The Breakfast Grille

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. See omnystudio.com/listener f...

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. See omnystudio.com/listener...

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. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, competitiv...

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio.com/list...

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....

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

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...

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

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 Mal...

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...

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. See omnystudio.com/list...

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. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com See omnystudio....

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.