The Breakfast Grille
The Breakfast Grille is a business news and interview program that airs weekday mornings from 6am to 10am. It delivers the biggest stories and must-listen-to interviews to help listeners make educated business and investment decisions. The show is produced by BFM Media, a Malaysian radio station.
Episodes
The Business Of Watching Vehicles
Cartrack tracks 2.8 million vehicles across 23 countries, listed on the Nasdaq through its parent Karooooo, and has been in Malaysia since 2014. But just over two million of those subscribers sit in South Africa — a business built on a crime rate and an insurance market that don't work the same way here. So what actually makes a Malaysian operator buy, and where does Malaysia rank in the region? W
Can Maersk Navigate a Fracturing World?
Maersk is transforming itself from a container shipping giant into an integrated logistics business, with Malaysia playing a growing role through new warehousing capacity and the Port of Tanjung Pelepas. But geopolitical conflict, disrupted shipping routes, volatile freight rates and pressure to decarbonise are challenging the assumptions that have shaped global trade for decades. How resilient is
The Breakfast Grille - Sep 17, 2026
The Breakfast Grille - Sep 17, 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Breakfast Grille - Sep 15, 2026
The Breakfast Grille - Sep 15, 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hilding Anders: Slumberland, Premiumisation, & B2B Growth
Despite mattresses being an infrequent, high-durability purchase, how are heritage bedding brands navigating aggressive price competition and changing consumer habits across Southeast Asia? Justin Lim Tiong Kiong, Managing Director for Southeast Asia at Hilding Anders, joins The Breakfast Grille to discuss how the Swedish-headquartered group is driving growth behind legacy brands like Slumberland
SD Guthrie: Can Land & CPO Keep Record Profits Going?
With record profits driven by strong CPO prices and surging industrial development returns, how is SD Guthrie balancing its legacy plantation core with the race for high-value land monetisation? Mohd Haris Mohd Arshad, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of SD Guthrie, joins The Breakfast Grille to discuss the strategic evolution of the 200-year-old palm oil giant.Haris outlines efforts to
The Breakfast Grille - Sep 10, 2026
The Breakfast Grille - Sep 10, 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is Jabil Malaysia Just A Warehouse Hub For The Group?
Malaysia is now one of the world's four biggest net exporters of AI hardware, and Jabil is one of the companies that put it there. But while the group poured half a billion US dollars into North Carolina and signed a multi-gigawatt AI platform in India this year, Malaysia's headline was a leased logistics hub in Sungai Jawi. We ask whether 14,000 people, silicon photonics and a Perlis plant are bu
The Industry Zone That Nobody Talks About
Everyone's watching Johor. But 4,500 acres of free industrial zone is quietly going up 800 metres from the Thai border at Bukit Kayu Hitam. This is the gateway that moved over RM50 billion in goods in 2024. Phase one is already more than 90% taken up, and after seven years of waiting, the road linking Malaysia's side to Thailand's new CIQ complex finally opened this July. We speak to Razwin Sulair
Can MEASAT Reinvent Itself for the SpaceTech Era?
After three decades in Malaysia’s satellite industry, MEASAT is navigating a market transformed by Starlink, streaming and rapidly changing connectivity needs. COO Yau Chyong Lim discusses the economics of billion-ringgit satellite investments, the push into managed services, AI, IoT and telehealth, and why Malaysia still needs sovereign satellite capability. Can MEASAT move beyond its traditional
PolicyStreet's $26M Series C, Profitability, & Next Phase
Following its $26 million Series C round and hitting net profitability, how is insurtech PolicyStreet planning its next phase of expansion? Lee Yen Ming, Co-founder and Group CEO of PolicyStreet, joins BFM’s Breakfast Grille to discuss how the firm built a business model alongside legacy insurers, pivoting from its direct-to-consumer roots into embedded B2B2C distribution and offshore Labuan reins
AI Saved Malaysia’s Economy, But For How Long?
GDP figures across AI-focused Asian hubs look strong, but they mask a broader economic weakness as weak domestic demand, escalating energy costs, new US tariffs, and high interest rates weigh on the non-AI economy. Stefan Angrick, Head of Asia-Pacific Economics at Moody’s Analytics, joins BFM’s Breakfast Grille to break down the depth of the two-speed economy in manufacturing hubs like Malaysia an
GTA Holdings: A Defence MRO Goes Public
GTA Holdings is heading for the ACE Market, servicing helicopter and aircraft engines out of Subang — with about 95% of that work tied to the military. But the prospectus raises questions: RM46mil in dividends paid out just before asking the public to fund a RM37.5mil building, cash dropping from RM107mil to RM23mil in eight months, and consultancy and software contracts awarded to a company owned
Remembering Our Colonial Past
The colonial heritage of modern Malaysia is a complex one, in large part because the three major territories that now make up the country had distinct histories and came under the sway of different powers over the millennia. Over the last century of the half though the landscape is marked by the North Borneo Chartered Company in Sabah, the White Rajahs of Sarawak as well as Malaya’s mix of Straits
Hernan : Uniting Malaysians (and the World) With Durian
Malaysia's durian industry has gone from struggling to meet demand to dealing with a glut but at the very heart of it, it is very much a part of Malaysia. Datuk Anna Teo, founder and Group CEO of Hernan Corporation, a durian grower, processor and exporter, discusses falling prices, rising costs, and whether Malaysia can build a truly world-class durian industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for priv
Pos Malaysia: A Turnaround, Or A Good Six Months?
Pos Malaysia hasn't turned a profit since 2018 — 32 straight quarters in the red and close to a billion ringgit in accumulated losses. But the first half of 2026 hinted at a shift: losses narrowed to RM63 million, revenue grew 8%, and cash flow turned positive for the first time in years. Group CEO Charles Brewer joins us to explain the pivot from mail to parcels, the push into pawnbroking and dig
Is ADFIM Doing Development, Or Just Lending?
Malaysia's development financial institutions are carrying RM193.9 billion in financing across 1.8 million accounts — and until now, nobody has formally measured whether that money actually did anything. Bank Negara's new framework changes that, testing DFIs on whether their financing would have happened anyway without them. We put the hard numbers to the man who chairs them: impaired loans runnin
Aging Nation: Turning Demographic Shifts into Opportunity
As Malaysia rapidly approaches aged-nation status, managing long-term care, rising healthcare costs, and a shrinking workforce are becoming critical economic and social priorities. Hiroyuki Murata, Professor at Tohoku University's Smart Aging Research Center, joins BFM's Breakfast Grille to discuss how societies can shift from treating demographic aging as a fiscal crisis to leveraging it as a gro
Skechers Malaysia: Growth Beyond Comfort
Skechers has grown from a US comfort footwear brand into a global business, with Southeast Asia playing an increasingly important role in its growth story. Zann Lee, Managing Director of Skechers Southeast Asia, talks about the company's expansion, competition and how to deal with boycott calls it faced in Malaysia over its perceived links to Israel.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat
Can Malaysia Unlock Latin America?
Malaysia’s trade with Latin America and the Caribbean remains relatively modest, but shifting global supply chains and stronger diplomatic ties are opening new opportunities for businesses on both sides. The Latin American and Caribbean Chamber of Commerce has set an ambitious goal of doubling bilateral trade within five years. What is holding companies back today, which sectors offer the greatest
Liberty Insurance : Building Trust Beyond The Merger
Four years after Liberty's merger with AmGeneral, the integration story is largely complete. But the next challenge is bigger than combining two businesses. Puneet Pasricha, CEO of Liberty General Insurance, discusses the evolving risks facing the industry, how tech and AI are reshaping insurance, and why building customer trust remains fundamental.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati
Wawasan vs Bersatu: Divided We Stand?
The split within Bersatu and the emergence of Parti Wawasan Negara have reshaped the opposition, raising questions about how the two parties will navigate their relationship within Perikatan Nasional. On the Breakfast Grille, Sharaad Kuttan speaks with Dr Afif Bahardin, Supreme Leadership Council Member of Bersatu, and Tun Fiqa Mohammad, Wawasan High Council member, about the reasons behind the sp
Can Dassault Systèmes Power Asia’s Industrial AI Shift?
Dassault Systèmes built its global business on 3D design and virtual twins, but its ambitions now extend from manufacturing and mobility into healthcare, cloud software and industrial AI. That expansion comes as Asian businesses contend with tighter technology budgets, shifting supply chains and pressure to demonstrate tangible returns from digital investment. As industries accelerate their adopti
Can Malaysians Still Afford to Own Homes?
Home ownership remains a major aspiration for Malaysians, but affordability pressures, unsold properties and weaker transactions continue to expose the disconnect between what buyers want and what the market provides. PropertyGuru Malaysia sits at the centre of that market, connecting buyers, sellers and agents while wielding significant influence over how properties are discovered and marketed on
Penta Group on Profound Changes of the AI Revolution
The artificial intelligence revolution is underway, but how prepared are governments and businesses to navigate the changes this technology will bring over the next decade? We attempt to untangle some of the threads of policy discourse in Europe and Asia, as well as what this means for business strategy with Conall McDevitt, President of the Penta Group, an international strategy and com
Can Workday Navigate ASEAN’s AI Transition?
Businesses across Southeast Asia are under pressure to modernise their technology while keeping costs under control and managing growing expectations around artificial intelligence. For Workday, that creates opportunities to expand its cloud-based HR and finance platforms, but also challenges ranging from legacy enterprise systems and cautious IT spending to uneven digital capabilities and employe
Becoming More Than A Direct Seller?
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?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf
What’s PAS’ Economic Philosophy?
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, th
Human Rights Watch : Is the Rules-Based Order Unravelling?
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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener f
Scicom's Turnaround: A Call Centre Or Concession Play?
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 pri
PEOPLElogy’s 5 Million AI-Ready Goal
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 n
Beijing & Taipei: Divided Beyond the Straits
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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener fo
Negeri Sembilan: Will the “Blue Wave’ Travel Far?
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
The Breakfast Grille - Aug 1, 2026
The Breakfast Grille - Aug 1, 2026See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Negeri Sembilan Votes: Strategy, Performance, Loyalty
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
Can Malaysia Win the Business Events Race?
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
Teladan Group : Growing Beyond Malacca
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pekat Powers Up for the Main Market
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
Wawasan: New Brand, Old Stripes?
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Malaysian Media Council: A New Era of Self-Regulation
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.
MITI: Stability, Realignment, Hurdles
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
Can Malaysia Become ASEAN's Food Hub?
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 a
CGS International : Reinventing the Investment House
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can Samaiden Continue to Shine in RE Space?
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
Can UK's Next Premier Deliver Bold Change?
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.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Manulife Malaysia : Can Medical Insurance Stay Affordable?
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for priv
France & Malaysia: Building Partnerships in a Fragmented World
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy
Blue Wave: How Far North Will It Head?
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 ADU
Voter Turnout, Coalition Fractures, Bogeymen
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 tw
ACCA on AI Disruption, Ethics, & Gen-Z Anxiety
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
Can Timber Drive Malaysia's Next Growth Story?
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 transfor
Institutional Reform: What’s Left to Accomplish?
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
Reform Agenda: Not By Slogans Alone
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 a
Will US-China Minerals Rivalry Be Zero-Sum for ASEAN?
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-ASEA
How the US-Iran War Shook the Global Sukuk Market
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 a
Can foodpanda Win Without a Super App?
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
Puspakom Shifts Gears as Rivals Join the Race
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 strat
Can Marriott Stay Ahead in Malaysia?
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 th
Generational Politics: PKR vs UMNO
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
The ASEAN Way: A Blueprint for New Multilateralism?
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
World Refugee Day : A Turning Point For Malaysia?
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.See
Navigating a New Era in Malaysia–Netherlands Relations
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 ev
Atlas Copco: Engineering SEA's Industrial Future
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.Image Credit: Shutterstoc
Eckem’s RM15M IPO, Earnings Cyclicality, & Manufacturing Optimism
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
Malaysia: External Shocks, Domestic Resilence
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
ITC : Exporting Muslim-Friendly Travel Standards?
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Raising the Bar for Malaysian Corporate Governance
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Can EI Power Capitalise on the Data Centre Boom?
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 expan
Environment: Challenges Aside, Implementation Is Key
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
Can Kia Rebuild Its Position in Malaysia?
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 co
Do Counter-Terrorism Laws Protect or Undermine Human Rights?
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
Can Inspace Scale Beyond Its Niche?
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 i
Selkirk Sport: $100M Target, Pickleball M&A, & Why Malaysia
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
Sika Malaysia: Shrugging Off Global Construction Slump
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 re
Elsa Bhd : An IPO To Let It Flow
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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform
Malaysian Higher Education Blueprint: Rebrand or Real Reform?
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
How iQIYI Is Navigating Southeast Asia’s Streaming Wars
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 e
Can Pentech Move Beyond the Low-Margin ICT Model?
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 p
Samsonite Malaysia: Premium Luggage Holds Steady
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
Cybersecurity in the Age of AI
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 la
