The Breakfast Grille
Episodes
Playing It Safe In 2023 State Polls
30 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
JLL On The ASEAN Landscape
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 South...
Zoom-ing On The Enterprise Market
26 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ca...
Liew Chin Tong On Malaysia's Economic Take Off
25 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Ch...
Is Russia Burning Bridges With Foreign Media?
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
EPF, Overcoming Challenges In Retirement Savings
23 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Malaysian are ill-prepared for retirement with only 18% of EPF members having enough savings when they reach 55. We speak with Nurhisham Hussein, Chie...
Chery's Malaysian Ambitions
20 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
Xendit, Still A Payment Gateway Unicorn
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 expans...
Don't Write Off Asean Equity Markets Yet
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Unlike 2022, Asean equities markets have underperformed compared to Japan, Korea and US. We check in with our panel consisting of Anand Pathmakanthan,...
Can M+ Global Boost Malacca Securities Profit?
16 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Malacca Securities has evolved from a family run stock broker to offer financial advisory services. 3rd Generation Managing Director Lim Chia Wei, lau...
Selangor MB: PH Confident Of Win In State Elections
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Selangor is said to be the most competitive in this upcoming state elections. Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Caretaker Menteri Besar of Selangor tells us ...
WASCO Benefitting From Energy Security Priorities
12 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Will IPO Be An Eagle Or Bogey For MST Golf?
11 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Singa...
Penang Caretaker CM On The State Election
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 acc...
Can ERM Maintain Its Sustainability Niche Advantage?
09 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
ERM describes itself as the largest pure-play sustainability consultancy, in an era where all consulting firms are dabbling in the ESG space. Global C...
Skyworld IPO To Reach The Stars?
06 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 res...
Bermaz Auto Accelerating Ahead
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
QS World Universities Rankings Undergo Reset
04 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Rapid Bus Running Behind On Transformation?
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Prasarana subsidiary Rapid Bus manages urban bus networks in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuantan. How is the company responding to longstanding complaints o...
MyDigital Monitoring Digital Economy Blueprint And 4IR Policy Performance
02 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
MyDIGITAL Corporation was incorporated in 2021 as an agency and is tasked to monitor the progress of the Malaysian Digital Economy Blueprint and the N...
Lucky Wednesday For DayThree’s IPO?
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Redtone, Making The Right Switch At The Right Time
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
REDtone an integrated telecommunications and digital infrastructure services provider has just moved from ACE to the Main Market, We sit down with the...
Will Funding Societies Islamic Financing Products Appeal To Makcik Kiah?
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Funding Societies has launched its comprehensive Islamic Financing solutions for both the micro SME and SME segments, in line with Malaysia’s aspira...
Entering The "Zaid-Geist"
25 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 loy...
End Of Dominant Party Era In Malaysian Politics?
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Deja Vu in UK Politics as Boris Johnson Resigns
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson resigned from his parliamentary seat this month, sending shockwaves throughout British politics and posing yet ...
F-Secure, Carving a Slice of the Cybersecurity Pie
20 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
RedONE's Product And Market Diversification
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) sector has been intensively competitive over the years, and only a few companies remain in the space. We ...
What’s The Beef Between Brahim's Food Services And Malaysia Airlines ?
18 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Navigating Foreign Policy Amid Different Global Blocs
18 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 li...
EA Technique, Turnaround Plans Bearing Fruit
15 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Nasr...
Anthony Loke, On Track To Achieve Transport Reforms
14 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Public transport woes have been increasingly common with infrequent bus and train services, overcrowding and breakdowns. We speak to Minister of Trans...
Will The Age Of The Strongman Prevail?
13 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
From Putin, Trump, and Bolsonaro to Erdoğan, and Xi, the world has been seeing the rise of authoritarian leaders. Gideon Rachman, author of The Age o...
MSIG Regaining 2nd Place Market Ranking For 2023 And Beyond
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The General Insurance industry enjoyed positive growth for 2022, but competition remains fierce amongst the existing players. And with 2 recent merger...
KAF Digital Bank Revving Up Plans To Disrupt
11 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
BNM has issued 5 digital bank licenses in an already competitive landscape. We speak to Rafiza Ghazali, Designate CEO, KAF Islamic Digital Bank on whe...
At Sunway University, Employability Is A Priority
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recent statistics reveal that up to 40% of graduates are underemployed. Is this structural issue that Sunway University is facing? Professor Sibrandes...
Solarvest Powering Up To Become Regional RE Player
07 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Sweden Championing Green Transition With MGTC
06 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Sun Life Looks Beyond Insurance
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Founded more than 150 years ago in Canada, Sun Life provides life insurance, health insurance, investments, and financial planning services. Glob...
ALP's OMega Strategy To Transform Warehouse Logistics
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Taiwan's largest institutional logistics player, ALP is on track to complete its first overseas OMega warehouse in Klang this year, with ambitious pla...
Generali Life Malaysia, Small But Big Ambitions
31 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a very competitive life insurance landscape with 14 players, what niche is Generali Life Insurance intending to carve for itself? We speak to Rebec...
World No Tobacco Day: Policy Perspectives On Nicotine Alternatives
30 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
According to the United Nations, global smoking rates are on a decline; however smoking prevalence in developing economies like Malaysia remains eleva...
Synergy House Berhad: Furniture Retailer With Big Dreams
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Synergy House Berhad 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 list...
The Global South's Prosperity Puzzle
28 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In light of global economic headwinds resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, what does this mean for developing countries' gr...
LGMS Taking The Kaizen Approach For Accelerated Growth
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. W...
Deloitte, Keeping All The Business In The Family
24 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The business model of accounting firms have evolved from mere compliance auditing to advisory. Revenues have jumped as a result but does arise potenti...
Is IBM Still A Dominant Player?
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, ma...
Water Woes Require Structural Reset
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Charles Santiago, Chairman of National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and former Klang MP shares his plans to avoid a water crisis, including checki...
Beyond TeleHealth: UCrest's Big Bet On Digital Healthcare
21 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
ucrest-malaysia-digitalising-healthcare-2023-company-prospectsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Malaysian Recycler Heng Hiap's Vision of Plastic Neutrality
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
According to the Malaysian Plastics Sustainability Roadmap, Malaysia targets 76% of plastic waste to be collected for recycling by 2030. How far away ...
Can Niro Ceramic's Recovery Accelerate Their Route To IPO?
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Can GCAP Finally Generate Returns From Renewable Energy?
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
G Capital Berhad is a transportation specialist turned utilities player poised to capitalise on Malaysia's renewable energy transition with power purc...
Can GCAP Finally Generate Returns From Renewable Energy?
16 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
G Capital Berhad is a transportation specialist turned utilities player poised to capitalise on Malaysia's renewable energy transition with power purc...
Siemens Wants To Be Part Of Malaysia's Industry 4.0 Ambitions
15 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Malaysi...
Smooth Integration Core Priority For Generali Malaysia
14 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Generali Malaysia has completed its acquisition of a controlling majority in AXA-Affin joint ventures in Malaysia and is the second largest general in...
How Can We Make KL A Better City?
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 sta...
Improving Malaysia's World Press Freedom Index Standing & Politics
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Deputy Communications & Digital Minister Teo Nie Ching sits down to discuss what the government plans to do to take even further, Malaysia's 40-ru...
DXN Relisting To Accelerate Growth
09 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
DXN Holdings Berhad is involved in the sales of health-oriented and wellness consumer products, and they are distributed through its direct selling ne...
IRB, Is The System Fair, Efficient, Convenient And Certain?
08 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
EU Unity Stronger Than Ever
07 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ro...
The World Bank's Prescriptions For Equitable Growth In EAP
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
For Businesses Today, It's Not Just About Profit But Also Purpose
02 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Should companies be run to earn a profit, or to serve a purpose? Author and London Business School professor of finance, Alex Edmans believes tha...
Policy Urgency To Address Malaysia's Climate Emergency?
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 Mal...
Crest Builders, From Red To Black
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The pandemic and rising input costs hit the construction and property sectors significantly causing listed company, Crest Builders to suffer three con...
Romania-Malaysia Relations: More Similarities In Our Blood
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Romania, a country in Eastern Europe, has much to offer the world - access to at least 10 EU countries via the famed Danube River, accessible from the...
Entrepreneurs At The Heart Of Dymon's Growth
25 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dymon Asia Private Equity invests in Southeast Asian companies in the lower mid market space, typically looking to invest between 15 to 50 million dol...
Chinese Language In Malaysia: A Tool To Divide Or Unite?
24 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
April 20th every year is the United Nations Chinese Language Day in recognition of the fact that it is the world's second most spoken language with ov...
TDCX Making SEA The Hub Of CX Outsourcing
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Global business process outsourcing or BPO is a 300 billion US dollar industry, with the customer experience (CX) sub-sector accounting for about a th...
When Will Rubber Industry Hit The Road?
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rubber has had a long history with Malaysia where at one time we accounted for half the world's supply of rubber, transforming Malaysia into Britain’...
Habib Group Glittering On High Demand For Gold
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Homegrown jeweller Habib Jewels has been giving the Gift of Happiness to Malaysians for 65 years and counting. But can Habib keep Malaysian spirits an...
Mydin, Busy Selling But Not For Sale
16 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With Hari Raya round the corner, we check in with Datuk Wira Dr Ameer Ali Mydin, Managing Director of Mydin as to how sales have been, what is his str...
Despite IPO Stall, Carsome On Track To Profit In 2H2023
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Integrated auto e-commerce platform Carsome has the distinction of being the first Malaysian unicorn, reaching the critical USD$1 billion valuation in...
Tune Protect, Tuning In For A Better 2023
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After 3 very challenging years, no thanks to the pandemic, has Tune Protect finally turned to corner? What are the growth strategies, why do they want...
T7 Grows O&G Business Amid Diversification
11 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
T7 Global Berhad has its roots in the oil and gas industry and now diversified to the construction and aerospace industry. Executive Director, Tan Kay...
Affordable Luxury For Bon Estates
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Founded in Penang in 2012, Bon Estates has come a long way and rebranded itself to target high end luxury consumers in Kuala Lumpur with a handful of ...
Airbnb Bullish On SEA Growth Momentum
09 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Airbnb reported their best financial year to date in 2022, achieving their first profitable full year on the back of the resurrection of the travel an...
TMC Life Sciences, Going Places In A Crowded Market
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Private Healthcare providers saw earnings decline sharply during the pandemic as most differed elective procedures. But is recovery in sight? Nadiah W...
SME Bank, Doing More Than Lending
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
SME Bank as a DFI has multiple mandates but what is their track record in helping SMEs. Datuk Wira Dr Aria Putera Ismail, CEO, SME Bank answers that q...
Amanah Raya, The People's Legacy Manager
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Does a MOF company founded more than 100 years ago involved in legacy management, property and fund management still have relevance today. Questions w...
CPTPP Enhances UK - Malaysia Relationship
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With almost two centuries of shared history, the UK without a doubt has had major influence in the political, economical and societal structure of Mal...
Is There Momentum For Criminal Justice Reforms?
02 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The government is abolishing the mandatory death penalty for 11 offences, and will put a cap on prison sentences between 30 to 40 years. What are the ...
Volvo Trucks Building Leadership In Electric Trucks
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Volvo Truck is the largest producer of heavy trucks in Europe and established its presence in Malaysia more than 50 years ago. Managing director, Tony...
Asia School Of Business Endeavors To Transform Executives
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of the pandemic, academics and business schools now face pressures on multiple fronts. We speak to newly appointed CEO of Asia School of B...
Restoring Banking Confidence, No Easy Task
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The speed in which SVB and two regional banks collapsed in US and the subsequent demise of CS took markets by surprise. We speak to Thorsten Beck, Pro...
A&W's Recipe For Longevity Reaping Returns In Malaysia
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Despite global inflation and supply chain troubles permeating 2022, A&W Malaysia recorded its best performance to date on the back of new store op...
InNature Leans Into ESG And Pivots To Influencer Marketing
26 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Euromonitor International estimates that the market size for beauty will grow to nearly USD$550 billion dollars in 2027, with much of that driven by t...
Brazil And Malaysia Share Common Goals And History
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Malaysia and Brazil have established their respective embassies for four decades already. Brazilian ambassador, H.E. Ary Norton de Murat Quintella sha...
Is Democracy A One Size Fits All?
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
First invented by the Greeks in 5th Century BC, democracy has grown to be a very appealing form of government for many countries in the world. While t...
A Boost For Malaysia's Digital Banking Landscape
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The consortium comprising Boost and RHB Bank is one of 5 digital banks in Malaysia licenced by Bank Negara back in April 2022 and before 2023 ends, we...
Will The Tokyo-Seoul Rapprochement Hold?
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Japan and South Korea have long had a frenemy-type relationship as a result of historical grievances. Does the recent visit to Tokyo by President Yoon...
Ramkarpal Singh: From Parliament Backbencher To Policy Front Line
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made reforms the cornerstone of his government agenda, hence the Law and Institutional Reform portfolio un...
Faber-Castell: Is The Stationery Business Moving Anywhere?
19 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Faber-Castell is a 261-year-old stationery maker that has had a presence in Malaysia for more than 40 years, manufacturing erasers and ballpoint pens,...
China's Emerging Role As A Global Diplomat
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Started in 1919, Chatham House is an independent policy institute headquartered in London. We discuss recent world developments with the director of A...
50 Earthshots To Save The World
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Earthshot Prize, launched in 2019 by William, the Prince of Wales aims to catalyse solutions that can repair the planet and avert environmental di...
Can Indonesia Bring Back ASEAN's Shine?
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) chairs the 2023 ASEAN Business Advisory Council. We speak to Arsjad Rasjid, the chairman on th...
Sunzen Biotech: From Animal Health To Financial Solutions
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sunzen Biotech started off specialising in animal health and in the past 25 years, it dabbled in CPO trading, traditional complementary medicine, huma...
Oppstar Berhad: More Than A Kampung Champion?
12 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The global semiconductor sector is poised for a downturn this year, but the gloomy outlook hasn’t deterred the expansion plans of Oppstar Berhad, a ...
What Powers The VC Industry
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The venture capital landscape has had a boom in the past decade with a trajectory that is unlike any other. What's the story behind the successful fir...
INSEAD Making Sustainability A Cornerstone Of MBAs
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A Masters in Business Administration or MBA was once seen as the golden ticket to advancement in the corporate world. However with changing attitudes ...
Minister Azalina Othman: Paving The Way For A Woman PM?
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In conjunction with International Women Day, we speak to one of the most powerful women in the government of the day, law minister Datuk Sri Azalina o...