Life Confessions - SYOK Podcast [ENG]

Fashion designer Alia Bastamam opens up about facing rejection, finding resilience, and redefining what Malaysian luxury means on the global stage. From Crazy Rich Asians to building a brand that empowers women, this is a story of bold vision and quiet power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From a garage in Australia to handcrafted masterpieces in Malaysia, Gerry Khouri built a brand where every car is a sculpture of time. In this rare conversation, they reveal the risks, philosophy, and family vision behind one of the world’s most exclusive carmakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mydin was never just about profit—it was built to serve. Datuk Wira Haji Ameer Ali Mydin opens up about keeping prices low, staying grounded in community, and leading with heart. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join legendary fashion designer Dato Sri Bernard Chandran as he reflects on his 30-year journey in fashion. From modernizing traditional Malay attire to challenging societal norms, Bernard shares how he’s shaped the global fashion scene while staying true to his roots. With a career that blends artistry and innovation, Bernard also discusses his aspirations for the future and the impact he hopes t...

Actor, director, and FINAS Chairman Dato’ Hans Isaac breaks down what’s really holding Malaysian cinema back. From politics and censorship to young filmmakers playing it safe, he shares unfiltered thoughts on the industry’s future—and why we still haven’t had our global breakout moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Che Puan Sarimah Ibrahim opens up about the harsh realities behind the glamour—from mental health battles to the unspoken cost of motherhood in showbiz. We dive into the pressure women face to “do it all,” the stigma around therapy, and why it's time to rewrite the narrative for female characters on screen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone....

What’s it really like leading a humanitarian organisation under constant pressure? Dato’ Ahmad Faizal Perdaus of MERCY Malaysia opens up about the personal cost of leadership, tough calls during global disasters, and the public pressure to stay transparent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this raw and revealing conversation, Farah Ann Abdul Hadi opens up about life after retirement, the cost of elite performance, and the pressure of chasing perfection. From missing the Rio Olympics by 0.001 points to redefining success beyond the podium, she shares what it really takes to walk away — and why half of her still lives on mat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...

Use NordVPN to stay virtually in Malaysia and stream Life Confessionanywhere. Browse safely, check your bank, and save on flights—fast and secure. Sign up at nordvpn.com/lifeconfessions with code lifeconfessions for 4 free extra months. 30-day money-back guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it take to build a restaurant rooted in Malaysian identity — and earn two Michelin stars while you’re at it? In this episode, we sit down with Darren Teoh, the trailblazing founder-chef behind Dewakan, to dive into his cooking philosophy, the magic of indigenous Malaysian ingredients, and the highs and lows of chasing perfection. Plus, Darren shares the most memorable piece of feedback h...

Why did rapper Altimet become YB Syed Ahmad? He shares why he left music, what drives him now, and how he’s staying real in politics. Traveling? Use NordVPN to watch Life Confession and other content from back home safely and easily. Sign up at nordvpn.com/lifeconfessions with code lifeconfessions to get 4 free extra months. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Stay safe and connec...

Life Confessions is back! In this episode, we sit down with Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, Head of Astro Shaw, to explore the shifting landscape of Malaysian cinema — from the stories we tell to the strategies behind the scenes. We unpack the complexities of cultural representation in an increasingly globalized market, the evolving behavior of Malaysian audiences, and the creative tensions between art...

From preserving heritage to running nearly 20 outlets, Datin Maureen has been the force behind Madam Kwan’s, Malaysia’s beloved culinary icon. Together with her son, Datuk Rudy Foo, she’s crafted a legacy of authentic flavors and innovation. What’s next for this legendary brand as it continues to honor Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice...

Pei Si Lai, CEO of GX Bank Malaysia, is leading the charge in redefining financial services with Malaysia’s first digital bank, launched in September 2023. GXBank is a member of PIDM with a mission to serve the unbanked and underbanked, Lai shares how her traditional banking experience prepared her for this groundbreaking role. What drives her vision for financial inclusion? And what legacy does s...

Joyce Lee has redefined the beauty and wellness industry in Malaysia. Starting in 2009 and rebranding in 2021, Joyce has expanded her company’s focus to include health, personal care, and wellness supplements, with groundbreaking products like the Yukazan Cough Relief Medical Patch. With over 4,000 offline touchpoints, a thriving e-commerce presence, and regional expansions into Singapore, Indones...

From Greenland to Malaysia, Euan Smith has carved an extraordinary path in the media and entertainment industry. Now the Group CEO of Astro, Euan has been at the forefront of innovations like hybrid connected Ultra 4K UHD and Ulti HD Boxes and the Astro Fibre internet service. What pivotal moments led him from Unilever to Sky UK, Fox, and eventually Astro and how does he navigate the dynamic world...

An advocate for literacy, Andrew Yap has transformed the book industry with a mission to make books affordable and accessible to all. He co-founded BookXcess and the globally celebrated Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, empowering communities through the joys of reading. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I was prepared for this role...but it was never given to me,” Andrew Khoo, the self-made CEO of The MUI Group, shares his journey to earning the top spot in the company. How did he redefine the company’s direction with innovative strategies and a modern vision? What challenges did he encounter along the way, and how did he overcome them? Catch the full episode to find out! Learn more about your a...

The phrase "The show must go on" is so synonymous with show business, and Prem Shanker knows exactly how far that phrase can go. Dr Reza invites MIX Breakfast's radio announcer to talk about the peaks and troughs of his 20-year-long radio career and how he harnesses his hyper-energy at the workplace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not everything goes according to our plan, but Alif Satar's pivot away from his aviation dreams was meant to be. The multifaceted entertainer and entrepreneur talks Geng Subuh Macam Jumaat, finding his ikigai and staying on top of things through discipline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He may have started out as a graffiti artist called Sno 1, but the name SonaOne undoubtedly resonates within the Southeast Asian music scene like no other. The eclectic rapper talks about the beginnings of his career, the bond he has with his mother and the future of the Asian rap scene, reinforcing why our Kid Kenobi truly is a force to be reckoned with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me...

How many of us actually feel truly fulfilled and happy to go to work? Dr Reza sits down with homegrown brand MyBurgerLab's CEO, Chin Ren Yi, to talk about how MyBurgerLab started, discovering a niche, splitting off from his friends and co-founders, and the crisis his business faced during the pandemic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With over 28 years of experience leading UEM Group, Telekom Malaysia, and Maybank, Tan Sri Wahid Omar, the current Chairman of Bursa Malaysia, shares his strategic insights on corporate turnarounds, the power of humility and managing burnout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

About one in 7 million people end up in the Olympics and Dhabita Sabri is one of the gifted few. The Under Amour ambassador and youngest Malaysian diver to champion two senior international competitions sits with Dr Reza to talk about her journey to becoming a diver and the things she has had to sacrifice along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Growing up near Belfast amidst the Irish 'Trouble' and IRA bombings was never in the plan for Dr. George Lee, nevertheless it has shaped him to be who he is today. The multi-hyphenate urologist shares his experience of being nearly expelled from Cambridge University, why he decided that urology was his vocation, and insights into men's health today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon...