEO Christina Tee to discuss the company's prospects and growth strategy in the EMS sector.
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The Hong Kong Stock Exchange is one of the largest in the world and also in Asia. But it is seeing the lowest number of IPOs in 20 years in the first half of 2023. Nicolas Aguzin, Chief Executive Officer of HKEX shares with us their look north policy, and strategies for growth in a rising competition landscape.
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The NETR and Ekonomi Madani was launched to much fanfare but will it be the much needed solution to Malaysia's structural issues. Economy Minister, Rafizi Ramli answers that questions whilst telling us what the PH strategy is for these state elections and if this is a referendum o the unity government.
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With a total of 570 candidates vying for 245 state seats in the upcoming state elections, we speak to Dr. Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate, Asia Research Institute at the University of Nottingham Malaysia on the election that will be a critical barometer of our political landscape.
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JLL is a Fortune 200 company with more than US$20 billion of annual revenue, whose origin dates back to 1760 and is today listed on the NYSE. In Southeast Asia they advise on property deals, specialise in real estate and investment management. Chris Fossick, the CEO of Southeast Asia shares with us what to expect for the property sector amid rising interest rates and competition in the industry.
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How have Zoom fortunes fared now that the pandemic is over, and most workers have returned to physical office? What other new products and services can Zoom offer moving forward to retain stickiness amongst its users, be it individuals or corporates? We speak with Lucas Lu, Zoom Head of Asia (ASEAN, South Korea, Hong Kong SAR, and Taiwan) to get the answers where they are headed to. Or maybe Claude, Zoom’s new AI can help chart its course.
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Malaysia’s net foreign direct investment amounted to RM74.6 billion in 2022, but how can we further improve the ease of doing business here? Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry shares with us the initiatives and targets of the ministry, as well as how prepared is DAP for the state elections.
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This month, the war in Ukraine crossed the 500 day mark since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. How do the events in Russia’s history inform the political developments of today? And what role does the international media and foreign correspondents play in crafting narratives of Russia for the rest of the world? For perspectives on these issues, we speak to former BBC correspondent and author James Rodgers.
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Malaysian are ill-prepared for retirement with only 18% of EPF members having enough savings when they reach 55. We speak with Nurhisham Hussein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Employees Provident Fund as to what are the solutions to this especially as we become an aging nation. We also discuss some of the reforms that EPF is planning to introduce and if these are the much needed solutions.
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Chery has returned to the Malaysian market and launched two of its flagship models. Country Director of Chery Malaysia, Leo Chen shares with us what is different this time, competition in this country, and their plans to launch electric vehicles here.
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Xendit, an Indonesian payment gateway has started its operations in Malaysia. We speak to their CEO, Moses Lo to find out their plans for Asean expansion, how soon they will turn EBITDA positive and is a listing on the cards?
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Unlike 2022, Asean equities markets have underperformed compared to Japan, Korea and US. We check in with our panel consisting of Anand Pathmakanthan, Head of Regional Equity Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group and Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer, ASEAN Equities, Principal Asset Management as to the reasons why. We also explore what are the investment themes to consider and the stocks that will outperform in 2023.
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Malacca Securities has evolved from a family run stock broker to offer financial advisory services. 3rd Generation Managing Director Lim Chia Wei, launched M+ Global digital platform 2 months ago as part of the company's expansion plans to trade in both US and Hong Kong markets. We find out how this business intends to stay relevant and profitable, in what some say is an industry in structural decline with shrinking commissions and poor retail participation.
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Selangor is said to be the most competitive in this upcoming state elections. Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Caretaker Menteri Besar of Selangor tells us why they are confident of winning at least 33 out of the 56 seats and what strategy they intend to pursue to ensure vote transferability from UMNO supporters. He also tell us if the economic track record is really due to their efforts or thanks to geography.
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WASCO, an integrated energy solutions company in the oil and gas industry known for its pipe coating segment has an order book of RM3.5bn, close to the record high. We speak to Giancarlo Maccagno their Managing Director to find out if renewable energy will be the catalyst for growth and is there still upside to their share prices after a rather stellar run already.
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If you have ever picked up the game of golf, then the name MST Golf would not have escaped you. MST is the largest golf retailer in Malaysia and Singapore, and sells 90 brands across their 44 stores. They now seek to list on the main market of Malaysia on 20 July. We speak with Ng Yap, Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer to find out if this elitist sport is growing, and is the business of golf really that lucrative?
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Caretaker Chief Minister of Penang Chow Kon Yeow talks about his first term as the state's chief executive and what he and his administration have accomplished since taking control of the state government since 2018. Now with the contest for all 40 seats in the Penang Legislative Assembly happening on August 12th, Chow is offering voters unity and a development plan that hopes to balance progress and sustainability. How will this battle play out?
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ERM describes itself as the largest pure-play sustainability consultancy, in an era where all consulting firms are dabbling in the ESG space. Global CEO Tom Reichert shares with us the challenges in driving the sustainability agenda and how that’s buoying the business of consultancy. We’ll also ask him about the opportunities he sees in growing their business in the Asia-Pacific, which currently accounts for just 10% of revenues.
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SkyWorld Development will be listed on Bursa next Monday 10 July, with an IPO price of 80 sen per share. Will the recently announced FY2023 record results give its IPO a boost ? We speak with Datuk Seri Ng Thien Phing, the Founder and Executive Chairman, to understand their relationship with DBKL, their landbank acquisition strategy, and development philosophy, and what he plans to achieve with the IPO proceeds for the company and himself.
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In a crowded competitive market, how does Bermaz Auto, the franchise holder and sole distributor of Mazda, Kia and Peugeot intend to stay ahead of the pack. Dato Francis Lee, CEO of Bermaz Auto Berhad answer that question and also if the share price is undervalued.
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The QS World University Rankings 2024 was released last week and three new metrics were introduced this time.
We discuss the the value and accuracy of university rankings, as well as how Malaysian institutions stack up to global peers with Dr Edward Harcourt, Senior Vice President & Managing Director of QS
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Prasarana subsidiary Rapid Bus manages urban bus networks in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuantan. How is the company responding to longstanding complaints of lack of adequate bus services and poor connectivity? We discuss efforts to improve the coverage, efficiency and ridership of the city's bus system with CEO Muhammad Yazurin Sallij.
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MyDIGITAL Corporation was incorporated in 2021 as an agency and is tasked to monitor the progress of the Malaysian Digital Economy Blueprint and the National 4IR Policy (N4IR). We speak with Fabian Bigar, CEO of MyDIGITAL, to see what they have been doing this past 3 years
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Founded in 2016 as a Business Process Management company, DayThree has been competing with the big boys like TDCX, VADS, SCICOM, and Aegis. How have they been fairing, what inroads have they made and what is their market share? We speak with Raymond Davadass, Founder & Managing Director of Daythree Digital Berhad to understand their 7 year growth story and what the ACE Market listing in July means for future expansion.
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REDtone an integrated telecommunications and digital infrastructure services provider has just moved from ACE to the Main Market, We sit down with their CEO, Lau Bik Soon to discuss strategy, competition and is the rollout of 5G more hype than substance.
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Funding Societies has launched its comprehensive Islamic Financing solutions for both the micro SME and SME segments, in line with Malaysia’s aspirations to be a leader in Islamic finance. But is this enough for the platform to penetrate the semi urban markets? We speak with Chai Kien Poon, Country Head, Funding Societies Malaysia to share the strategic objectives, channel strategy and the path to profitability for the company.
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With 6 states heading to the state polls, will the outcome be status quo. What is the psyche of the voter especially the Kelantanese who have been loyal to Pas since 1990. We speak to Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim, Political Commentator & Former Law Minister for his thoughts and also why he has shifted political allegiances multiple times in his political career.
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Six states in Peninsular Malaysia are heading to state elections by August, in what is widely viewed as a referendum on the fledgling unity government of Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim. What are the current dynamics at play in Malaysia’s ever-shifting political landscape, and how will this determine what happens at state level polls? We discuss themes and trends ahead of state elections with our panel of experts.
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Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned from his parliamentary seat this month, sending shockwaves throughout British politics and posing yet another headache for current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
What are the implications of his exit for the Conservative party and the stability of the UK government? We discuss these developments with political scientist Prof. Chandran Kukathas.
Image Credit: EPA-EFE
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With the proliferation of devices, cybersecurity attacks have been on the rise. Victims are not only enterprises but consumers as well. We speak to GU Renukanand, Regional Vice President of F-Secure, a Finnish listed company on their strategy for growth in Asia and why they choose Malaysia as their regional hub.
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The Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) sector has been intensively competitive over the years, and only a few companies remain in the space. We speak with Farid Yunus, CEO of redONE Network on what it takes to survive, his plans to be a Superapp, market expansion around ASEAN and when will the long awaited IPO take place
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The 26 year relationship between Brahim's Food Services and Malaysia Aviation Group will come to an end this month, and the airlines will only have 24 days to find alternative suppliers to fulfil the 20,000 meals per day required for its in-flight services starting 1 July. We speak with Shukor Yusof, Founder and Primary Analyst of Endau Analytics to find out what’s the backstory to this and also MAG’s strategy for growth after what appears to be a successful turnaround.
Image by: Shutterstock
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The world is dividing itself into various blocs - based on ideology, economics and religion. What does this say about the role that a small country like Malaysia can play in the greater scheme of things? Dr Prashanth Parameswaran, is a senior columnist at The Diplomat and a fellow at the Wilson Centre’s Asia Programme, he is also a founder of the ASEAN Wonk newsletter. He gives us an assessment of how Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has navigated foreign policy since taking office over 6 months ago.
www.aseanwonk.com
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EA Tech, an oil and gas company was declared a PN17 company in 2022 have submitted their regularisation plans to the regulators. We sit down with Nasrul Asni Muhammad Dain their CEO, to unpack the details of it whilst keeping an eye on their growth plans and what profit they can achieve in 2023 after registering RM20mn in 2022.
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Public transport woes have been increasingly common with infrequent bus and train services, overcrowding and breakdowns. We speak to Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke about this being resolved and can KLIA return to it's former glory despite infrastructure issues. As state elections are around the corner, we also discuss seat allocations and has DAP sacrificed too much for this Unity Government.
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The General Insurance industry enjoyed positive growth for 2022, but competition remains fierce amongst the existing players. And with 2 recent mergers taking place, industry market rankings have changed. We speak with Chua Seck Guan, CEO of MSIG Malaysia for a 2023 outlook, BNM liberalisation, and will MSIG rely on organic growth or look to buy to regain back its no 2 market ranking spot.
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BNM has issued 5 digital bank licenses in an already competitive landscape. We speak to Rafiza Ghazali, Designate CEO, KAF Islamic Digital Bank on whether they are ready to launch, how they intend to disrupt the market and their competitive advantages in a crowded landscape.
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Recent statistics reveal that up to 40% of graduates are underemployed. Is this structural issue that Sunway University is facing? Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President Of Sunway University tells us whilst we discuss their financial performance, international student enrollment and is AI a boon or bane to education.
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In renewable energy, Solarvest Holdings can boast of a first mover advantage, having operated in this space since 2012. But as the solar PV landscape becomes increasingly saturated, can Solarvest stay ahead of the competition? We catch-up with CEO Davis Chong about the company's plans to expand beyond solar and Malaysian borders, as well as views on regulatory direction on renewable energy.
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Sweden is at the forefront of green technology, being one of the best recycling countries in Europe. And they just signed an MOU with Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change to promote Green Transition efforts in our country. We speak with Emma Broms to talk about all things Green and Trade, and whether the colour of money is still green.
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Founded more than 150 years ago in Canada, Sun Life provides life insurance, health insurance, investments, and financial planning services. Global president and CEO, Kevin Strain shares with us their financial performance and expansion plans in the region.
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Taiwan's largest institutional logistics player, ALP is on track to complete its first overseas OMega warehouse in Klang this year, with ambitious plans to build more facilities across the region. We discuss the company's business philosophy, the progress of their logistics hub in Malaysia and their Southeast Asian pipeline with CEO Charlie Chang.
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In a very competitive life insurance landscape with 14 players, what niche is Generali Life Insurance intending to carve for itself? We speak to Rebecca Tan, CEO of Generali Life Insurance Malaysia Berhad to find out about their integration, are volatile capital markets a challenge and their financial KPIs.
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According to the United Nations, global smoking rates are on a decline; however smoking prevalence in developing economies like Malaysia remains elevated.
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Synergy House Holdings is an e-commerce retailer for ready-to-assemble furniture whose products are in many homes in the UK, US and UAE. It will be listed on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market on June1st. Tan Eu Tah, its executive director, talks to us about the company's plans to grow the business post-listing.
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In light of global economic headwinds resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, what does this mean for developing countries' growth prospects? Prof. Robert Wade of LSE weighs in on how countries could use industrial policy to spur economic development amid the challenging environment, and why free markets are not an automatic recipe for prosperity for the Global South.
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Mitsui & Co Japan has raised its LGMS stake to 25% in ACE listed IT and cybersecurity firm LGMS Berhad, opening new markets across 60 countries. We speak with CEO Fong Choong Fook on how plans to take full advantage of this new partnership against the backdrop of increasing data breaches and scams reported.
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The business model of accounting firms have evolved from mere compliance auditing to advisory. Revenues have jumped as a result but does arise potential issues of conflict?
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Is the heyday of IBM behind them, with the likes of Microsoft, Google and Amazon grabbing more headlines these days in the fields of cloud service, machine learning and artificial intelligence ? Or is the giant finally awakening?
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Charles Santiago, Chairman of National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and former Klang MP shares his plans to avoid a water crisis, including checking on dam water levels and raw water availability, and proposals on an inter state water connection
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According to the Malaysian Plastics Sustainability Roadmap, Malaysia targets 76% of plastic waste to be collected for recycling by 2030. How far away are we from these end goals - and does the economic environment incentivise players operating in this space?
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Niro’s recovery from the pandemic goes from strength to strength and on track for a Bursa listing next year. But is it good enough to qualify for the main board? We speak with Managing Director, Ian Kok about the recovery, regional expansion, their roadmap to list on Bursa.
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G Capital Berhad is a transportation specialist turned utilities player poised to capitalise on Malaysia's renewable energy transition with power purchase agreements in small hydro power and solar power. We speak to Executive Director Datuk Yap Yee Ping on why GCAP is betting on renewable energy to bring the business back in the black.
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G Capital Berhad is a transportation specialist turned utilities player poised to capitalise on Malaysia's renewable energy transition with power purchase agreements in small hydro power and solar power. We speak to Executive Director Datuk Yap Yee Ping on why GCAP is betting on renewable energy to bring the business back in the black.
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Siemens has had a long history in Malaysia - stretching back more than 110 years ago when it recorded its first sale - until it became Siemens Malaysia in 1972. More than half a century later Siemens Malaysia is in many industries - healthcare, power generation, energy management, mobility, building technologies. The new President & CEO of Siemens Malaysia, Tindaro Danze, talks to us about his expectations and his priorities.
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Generali Malaysia has completed its acquisition of a controlling majority in AXA-Affin joint ventures in Malaysia and is the second largest general insurer in the nation. Fabrice Benard, the Country CEO of Generali Malaysia and CEO of Generali Insurance Malaysia Berhad shares with us the timeline for business integration, how will insurance penetration rate be improved and competition in the industry.
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Last month, the government announced the delay of the gazettement of the KL Structure Plan 2040 to allow for engagement sessions by DBKL and other stakeholders after complaints that inputs and objections were not responded to. In a special Breakfast Grille panel discussion, our expert guests discuss what should be considered in this plan to make KL a more liveable city.
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Deputy Communications & Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching sits down to discuss what the government plans to do to take even further, Malaysia's 40-rung jump in Reporters Sans Frontières' 2023 World Press Freedom Index.
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DXN Holdings Berhad is involved in the sales of health-oriented and wellness consumer products, and they are distributed through its direct selling network or sales branches.
The group is bound for a main market IPO in mid-May, after a delist in 2011. Philip See asks CEO, Teoh Hang Ching on how the raised funds will be used, why a relist on the main market, as well as the sustainability and the outlook of its business operations.
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Last year the IRB collected a record RM175 billion in taxes, the highest in history. Much needed since the government is targeting to lower the fiscal deficit but is our tax system, fair, efficient, consistent and certain? Questions we pose to its CEO, Datuk Mohd Nizom Sairi.
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Coinciding with the 20 years anniversary of the EU Delegation to Malaysia, we ask the Ambassador of the EU to Malaysia, H.E. Michalis Rokas, on the role of the EU in an increasingly multi-polar world, why did EU raise concerns about security risks in Huawei’s bid for 5G role in Malaysia and their position on palm oil.
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According to the World Bank, economic growth in East Asia and Pacific region is projected to expand by 5.1% in 2023 thanks to China's reopening. But their report also points to slowing pace of reform. We ask Aaditya Mattoo, Chief Economist of the East Asia and Pacific Region, World Bank as to why this is happening and what are the headwinds he expects.
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Should companies be run to earn a profit, or to serve a purpose?
Author and London Business School professor of finance, Alex Edmans believes that it's not an either-or choice. Philip See speaks to Alex on the profit versus purpose conundrum that businesses face.
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The United Nations has warned that the world is at risk of exceeding the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit for global warming in the next 10 years. How is Malaysia responding to the climate crisis? We speak to Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change on progress to reduce carbon emissions, the timeline for tabling the National Adaptation Plan and concerns over environmental data transparency.
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This is a podcast from BFM 89.9. The business station,
The BFM Breakfast Grille, connecting you to the top people and ideas powered by U Mobile 5G. Now with you.
Good morning, you're listening to the Breakfast Grille. I'm Syazana Mokhtar. The science couldn't be more clear. The world is running out of time to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius with un scientists warning that we could breach this target in the 2030s without urgent action.
The house is on fire. So how is the Malaysian government responding to the climate change? Alarm bells? Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister of Natural Resources Environment and climate change? Joins me on the show today to discuss this. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Nik. Welcome to the show. Hi, thanks for having me here. I'm going to put you on the spot. Is Malaysia facing a climate emergency?
Well, definitely, I mean, we, we see it every day. We see it with the floods that we have that keep breaking records year after year and we see it with the incoming heat wave that we're having now. So definitely we are facing a climate emergency like other countries in the world. Ok. So you have taken a different position from the previous government. The national government said there wasn't a need yet to declare a climate emergency as efforts were being taken to combat climate change. In this sense, you're departing from their stance, Malaysia is facing a climate emergency. Well, in substance. Yes. But what I'm saying, you know, I think what was asked by the previous, on the previous government was for the government to declare a climate emergency in law with that? I think that, you know, I I I think that we don't have to declare a legal climate emergency. It was declared in law in the UK and nothing much has happened. What is more important I think is to understand about how big the climate situation is and to address it rather than, you know, putting us to certain standards that may be, you know, that, that are false or provide an illusion. Ok. At the same time, you acknowledge there is a climate emergency of sorts, but you have also postponed the climate change bill which was a piece of legislation that was on the cusp of being tabled by the the national government. If not for GE15, you push that back another 2 to 3 years. Why has this bill been delayed similar to having, you know, about declaring us having a climate emergency? I do not want us to just tick the boxes without having a significant or substantial uh meat to the legislation. So, with regards to the Climate Change Act, and I, I know uh my, my predecessors, a few generations back Yeo Bee Yin,
Uh she did put some work into it, you know, and, and it was uh uh what do you call that progressing at good pace? However, when I came into office, I didn't get much on the table uh from my immediate predecessors. Uh So, you know, for me, you know, I do not want to just rush a Climate Change Act this year.
Uh And seeing that it does not address many of the things that we want to address. Um Actually, we have many legislations that are existing that can address climate change, uh that we can work on, make it more effective, which is, is I think uh as important as having a Climate Change Act in place. So you tweeted back in February this, that we want a bill that's not toothless, that is comprehensive and that will be truly impactful what was lacking in the draft bill that warrants a complete overhaul from your perspective. I think I've said it often enough that uh I did not get anything from my predecessor.
So, so now, you know, the team, that's why you're starting from scratch. Yes. Um You know, so I'm, I'm asking the officials at the ministry and and you know, for us to have a, to have a really thorough look at the legislation to really consult widely um to see how other countries are doing uh the the legislation and also to have a proper engagement with the various stakeholders, civil society, um academia, businesses to see when the bill comes out, it will be truly comprehensive. So at this point, do you have, I suppose a vision of sorts, Nik in terms of what you think should be in this bill or what you want it to encompass?
I think there are two key elements um in terms of carbon emissions. Uh it's something that we really need to address. Uh but you know, as a country, we do not emit that much, we emit about 0.69% of the carbon emissions globally. We are doing quite well compared to many other countries at our stage of development and our size of economy. However, we are also, we also have to play our part. I mean, that's very crucial.
And secondly, we are a trading nation as we know many um E N E companies, for example, are putting stringent climate goals. So if we do not uh have uh ambitious climate goals, then we, you know, our industries will be hollowed out in the next 5, 10 years. That's one. Uh but the other part which is just as important is things like adaptation and mitigation.
Um I think that is more urgent for Malaysia. We are a country, a maritime country. Basically, we've seen the floods, we've seen sea level rise, we've seen erosion happening.
Um So I think those are things that we need to address in the Climate Change Act to ensure that we are able to, you know, survive, you know, when, when it comes to not just 2050 2030. All right, ambitious climate change targets. That that's what you mentioned carbon targets. So Malaysia has clear goals for climate mitigation that were submitted to the United Nations
as part of our National Determined Contribution N D CS. We updated that in 2021 we're going to reduce the intensity of carbon emissions by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. Some parties would argue that our N DC targets are not ambitious enough, reducing carbon intensity by 45% of 2005 levels can be done without actually lowering emissions. How would you respond to that?
Well, I think one of the concerns um in fact, I mean, there are two sides to the argument. Some people also said that, you know, we put that target unconditionally many other countries when they have their submissions to the N DC on reduction of carbon intensity, it was conditional but we, you know, we gave it away. But I think, you know, it is what it is and, and I think we will be reviewing it uh in the next few years. Um So I think as long as we, we, we stick to that plan,
um I think we are in good state because um actually many of our targets are very ambitious compared to our neighboring countries, even the more advanced ones. Um But the issue is not about targets alone, it's about the pathways to achieve those targets. You know, it's like, you know, going a, a student going and declaring to his parents, I'm going to get 10 A in S PM and not studying, you know, or or not working for it.
So the targets I think is there is about working and finding the pathways to achieving those targets. So just to clarify, uh Malaysia has also pledged to become net zero at the earliest by 2050 this was announced by the Ismail Al Sabri government and this is a pledge that the present government also intends to stick to. Yes. Yes. Ok. Um
One of the key pieces of Malaysia's climate mitigation strategy is the transition to renewable energy which the government targets to reach 40% generation capacity by 2035. My question for you, Nik is, can this be achieved without first dismantling the fuel subsidies that are keeping energy prices artificially low? For Malaysians? At the, at the moment,
I think the shift to uh targeted subsidies is crucial for us to jumpstart our energy transition. And we've started that, you know, one of before one month in office. Uh My first task was to uh have the review for the next IC P T cycle where we, where we increase the surcharge um for industries for commercial sectors which were using uh which were medium and high voltage users in the energy sector.
Uh by what, 400% right from, from uh all the way to 20 cent. Um it still subsidized. Uh but it's a huge increase from what it was. Uh And, and I think, uh and there was a lot of complaints, uh, understandably and, but I also think that industries, businesses need to understand that we have uh given a blanket subsidy for so long, you know, and many of these uh businesses have enjoyed that. Right.
So, uh complaints, yes. Um a lot of noise in the media but uh ultimately, you know, I met a few of them after a few months and, and now they have adopted uh energy efficiency plans. They are using more solar. Uh And I think just because it's uh priced nearer to the market and people understand that and I think um the plan is not just for the industries and commercial sector, the non-domestic sector, but also for the domestic uh consumers for the, at least we can start with the T 20. I mean, if you are using, uh if you're having a bungalow, a landed house with 10 air cons, you know, dryers and what not, you should be paying a market rate for your electricity. I mean, that's something that we, we, we, we want to work on, right. Um So, so that's part of it, the energy efficiency and Conservation Act is it has been in the works, I think even during the Naps administration, we hope to pass it this year. So I think that will be another important impetus towards energy transition.
Uh And, and yes, as you rightly said, the next other part, the other part is electrification of mobility of, of transport. Um And we also need to address where now you know, if you are using regardless, I mean, even people who are using the most expensive cars uh are now using route 95 for example, because it subsidized,
it's cheaper. So I think we also need to address that towards targeted subsidies so that then people will make that transition towards electric vehicles as well. Does the fuel subsidies? Does that come under your portfolio? As an R E C C Minister? I mean, do you have influence over what happens? Input will be there? But it's led by the Ministry of Finance and
uh Ministry of Domestic Trade. And yeah, ok. I'm speaking to Nik Nazmi, Nik Ahmad, Minister for Natural Resources Environment and climate change is Malaysia doing enough on climate adaptation. We'll have more on the Breakfast Grilleafter the break. Stay tuned. BFM 89.9,
you are listening to the breakfast grill brought to you by you Mobile 5G. Now with you.
Thanks for staying tuned to the breakfast grill. I'm Syazana Mokhtar. And with me on the show today is Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, minister for Natural Resources, Environment and climate change. Nik. Earlier on in the show, you mentioned the energy efficiency and Conservation Act, which you said has been long in the works. Why is this a priority for the government now?
Well, because there's two sides to, to when we talk about energy, one is about having cleaner sources of energy generation, right? Uh We still have a lot of coal, for example, gas is low carbon but its still carbon. Um we want more solar and all that. So that's one element of it and, and that takes time,
but the other element is energy efficiency. Uh because um we, we also know that actually um with new technology, a lot of equipment, a lot of uh uh machines and stuff are getting more and more efficient in terms of using energy. Um the electrical appliances that we use today are much more efficient in terms of using energy compared to what our grandparents were using. For example,
the UK over the past 20 years, the energy consumption has gone on the downtrend, right? So if we can do that, that means we require less energy and, and that means we, we do not have to rely so much on, on the uh coal and gas plants that we have today. And, and you know, we also have enormous uh reserve margins for electricity. So that will definitely help in our energy transition.
Nik is the introduction of an energy efficiency and conservation Act. A prerequisite of sorts to secure renewable energy transition deals with developed countries. I wonder, I understand that most of our neighbors have some form of energy efficiency regulation in place. And last year, both Indonesia and Vietnam concluded finance partnerships with rich countries to advance their green energy agenda. Is that part of the reason why you want to push this? Now,
I I, you know, if you ask me, it's not just because of that. Um I think um if you talk, I mean, definitely we would love to be part of uh you know, all these lucrative deals um for us to accelerate our energy transition. Um I mean, if anyone can help us to have now our commitment is no new coal plants, but if we can have uh early retirement of coal plants with the right uh structure in our energy sector, with the right financing.
Um whether it comes from overseas or from the banks and whatnot, it's something that we'd be happy to consider, right? Um But I think why, why we missed out was um and, and we actually have a lot of good policies and plans but maybe it was not communicated or marketed enough before. Um And I have spoken uh you know in cabinet, I've spoken to the Prime Minister that I think this is something that
it has to be central. And I think definitely, you know, the the Prime Minister has understood this. Uh we had a lot of things for my ministry in this budget 2023. So the government understands how important climate change is and and we hope that that that can be the key plank for the an Ibrahim administration. Ok. So there's definitely going to be more foreign policy outreach when it comes to the
green energy agenda and the green agenda in general, I want to stick to energy a little bit more. The appointment of Mohammad Radan Moma Yusuf as chair of the Energy Commission in February did spark backlash given his then position as the Deputy managing Director of Gamuda Gauda is of course a major player in the renewable energy space. He has since resigned two months after he was first appointed. I mean, was this the result of the Prime Minister's intervention?
No, I mean, uh you know, in the first place, uh obviously we did our checks and what not. Uh There are a few things that we have to correct. Dauda is not a major major renewable energy player. They have a small investment
uh in uh renewable energy. They are mostly uh construction uh property player and most of their revenues come from abroad. Uh But what, what, what was uh and I think the most important thing. Um Yes, as you rightly said, I think a lot of people were expecting him to design from S T but it was just a narrative that people wanted to create.
Uh But uh rash, he, he made the choice to his credit that he, he was excited about contributing to this and, and I think, surprised a lot of people by resigning, not from S D but from Gamuda.
Um And, you know, he has a long record of, of um being able to shake up um markets, being able to uh do uh various uh corporate uh restructuring that has uh left uh you know, it was really radical corporate restructuring, which I think uh uh has shaken up the market. And I think
as that's why we wanted him there. You know, that's why we, we put him there was because he uh I, I believe that we can do better in terms of energy transition and, and we need to have a more uh you know, uh focus uh view on this and, and Rash is the right person for this
is that you've specified to him that you want to see him achieve in his post as the chair of the Energy Commission. Well, well, right now, you know, we, we under my R er we our renewable energy road map, we have targets of installed capacity for R E 31% as opposed to 24% present me
31% in 2025 40% in 2035. Um But as I've said, if there are ways to accelerate that, if there are ways we can look at uh uh you know, to really ramp up solar uh to get uh Malaysia to play a central role in the ASEAN power grid.
Um You know, we are already supply, we are already, our grid is already supplying electricity from Laos to Singapore. For example, you know, we should be able to be at the center for ASEAN. Once all the interconnections are there, um the looking at reviewing our ban on renewable energy exports, you know, so all these things are things that are the K P I s for for rush to achieve. Ok. So very full inbox tray
and passing it on to him. I would like to turn our attention to the other side of the climate change action coin which is adaptation. How would you respond to accusations that the government is doing far too little to address climate resilience? The policy focus has been very much on mitigation on reducing carbon emissions as evidenced by the many blueprints on low carbon aspirations. When will the government present the Malaysia National Adaptation plan?
Well, our uh we've just submitted our proposal to G C F, the Green Climate Fund uh to prepare the National Adaptation Plan N A P uh on 27 March this year. Uh and it is going to focus on water security and water resources, agriculture and food security,
uh infrastructure, energy and environment, forest biodiversity, and public health. So yes, as I said, um you know, in truth, a lot of the things about carbon emissions and what not, we are a very small player in the big sum of things, right? Uh We, we, you know, other countries are contributing far, far more to that and, and even if we play our part and they don't, you know, we'll still be underwater by 2050.
Uh But adaptation is then plays a very key role because we have more control over that.
Uh We've seen the floods, we've seen what's happening. Um With regards to every uh uh places that have never been flooded are now experiencing floods. Um erosion. I've seen, you know, roads in, in the east coast, in the west coast where they are now disappearing because of uh erosion. So I think um adaptation plays a very key role and, and definitely, it's one of our focus and I think one of the things that we keep repeating on,
um yes, we need to do the, the, the carbon emission side and all that because of yes, we want to play our part. Secondly, we are a global trading uh player. But adaptation is the priority. Uh if you want to talk about survival for our Children and their Children.
So the previous government cited that Malaysia would need funding to the tune of 400 billion ring to overcome flooding issues until the end of this century. This is just for flooding is that the quantum that you have in mind as well in terms of what's going to be needed to invest in adaptation measures.
Well, you know, if you want to talk about adaptation as a whole, it might be even more, right? Um but yeah, I mean, that's based on one study uh um that, that has been cited and, and definitely, you know, we are spending more and more uh for flood mitigation uh for adaptation. Uh We are also going to come up of uh flood hazard maps and whatnot so that it can be built in, in, in insurance. So, you know, basically the, the the country has to move uh has to transition towards this.
Um The B and I think, you know, when, when some people look at it as a huge cost um is the biggest portion of my ministry, for example, uh flood. Uh But if you then calculate how much losses, ultimately loss of life, but also loss of property loss to the economic sectors.
If there is. Uh I mean, when we see a sea level rise, our biggest uh port Port Clan will be totally exposed. Uh And what's the impact to our supply in the country? Right? Uh getting food, getting vital uh goods in
uh our power plants and a lot of them are near the, the sea as well. Uh What will happen to them? So these are things that we have to recognize and, and then you will understand that the huge expenditure is actually affordable once you look at it because we are going to save much more when we spend on adaptation and mitigation. Ok. I think um many,
I agree with you, Nik, I think that we do need to see more funding being sent to adaptation. But the point is we're not seeing it yet. So when will the government, I suppose put these efforts in motion, when will we see on the ground, the adaptation efforts take place? Well, I think um some of the, you know, flood the projects that are addressing floods and whatnot. I mean, that's already there. Uh But um I think the key part will definitely be uh when we have the National Adaptation plan because that will be
uh you know, the, the, the focus for all our adaptation uh programs and projects. When will this be tabled? Um Well, we, we are working on it. I mean, as I said, it's been submitted to the uh to the G C F. So hopefully, uh we can uh you know, once we go through the various um stakeholder discussions because we want the input
uh from the grassroots, from the activists, from various stakeholders. Uh Then uh you know, then we can uh then we will uh make it as an official policy? Why has it taken so long for adaptation to be made a priority by the government? Do you think Nik? I mean, people would say this is, this is late, we are very late in coming up with this adaptation plan. Um What gives,
well, you know, um I do not want to blame predecessors or whatnot, but I think sometimes, like I said, I mean, it, it becomes sexy to talk about uh carbon emissions because it's there. And, you know, some, a lot of times our energy uh sorry environment conversations are driven by what's been talked about in the developed countries. Um And obviously, I mean, I understand why, why, you know, they want to talk about carbon emissions, they are the major polluters, right?
Uh They've cut down the forest for 2, 300 years and they've developed at our expense, but people don't want to talk as much about adaptation. Um because it's something that is more relevant to a maritime developing country like Malaysia.
Um And, and I think, uh you know, sometimes you, you do get, you, you get uh you, you're stuck with the narrative that's been played in the developed countries. And I think we need to understand that every country's climate challenge differs. Uh you know, when you are a developed economy, when you're a big polluter compared to a developing country, which is um a peninsula and part of an island, right? So that, that's the context that we have to understand.
I'm speaking to Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, minister for Natural Resources, environment and climate change on an extended edition of the breakfast grill after the 8 30 AM news bulletin is Malaysian policy making being held hostage by state elections. Stay tuned. BFM 89.9.
You are listening to the breakfast grill brought to you by you Mobile 5G. Now with you, you are listening to an extended edition of the breakfast grill. I'm Syazana Mokhtar. And with me today is Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister for Natural Resources Environment and climate change. Now, Nik earlier on, we were talking about adaptation and adaptation measures that Malaysia is taking. I would like to touch on forestry measures because unchecked development and deforestation have been cited as among the key reasons for the increased severity of flooding and higher incidents of landslides. Now, we know that forestry management is under state government purview. But what levers do you have in the federal government? What are you using to maintain oversight on what's happening at the state level?
Yeah. So um when you are at the federal level, we have uh we do coordinate between the state governments. We have, we have Biodiversity Nagara which recently said uh we have the Malaysian Climate Change Action Council which is chaired by the Prime Minister. So uh a, so those are the platforms that we have uh with uh the state governments um in order to uh coordinate uh policies uh and also to share targets and best practices. Uh So what, what we try to do is um you know, you know, there, there are various things, for example, now, you know, when, even when there's a palm oil, for example, we have uh you know, sustainable palm oil certification, uh even for forest management. So that is an encouragement for them to conform because in order for them to have access to the widest markets, then they have to meet those targets. Um And most, I would say most states do meet those targets.
Um And to be to the credibility of the standards when they don't, they are penalized. I mean, they are taken out uh the, the from the certification. Um but rather than just sort of a stick approach, uh you know, uh we also uh we also have uh what you call the incentives carrots, for example, which has been there since 2019 is the ecological fiscal transfer. How effective has this mechanism been?
Well, uh you know, the, we, we do see um states because the main complaints when you talk about states that, that tend to have problems. I mean, I'm generalizing but it tends to be the states when, where they do not have a big uh commercial or industrial sector. So they rely on exploitation of forests. Um and they, they, they also tend to be the ones with the biggest forest covers. So they rely on exploitation of forests in order to uh for, for revenue.
Um So they say, OK, you are giving us all these lofty targets and all that. But what's in it for us? And they are, it's, it's a bread and butter issue as well. I mean fair to them.
So, so we say, OK, you know this uh E F T it was 60 million Ring Gate when it was launched in 2020 19. Then the last two years, it was 70 million ring gate each year. And now the Prime Minister has increased it to 100 and 50 million ring gate. But what's the take up is this actually going to state government is sitting in a bank somewhere? They, they all go to states. Um We look at uh one is the size of the forest cover
uh but also what they are doing uh in terms of uh if, if they do add uh their, their uh permanent uh forest reserves, uh what they're doing for, for uh the uh the dilapidated forest, what are they doing to restore it? So there are a few criterias uh that we look into and we are trying to make it even more sophisticated so that uh you know, it's not just giving free money but it's conditional. Um And, and to encourage good behavior, I think that that's the most important thing.
Um But yeah, I mean, the problems are there definitely, for example, uh was the only state that had a public consultation uh for the gaze of Forest. It was there in the enactment then last year, the previous government adopted that for the National Forestry Act amendment. Uh Unfortunately, after that, only one other state has adopted that as well. The others have yet to do so. So because that the state legislation in order to, to uh exercise that we have to keep reminding them
that, you know, you have to do that and, and it will eventually reflect, I mean, some of them now want to go into carbon trading and what not. If you don't do that, it will have an impact into the credibility of your carbon assets and so on and so forth. OK. So I can see that there is continuous engagement with the state governments on the initiative that they're taking on forestry management. Now there has been excellent investigative journalism by
Malaysian organizations like Rainbow Watch and Makara on the gaps in forestry data, including differences between what satellite images show and what's in official records of land use. How are you addressing questions of government credibility when it comes to environmental data?
Yeah, I mean, I, I think uh it's also an issue of sometimes an issue of definitions. OK. Uh I mean, I, I, I, I came up with a very open statement, you know, listening to and I, I in fact met, met uh with most of these NGO or or institutions listen to their concerns. Um Sometimes it's also an issue of how we can communicate better.
Uh But yeah, for example, one of the major issues is whether forest plantations should be deemed as uh you know, forests at all. Um and, and we know that there's a problem states like for example, or even other states have issues with uh uh forest uh uh plantations and what we have been doing. Um You know, the the previous Prime Minister uh to his credit, he has uh put a moratorium on forest plantations because what happens is that it's supposed to repair dilapidated forest, then you're supposed to have uh you're able to have selective uh forestry uh exploitation over the next 30 years or something.
But some often it goes to virgin forest and they just want the timber and then the replanting doesn't happen or it happens very slow or it's just uh mono species or, or foreign species that's been planted because it's, it's actually forest plantation can be very, very expensive if you want to do it, right. Uh So the moratorium was the right move and I think we really need to address uh to, to see um what can be done to address the damages that has been done by forest plantations. And so that's something that is in the works. Um So, and, and that adds to the discrepancy, the gaps in the data that's been raised by, by watch and and what the government has. OK. So this is something you're aware of, you're looking into it. Why can't data be more transparent? Nik? I think that's some of the things that these organizations are calling for, for this data to be made public so that more parties can scrutinize this.
Uh Is that something that you are considering doing? Well? It's, that's the ideal uh you know, we have three forest Agencies, Saba and um and then, as I said, in terms of uh the jurisdiction is actually state jurisdiction, although JP S M is the body but then um you know, is in charge of its forest, is in charge of its forest and so on. So in that process, uh there is uh some uh mismatch of data as well. Um And, and I think um I mean, it's an ongoing process, it won't be easy. You know, when, I mean, uh when, when you want to talk about integrating uh government data um across the various levels of government uh across various agencies, it can be difficult. Um I mean, to be fair, I mean, even the government now we do use, I mean, we also use satellite. We, we also use uh to look at the problems of deforestation and what not. So we are also taking into account of all the data that's being used by other agencies, Penang South Islands.
Uh Nik, let's talk about that. The Penang South Islands reclamation project received approval for its environmental impact assessment report last month, subject to 71 conditions. I haven't been able to find the E I A decision in the public domain. What are these conditions? It's actually in the website. Uh you can download it. Um But you, it's actually accessible uh in the website. Um uh What,
what I can say is that uh you know, it is a process, it's not that I personally approve or reject the report. How much say do you have over this E A, I had a few things. Um, I mean, I met, uh, I, I, I listened to the case of the state government, you know, um, I, I also listen to uh the concerns that were raised against the project but it has its own process, it has its own board, uh that, that actually approves it.
Uh, it's not an arbitrary thing where even the, I mean, that's, and that's how it should be, you know, it shouldn't be on one person to approve or disprove a project and, and to be fair, you know, it has gone through a long process. Um, it was approved what, 2018 and then, uh 2019 and then an appeal came in. Um, so the E I A was rejected, I think in 2020 or 2021. And then, um
whenever then the state, uh the project, the state authorities came out with uh the plan. Um, the, the, the uh related authorities had some concerns, you know, it was all addressed one by 11 by one.
So it was a very comprehensive process. It took many, many years. Uh And, and I think that's why has this process been transparent enough because you yourself talked about how E I A reporting sometimes isn't transparent in the case of the Penang South Islands. It has it been trans, I mean, it's one, as I said, it's one of the most transparent and comprehensive uh processes for E I A that has been, that has happened. OK. That, that's one.
But uh what, what the other thing that we have to bear in mind, even the approval was granted with 71 conditions. It's not a blank check and they still is still subject to the uh environmental Management plan. E MP being approved. It has not been approved, right? So there's a few more stages to go as well just because the A I A was conditionally approved, doesn't mean that, you know, it's all
uh that they can do what they want there. OK. So what are you going to do then to ensure that there's proper oversight on the project implementation? Well, you know, like I said, you know, we, we will uh the, the E MP, the E MP will be looked into, we will ensure that uh what you call that uh the, the project can satisfy all the 71 conditions.
Um And you know, there's still, I mean, people can still appeal if they want to appeal against the E I A approval, even though it's conditional. Uh people can still go to the state government uh that approves and, and you know, they have that process through the local government route. So there are various routes that they can use uh for anyone who is unhappy with the project.
So Nik, here's the conundrum of the dilemma that I see the Penang South Islands project can be used as an example of the policy incoherence perhaps in terms of our climate change action. So on one hand, we have these goals of having adaptation, ensuring climate resilience of uh you know,
2050 0 net zero targets. But at the same time, we are also green lighting, these projects which will cause massive carbon emissions which will destroy the marine biodiversity of the area. How do you reconcile these very two disparate uh I guess aims? No, I mean, even if you look at the report, there is an impact ultimately on some shrimp migration on fisheries. Yeah, but if you look at details, yeah, most of it has been mitigated
and we have to accept that unless we do not want to grow as an economy, then uh we can stop all development. Uh But that's always the balancing game that we have to recognize. I accept that there has to be sustainable development, but development is there and it has to be sustainable, right? And balancing that is not an easy job, I can recognize that.
Um And, and you know, I said this like the thing, it was uh it was submitted, it was approved in 2019
initially, right? And then it was uh uh the the the what they call that uh the appeal against it was accepted. So they had to go back. So the process was very rigorous. Um And with 71 conditions with many agencies, Fisheries, um there was a social impact as assessment done. Also things that are outside environment, traffic impact assessment,
all those things were submitted. Uh So I think, you know, it was a very, very thorough process and, and I, that's how it should be done in the sense that any development process cannot be given as easily as it was before, it has to be looked thoroughly. Uh
But it's something that we have to recognize that there will be uh uh what do you call that? There will be things that we have to give and take in any decision. But as much as possible, I would like, you know, the development has to be sustainable, right? We have one minute left on the clock Nik, but I can't let you go without
making some reference to the political situation in the country. We're heading into state elections in the next six months, if not sooner. Is this a primary consideration in policy making for the government? Are you holding off on the tough decisions until after the polls to avoid risking the disenchantment among the voting public? No, I think uh for us it's what's best for the country. Um Obviously you have to be smart at communicating it. Obviously you have to listen to and engage with the stakeholders.
Uh That's the political reality. Uh You, you have to be tactical about those things. But the big picture for us if we need to do something now, um it's a bit difficult then we will do it now because it's uh if it's necessary, Nik. Thank you very much for joining me on the show today. Thank you. Thank you very much. I've been speaking to Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and climate change. This has been the Breakfast Grille on BFM 89.9.
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Retail spending is back with a vengeance, at least for now. This is evident in the traffic jam in the mall car parks, packed eateries and the long queues at even the Louis Vuitton outlet. However, is this sustainable especially in the face of slowing GDP growth this year and higher inflationary pressures. Competition is also heating up with new malls such as 118 Mall and TRX Mall. We speak to Dato' Philip Ho, CEO of Pavilion REIT on the return of China tourists, competition, its future injection pipeline and are REITs still relevant as an asset class.
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Kimlun Corporation Berhad is a contractor which has a niche in private sector projects but has been winning sizeable jobs in Sarawak. The differentiating factor with other contractors is its precast division where it had close to 60% market share for MRT 2. Earnings delivery has been improving but the share performance over the past year has been flat. Will it be a big beneficiary of MRT 3 when it is rolled out? We speak to Sim Tian Liang, CEO of Kimlun for insights.
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Tragedy struck Türkiye early last week as a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck southern and central Türkiye which has seen over 35,000 deaths so far. It is one of the strongest earthquakes ever recorded in the Levant and the deadliest earthquake worldwide since the 2010 Haiti earthquake and was felt as far as Egypt, Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Cyprus, and the Black Sea.
Estimated to have caused over US$ 84 billion worth of damage, we speak to His Excellency Emir Salim Yüksel, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Malaysia to discuss the tragedy, how Malaysians can help and the future of Malaysia-Türkiye bilateral ties.
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Feeling sick but don't want to visit a Doctor physically or want to schedule an appointment but can't get through the busy lines? Doctor Anywhere is a tech-enabled, omni-channel healthcare service provider in Asia, on a mission to make healthcare simple, accessible, and efficient for everyone. Since its launch in 2017, it has grown exponentially to serve more than 1.5 million users across Southeast Asia. It was ranked #3 of 100 in the fastest-growing companies in Singapore. We speak to Lim Wai Mun, founder and CEO of Doctor Anywhere.
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Switzerland-based Barry Callebaut is the world's biggest chocolate producer making supplying 1,000 tonnes of chocolate a day to companies like Nestlé, Hershey's, Leonidas and Neuhaus. But chocolate's raw material is cocoa which is mainly sourced from countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Mali - places not well-known for their human rights record. Robert Kotuszewski, Managing Director of Barry Callebaut in Malaysia talks to us about walking that balance between ensuring the confection they produce is ethical, sustainable and profitable.
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Karex Bhd, the world's largest condom maker suffered 2 years of consecutive losses but the worst appears to be over. We speak to Goh Miah Kiat, CEO of Karex as to what will be driving growth, was diversifying into gloves a mistake and whether is it too late to buy the shares after the recent rally?
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In conjunction with World Radio Day, the founder of this station, BFM 89.9, Malek Ali shares with us how radio will survive the age of disruption for traditional media, Malaysia’s media landscape with the changing of governments and the editorial independence of the station. And how does a station like this make money?
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Dr. Noraishah Mydin Abdul Aziz gained public prominence when she was fielded as the Pakatan Harapan candidate for Putrajaya in GE15, representing the disabled community. But the neurobiologist has been long known in scientific and medical circles through her work with the Malaysian Neural Tube Defects support group. To mark International Day of Women and Girls in Science on 11 February, we speak to Dr. Aishah on the challenges she's had to overcome sitting at the intersection of gender and disability in science, as well as her future prospects in politics.
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The Schaeffler Group started more than seven decades ago in Germany and is now a leading global automotive and industrial supplier. But the success of the industry hinges a great deal on the automotive market and the semiconductor industry. Both are expected to face more headwinds this year. Its presence in Malaysia dates back to 1995 where it caters more to the industrial division which supplies rolling bearing to many industries and it also has an office in Penang which caters to the semiconductor industry. We speak to Kelvin Chong, Country Manager of Malaysia for Schaeffler for insights.
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As inflation pressure rises and economic activity slows, Malaysian banks will likely see weaker loans growth in 2023. Newly appointed CEO of Alliance Bank, Kellee Kam comes on the Breakfast Grille to share his strategies on how the bank plans to contend with the headwinds in the coming quarters.
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World Bank has forecast economic growth of 4% for Malaysia in 2023. Decent projections at first glance but what can be gleamed from their Economic Monitor Report? What are some of the policy recommendations that they have for this unity government to resolve our long standing economic issues? Dr Apurva Sanghi, World Bank’s lead economist for Malaysia answers those questions and more.
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The Boba craze might have died but Loob Holding, parent of Tea Live and Bask Bear Coffee has grown exponentially despite the pandemic. We ask their CEO and founder, Bryan Loo how was this achieved, maintaining brand relevance and is going public still on the cards?
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Trinidad Group began as a cigar distributor and retailer in 2002. Over the past two decades, the company expanded into hotel and F&B management as well as hospitality consulting. How are they positioning themselves amid the broad recovery in travel and tourism this year? We speak to Group President and CEO Dato’ Indera Naresh Mohan on their business strategy and expansion plans.
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Analysts have described the Volvo Geely merger as one of the most successful in a decade. Volvo’s IPO in 2021 was seen as instrumental to help it realise its global goal of being fully electric by 2030. In Malaysia, Volvo Car Malaysia delivered a total of 3,194 vehicles last year, which represents a 43% increase from 2021. Two fully EVs have been launched which are the XC40 and C40 recharge and sales have been strong so far. We speak to Charles Frump, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia for more insights.
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Prior to GE15, Khairy Jamaluddin boldly stated his ambitions to become the Prime Minister of Malaysia, before his unceremonious sacking from UMNO last week. Will he become a cautionary tale, akin to Icarus flying too close to the sun or is this merely a long opening gambit in the chess game of politics? We hear from Khairy Jamaluddin himself on what happened and his political prospects for the future.
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We speak to Dr. Rezal Khairi bin Ahmad CEO of NanoMalaysia Berhad on how this agency has been working towards energizing industries through the commercialization of nanotechnology as we reflect on the progress the past decade and understand their priorities particularly in the ESG space.
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Despite the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2013-2025 providing the roadmap for education transformation, the quality of public education has suffered a decline due to various factors. What reforms are urgently needed to put public education back on track? We speak to Shahnaz Al-Sadat of LeapEd Services for reflections to mark International Day of Education.
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The past two years have been cruel for the China Tech companies and while most of the spotlight was focused on Jack Ma and Ali Baba, there was another behemoth that for many epitomizes perhaps the best and worst of this industry. We speak to Lulu Yilun Chen, an editor at Bloomberg and author of Influence Empire which highlights the story of Tencent and China’s Tech ambitions.
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We take time to reflect on the position and role of the Chinese in Malaysian society, business and politics with Ngan Teng Ye, President of The KL & Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall which focuses on ensuring the voices within the Chinese community are heard while fighting for the benefits and rights of the community since 1923.
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The Semiconductor industry is worth USD 580 billion dollars and has become a key part of the trade war between China and the US. Can Malaysia benefit from this? Do we have the right policies in place? Questions we ask Dato' Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association and John Neuffer, CEO & President of Semiconductor Industry Association.
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After nearly three years of pandemic-impacted operations, the Oriental Group of Restaurants has finally returned to the black with revenues almost back to pre-MCO days. What fortunes will this Year of the Rabbit bring to this leader of Cantonese cuisine in the Klang Valley? Its founder and chairman Datuk Seri Philip Siew talks about the challenges the company had faced, the lessons learned and how to apply them going forward.
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In 2022 Malaysia saw the launch of Malaysia’s new low-cost carrier, MYAirline. From 3 destinations in December last year, the carrier aims to expand its fleet size to 50 in five years. CEO, Rayner Teo shares with us their path to profitability and how they are differentiating themselves from the other low cost carriers.
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2022 was a disastrous year for many asset classes driven by an aggressive interest rate cycle by the Fed and also the Russia Ukraine war. Mark Mobius who is known as “the Godfather of Emerging Markets” will be looking into his crystal ball and giving his insights on many asset classes - stocks, bonds, cryptos, property and what is the right investment strategy to take. Prior to launching Mobius Capital Partners in 2018, Mark served as executive chairman of Franklin Templeton Investments’ emerging markets group.
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After three years, China eased its zero-Covid policy and reopened its borders on the 8th of January. We speak to Dr. Sri Ganesh Michiel, National President, Malaysia Budget Hotels Association and Hannah Pearson, Founder of Pear Anderson on whether Malaysia could benefit from this and what can we do to differentiate ourselves from regional peers.
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Herbalife Nutrition sees further growth potential for its meal replacement products thanks to the growing waistlines of Malaysians with the latest National Health & Morbidity Survey showing that 50.1% are overweight and 19.7% facing obesity in 2019. Steven Chin, the Senior Director & General Manager for Herbalife Nutrition Malaysia & Singapore also talks about how the MLM company sees growth in the direct-selling business as many seek to supplement their income in the face of rising cost of living
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Pengerang Energy Complex or (PEC) is developing one of the largest and most competitive Aromatics complexes in the world, to be strategically located within the Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex in Johor, Malaysia. Completion is only slated for 2026 where it aims to cater to the growing fuel-related commodities across the Asian market. It is forecasting an export turnover of US$5bn. But is this a realistic target with more competition on the horizon and if a recession in 2023 lasts longer than expected. We speak to its CEO, Alywn Boden for answers.
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On the Breakfast Grille, Phil speaks to Jonathan Dixon, Vice President and MD, APJC short for Asia Pacific, Japan and Greater China, at Cloudflare, Inc. With 2022 seeing an unprecedented year of cyberattacks from governments to corporates to small businesses, we have a conversation with Jonathan about how Cloudflare's solutions are helping build resilience, with the advent of Zero Trust, and whether their fremium packages it currently offers is a sustainable business model.
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History, geopolitics, chip war and the semiconductor industry. In the current world we live in, power be it military, economic and geopolitics is built on the essence of computer chips. The US has maintained its lead as a superpower due to its domination in advanced computer chips but this is in danger of slipping now. In early October, the US also announced a ban on the sale of high-end semiconductor chips to China. What does all this mean for the worldwide semiconductor industry? We speak to Chris Miller, economic historian and author of the book Chips War - The fight for the world's most critical technology. The book has won the Financial Times Business Book of the year.
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2022 started with such promise, the world was coming out of Covid hibernation and economies were reopening but that optimism proved short-lived. Most markets ended in negative territory but will 2023 prove to be a better year? Anand Pathmakanthan, Head of Regional Equity Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group and Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer for ASEAN Equities, Principal Asset Management give us their equity market outlook and which stocks will make money this year.
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DS Sigma Holdings Berhad is a packaging products provider, with an in-house manufacturing of corrugated paper packaging products including cartons, protective packaging and paper pallets. It is en-route for a listing on the Ace Market on 6 January 2023. Although the company has an established track record of 20 years, it operates in a competitive environment. We discuss its prospects with Lucille Teoh, its Managing Director and how its share price will do when it debuts.
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At the conclusion of the general election, several critical issues of constitutional law came to the forefront. Constitutional expert Prof Shad Saleem Faruqi comes on the Breakfast Grille to discuss these issues and what kind of reforms are critical for Malaysia to move forward into the 21st century as a nation that prioritises democracy and the rule of law.
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The age of digitalisation and technology that we’re experiencing has enormous potential to drive Malaysia’s economic future, but it also comes with the perils of cybersecurity threats, online disinformation and the risks of a digital divide entrenching inequity. We speak to YB Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications and Digital, for his thoughts.
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On the final show of the year, we revisit the more unusual interviews we've conducted on the Breakfast Grille, reflecting the unexpected and curious nature of the world.
Today's retrospective features a Malaysian-born scientist making strides in space exploration at NASA; the peculiarities of the British egg industry; as well as a trip down memory lane for the Hong Kong entertainment landscape.
Featured interviews include:
NASA Trailblazer From Muar To Mars
Is The British Egg Industry Close To Breaking Point?
Delivering 55 Years Of Cantonese Entertainment - Where Next?
WWD 2022: Keep Forests Intact, Preserve Biodiversity
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The political uncertainty that dogged the country for the past 2 years has been put to rest for the time being following the 15th General Elections that saw an unprecedented unity government being formed under the leadership of Dato' Sri Anwar Ibrahim. We look back at conversations with politicians and analysts on the twists and turns of Malaysia's political saga that held our attention hostage this year.
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In spite of economies largely reopening in 2022, there were still many trials and tribulations for companies this year due to rising inflation, higher cost of borrowing due to the central banks raising interest rates and consumers generally tightening their belts. This had contrasting impacts on two sectors where banks generally benefited and the F&B sector did not.
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Despite hopes that 2022 would see the global economy recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, the year threw a curveball with the outbreak of the Ukraine as well as the prolonged closure of China's borders, among others. We revisit discussions on how these events have impacted the Malaysian and global economy at different stages of the year.
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It has been more than 1 year since the floods that affected eight states across the peninsula, and left 55 dead. The Disaster Risk Reduction Team from the Netherlands shares expertise with governments in order to find the best possible solution to tackle urgent water issues. Marco Hartman and his team recently submitted the final flood mitigation report to the Ministry of Environment and Water and shares with us the urgent steps needed.
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AC Ventures is a leading Southeast Asian venture capital firm investing in early-stage startups focused on Indonesia and ASEAN. We ask Ng Yi Chung, partner at AC Ventures Malaysia on the landscape of venture capital in Malaysia, and is tech still the darling?
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Lagenda Properties is a relatively newcomer in the property business, but it has morphed into a developer with a niche in affordable landed housing, catering to the B40 and M40 income households. Its flagship project is in Setiawan, Perak but it has ventured into other states in an attempt to replicate this success by launching products below RM250,000. Will lady luck still shine when it spreads its wings beyond Perak? We discuss this with Dato Jimmy Doh, Managing Director at Lagenda Properties.
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As the era of ultra low interest rates comes to an end and a global recession looms overhead, how are regional private equity players adapting to the challenging macroeconomic conditions? Dato’ Sri Nicholas Bloy, co-founder and Managing Partner of Navis Capital Partners discusses the outlook for private equity in the APAC region as well as their latest foray into private credit markets.
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Listed in 2015, Sedania Innovator Berhad focuses on project-managing and investing in sustainable energy projects as well as sustainable healthcare. Sedania’s CEO, Daniel Ruppert shares with us their latest quarterly earnings and their shift from telco during their IPO.
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Many organisations have realised the importance and benefits of sustainability which ultimately gives it a higher survival rate. Despite many positive trends, surveys point to a low percentage of firms changing their business models to take advantage of trends in sustainability. We speak to Peter McAteer, managing director of SustainLearning on how a company can ensure a smooth transition to become a more sustainable company and how important is talent and change management.
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Despite multiple shocks to the global economy and supply chains in 2022, the world’s largest logistics player, DHL Group has thrived, with its express international shipping division, DHL Express, playing a key role in the Group’s overall resilience. But are the good times set to end in the coming year with a global recession looming amid continued geopolitical tensions? We discuss long and short term trends impacting the logistics industry with Global CEO John Pearson.
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Kopi Kenangan is rebranding itself as Kenangan Coffee as it ventures outside its Indonesian home where it already has more than 800 outlets employing some 5,000 staff. It is also Southeast Asia’s first new F&B retail unicorn - all within a short space of 5 years. Its co-founder and CEO Edward Tirtanata sits down for a bit of coffee shop talk to explain what this grab & go coffee chain's plans are as it sets up shop in Malaysia first before venturing beyond.
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While Perikatan Nasional lost the bid to form the government of the day, its influence to shape the political future of Malaysia is not to be underestimated. Wan Ahmad Fayshal, MP for Machang, and youth chief for Bersatu, one of the core parties of the coalition, tells us whether PN is a coalition for all Malaysians and what kind of opposition they intend to be.
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Ekuinas, the Government's private equity fund management company has a focus to promote Bumiputera economic participation. With total committed investment exceeding RM4.4 billion to date, we ask CEO, Syed Yasir Arafat on how the possibility of a global recession will affect the PE landscape and their performance in turn.
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Malaysia has continued to slide down the rankings of Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index CPI), despite pledges to combat corruption by successive governments. On International Anti-Corruption Day, we discuss the institutional reforms that need to be prioritised to make commitments to clean government more than just aspirational rhetoric.
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YTL Communications was the first major telco to launch 5G services in Malaysia. But the rollout of 5G in Malaysia hasn't been smooth sailing. We ask CEO, Wing K. Lee, whether their stake in Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB) will be worth the money, and when will we see a profit?
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PGF Capital Berhad has been listed on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia since 1990 but has not seen the entry of any institutional investors. However, its share price has rallied by more than 130% YTD. Its core business is in design, manufacture and distribution of glass mineral wool insulation which provides indoor comfort through thermal and acoustic insulation. We speak to Fong Wern Sheng, Executive Chairman on what is driving the share price and their outlook for 2023.
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From their retail stores at TTDI and Chow Kit in 1987, Bake With Yen now has over 90 outlets throughout Malaysia. And in 2017, private equity firm Creador acquired a stake in the group for US$13 million. We ask CEO, Alexandre Rosso whether the baking hobby during the pandemic was just a flash in the pan, and was its rapid expansion a piece of cake.
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In the end, 28 ministers were announced with some surprises, in particular Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also double hatting as Finance Minister. We evaluate the hits and misses whilst diving into the priorities of this cabinet with Pankaj Kumar, Business Commentator and Asrul Hadi Abdullah Sani, Deputy Managing Director, BowerGroupAsia.
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Immigration is most commonly discussed through the lens of the emigre seeking a way into a new land and the rules put in place to secure borders from those deemed undesirable to enter the country. But another, less explored approach of looking at immigration control is to consider the impact on the receiving society and whether the costs of exchanging freedom for secure borders is ultimately what we as a society want. Prof. Chandran Kukathas, author of the book "Immigration and Freedom" puts forth alternative views of the immigration debate.
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The higher education business has always had a reputation of being lucrative and recession proof. With competition for education dollars on the rise and students opting for the gig or creator economy, does this still hold true? Additionally, there have been instances where Malaysian public universities have been subject to political interference. Are foreign based universities with a localised presence like Heriot-Watt University Malaysia different? We speak to Professor Mushtak Al-Atabi, Provost and CEO of Heriot-Watt University Malaysia for insights.
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Asset management has been going through structural changes with intense competition, the shift to passive funds and lower fees. So why did CVC, one of the largest PE funds, buy a stake in Malaysia's 3rd largest fund managers? We ask Dato' Teng Chee Wai, Managing Director of AHAM Capital that question and also where markets are headed in 2023.
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25 November marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. How effective is the legal framework in Malaysia to address violations against women and girls? We take stock of the progress made and action urgently needed in order for genuine societal shifts in attitudes towards gender equality and women’s rights.
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After a long protracted battle for Putrajaya, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has finally become Malaysia's 10th Prime Minister. We explore his decades-long ambition to run the country with Jahabar Sadiq, Founder and Editor, The Malaysian Insight and James Chai, Visiting Fellow, ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute. We also ask if the hard work actually begins now with the different factions within this Unity government.
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Islamic bonds or sukuks continued to record resilience compared to conventional bonds despite volatile crude oil prices, a high interest rate environment and general geopolitical uncertainty. How will it fare with increasing awareness of ESG investing? Bashar Al Natoor, Global Head of Islamic Finance at Fitch Ratings talks to us about the challenges Islamic finance is set to face with a global standardisation issue as well as what Malaysia needs to do to make its mark as an international hub for shariah-compliant investments.
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The negotiations to form the next government of Malaysia following the 15th general elections have yet to yield results, but there have been surprises and U-turns over the past two days. Meanwhile the political polarisation at the elite level is also reflected in public and social media discourse, raising concerns about the unity of Malaysian society. What challenges will the next government need to contend with to rebuild the consensus of Malaysia? We unpack the developments with our panel of experts.
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The Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in Myanmar have highlighted the division between nations in ASEAN. Philip See speaks to Manu Bhaskaran, Founding Partner and President of Centennial Asia Advisors, for an in-depth analysis of ASEAN as a force of global diplomacy, which economies have the right fundamentals, and which governments have put the right policies to drive long-term economic development and growth.
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As predicted, the 15th general elections culminated in a hung Parliament, but few foresaw the rise of the green wave in peninsular Malaysia as PAS secured the highest seats in the august house. Ibrahim Suffian of the Merdeka Center helps us contextualise the GE15 results and discusses where politics in the country is heading.
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History will be made tomorrow as more than 21 million Malaysians will be able to head to the polls to chart the future of the country in GE15. This will be a critical election as it is seen as the make it or break it moment for many key figures of the Malaysian political scene. Will Datuk Seri Anwar finally become prime minister? Or will we see things go back to the way they were with Barisan Nasional taking the helm? What about newcomer Perikatan Nasional which touts itself as a clean coalition that can return Malaysia to its glory days? Experts Tricia Yeo of IDEAS and Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin of the Institute of Ethnic Studies share their views and thoughts on how the future of Malaysia will be made tomorrow.
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Holland Circular Hotspot (HCH) is a private-public platform in which the local government authorities, experts and companies collaborate internationally to stimulate entrepreneurship in the field of a circular economy. CEO, Freek van Eijk shares with us their collaboration with Malaysian companies and the government, and how Malaysia can improve to have a better circular economy.
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World Cup season is upon us and in the years and months leading up to the kick-off in Qatar this November 20th, we can't escape knowing about it. Go to the supermarkets and you see products from potato crisps to beers and fizzy drinks all emblazoned with the FIFA logo. It is for sure a big billion dollar global business which Simon Chadwick, a professor of sport & geopolitical economy, at the SKEMA Business School and also co-author of the Business of the FIFA World Cup, discusses with us.
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Khairy Jamaluddin is in the political challenge of his life with a seven cornered fight in Sungai Buloh. He has made known of his ambitions to be Prime Minister of Malaysia. We ask him why he deserves that role, is reform within UMNO possible and his political future if he loses.
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While all airlines were badly hit by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, for Qatar Airways the global shutdown came on top of a blockade imposed by neighbouring countries on Qatar since 2017. With the blockade now lifted and pandemic recovery in full swing, is clear skies ahead for Qatar Airways, especially with the tailwind of the FIFA World Cup this month? We discuss the outlook for Qatar Airways with Dato' Muzammil Mohamad, ASEAN Regional Manager.
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Many have heard of Adobe because of their best-in-class photo-editing app, Photoshop. That's just one of many software suites of Adobe which has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception. One of Adobe's most impressive moves was the transition from a licensed software company to a completely cloud-based company. How did this happen and what's the next growth phase for Adobe? We will be speaking to Simon Dale, Managing Director South East Asia and Korea of Adobe.
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Selangor has many attractions to draw tourists - both natural and manmade - and many locals are discovering them especially in the years before international travel resumed. How has the state helped its travel, tourism and hospitality players survive the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and what is it doing now to revitalise this sector? Azrul Shah Mohamad, the CEO of Tourism Selangor, talks about balancing the fragile natural beauty that is Selangor state while pursuing the lucrative tourism dollar.
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The payment method for Malaysians has transformed dramatically in the last few years and payments remain the largest fintech segment in the industry. But with margins compressing, no thanks to a very competitive landscape, what does this mean for one of the earliest players - GHL? We ask their Group CEO, Sean Hesh these questions and more.
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As one of Malaysia's oldest and largest foreign banks, is OCBC ready for the structural shift in the banking landscape with intensifying competition? We put its CEO, Dato’ Ong Eng Bin in the hot seat to ask this question whilst asking if they would consider inorganic growth via an acquisition.
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Malaysia and the United States have had 65 years of relations ever since over independence in 1957. Despite the changing global geopolitical environment, the US remains one of our third-largest trading partners, after China and Singapore. But with the growing influence of China and uncertainty in Europe, leading to a volatile macroeconomic environment, how will bilateral relations between the US and Malaysia change? Its ambassador, Brian McFeeters comes on the Breakfast Grille to discuss.
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Since its founding over a decade ago, Wise has expanded to become a global transaction platform moving £9 billion monthly. Its CEO and cofounder Kristo Käärmann takes the hot seat to discuss how the company has grown and the future of Wise, especially in Asia.
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Parti Sosialis Malaysia is the sole party based on ideology, specifically socialism - but ideology doesn’t insulate one from cut-throat Malaysian politics. After the Pakatan Harapan and PSM electoral pact fell through at the eleventh hour, PSM decided to stand on its own ticket in GE15. Can the most principled party in the country make headway with mainstream voters? We speak to Arveent Kathirchelvan, Youth Chief of Pemuda Sosialis on the political future of PSM.
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Kawan Engineering has been in the business of making and designing heat exchangers and boilers for more than 25 years. It counts companies like Petronas, Sime Darby, Tenaga as well as France's Alstom and Halliburton from the US amongst its clients. Today, it is venturing into the waste-to-energy business mindful of increasing demand for more climate-friendly solutions. Lim Thou Lai, its Managing Director, share what his future plans are for the company.
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After Malaysia was unceremoniously downgraded by FAA, questions were raised about our safety standard. We speak to Datuk Captain Chester Voo Chee Soon, CEO of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), about how challenging it was to restore our status after 3 years. We also asked if the MAVCOM and CAAM merger is still pending.
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It started out in 1923 in Penang as a trading business called Diethelm & Co from Switzerland, today it is a Bursa-listed market expansion services firms dealing in consumer goods and healthcare amongst others. How has DKSH Holdings Malaysia navigated all the economic challenges and how will it continue to grow? Stephen Ferraby, its chairman, talks about how everything from ensuring Famous Amos cookie bins are well stocked while ensuring Covid-19 vaccines are efficiently distributed.
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Scicom (MSC) Bhd has evolved from being just a call centre provider to now an end-to-end service provider in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). The market globally is projected to grow by a CAGR of 9% from 2022 to 2030. Chong Tjen San will ask its CEO, Dato’ Sri Leo Ariyanayakam whether Scicom can capitalise on this trend and why its stock is not so loved.
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FM Global Logistics Holdings Berhad is one of Malaysia’s largest freight and forwarding industry with a presence in the region. Most of its revenue comes from Malaysia and they have also seen significant growth from the US, and Australia is their second largest revenue contributor. In today’s episode of the Breakfast Grille, Philip See will be asking its group managing director, Chew Chong Keat, about how the company plans to expand its footprint, the boom of the logistics industry, the impact of rising costs, and how the uncertain geopolitical and economic situation as well as supply chain disruptions will affect its fortunes.
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Betamek Berhad is listing on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market on Oct 26th 2022, after 33 years in the business, mostly supplying car audio systems to Perodua vehicles for 28 of those years. Its managing director, Mirzan Mahathir, talks about plans to diversify and take advantage of increasing use of electronics in vehicles.
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CTOS Digital Berhad had one of the best debuts on Bursa Malaysia in 2021. It has since been on an acquisition drive including a controversial majority stake in RAM. Few-months old Group CEO, Erick Hamburger Barraza shares with us their next stage of growth, and whether financial performance does justify the expensive valuations.
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Malaysia’s 15th General Election will be held on Nov 19th, 2022, and political parties are ramping up their preparations. DAP Youth Chief and Pakatan Harapan Youth Chairman, Dr Kelvin Yii, shares his insights into how the coalition plans to face the upcoming national polls after striking out four times in state elections for Sabah, Johor, Malacca and Sarawak.
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Aerodyne Group is a Malaysian drone-based enterprise solutions provider that has a presence in 35 countries and also plans to raise USD100-200 million to grow to the next stage. We speak to Kamarul A Muhamed, Founder of Aerodyne Group, about what is that next stage of growth and of course, the monetisation plans.
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One of the largest software companies in the world has taken the strategic decision to bet heavily on the cloud. Will it pay off? We ask SAP's Southeast Asian president Verena Siow for her views and also if worries of an economic policy will see a slowdown in IT spend.
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As the US Federal Reserve embarks on an unprecedented monetary policy tightening cycle, the US dollar has also strengthened in relation to most currencies. What's the impact of the global dollar cycle on emerging market economies? We discuss the implications and policy tools that governments have to mitigate the fallout with Maurice Obstfeld, Professor of Economics at the University of California.
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Prominent legal activist Art Harun created uproar when he took up the post of Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat under the Perikatan Nasional government, with many questioning his independence. We discuss his term in the Speaker's Office, his approach to decision-making in Parliament and views on how the august house should be reformed.
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Former student activist Adam Adli was elected this year as the PKR Youth Chief, beating a more experienced rival for the top post. What does he bring to the table and why is the youth wing against bringing MUDA into the fold? We discuss this and more with Adam.
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Sunview Group Bhd is a renewable energy player slated to be listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia on Oct 17, with targets to raise 34 million ringgit via the listing exercise. CEO Ong Hang Ping shares with us the purpose of the IPO, how the funds will be used, and competition in the solar PV market.
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Accounting firms today have expanded their business to more than just auditing, with many of the major firms like the Big Four expanding into digital services, risk assurance and even consulting. Are we also seeing smaller firms follow suit? Philip See speaks to Francesca Lagerberg, the newly appointed CEO of Baker Till, and also the tenth largest accounting network in the world by revenue, on the industry landscape and the company’s plans moving forward.
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The dissolution of Parliament was finally announced, thus paving the way for the 15th General Elections. This was not a surprise, even though Budget 2023 was just tabled. We get first hand reactions with our panel of experts; Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director, Merdeka Centre and Pankaj C. Kumar, business commentator.
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Climate Bonds Initiative is an international non-profit organization working to mobilize global capital for climate action. Philip See speaks to Sean Kidney about the development and certification of green bonds, as well as what is required to accelerate its growth as we near COP27.
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Nearly three years since Covid-19 ravaged the world's economy and nothing has been the same since. Throw in a war in Europe, and China that still wants to completely eradicate the virus, and you have a recipe for continued uncertainty. Brian Coulton, Chief Economist at Fitch Ratings, helps us unpack the latest Global Economic Outlook that forecasts a global recession amidst rising inflation while trying to pick out some sliver of hope along the way.
Image credit: Shutterstock
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In a country teeming with long-serving politicians, the emergence of MUDA has galvanised political enthusiasm among Malaysian youth, especially in the wake of Undi18. But can they translate political enthusiasm into actual seats in Parliament in the next GE15? We speak to Syed Saddiq, Member of Parliament for Muar and President of MUDA on the party's plans for GE15.
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German Unity Day, which falls on the 3rd of October, is celebrated in Germany to commemorate its reunification in 1990, when West and East Germany were unified. More than three decades later, the country has grown to become a superpower in Europe and a symbol of progress in the world. But with a war raging on nearby in Ukraine and right wing governments rising in the region, how will this impact Germany's future? H.E. Dr. Peter Blomeyer, German Ambassador to Malaysia comes on the Breakfast Grille to discuss these issues as well as the developments between Malaysia and German bilateral relations.
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Oil and gas service and equipment company, Uzma Group has faced volatile oil prices in the last two years leading to a sharp deceleration of earnings. We ask founder and CEO, Dato' Kamarul Redzuan Muhamed about the impact of unstable market conditions, what efforts are being taken to detach from black gold, and of course, if we should buy the stock of this listed company.
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Malaysian-based company, Graphjet Technology will be converting palm kernel shells into graphite and graphene. The company aims to raise 115 million US dollars via a de-SPAC deal for a NASDAQ listing in October this year. Set to be the third Malaysian unicorn, CEO Lee Ping Wei shares with us business expansion plans, why the route of a SPAC listing, and how the rise of EVs will impact them.
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President Joko Widodo has made it his mission to transform Indonesia's economy and shepherd the migration of the capital city to East Kalimantan. We discuss the progress of these plans with His Excellency Hermono, Ambassador of Indonesia to Malaysia, as well as the pain points in Malaysia-Indonesia bilateral relations.
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As the momentum for GE15 heats up, is UMNO ready for elections? UMNO's youth chief, Dato’ Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki tells us the party's strategy to appeal to the voters, party unity and his thoughts on the current political landscape.
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The Islamic Banking landscape is competitive in Malaysia with 16 players, so is growth for Malaysia's largest Islamic Bank overseas an acquisition? Dato' Rafique Merican, CEO of Maybank Islamic answers that question whilst also telling us if their plans for a separate listing are on track.
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Vale is the world's largest producer of iron ore and nickel with operations in more than 30 countries, Malaysia included. Its Malaysian CEO, Rodrigo Ribeiro de Arajo takes the hot seat to talk to us about its operations, plans for expansion and how one of the largest mining companies in the world can operate in an increasingly ESG aware landscape.
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While there is widespread acceptance that environment, social and governance or ESG principles are crucial for business continuity, what this looks like in practice is an ongoing debate. What are the trends driving ESG action in the economy today and how should businesses position themselves for resilience? Dr. Andrea Bonime-Blanc, author of "Gloom to Boom: How Leaders Transform Risk to Resilience," discusses the megatrends she sees impacting business decision-making and why the ESG space should also include technology issues.
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They say prevention is better than cure and information is what helps us win battles. So knowing your genetic history can provide you a snapshot of who you are and how to be on the lookout for any hereditary concerns. The ACE Market-listed Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre has been providing these services and is now diversifying into cancer immunotherapy. CEO Sasha Nordin talks to us about how MGRC can provide these services at a fraction of the price while ensuring the company remains profitable.
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Hexagon AB is a publicly listed global InfoTech company specializing in hardware and software digital reality that was founded in 1992 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. With an annual revenue of 4.3 billion euros, it is a global leader in digital reality solutions, combining sensor, software and autonomous technologies. We speak to the Asian head of its leading metrology and manufacturing solution specialist arm Lim Boon Choon to discuss its presence in the region and how the industry has been shaping up.
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With international borders reopening and Covid-19 quarantine requirements mostly lifted, the travel and hospitality industry is seeing a return to normalcy after more than two years of near-zero revenue. Hilton International is now positioning itself to tap the increasing demand for hotel rooms across the Asia Pacific. Its Vice President & Regional Head for Southeast Asia, Alexandra Murray, talks about the challenges that lie ahead along with the rewards that are ripe for the taking.
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Industrial REITs have outperformed in the last few years on the back of the e-commerce and logistic boom. However in the era of rising interest rates, what does this mean for REITs? Chan Wai Leo, CEO of AME REIT tells us whilst telling us about their asset injection pipeline and their plans for asset enhancement.
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The inclusion of Sabah, Sarawak and Peninsular Malaysia under one national banner has created a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, including generational knowledge in producing crafts and handiworks. Can more be done to promote the economic potential of craftwork and cottage industries to elevate the livelihoods of indigenous and rural communities in the country? For reflections on this issue from an East Malaysian perspective, we speak to Jaqueline Fong, Founder of Tanoti Crafts.
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Tyson Foods is a 90 year old US company that's one of the world's largest frozen food producers, listed on the NYSE. It's been in Malaysia since 1987 but only in the last 4 years it seems to be making its presence known here with acquisitions to expand its operations.
Keith takes them out of the freezer, and put them on the grille to find out why it has taken them 3 decades to make their mark here. Also, what does it look like for them going forward .. you know with the higher chicken prices, will it ruffle their feathers?
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Singapore is an island that is just 57km wide and 27km long with a population of just over 5.9 million people. However this has not held it back from having ambitions to attract up to 6 million tourists this year and become the destination of choice in ASEAN. Keith Tan, CEO of Singapore Tourism Board tells us what their plans for growth are and how they are overcoming the headwinds of manpower shortages and intense competition.
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Samling Group is a Malaysian conglomerate with diverse business interests from automobiles, to palm oil and most prominently, timber. It was once listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2007 and then taken private in 2012. As one of the largest end-to-end timber companies in Malaysia, Samling is often embroiled in allegations of illegal logging and deforestation. We ask CEO, Lawrence Chia, the contentious issues the group is involved in, and can the company do better for the environment.
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How will the upcoming 15th General Election be fought? Will the same old faces be fielded again? Issues of racial and religious divisions in Malaysia are slowly morphing into one that is split along class lines - between the haves and the have-nots. And this time, the younger generation will be included in the decision making process, adding another dimension to the battlefield. Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Vice-president of KEADILAN and author of Malaysian Son, his latest book, shares his insights as a young 40 year-old, having contested in three elections to date.
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Why do some countries remain poor, despite continuous policy efforts over decades to chart an economic path out of poverty? Development expert Stefan Dercon argues that it comes down to an implicit or explicit bargain among the elites to prioritize national progress. We speak to him about this theory put forth in his book, "Gambling on Development: Why Some Countries Win and Others Lose."
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The push towards digitalisation, declining mail volumes and the rise of more nimble delivery competitors have affected the core business of postal service organisations. The more resilient postal services adapt to the changing times before becoming obsolete - can POS Malaysia join the ranks of the survivors? We catch up with CEO Charles Brewer to discuss his report card after one year of taking the helm of Malaysia's iconic company.
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Roche is a global leader in cancer treatments and one of the world's largest biotech companies with more than a century of history. Having established a presence in Malaysia since the 70s, the company has been expanding its footprint here in pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and other related products. Its Malaysian general manager Deepti Saraf comes on the Breakfast Grille to share some thoughts on Roche Malaysia's expansion plans, the healthcare industry in Malaysia and her outlook.
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Malaysia is the biggest producer of rubber gloves in the world but will China overtake us soon? Dr Supramaniam Shanmugam, President of MARGMA tells us if that is possible and what needs to be done to avoid us losing that crown whilst telling us if the boom and bust cycle for gloves means that the industry is ripe for consolidation.
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Qmed Asia is a homegrown healthcare tech start-up founded in 2018 by doctors who simply hated the long unproductive queues at hospitals. So, they developed an online appointment booking system for healthcare providers and they now have their sights set on going beyond Malaysia's shores. Its co-founder and CEO Dr Kev Lim talks about the journey, the challenges and the dream of Qmed Asia becoming a publicly listed company some time soon.
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Having survived through the pandemic, many construction players are now faced with a new set of challenges like rising material cost and labour shortages. Philip catches up with Datuk Dr Lim Jee Gin, group managing director of construction company Nestcon on the Breakfast Grille to discuss how the company plans to navigate rising material costs, labour shortages and returning profit to shareholders.
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As we celebrate 65 years of independence from the British, what economic shape is Malaysia in? What are the structural reforms that are needed to ensure the success of Malaysia Inc and also all Malaysians. Tan Sri Andrew Sheng, a former central banker and financial regulator in Asia, frequent commentator on global finance who is also a distinguished fellow at the Institute of Capital Market Research reflects on these questions.
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Malaysia plans to increase the share of renewable energy (RE) in its installed capacity to 31% in 2025 and 40% in 2035. But is there still money to be made in this very competitive field especially with rising solar panels and a plethora of players? Chow Pui Hee, Group Managing Director at Samaiden Group Bhd , a listed RE player tells us.
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Classic Scenic Berhad makes wooden picture frames and is listed on Bursa Malaysia's Main Board. It is one of the biggest frame makers in the world and has been steadily paying out dividends since its listing in 2004 - even through the pandemic. Its Executive Director, Eric Vo, paints us a picture of the business and what Classic Scenic can look forward to.
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Over four billion people around the world live in cities and the number is growing by 1.5 million each week. As urban growth rockets through the region, a holistic approach towards developing our cities is important to ensure inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable communities. We speak to a panel of experts to discuss this from a global perspective and what Malaysia can learn from.
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Yesterday, the five-person apex court bench chaired by Chief Justice Tengku Maimun unanimously dismissed former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak's appeal to quash his conviction over seven criminal charges as well as the sentencing. We speak to P. Gunasegaram, Author of 1MDB The Scandal That Brought Down A Government and Goh Cia Yee, Criminal Lawyer on this verdict and the court process.
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Bursa Malaysia wears the dual hat of market regulator and listed exchange company. However, average daily values have been on a declining trend. We ask its CEO Datuk Umar Swift how we can revive interest whilst discussing its latest initiatives in ESG including voluntary carbon trading.
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Technogym is a maker of premium high-end gym equipment that has been supplying the hospitality, corporate, business and home segments since it was founded in Cesena, Italy, in 1983. Today it is worth over US$2.4 billion and is present in over a hundred countries. It wants to expand its footprint in Malaysia and the region. We talk to James Lyne, Executive Director at Technogym Malaysia, to find out what its strategies are here in these economically challenging times.
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World Vision Malaysia is a child-focused organization set up in 1997 to support community development and humanitarian programs. We ask CEO, Terry Leong how is World Vision Malaysia bringing the local communities out of poverty and into self-sustainability. And how is the organization utilizing its funds and the ease of collaborating with local stakeholders?
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More people turned to books during the pandemic but was this reflected in revenues. Not likely if operations was just focused on fairs and bookshops. So we speak to Andrew Yap, Co-Founder & Managing Director of BookXcess as to how they made the switch to online sales and are they back in the black with all 19 stores opened.
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The most intensive oil and gas activity in Malaysia is presently carried out in Johor, where major oil storage, trading, bunkering, warehousing and manufacturing projects are located. Acting CEO of Johor Petroleum Development Corp, Izhar Ismail tells us how they plan to turn Johor into a regional Oil and Gas hub.
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Developing apps is becoming increasingly a necessity in an increasingly connected world. This is how businesses today reach their customers and this tool is even more crucial after various Covid-19 lockdowns forced us to stay home and go online. OutSystems is a US-based company that provides tools for businesses to develop apps. Its Asia Pacific Vice President Mark Weaser tells us about how much potential he sees in this space in the region and in Malaysia, in particular.
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Climate Governance Initiative works with boards around the world to accelerate the net zero transition and has established a global network of national and regional Chapters in 53 countries worldwide. As the IPCC report released last year emphasized the need for global emissions to be halved by 2030 to ensure average temperature rise does not exceed 1.5 degrees by 2050, we ask Karina Litvack, Chairman of the Climate Governance Initiative how difficult is it to make climate a boardroom priority and the backlash against ESG.
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For over a century, Ford Motors has been one of America's top car companies delivering its trucks and SUVs to the hands of consumers globally. But as the supply chain issue continues to worsen and inflation concerns rise, will the carmaker be able to remain profitable and grow in a region not so familiar with the brand name?
Philip See speaks to Ford's ASEAN president to understand the challenges she faces in a post-Covid era for the auto industry as well as Ford's EV strategies for the region.
Image credit: Shutterstock
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United Nations Development Programme works in around 170 countries and territories and aims to achieve 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, some of the goals are to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities and exclusion.
Kanni Wignaraja, Assistant Secretary-General, and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia and the Pacific, at the UNDP tells us the challenges it faces and gives us the behind the scenes of how conversations take place with governments.
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Malaysia briefly saw a federal government that included DAP for the first time ever after the Pakatan Harapan coalition won the 14th General Election in May 2018. Yeo Bee Yin was put in charge of the newly created Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, the Environment and Climate Change, which she oversaw using her engineering training for 20 months until, the Sheraton Move, led by Azmin Ali, upended all plans. The Bakri MP talks to us about her new book, The (Un)Finished Business, her future plans and hopes for Malaysia.
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TVB is a name synonymous with the golden age of Hong Kong entertainment, cult classic TV series and Cantopop at its best. After 55 years, where is it headed as demand for Cantonese language content appears to ebb? Desmond Chan, the General Manager of TVB International, tells about the challenges in finding talent, producing content while ensuring profits and maybe even discovering the next Chow Yun-fat in Malaysia.
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Listed on the Singapore Exchange, Sim Leisure Group designs and builds theme parks all over the world.
The group currently owns ESCAPE parks and recently acquired loss-making Kidzania KL from Khazanah and Boustead.
Founder and executive chairman, Sim Choo Kheng shares with us how the leisure industry is doing now, the business of designing fun and why is he advocating against roller coasters
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Philip See asks Professor Steve Keen, an Australian economist and Author of The New Economics: A Manifesto about creating alternative and realistic economics for a world that is trying to recover from the effects of the pandemic.
- He also asked him whether raising rates is still effective in tamping down inflation and why the study of economics need a major reformation to intertwine with energy, environment and social media.
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The Covid-19 pandemic boosted demand for quick diagnostic testing to unprecedented levels, bringing into focus the crucial role of pathology players in the healthcare ecosystem. What trends in healthcare and medicine are driving the regional growth potential of the pathology industry? We find out from Dr Christopher Ting, CEO of Pathology Group Asia, which runs a network of pathology labs across Southeast Asia, including Innoquest Pathology in Malaysia (formerly known as Gribbles Pathology).
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Logistic companies are facing the perfect storm of challenges of global supply chain shortages, soaring commodity prices, and border closures. We speak to Venkateswaran Lakshmanan, Sub-Regional Managing Director of Southeast Asia at Geodis if the worst is over and what are their growth prospect in this region.
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After hitting a revenue of RM1 billion, SNS Network Technology Bhd, is heading for a listing on the ACE market but what is the next catalyst for growth? Is the market saturated and with cost pressures, will we see margin compression? Co-founder and managing director, Ko Yun Hung comes on the Breakfast Grille to answers these questions and more.
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Cloud storage and analytics services provider Snowflake had one of the most impressive debuts on NYSE in 2020, with its share price reaching a high of USD401 in November last year. However the stock has tumbled sharply amid investor concerns over the prospects of tech players in a challenging global economy. What bearing do global market signals have for Snowflake’s expansion in the Asia-Pacific region, especially in ASEAN? We speak to Sanjay Deshmukh, Snowflake's Senior Regional Vice President for ASEAN and India to find out.
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It's been a month since the 25th anniversary of the 1997 Asian financial crisis which wreaked havoc in much of East Asia and Southeast Asia.
What were the fundamental impact of the crisis to the region's economic policies and what lessons can we take away from it as concerns of another economic crisis draws near? Russell Napier, author and cofounder of the think tank ERIC explains.
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As the cost of goods continue to rise on the back of supply chain issues and inflation, how does a multinational fast moving consumer goods company like Dutch Lady manage costs while ensuring profitability without pushing customers away?
Ramjeet Kaur Virik, its newly minted managing director for Malaysia talks to us about her strategies moving forward and whether you'll have to pay extra for your favourite milk in the coming months.
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With a national debt of above RM 1 trillion and ever ballooning subsidy bill, Malaysia is in a tight fiscal position. We speak to Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican, Deputy Secretary General for Policy of the Treasury at the Ministry of Finance to find out what the priorities of this government are that strikes the right balance between pro-growth policies whilst ensuring fiscal consolidation.
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Rising feedstock and energy cost has impacted the UK egg industry with many farmers on the verge of shutting down. What are the solutions to ensure that one of the cheapest sources of protein is available for all? Mark Williams, CEO and Secretary from British Egg Industry Council, share his thoughts whilst reminding us that there are many similarities with the Malaysian egg industry.
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Fandbee began life as Lee's Frozen Foods in 1972 at a small retail shop in Kampung Attap, KL. Today, 60 years and 3 generations later, it continues the business in Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam. Fandbee's Managing Director, Gareth Tan, shares how the company managed to weather at least 4 global recessions, the Asian Financial Crisis and pandemics.
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Singapore-based company Kaer is pioneering Cooling as a Service (CaaS) to the ASEAN market and recently announced a 15-year contract with The Exchange TRX for RM150 million. We speak to Kaer CEO Justin Taylor on the business proposition of CaaS and how it plans to leverage on the global push towards decarbonisation.
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UMediC Group Berhad is involved in the distribution of various branded medical devices and medical consumables and also in developing, manufacturing, and marketing of its medical consumables. The group will be listed on the ACE Market on 26th July 2022 and targets to raise around 31 million ringgit. CEO of the group, Lim Taw Seong shares with us the outlook and demand for healthcare products and the group's expansion plans.
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Venture Capital is common as a source of funding for start up's but its usually equity rather than debt. We speak to Dato' Wan Kamaruzaman Wan Ahmad, Chairman of Iris Capital Partners as to the advantages and disadvantages of using debt whilst delving into what sectors they are focusing in. We also ask about his views on the Malaysian economy and why our capital markets are so anemic.
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Unique Fire Holdings, a family-run business, has been in the fire protection system business since 1975. It is now set to list on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market on August 5th to raise RM21.8 million to set it on its next growth path. Its Executive Director, Ryan Liew, talks about UFH's journey navigating the challenges of the business amid rising costs and slowing demand, while remaining confident that this industry remains hot.
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Listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, Silverlake Axis provides software solutions and services to the Banking, Insurance, Retail, and government.
Andrew Tan, the group managing director of Silverlake Axis shares with us the financial performance and the impact of the 5 new digital banking license in Malaysia.
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The latest unemployment figure for Malaysian youth aged 15 - 24 years old stood at 12.5%, far higher than the national unemployment rate of 3.9%. Are we doing enough to ensure that youths are equipped with skills and opportunities to navigate a changing economic landscape? We discuss trends in youth employment with our panel on World Youth Skills Day.
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After 25 years of the MSC Malaysia programme to attract digital and technology investment, the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) is revamping the flagship scheme into Malaysia Digital and introducing new catalytic initiatives to bring in new investors. We sit down with MDEC CEO Mahadhir Aziz to discuss these plans and whether Malaysia can rival regional peers in attracting foreign investment.
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Founded in 1988, Dilmah Tea has grown from a household name in Sri Lanka to an international icon of Ceylonese tea available in over 100 countries.
But now as Sri Lanka's economy crashes and global supply chains issues continue to plague the world, how will Dilmah continue its operations?
And what role can it play in rebuilding Sri Lanka's economy moving forward? We speak to CEO Dilhan Fernando to get his thoughts.
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As part of our bi-annual series on where equity markets are heading, we speak to Anand Pathmakanthan, Head of Regional Equity Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group and Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer for ASEAN Equities, Principal Asset Management. We ask if China is ironically the safe haven markets and are there still gems to be found on Bursa Malaysia.
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We speak to Florence Tan, SSCG Small Spacecraft Coordination Group Chair and Deputy Chief Technologist at NASA on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's science mission directorate on space exploration and how her early years at Muar keep her feet firmly planted on the ground.
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The Covid-19 pandemic, the conflict in Ukraine, and climate change impact are all contributing to the rising cost of food, which in turn has rocketed food security to the top of national concerns. How is the ASEAN region impacted by disruptions to the global food supply chain, and is there a way to future-proof ourselves against similar shocks moving forward? We discuss this with Dr. Paul Teng, Professor & Adjunct Senior Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.com
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After two long years, international borders have finally reopened. But what is the pace of recovery for travel companies and has the nature of travel changed forever in a post covid world. We speak to Dato' Sri Koh Yock Heng. Co-Founder & Group Managing Director of Apple Vacations on their future plans after two years of almost zero revenue.
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After two years of losses due the pandemic, has listed auto parts company, MCE Holdings, turned the corner? Or will the near headwinds of rising material costs, supply chain disruptions and the end of the Sales and Service Tax chip away at margins. Questions we pose to Dr Goh Kar Chun, Group Managing Director, MCE Holdings.
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Plus Solar Systems, the renewable energy company recently rebranded itself to be known as Plus Xnergy Holding as part of its pivot to restructure and optimize its business. Group CEO Ko Chuan Zhen takes the hot seat to talk about their restructuring, the recent JV with Yinson Holdings as well as future expansion plans.
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Half a year after the economy's reopening after a lost two-year period due to Covid-19, Datuk William Ng, Chairman of Small and Medium Enterprises Association SAMENTA and Jeremy Lim, Vice President of Persatuan Pemilik Restoran dan Bistro, discuss the economic state of their respective members and what more needs to be done to repair the scar tissue.
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Despite moves since 2020 to diversify its market- and client reach that's led to a return to profit amidst globally buoyant energy prices, oil services firm Icon Offshore Bhd continues to see little interest in its stock.
Managing Director Datuk Seri Hadian Hashim addresses these company specific issues among other larger macro-economic and geopolitical reasons behind his company's and industry's performance.
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A whirlwind tour of Asia and the Pacific Islands is indicative of the shift in Australia's foreign policy after the election of the new labour government. But what is the key agenda and is the priority to counter China's growing dominance in the region. We speak to Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs to find out whilst delving into the role of strategic partnerships like the Quad.
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Dr Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, offers an update on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and a wider reading of its implications on the Asia-Pacific region.
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Many Malaysians have a nostalgic attachment to A&W, which first set up a presence here in the 1960s.
But with rapidly changing consumer tastes and global supply chain shocks affecting the F&B industry, how does A&W plan to stay relevant to the next generation and beyond?
Philip See will be speaking to its global CEO Kevin Bazner about his growth strategy for the franchise in Malaysia and the region.
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With inflation upon Malaysia and wallets still tight, the govt is spending on aid packages and other election-friendly goodies, all of which come at a cost -- explaining a growing drumbeat advocating a return of GST.
Dr. Veerinderjeet Singh, the Immediate Past President of Malaysian Institute of Accountants & YB Ong Kian Ming, Former MITI Deputy Minister, discuss the pros, cons, permutations and possibilities, while also offering insights into Budget 2023 and the coming Fiscal Responsibility Act.
Image credit: Shutterstock
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Earlier this month, the government decided to abolish the PT3 examinations in favour of school based assessments to determine students’ performance in their studies.
But how will this sudden abolishment in the middle of the school year impact school operations? Are teachers ready to rejig their syllabus to accommodate school based assessments?
In a special Breakfast Grille panel, we discuss this with former deputy education minister YB Teo Nie Ching and Conrad Fernandez of the education service provider, LeapEd.
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Indonesian online travel start-up Traveloka has grown over the past decade into a USD$3 billion unicorn with presences across Southeast Asia and Australia. With the regional travel and tourism industry slow to pick up in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Traveloka has been biding its time by strengthening its evolution into a travel superapp. How does the Malaysian outfit fit into the broader growth picture for Traveloka? We sit down with Country Manager Angelica Chan to find out.
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Before sustainability became the mainstay for cosmetic and toiletry brands, the Body Shop was already ahead of the pack with their focus on fair trade, women's issues and animal rights. However with the plethora of competition, can this edge be maintained. We speak to Qas Qayyum, Body Shop's Managing Director and Global head of franchise to discuss global trends and the importance of staying relevant.
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With crypto bellwethers like Bitcoin and Ethereum falling below critical price levels amidst the entire industry facing a maelstrom of regulatory, reputational and sentiment-driven headwinds, there has never been a more existential reckoning for the fledgling cryptocurrency landscape. Hong Qi Yu, Founder and CEO of Tokenize Xchange, addresses key industry and company issues.
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Sandy Tan, CEO, Optimax Holdings walks us through how the vision care business has evolved over the past 20 years and how it has been able to leverage the pandemic to drive its expansion in Malaysia and beyond.
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Cathay Pacific Airways has been one of the worst impacted airlines during the Covid-19 pandemic due to China’s zero Covid policy. It started the year USD5.5 billion in the red and its fleet remained grounded for most of the first half amid the Omicron wave. With Hong Kong finally easing international travel restrictions in April, can Cathay’s recovery plan take off? We discuss the business prospects of the beleaguered airline as well as the outlook of Hong Kong as a regional hub with Roger Li, Country Manager for Malaysia and Brunei of Cathay Pacific.
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As the Look East Policy turns 40 years old, what should the new areas of focus be as the relationship between Malaysia and Japan matures especially in an era of heightened geopolitical tensions. H.E. Takahashi Katsuhiko, Japan Ambassador to Malaysia gives us his views and how we can also improve trade relations.
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In a cost conscious environment, Rimini Street which has been listed on Nasdaq since 2017, has seen double digit growth due to its unique business model. However, is this sustainable and aren't software vendors aggressively finding ways to lock them out? We ask Seth Ravin, their CEO and Chairman those questions and more.
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AirCarbon AirCarbon Exchange ("ACX") is a global exchange involving the voluntary carbon market by tokenizing carbon offsets into 3 fungible carbon asset classes. Managing Director and Co-Founder, William Pazos explains the mechanisms of carbon trading and it's leveraging on the green aspirations of countries and businesses for future growth.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.com
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Pre-pandemic, supply chains were invisible - but the disruptions over the past two years have put these mysterious networks into the spotlight. We discuss how supply chains have been impacted by the three Cs - Covid-19, conflict and climate change - as well as how businesses need to adapt to the challenges with Associate Professor Dr. Shardul Phadnis of the Asia School of Business.
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Global logistics giant DHL is injecting some €690 million worth of investments into its Asia Pacific operations over a two year period, with Malaysia being one of the key beneficiaries in Southeast Asia. Why is DHL investing so much into the country and how does it feature in the company’s broader plans? We discuss logistics trends and strategic growth plans with Julian Neo, Managing Director for DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei.
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Anna Teo, Founder and Group CEO of Hernan Corporation shares how Malaysia's largest durian exporter has grown from strength to strength as it expands across the value chain and solidifies its presence in China.
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Cloud computing is a popular strategy these days amongst corporations as we see more adoption of public and private cloud services in favour of efficiency, security and innovation. Sandeep Bhargava, Managing Director of Asia Pacific and Japan at Nasdaq listed Rackspace Technology shares with us his vision, as the company embraces growing demand in multi cloud services, positive impact from the pandemic and increasingly competitive landscape.
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Beno Technologies in a Malaysian start up that manufactures the world’s first commercially available hubless e-bike and has sold it to over 70 countries.
The bikes are built and manufactured in Bayan Lepas, Penang, but the company’s main market isn’t in Malaysia, they mainly sell to the US and Europe.
In conjunction with World Bicycle Day, Philip See will ask Alec Lim the behind-the-scenes in the manufacturing of an e-bike, why isn’t Malaysia their main market, and also dissect the company’s financials.
Image credit: reevobikes.com/
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With supply chains unhinging all over the world thanks to a perfect storm of geopolitical, financial and climate-related factors, will industry-specific EP software offer a plausible solution?
Vincent Tang, Asia Regional Vice President of supply chain software firm Epicor, discusses.
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Penang-based electronic manufacturing solutions provider CNergenz raised RM58 million in its IPO on the ACE market this month. What is its growth strategy following this cash injection? We discuss CNergenz's smart factory ambitions and views on the prospects for the Malaysian semiconductor industry with CEO Lye Yhin Choy.
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Funding Societies as one of the leading peer to peer lender (P2P) in this region tries to solve the funding requirements of businesses by connecting them with investors who would lend capital through their online platforms, but, how did they fare during the pandemic and what is next since they did not advance further in the digital banking license application? Funding Societies Malaysia’s Co-Founder and CEO, Wong Kah Meng tells us.
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GSK will split into two new companies in 2022, they are GSK and Haleon. So what does this spin-off mean for Malaysia and the healthcare industry? Philip See speaks to Dr. Jonathan Pan, Vice President and GM of Malaysia and Brunei at GSK about their top-selling drugs, their role in the Covid-19 pandemic, and can Malaysia be a vaccine manufacturing hub?
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Santharuban Thurai Sundaram, the CEO of halal beverage company Etika Group, discusses the choice of Malaysia as its ASEAN springboard and its premiumization strategy as global inflation rages.
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Almost every industry uses industrial brushes for a variety of purposes and it is an often overlooked but crucial element in all businesses. Ang Poh Yee, Executive Director of Yew Lee Pacific Group, who is one of the key players in the manufacturing of industrial brushes in Malaysia and is also seeking a listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Securities, talks to us about their intention with IPO proceeds and expansion plans.
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The pandemic sparked a surge in sales of kitchen appliances, coffee, garment and home care categories.
We speak to Nicholas Lee, the Vice President & Market Leader of Asia Pacific for Philips Domestic Appliances on the impact of the sale of its business to Asian private equity group Hillhouse Capital, what is its e-commerce strategy and the change of consumer trends in Malaysia.
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Naysan Munusamy, the co-founder of transfers and remittances fintech MoneyMatch, discusses being in a winning consortium for one of Malaysia's five digital bank licence winners along with RinggitPlus, CarSome and KAF.
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Chosen as one of six researchers from around the world to receive this year’s Pew Marine Fellowship, Dr. Jillian Ooi, Seagrass Ecologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Malaya is on the Breakfast Grille to share the key ecological roles of seagrass meadows.
To mark International Day for Biological Diversity on the 22nd of May, we ask her about Malaysia's biodiversity, the education surrounding this issue and how difficult is it to secure funding for her research?
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CUCKOO has made itself a household name when it comes to water purifier but they aspire for the brand to represent more than that. However, with CUCKOO Korea owning 86% stake in Cuckoo International (M) Sdn Bhd, how does the Malaysian operation plans to achieve that and is an IPO brewing under the radar? Hoe Kian Choon, CEO of Cuckoo International tells us all.
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The pandemic has changed higher education permanently but have institutions been able to pivot? How does it manage to remain profitable yet offer world-class education? And are universities even relevant today? Questions we ask Datuk Parmjit Singh, CEO of Asia Pacific University of Technology & Innovation (APU).
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Michele Ferrario, CEO and Co-Founder of StashAway shares with us his strategies to navigate market volatility, how investors should react during this time and also on their plans for geographical expansion and AUM growth.
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Malaysia’s health white paper is due soon. Will it however be able to address the plethora of issues that existed even before the pandemic in a sustainable manner? Datuk Dr Kuljit Singh, President, Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) & Azrul Mohd Khalib, CEO, Galen Centre for Health & Social Policy give us their views on what the priorities should be. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Unlike Singapore, Malaysia has taken a conservative approach to the cryptocurrency industry, in retrospect a wise approach given the past week's turmoil. David Low, Asia-Pacific General Manager of Luno, discusses Malaysia's regulatory approach as well as his own platform's future plans.
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In a sluggish property market, how challenging is it for a niche property company to grow fourfold? Datuk Seri Yap Ngan Choy, Executive Chairman and Group Managing Director of NCT Alliance Bhd which has that target, tells us whilst explaining the many related party transactions the company has done and why revitalizing abandoned projects can be very lucrative.
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Concerns over independence of the judiciary have come to the forefront recently, with prominent lawyers calling for the Malaysian Bar to stage a march for justice. How serious is the threat against Malaysia’s judicial system? Karen Cheah, newly-minted President of the Malaysian Bar discusses these and other developments related to the legal profession.
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The battle for FDI in Covid-ravaged Southeast Asia has never been fiercer, with Kuala Lumpur also grappling with additional political and policy headwinds. Muhammad Azmi Zulkifli, CEO of InvestKL, offers a situation report. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Europe Day is the the anniversary of the Schuman declaration that is the foundation of political cooperation that was supposed to make war between European countries unthinkable. But with the war in Ukraine, what is the EU's response? H.E. Michalis Rokas, Ambassador of the European Union to Malaysia answers that question and also a channel check on our bilateral trade relations.
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Despite comprising roughly half of Malaysia's labour population, women make up a small fraction of seats on corporate boards and as heads of publicly listed companies. Has progress in gender representation in the corporate world stalled or even regressed? We discuss the present scenario and efforts to increase women's participation at the highest levels with our panel of experts. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor, CEO of Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC) shares his perspective on its catalytic role for green economic growth by driving climate change mitigation actions and mainstreaming the green economy.
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After two years of pandemic restrictions, this year's Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations are highly anticipated by Malaysians nationwide. But are cost pressures and supply chain disruptions crimping retail spending during this festive season? Ahead of festivities next week, we catch up with Datuk Wira Dr Ameer Ali Mydin, Managing Director of Mydin on his outlook for the retail industry amid a turbulent economic environment.
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South Africa is one of the leading economies on the African continent and seen as an influential middle-power in geopolitics. So its abstention on several UN General Assembly resolutions condemning the war in Ukraine is noteworthy. We ask H. E. Dave Malcomson, the South African High Commissioner to Malaysia on the country's position vis-a-vis Russia and Ukraine, as well as the opportunities to enhance bilateral relations with Malaysia.
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RHL Ventures, the venture capitalist company that was founded by 3 young founders of illustrious families in 2016, have ambitious plans to triple its assets in 5 years. Its Managing Partner, Raja Hamzah Abidin, tells us how they plan to achieve this goal and also on how the pandemic has impacted deal flows.
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As we are aware, it has been almost two months since Russia invaded Ukraine and despite strong condemnation by a majority of countries around the world, President Vladimir Putin has shown no signs of relenting. While thousands of lives continue to be upended and the global economic situation drags on, we speak to Poland's ambassador to Malaysia, H.E. Krzysztof Dębnicki to get his thoughts on the war in Europe and Poland’s position regarding the conflict.
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Local dairy producer Farm Fresh Berhad debuted on the Main Market in March 2022 to much investor enthusiasm. But will economic cost pressures deflate the high? We catch up with Managing Director Loi Tuan Ee on his ambitious regional expansion strategy, plans to fortify domestic production and distribution as well as how his company is dealing with the fallout of rising commodities prices. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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As part of World Book and Copyright day, we speak to Chong Ton Sin, founder of Gerakbudaya, and Amir Muhammad, founder of Buku FIXI on the business of books. We also ask if there is a culture of reading in Malaysia, what are the challenges for independent publishers, and most importantly, content censorship in the book industry. Background image credit: Pixabay.com
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Ghana and Malaysia have more in common than you think, as we were both British colonies that gained independence in 1957 and we also share a similar population size. Ms. Ama Boahemaa Dwomoh, the Acting High Commissioner of Ghana talks to us about the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and how the country is coping in the third year of the pandemic.
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Duopharma Biotech Berhad, the distributor of the Sinopharm vaccine, was one of the winners of the pandemic. But with a price cap set by the government, how will that impact the company? Leonard Ariff Bin Abdul Shatar, Group Managing Director, Duopharma Biotech Bhd answers those questions and their strategy for growth.
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Central Global Berhad has been a pioneer in high temp tape manufacturing since 1972 and in recent years the company has also ventured into the construction sector. But how does the company juggle between the two business segments? Chew Hian Tat, Managing Director and also a new major shareholder of Central Global Berhad speaks to us about his plans to turn around the company and also on his strategy to bring the business forward especially the export of masking tapes.
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In conjunction with World Art Day, we have a special panel discussion with Lim Wei Ling of Wei Ling Gallery, a contemporary art gallery located in KL and Irsyad Saidin of Pentas.io, Malaysia’s premier NFT marketplace to discuss the business of art. We get their thoughts on how the pandemic has impacted the industry and the future of art in Malaysia in a digital age. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Brazilian aerospace manufacturer Embraer is a minnow in contrast to market giants Boeing and Airbus, especially in the Asia-Pacific. However, the planemaker has bold ambitions to grow its presence in the region, targeting over 3,000 aircraft deliveries here in the next 20 years. We discuss Embraer's growth strategy and structural changes in the travel sector with Raul Villaron, Vice President for Asia-Pacific.
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Chong Wai Yen, Managing Director, Carrier Malaysia shares with us how Carrier, the original inventor of the air conditioning system, is planning to expand further into the Asia Pacific region and how it will navigate the challenges of air pollution, climate change and energy efficiency. Image credit:
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CrowdStrike is a well-known name in the endpoint cybersecurity sector. As worldwide spending on security and risk management technology is expected to increase in the years ahead, we ask Jagdish Mahapatra, Asia Managing Director of CrowdStrike on what trends we can observe in Asia, how Malaysia fares in terms of implementing endpoint protection systems, and how the pandemic has driven interest in digital transformation and cybersecurity.
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Already host to more than 150 thousand Ukrainian refugees, the Czech Republic has also become the first NATO member state to send tanks to Ukraine following the Russian invasion. Today on the Breakfast Grille, H. E. Milan Hupcej, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Malaysia, talks to Philip See about the Czech stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as well as the Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement and the social linkages between our two countries. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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After two years devoid of international tourism, Malaysia fully reopened its borders this month to much fanfare. Has the pandemic provided an opportunity for Tourism Malaysia to reset and restart its promotional activities in a major way? We discuss the outlook and targets for Malaysian tourism this year with Dato' Hj. Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.
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With supply chain disruptions, labour shortages and high oil prices plaguing the world, how does it all impact the local automotive industry, specifically Bermaz Auto Berhad who distributes Mazda, Kia and Peugeot in Malaysia? Dato' Francis Lee, CEO of Bermaz Auto Berhad, shares his insights with us. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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The government is expecting tourism to contribute as much as 12% towards GDP eventually but is this achievable and what is the roadmap? We speak to Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture to find out, and if it's time for a relook at the government framework which some say is too unwieldy. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Former Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Dato Mohammad Ariff Md Yusof is the author of ‘Parliament Unexpected’, a book in which he discusses his recollections of parliament, politics and pandemic in Malaysia. Today he discusses the troubles with parliament and parliamentarians and what needs to be addressed.
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James McCormack, Global Head of Sovereign Ratings at Fitch Ratings, addresses the possibility of sovereign debt default risks due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, given the globalised nature of the modern economy. He also addresses the shifting nature of global currencies, including the US Dollar's status as a global reserve currency. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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The cabinet has delayed the Anti Hopping Law but is this critical for a democracy like Malaysia? Datuk Seri Azalina Othman, Former Deputy Speaker of Dewan Rakyat and Special Adviser to the Prime Minister for Law and Human Rights, tells us why whilst diving into the MOU between the government and the opposition. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Backed by Navis Capital, Aurelius Healthcare has recently acquired Nilai Medical Center and renamed it as Aurelius Hospital Nilai. But what are their plans for the group post acquisition? Dato’ Amir Firdaus Abdullah, Group MD, Aurelius Healthcare shares key insights with us.
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As the world continues to grapple with supply chain disruptions caused by the numerous factory or plant shutdowns occurring in parts of the world as the Covid-19 pandemic continues to rage on, how has our largest publicly listed port operator, Westports adapted to this issue? We speak to its group managing director, Datuk Ruben Gnanalingam on the Breakfast Grille for more. Image credit: Westports Holdings
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Professor Sarah Metcalfe, Interim Provost and CEO of University of Nottingham Malaysia, addresses the challenges of getting students back on campus, post-pandemic as well as life after its local partners YTL-Boustead's exit.
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The MRT3 Circle Line will have 31 stations, with 40km of elevated tracks and 11km of underground tunnels that stretch into a circular alignment along the perimeter of Kuala Lumpur. But with a cost of close to 40 billion ringgit, is this what Malaysia truly needs? Hamdan Abdul Majeed from Think City, and Aziff Azuddin from Citymapper shares their thoughts. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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The tabling of an anti-hopping law during the first session of Parliament in 2022 was one of the key conditions of the MOU between the Federal Government and Pakatan Harapan. Now that the tabling of the bill has been postponed, how does this affect the historic but uneasy truce between two sides of the political divide? We discuss what's holding up progress on the anti-hopping bill and whether Malaysia is ready for new coalition politics with our panel of guests. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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The war in Ukraine continues into its 2nd month with no signs of peace. We speak to H. E. Olexander Nechytaylo, Ambassador of Ukraine to Malaysia for an update on the situation on the ground from the humanitarian crisis, to the war efforts and peace talks. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Despite the squeeze on student enrollment due to the Covid-19 pandemic, BAC Education Group has been investing in hybrid infrastructure to make the best of both in-person and online learning. We speak to Co-Founder and Managing Director Raja Singham on how BAC has pivoted to digital education and their plans to grow with an emphasis on impact over profit. Image credit: BAC
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Carousell is one of the leading classified marketplaces that has attained unicorn status with more than USD1 billion valuation. We speak to Tang Siew Wai, the Malaysian Country Manager, to find out their strategy for growth in Malaysia.
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After two years of stringent borders control, Malaysia will soon be reopening its borders once again and many in the aviation sector welcome this with both arms. Mohammad Al Attar, Country Manager of Emirates Malaysia shares with us on how they maneuvered the pandemic and their plans moving forward with the reopening of borders. Image credit: Emirates
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Dr. Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, offers a state of play for the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the choices ASEAN might soon have to make if the conflict widens. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for four years straight in the World Happiness Report. What accounts for the high levels of contentment among Finns? We discuss the factors that have contributed to strong institutional safety nets and public trust in Finland with H.E. Sami Leino, Ambassador of Finland to Malaysia.
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With the country experiencing an unprecedented level of flooding, we ask Cha-Ly Koh from Urbanmetry and YB Charles Santiago, MP for Klang as to the solutions required to better respond, mitigate and adapt to natural disasters triggered by climate change. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Malaysia's largest integrated media company, Media Prima, reported stellar 2021 earnings, marking a return to profit since 2015. Under the helm of newly appointed managing director, Rafiq Razali, how is Media Prima positioning itself amid changes in the industry, especially its broadcasting and publishing segments? We discuss his vision for the company moving forward. Image credit: Media Prima
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Fresh off the Johor state elections, we unpack the results and drama that ensued to understand what it means for politics on a federal level. Is this a bellwether for the 15th General Elections? What were the surprises and what were the letdowns? Political analysts Dr. Azmi Hassan and Dr. Oh Ei Sun share their views and analysis on a special Breakfast Grille panel. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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When it comes to wages, many of us can agree that it should be increased. But the question that provokes intense debate is when and how? Should market forces dictate the quantum of our living, graduate and minimum wage? Or should government policy get into it to set direction? Philip see consults experts Carmelo Ferlito of CME and Zouhair Rosli of DM Analytics on how much you should get paid.
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The past few years have been booming for semiconductor players. Automotive LED supplier D&O Green Technologies Bhd’s managing director, Tay Kheng Chiong, is on the Breakfast Grille to talk about supply chain disruptions from the pandemic, how the shift to EVs will impact them, and how ESG trends will impact them.
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Two years into the pandemic and hardly any flights happening, how does a general insurance player tied to an airline like Tune Protect grow and maintain its presence? Rohit Nambiar, Group CEO of Tune Protect tells us their strategy for growth.
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On International Women’s Day 2022, we speak to a pioneer that championed the environment, social causes and women's issues: listed company InNature which manages the Body Shop in Malaysia, Cambodia and Vietnam. Datin Mina Cheah-Foong, Founder and Managing Director tells us if this company has successful evolved despite the intense competition and the new challenges of rising cost of doing business.
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Prudent, measured growth has been key to managing Covid's retail fallout but having raised Series C funding, it's now all systems go for regional and international expansion. Dione Song, CEO of women-focused Singaporean fashion retailer Love, Bonito.
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Eddie Wong, Managing Director of KVC Industrial Supplies and Country MD of Sonepar Malaysia shares with us how this one stop shop for commercial and industrial properties plans to improve its margins and expand beyond distribution in view of fast changing mega trends following the pandemic. Image Credit: KVC MY
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Malaysia is home to one of the most biodiverse ecological environments, widely recognized for the richness of flora and fauna species with whom we share the land. In recognition of the value of our natural heritage, the government has reaffirmed a pledge to maintain 50% forest cover as part of efforts to conserve the environment - but how genuine is our commitment to preserve the forest? On World Wildlife Day, we discuss with our expert panel on what we stand to lose by unchecked development and policy measures that should be considered to preserve biodiversity. Image Credit: Sabrina Hermann/Shutterstock.com
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Thanks to the success of its Civic sedan and HR-V and BR-V SUVs, Honda is the top non-national make in Malaysia, but longer-term challenges centre on Honda's investment into EVs where the lack of a national framework befuddles manufacturers. Madoka Chujo, CEO, Honda Malaysia, discusses. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com
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In a crowded field of 16 Islamic Banks, how does one of the smallest standalone banks make waves? Arsalaan Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of Al Rajhi Bank Malaysia tell us their strategy for growth via digital banking and are they open to an M&A? Image Credit: Al Rajhi Bank Malaysia
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From the most recent earnings, it looks like the worst is over for Berjaya Food but what is their strategy for growth in a crowded field? And with the added pressures of inflations and shortage of workers, will the operating environment become even more challenging? Datuk Sydney Quays, CEO of Berjaya Food Bhd answers these questions and more. Image credit: Berjaya Food
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Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have boiled over into a full-scale invasion after Russia sent military troops into the country on Thursday, 24 February. Why have diplomatic efforts to resolve the stand-off failed? We speak to H.E. Olexander Nechytaylo, Ambassador of Ukraine to Malaysia for an update on the ground situation. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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The pandemic had resulted in a rise in online transactions for used cars, but the competition is also intense. We speak to CARRO, a Singapore-based automotive marketplace, present in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia on their business model and are they the next unicorn. Ernest Chew, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer gives us the answers.
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It was first established in 2011, and is now under the Ministry of Human Resources. But TalentCorp did not have a CEO for more than 2 years in June 2018 until CEO Thomas Matthew was appointed in November 2020. On The Breakfast Grille, Philip See asks Thomas Mathew, CEO of TalentCorp on the ROI of the nearly half a billion ringgit spent on TalentCorp; as well as their role in this wave of the Great Resignation and migration of talents.
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With the advent of the pandemic and a challenging time for the construction sector, we ask Ng Wai Hoe, Managing Director, SIAB Holdings the rationale for this IPO for this mid-sized construction player. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Nokia today has moved beyond the mobile phone business, focusing on telecommunications technology services and network equipment supply, where it’s one of three dominant players in the sector, alongside Ericsson and Huawei. However the Finnish tech giant was largely seen as falling behind its competitors in the past few years, especially in the race towards 5G. Can they stage a comeback? We discuss where Malaysia fits in Nokia's bigger picture with Datuk Mohd Rauf Nasir. Image credit: EPA-EFE
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Patrick Williams, Senior Vice President for Asia of Rosti Group, a global plastics injection moulding company and contract manufacturer, shares with us how they have battled the supply chain and workers shortage issues stemming from the pandemic specifically in their Asian sites in Suzhou and Senai. He also discuss with us on his strategies for Asia and on how they tackle plastics that have a bad reputation in its impact to the environment.
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US-based telecommunications software company Mavenir created its name as a disruptor in the industry, championing cloud-native software solutions and Open Radio Access Network (RAN) implementation for 5G networks. But given US-China geopolitical tensions and the sensitive nature of the technology, does this fence them out of China? We speak to Mavenir's Asia Pacific chief Dipesh Ranjan on the growth strategy of the company amid transformational trends in the telecommunication sector.
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Big business wants to hire technologists while students fear debt and increasingly, seek meaningful and rewarding careers not necessarily centered on benefits, even as startup life beckons. Professor Rebecca Taylor, the CEO of University of Southampton Malaysia, fields these issues.
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After the largest loss since the IPO, is 2022 the year of recovery for this 24 hour convenient store operator? Dang Tai Luk, Group CEO of MyNews Holdings Berhad tells us his plans for growth and how he intends to grow customer loyalty in an increasingly competitive market. Image credit: MyNEWS
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It may be Valentine's Day but condom usage is down 30-40% globally while the fortunes of the world's largest maker of the prophylactic, Karex Bhd, has been flat at best. CEO Goh Miah Kiat explains the difficult path forward.
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According to United Nations data, less than 30% of researchers are women, indicating a significant diversity gap in knowledge generation in academia. On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we speak to Dr. Cheah Phaik Yeong, Professor of Global Health on why more women are needed in research and the importance of bioethics and engagement in healthcare sciences.
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Ucrest Berhad's Founder, Chairman and Managing Director, Mr Eg Kah Yee, shed light on how their i-Medic platform penetrate the digital health business and how Ucrest has fared during the pandemic.
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The United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, first set up in 2000 to galvanize private sector to prioritize the triple bottom line: people, planet and profits. Some 15,000 companies have signed up to date - however, just over 100 companies are Malaysian. Why has reception been so lacklustre? Faroze Nadar, Executive Director of the UN Global Compact Network for Malaysia & Brunei discusses efforts to convince Malaysian corporates that sustainability is the new imperative.
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We speak to one of the world's leaders of medical devices, global multinational B Braun. With a rich 200 plus history in Germany, we ask Mr. Christoph Mueller, Asia Pacific Senior Vice President of Operations the challenges they faced in getting essential medical supplies amidst the supply chain disruption and whether Malaysia is losing is competitiveness as a manufacturing hub as it celebrates it 50 year anniversary in Penang.
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Traditional Chinese Medicine has gone mainstream in the last few years, seen as complementary to western medicine. Is the challenge now attracting the millennial and Gen Z's? Aaron Boey, Group CEO of Eu Yan Sang International Ltd tells us their growth strategy and is omni channel marketing the solution.
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Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is known for their QS World University Rankings. Dr. Edward Harcourt, Senior Vice President joins Philip to talk about how the pandemic changed education, what QS does, and why there are hardly any changes to the top 10 universities?
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Malaysian undergarment manufacturer Caely Holdings has evolved from a small-direct selling company to the largest exporter of lingerie and maternity wear in the country. How is the company navigating the challenges of the pandemic and growing ESG concerns among investors? We discuss the company's prospects with CEO Gok Ching Hee.
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Ascott International Management is wholly owned by Capitaland Investment, and in Malaysia is the largest international serviced residence operator with around 6,200 units in 27 properties. Its country general manager, Mondi Mecja speaks to us about the outlook of the serviced residential sector, its future expansion plans and the impact of pandemic on its performance.
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During Chinese New Year, carbonated water for some is a must. Philip See speaks to Spritzer, a leader in manufacturing bottled water products. Kenny Lim Seng Lee, Executive Director and Group CEO of Spritzer Berhad comes on the Breakfast Grille to talk about how the supply chain disruptions and rising costs impacted them, what are their future aspirations and how will Spritzer move forward with rising ESG concerns.
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Malaysia’s satellite operator MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd’s Chief Operating Officer, Yau Chyong Lim talks about Malaysia’s satellite industry, the CONNECTme NOW services and MEASAT’s s role in bridging the digital divide.
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ERS Energy installs and designs solar power systems from all sectors like residential and industrial. On The Breakfast Grille, Jonathan Kan, Managing Director and Co-Founder of ERS Energy Sdn Bhd talks about the latest technological advancements in the field of renewable energy, and the contributions of the company to a more sustainable future.
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A pact with China tech giant Huawei has sent shares of local circuit testing firm JF Technology Bhd through the roof, but production delays, China's Zero-Covid policy and lofty valuations offer stern tests. Datuk Foong Wei Kuong, Founder and Managing Director, answers.
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How can technical and vocational education and training (TVET) be made more relevant and attractive to Malaysians? To mark the International Day of Education, our Breakfast Grille panel discusses the ingredients for an effective TVET ecosystem, drawing lessons from the German dual-vocational training system. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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The pandemic has upended travel, retail and meetings, prompting the question of the implications for property and construction - including lifts, elevators and walkalators. James Leong, Managing Director of TK Elevator Malaysia, answers.
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Logistics players have made banks during the pandemic as movement restrictions drove up demand for delivery services. Ninja Van Malaysia is one of the beneficiaries - they’ve seen their deliveries balloon to approximately 2 million parcels a day across Southeast Asia. Where do Malaysian operations factor in Ninja Van Malaysia's big picture vision? We discuss the fortunes and prospects of Ninja Van Malaysia with Country Head Adzim Halim.
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MoneyLion has the distinction of being a US digital bank with a Malaysian workforce, courtesy of its co-founder and CTO Foong Chee Mun who set up an office in Kuala Lumpur. Following its listing on the NYSE in September last year with a valuation of USD2.9 billion, is MoneyLion looking to expand to Asian shores? We speak to Chee Mun on how MoneyLion leverages on technology to serve the underfinanced and its growth targets moving forward. Image credit: MoneyLion
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Are there any lessons that can be drawn from the pandemic to tackle the climate crisis? Alice Hill, the author of The Fight for Climate After COVID-19, who also served as a special assistant at the White House under President Obama shares about the actions that governments and communities can take now in response to accelerating climate change.
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Volumes on Bursa Malaysia had been on a declining trend except for 2020 when many turned to online trading as working from home became the norm. But as we return to work, how does online broker, Rakuten Trade intend to maintain profitability when it offers the cheapest commission? CEO Kazumasa Mise explains whilst telling us their strategy for growth. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Engineering support services provider Coraza Integrated Technology is set to be one of the first companies to debut on the ACE market this year with the aim of raising some RM33 million for their business expansion. We speak to Managing Director Lim Teik Hoe about competition in the ESI space, how it intends to use IPO proceeds and Coraza's growth strategy moving forward.
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Accounting firms have evolved over the years and now offer a range of services but does this business model have inherent conflicts of interest? Soo Hoo Khoon Yean, Managing Partner of PwC Malaysia answers this question while telling us about their strategy for growth and if they too are affected by the great resignation.
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Country Heights Holdings, a property juggernaut in the 90s that has fallen to losses in four of the last five years, is aiming for a turnaround, this time as a digital landlord. Managing Director Datuk Jared Lim explains.
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With the semiconductor industry growing more than 25% in 2021, we speak to Kuang Eng Oh, Group Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director, Mi Technovation Bhd on how this semiconductor equipment and material business operator has been diversifying and what his long term technology roadmap will be.
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Mohd Daud Mohd Arif, CEO, Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) is in the hot seat as he explains about the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Industry Blueprint 2021-2025 and what is the likely recovery trajectory for the medical tourism industry as the world continues to grapple with the pandemic. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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As Senheng seeks to raise around RM270 million from its IPO at the price of RM1.07 per share, we ask Lim Kim Heng, Executive Chairman of Senheng New Retail Bhd how he plans to use the proceeds of the IPO.
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Once again the FBMKLCI disappoints. Why and will 2022 be a better year or are there other markets that will provide better returns. Anand Pathmakanthan, Head of Regional Equity Research, Maybank Investment Banking Group and Patrick Chang, Chief Investment Officer for ASEAN Equities, Principal Asset Management give us their views. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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ProtectHealth Corporation, a subsidiary company under the Ministry of Health, is playing a key role in accelerating the distribution of vaccines by galvanizing private healthcare sector involvement. We speak to CEO Dato' Dr Anas Alam Faizli on the complexities of the vaccination roll-out and the potential of public-private partnership in healthcare. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Pejuang is the latest Malay political party with 4MPs. But what does the party stand for and will it make any headway in the next elections? Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir, its President and the son of former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad tell us whilst giving us his thoughts on the current political landscape and even the NEP.
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Although the Covid-19 pandemic took a toll on the global economy, there were undoubtedly some players that managed to come out on top. We revisit conversations with businesses that have leveraged on their strengths during the pandemic to emerge stronger. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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The travel and tourism sectors were the hardest hit by the pandemic as global and domestic borders shuttered. How have different industry players navigated the patchy border reopenings? We revisit conversations on travel and tourism amid the uneven pandemic recovery. Image credit: Unsplash.com
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2021 was touted as the year of pandemic recovery - but as the Covid-19 virus mutated and new variants emerged, uncertainty dominated the economy and markets. We revisit conversations on the outlook for the global and Malaysian economy at different stages of the year. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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The tumultuous politics of 2020 which witnessed the Sheraton Move continued into 2021, with a national state of emergency declared in January followed by another change in government in August. We revisit conversations on the twists and turns of Malaysian politics and what this means for the nation. Image credit: Bernama
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The Covid-19 pandemic took a twist this year with the emergence of the Delta and Omicron variants throwing obstacles into recovery, despite the robust national vaccination programme. We revisit conversations on lessons learned in pandemic management and navigating healthcare in the post-pandemic era. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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According to recent surveys, fintech investments in the Southeast Asian region tripled this year to a record USD3.5 billion amid pandemic-driven digitalization trends. ASEAN Fintech Group, part of the ASX-listed FatFish Internet Group, is hoping to snag a slice of the lucrative pie. How does AFG plan to make its mark in a space that’s packed with contenders? We find out from Douglas Gan, AFG Executive Director.
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The pandemic has changed higher education permanently but is that better for students and universities? Professor Sibrandes Poppema from Sunway University tells us. We also ask if ratings mean anything and is a degree still relevant today?
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Legoland Malaysia Resort in Johor had reopened in October after months of closure. Philip See speaks to CS Lim, the Divisional Director of LEGOLAND Malaysia Resorts to breakdown the costs of running LEGOLAND, brick by brick, the impact of the pandemic on operations and how it will thrive as it relies heavily on foreign tourists.
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Tiles manufacturer Niro Ceramic Group was first established in 1979 now has plans to go public in 2023. We speak to Managing Director, Ian Kok about operations, challenges and the outlook of the tile industry.
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Property and construction firm Jade Marvel Group Bhd wants to transform into a mini private equity firm with initial interests in seafood processing and moneylending. Joint Managing Director Dato’ David Khoo Yik Chou discusses. Image credit: Shutterstock.com & Jade Marvel Group Bhd
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NanoMalaysia Berhad, a not-for-profit government venture builder has spent the last 10 years building a nanotechnology ecosystem in Malaysia from the ground-up. How ready as a country are we to leverage on nanotechnology advancements? We speak to CEO Dr. Rezal Khairi Ahmad on what's on the horizon for NanoMalaysia.
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Founded in 2014, Ally Logistic Property is Taiwan’s first and largest institutional logistic property developer and is setting up their first SEA logistic park in Malaysia. We speak to Charlie Chang, CEO about their business model, competition as well as their investment worth US$ 1 billion in Malaysia.
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Matin Ng, Deputy CEO of UWC Berhad helps us understand how they grew from a wire cutting machine manufacturer into an integrated engineering services provider as it navigates the multiple challenges of the pandemic, supply chain challenges and skills shortages.
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Swift Haulage Berhad is slated for listing on Bursa Malaysia on 21 December. Will this much anticipated IPO be a success despite its rather lofty valuations? We speak to Loo Yong Hui, Group CEO about their growth plans and can they maintain margins despite inflationary pressures.
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Sick of damaging racial and religious political ideologues, negative sentiment towards Peninsula Malaysians are at peak levels, with decolonisation gathering momentum. Political Analyst Dr Arnold Puyok and Economics Professor Dr Dayang Affizah Marikan both of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, comment, adding that betrayals of MA63 are exacerbating affairs.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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The theme for Human Rights Day 2021 is Equality: Reducing inequalities, advancing human rights. What human rights issues have risen to the surface in Malaysia's pandemic experience? We discuss how the pandemic has impacted discussions on inequality and why a rights-based approach should be prioritised in the government's response. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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The Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee plays a crucial oversight role in monitoring government spending. To mark International Anti-Corruption Day, we speak to the current chair, YB Wong Kah Woh, Member of Parliament for Ipoh Timur, who takes us behind the scenes on the workings of the committee and discusses the challenges faced in carrying out their duties during a tumultuous political and pandemic period. Image Credit: Uwe Aranas / Shutterstock.com
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Home-sharing app Airbnb’s revenue grew by 67% y-o-y to $2.2 billion in the third quarter of this year. But how will the Omicron variant impact travel and Airbnb? Amanpreet Bajaj, General Manager for India, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong and Taiwan of Airbnb shares with us on the Breakfast Grille. Image credit: Airbnb
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In the midst of the pandemic, Callum Chen, CEO of the family-owned plastics manufacturer LH Plus Sdn Bhd, achieved greater efficiency with fewer humans and more machines.
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Malaysia and Australia elevated long-standing bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) earlier this year. How do the fortunes of the Lucky Country impact Malaysia, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and rising geopolitical temperatures in the region? We discuss the opportunities and challenges in enhancing cooperation with the newly-minted High Commissioner of Australia to Malaysia, H.E. Dr Justin Lee.
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At the back of COP26, we’re extending the discussion with Cedric Rimaud, ASEAN Program Manager, Climate Bonds Initiative and Raymond Tang, Chief Executive Officer of Eastspring Investment Berhad on climate change from a financial standpoint and ask with the commitments made so far in previous COPs, why has progress been disappointing thus far? Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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With over two decades of experience in logging, sawmill operator BTM Resources Berhad is looking to venture into renewable energy to diversify its income stream and provide for sustainable revenue and income for the company. We speak to executive director Datuk Woo to discuss this new green future for the company and understand the industry landscape. Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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As a platform that provides full-stack technology for businesses with hotels and homes. Country head for OYO Malaysia and Singapore, Tan Ming Luk shares the impact of the pandemic on operations as well as OYO’s future plans to become the world's largest hotel chain.
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This year, IBM celebrates its 60th anniversary in Malaysia. But following the sudden closure of its Global Delivery Center in May, how committed is IBM to its Malaysian investments? We speak to Managing Director of IBM Malaysia Catherine Lian on this, as well as the broader pivot of the group to new technologies such as hybrid cloud and artificial intelligence (A.I.).
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We speak to one of the world's largest MOOCs, Massive Open Online Course providers Coursera on their expansion plans and their road to profitability as their India and Asia Pacific Managing Director Raghav Gupta shares how Coursera has managed to navigate the pandemic. Credit: Coursera
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Taiwanese semiconductor company Phison Electronics is small but mighty in the industry, with a significant market share in NAND flash controller IC design and storage solutions. But with its Malaysian-born CEO Datuk Pua Khein Seng facing potential imprisonment in a financial fraud case amid a global chip shortage affecting supply chain logistics, can Phison maintain its growth trajectory? We discuss the business strategy for Phison Electronics Corporation with Datuk Pua Khein Seng.
Image credit: Phison Electronics Corporation
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Malaysia-Cuban relations have been established since 1975, but why has bilateral economic activity remained minimal? Ambassador Batista Gonzalez explains the challenges to enhancing bilateral cooperation as well as potential areas that should be explored for mutual benefit. He also provides an overview of the pandemic effect on Cuba, including its effort to vaccinate the population with homegrown vaccines.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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BN had a resounding win in Melaka with 21 seats. What was the reason for this? Is this a wake-up call for Pakatan Harapan? Will the existing coalitions hold? And is this a barometer of GE15? The many questions we ask Dr Bridget Welsh, Honorary Research Associate at the University of Nottingham Asia Research Institute Malaysia, and Ibrahim Suffian, Programme Director at the Merdeka Center.
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Kim Hin Joo (Malaysia) Berhad made its debut on the Ace market more than 2 years ago just a few months before the pandemic. But how has this franchisee of Mothercare, ELC and Entertainer Toy Stores weathered the covid storm? Pang Fu Wei it's newly appointed Managing Director tells us. We also speak on growth plans and its omni channel marketing the way forward.
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Malaysia has just a population of 32 million people but 21 general insurance companies. To grow market share, is consolidation the way forward? We ask Puneet Parischa, CEO of Liberty Insurance Malaysia that question on the back of news of their acquisition of AM General and also if the real threat is insuretech.
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Chin Ying Loong, Regional Managing Director for ASEAN and SAGE (South Asian Growing Economies) from Oracle Cooperation shares with us Oracle's strategy to expand its cloud products and services in this fast-growing market and how it will outpace its competitors in both application and infrastructure offerings.
Image credit: Oracle
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We ask Sheyantha Abeykoon, CEO of Boost about the pathway to profitability for its e-wallet business and the status of a joint application with RHB for a digital banking license with Bank Negara Malaysia.
Image Credit: Boost
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Bata has cultivated the brand "shoes for everyone" to great success, but does this everyman approach put it at a disadvantage compared to other more niche international brands? Additionally, the pandemic has also eaten into its bottom line, with Bata Malaysia recording a loss for 2020. What is newly-minted Country Manager Vaibhav Manrao's strategy to turn the ship around? He joins us on the Breakfast Grille to discuss Bata Malaysia's growth strategy.
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We speak to Justin Chen, CEO of Arcc Spaces, one of Asia’s leading flexible work spaces operators about how the pandemic has changed the future and design of co-working spaces in Asia Pacific, as businesses decide whether they need to shift from fixed working spaces to more flexible solutions to meet the uncertainties of the future.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Established in 2015 from a partnership between MIT Sloan School of Management and Bank Negara Malaysia, Asia School of Business has been specializing in business administration-related courses like full-time MBAs and executive education classes for students from Malaysia and globally. We ask Professor Charles Fine, the dean of the school to talk about how the school has weathered the pandemic and where the future lies in executive education.
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Malaysia wants to be a formidable player in the aerospace industry and has set in motion plans and blueprints to make this a reality. The 12th Malaysia Plan hopes the aerospace industry can generate RM30 billion in revenue, with 30,000 jobs by 2025. The Malaysian Aerospace Industry Blueprint 2030, launched in 2015, sets out similar lofty goals.
Image credit: shutterstock
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Environmental groups like the WWF have long sounded the alarm over the impact of human development on the natural world, and these calls are becoming increasingly urgent in the face of an imminent climate crisis. How best can humanity balance the imperatives of economic development and environmental sustainability? We discuss this conundrum and the pandemic impact on conservation work with Sophia Lim, Executive Director and CEO of WWF-Malaysia.
Image credit: WWF-Malaysia & Shutterstock.com
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Environmental groups like the WWF have long sounded the alarm over the impact of human development on the natural world, and these calls are becoming increasingly urgent in the face of an imminent climate crisis. How best can humanity balance the imperatives of economic development and environmental sustainability? We discuss this conundrum and the pandemic impact on conservation work with Sophia Lim, Executive Director and CEO of WWF-Malaysia.
Image credit: WWF-Malaysia & Shutterstock.com
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Previously called Tanjung Offshore, Datuk Seri Dr. Nik Norzrul Thani Bin N. Hassan Thani, Chairman of T7 Global comes on the Breakfast Grille to share the performance of their oil & gas services business and the progress and expansion they have taken in the aerospace sector.
Image credit: T7 Global Berhad
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Andrew Woon, Managing Director of Faber-Castell Malaysia, talks about how the the 260-year-old German stationery company is navigating the digital era and the production intricacies of its 43-year-old Subang plan, which exports all over the world.
Image credit: Faber-Castell
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A clear poster child of the winners of the pandemic is Zoom as we all turned to video conferencing for work, education and even socializing. But with vaccine optimism and a return to old lives, what does it mean for this company or has their growth peaked? Ricky Kapur, Head of APAC, Zoom tells us.
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We get an external perspective from Tricia Yeoh, CEO of IDEAS and Tai Lai Kok, Executive Director and Head of Tax KPMG Malaysia on Budget 2022 and its implications for the future as we dissect the largest ever budget the Malaysian Government has ever revealed.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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The largest budget in Malaysian history at RM332billion but does it achieve the 3R's - recovery, rebuild and reform? And will the Budget initiatives be spent wisely to achieve its objectives? We speak to Datuk Johan Merican, the Director of the Budget Office from the Ministry of Finance to find out.
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Expectations are sky-high for Budget 2022 to set the tone for Malaysia's post-pandemic recovery. It will also signal the policy direction of Prime Minister Dato' Seri Ismail Sabri's fledgling government. Ahead of the tabling of an anticipated populist Budget 2022, economist Dr. Nungsari Radhi explores the challenges of funding an expansionary spending plan while remaining prudent about capital expenditure to ensure the nation keeps pace with a fast-developing region.
Image Credit: EPA-EFE
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Dr. Maszlee Malik has been described as the most unpopular minister during his short stint in Cabinet as the Minister of Education. He’s recently published a book, titled "Memori Bukan Memoir" to set the record straight, detailing the reforms that he initiated throughout his 20 months as Minister. We speak to him about reflections on his time in office, and what's needed to improve the Malaysian education system in the post-pandemic era.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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The 2021 narrative has been one of global economic recovery - but it’s not without its twists and turns, as the Delta variant emerged and disrupted business. And as we enter into the final quarter of the year, the world’s economic engine, China is facing multiple challenges from a property debt crisis to energy shortages that could threaten its recovery. How will this affect global economic growth in 2022? We discuss the trends with independent economist Andy Xie.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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The pandemic may have ravaged the global aviation industry but there are clear signs of recovery, giving impetus to the KL, Malaysia-based maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) business belonging to the 125-year-old US industrial conglomerate General Electric.
Suresh Shunmugam, the Managing Director of General Electric Engine Services Malaysia, discusses the local MRO business, the health of local airlines (whom it serves) and the future of engine technology.
Image credit: General Electric Engine Services Malaysia & Shutterstock.com
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In less than a week, COP26, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow begins. We ask how nations around the world are going to resolve one of the planets biggest challenges and whether the commitments will translate into action in a panel discussion with Lavanya Rama Iyer, Head of Policy and Climate Change, WWF Malaysia, and Dave Sivaprasad, Managing Director and Partner from· Boston Consulting Group.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Charles Hay, the United Kingdom's High Commissioner to Malaysia, addresses Malaysia's policy vacuum and political and business uncertainty from the perspective of British investment even as Glasgow welcomes the world to UK soil for COP26 to debate what detractors suggest are global environmental goals that are probably too ambitious to be achieved.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Charles Hay, the United Kingdom's High Commissioner to Malaysia, addresses Malaysia's policy vacuum and political and business uncertainty from the perspective of British investment even as Glasgow welcomes the world to UK soil for COP26 to debate what detractors suggest are global environmental goals that are probably too ambitious to be achieved.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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KM Leong, General Manager of Southeast Asia for China-based smartphone maker Xiaomi International, talks about new opportunities beyond the phone, which currently comprises 80% of overall revenue to compete with competitors like Apple and Samsung.
Image credit: THINK A / Shutterstock.com
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As we exit the pandemic, what will be the new normal for work? How will companies manage their employees and how has the war for talent changed? Sandeep Sharma, President of Workday, one of the world's leading financial management and human capital management software solutions providers joins us on the Breakfast Grille to share his thoughts.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Covid-19 and now high jet fuel prices have been the immediate challenges for the aviation sector. But even before this, Malaysia Airlines has been struggling despite bailouts to the tune of RM28billion. Captain Izham Ismail, Group CEO of Malaysian Aviation Group tells us if this restructuring plan will work and if not, is this the end fo the road for our national airline?
Image credit: Malaysia Airlines
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The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan and the return of the Taliban to government in August closed the chapter on the 20 year war sparked by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. What lessons can be gained from the US' failed nation-building mission in Afghanistan, and how has the war affected Western-Muslim engagement? We discuss these themes with Afghan-American writer and author Tamim Ansary.
Tamim was a speaker at the Khazanah Megatrends Forum 2021 this month.
Image Credit: Trent Inness / Shutterstock.com
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The Covid-19 pandemic has inarguably reversed the gains of Malaysia's poverty eradication programme, with both middle-income and lower-income communities facing economic hardship affecting basic survival. What kind of policy responses are needed to tackle poverty in the post-pandemic era? Ahead of the International Day of the Eradication of Poverty on 17 October, we discuss the challenges and potential solutions with Dato' Shareen Shariza Dato' Abdul Ghani, CEO of Yayasan Sejahtera & Dato' Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus, President of Mercy Malaysia.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Volvo targets to go fully green by 2030 but can these plans be achieved in Malaysia? We speak to newly appointed managing director, Charles Frump on their plans for their game changer XC40 Recharge. We also ask him for his thoughts on the current electric vehicle policy.
Image credit: Volvo Car Malaysia
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After 1 year, MUDA still has not been able to register itself as a political party. How does this affect their plans for GE15? Syed Saddiq, MP for MUAR and Co-Founder of MUDA tells us this and more.
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ATA Plus was one of the pioneer players in the Malaysian equity crowdfunding (ECF) space in 2016, and it has witnessed the growing popularity of ECF even during the pandemic. Following its partnership with Nasdaq-listed GreenPro Corp, ATA Plus is setting its sights beyond ECF in its mission to democratize financing. We discuss the company’s performance and future plans with CEO and co-founder Elain Lockman, as well as policy measures to help mainstream ECF as a viable funding alternative for Malaysian entrepreneurs.
Image credit: ATA Plus
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Mainland-China based streaming platform iQiyi is often described as China's answer to Netflix. But while it dominates the China market, can it make inroads into Southeast Asia where audiences have built loyalty to other streaming platforms that have been around longer and have deeper local roots? We speak to Malaysia Country Manager Dinesh Ratnam on iQiyi's 2019 foray into the SEA market, and their strategy to promote user growth through a strong Asian content library.
Image credit: sdx15 / Shutterstock.com & iQiyi
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After more than 600 days in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic, Malaysia is seeing an easing of daily new infections amid a high vaccination rate with nearly 90% of the adult population fully vaccinated. Have we weathered the worst of the pandemic? We discuss the possible pandemic trajectory in Malaysia as well as the transition to an endemic phase of the virus with infectious diseases expert Dato' Prof. Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman.
Prof. Adeeba was a panelist at the Khazanah Megatrends Forum 2021 held this week.
Image credit: Farrel Arissa / Shutterstock.com
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Malaysia Debt Ventures, a government agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation hits a milestone - it’s 20th Year Anniversary. It's CEO, Nizam Mohamed Nadzri tells us what their KPIs are and their relevance.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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SMEs, the economic life bloods of Malaysia, were arguably the biggest victims of the pandemic. But funding their revival has to be balanced with a new focus on fiscal prudence even while the entire DFI -- Development Financial Institution -- sector is overdue much-needed consolidation.
Aria Putera Ismail, the CEO of SME Bank, discusses.
Image credit: SME Bank
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The 12th Malaysia Plan was unveiled with the broad theme of a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Malaysia. A goal that all Malaysians would aspire to but is the policy too ambitious and will policy inconsistency and poor implementation be its undoing? Dato' Sri Mustapa Bin Mohamed, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department for Economic Affairs tells us.
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By 2060, Malaysia will be a super-aged nation, where 1 in 5 Malaysians will be over the age of 65. The rapidly ageing population will bring with it a host of economic challenges, not least an imminent retirement crisis which will test the capacity of our social protection system to keep up with the needs of a large elderly society. How can the social protection framework be strengthened to ensure that all elderly Malaysians can live with dignity? We discuss the state of play and proposals to introduce a social insurance pension for senior citizens with our panel of experts.
Read Khazanah Research Institutes report, "Building Resilience: Towards Inclusive Social Protection" here.
Image credit: The Observer MY / Shutterstock.com
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We get into conversation with Nestle, the world's largest food company, Nestlé as we ask Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad on their strategy going forward and how their products have evolved as consumer tastes rapidly change.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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The banking sector has faced many challenges from a prolonged Covid-19 pandemic whilst structural changes are fast approaching. Joel Kornreich, Group CEO of Alliance Bank tells us the strategy for growth and are M&A opportunities being considered.
Image credit: Yusnizam Yusof / Shutterstock.com
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Copper product manufacturer, Ta Win Holdings aims to supply to the healthcare and electric vehicle industries as well as venture into blockchain. What is the likelihood of its plans materialising? Datuk Seri Ngu Tieng Ung, the Group Managing Director discusses.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Postal services are all facing a structure decline as online communication has become the dominant way of life. But what tricks does newly appointed Group CEO of Pos Malaysia, Charles Brewer, has up his sleeve to turn things around and stem the losses at this listed company?
Image credit: Abdul Razak Latif / Shutterstock.com
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Kishore Mahbubani, former diplomat, author of the book "Has China Won?", and Distinguished Fellow at the Asia Research Institute, of the National University of Singapore (NUS) discusses the US-China conflict and how a resolution, if any, could be achieved.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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We get into a conversation with Chuah Choon Bin, Executive Director of Pentamaster about his journey so far and the plans he has to grow the business beyond automation test equipment.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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Kedah-based cable and wire maker Southern Cable is graduating to the Main Market by the end of the year, with its post-pandemic recovery plans and new product lines squarely in focus, according to Group General Manager Ooi In Keong.
Image credit: Southern Cable
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We speak to Mieke De Schepper, Executive Vice President and Managing Director for Asia-Pacific, Amadeus on how this global travel technology leader sees the future of the travel industry and what solutions and services the customers as well as the travel eco-system are interested in.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com & Amadeus
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The unusual pairing of Oxford university scientists and British-Swedish pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca led to the not for profit Covid-19 vaccine. Billions of doses have been produced but at cost for how long? And why did this particular vaccine receive such intense public scrutiny? We speak to Dr. Sanjeev Panchal, Country President of AstraZeneca Malaysia to find out.
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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