East Asia's economy is proving more resilient than expected, with the World Bank forecasting growth of 4.5% this year, supported by surging demand for AI-related exports and investment. But with much of that growth concentrated in semiconductors and electronics, could the region become dangerously dependent on a global technology boom? On The Breakfast Grille, we examine the risks of excessive AI investment, rising energy costs and the region's slow adoption of AI among businesses. We also explore whether data centre investment can deliver lasting economic benefits, why smaller firms are struggling to adopt AI and what the technology could mean for productivity, employment and the skills of tomorrow's workforce.

East Asia's economy is proving more resilient than expected, with the World Bank forecasting growth of 4.5% this year, supported by surging demand for AI-related exports and investment. But with much of that growth concentrated in semiconductors and electronics, could the region become dangerously dependent on a global technology boom? On The Breakfast Grille, we examine the risks of excessive AI investment, rising energy costs and the region's slow adoption of AI among businesses. We also explore whether data centre investment can deliver lasting economic benefits, why smaller firms are struggling to adopt AI and what the technology could mean for productivity, employment and the skills of tomorrow's workforce.

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.

The Breakfast Grille

Featuring the cream-of-the-crop as well as the controversial, the Breakfast Grille is the flagship show of BFM. Expect no-holds-barred interviews to get to the truth and into the minds of business leaders, policymakers and changemakers.

East Asia’s AI Boom: Growth or Dependence?

When the Prime Minister recently announced restrictions on the use of the navigational app, Waze, for civil servants it received significant pushback from the larger public. Allegations about possible vulnerabilities and targeting by Israel, a country we have no diplomatic relations with, did little to quell the annoyance of a disgruntled segment of the public. Was the move by government not well thought out, or was it triggered by genuine security concerns that have yet to be shared with the public? How does the government navigate the democratic demand for transparency and a domestic security architecture which requires restrictions on information to be effective?

When the Prime Minister recently announced restrictions on the use of the navigational app, Waze, for civil servants it received significant pushback from the larger public. Allegations about possible vulnerabilities and targeting by Israel, a country we have no diplomatic relations with, did little to quell the annoyance of a disgruntled segment of the public. Was the move by government not well thought out, or was it triggered by genuine security concerns that have yet to be shared with the public? How does the government navigate the democratic demand for transparency and a domestic security architecture which requires restrictions on information to be effective?

Navigating National Security Vulnerabilities

Just a few months ago, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development revealed in Parliament that almost 3 million women remain outside the workforce due to family commitments. For the government and policy-makers, the question is how much support is being given to them and what consequences for society and the economy are there if we do not. Today, in conjunction with the International Day of Care and Support, we discuss a proposal to shift the burden of support for women who have given birth from being reliant solely on employers to a system based on shared responsibility.

Just a few months ago, the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development revealed in Parliament that almost 3 million women remain outside the workforce due to family commitments. For the government and policy-makers, the question is how much support is being given to them and what consequences for society and the economy are there if we do not. Today, in conjunction with the International Day of Care and Support, we discuss a proposal to shift the burden of support for women who have given birth from being reliant solely on employers to a system based on shared responsibility.

UNICEF: Enhancing Social Protection Architecture for Care

Self-described "ex-nepo baby" Vuitton Pang, CEO of emart24 Malaysia, joins The Breakfast Grille to discuss stepping out of the Mamee family business, entering the capital-intensive convenience sector, and whether the venture fits a broader family investment thesis.

When he left Mamee-Double Decker in 2021 to launch emart24 in Malaysia, the target was 300 stores in five years. Five years on, the chain has only reached 111 outlets, discovering an unexpected growth engine not in central urban hubs like the Klang Valley, but deep in the East Coast, powering revenue to more than double year-on-year to RM114 million in FY2024.

Vuitton reflects on walking away from traditional eldest-son expectations at Mamee, candidly sharing why his brother Pierre was the better fit to lead the family business. He also charts the road to group-level profitability after the most recent financials show RM20 million in losses in 2024.

He breaks down strategies to help expand margins, his thoughts on an eventual IPO to fund growth, and why he stepped into the world of being a KOL CEO to drive foot traffic.

Tune in to learn more about what is standing between emart24 and the scale it needs, and how Vuitton is trying to close that gap with capital, location strategy, and a newly built central kitchen.

Self-described "ex-nepo baby" Vuitton Pang, CEO of emart24 Malaysia, joins The Breakfast Grille to discuss stepping out of the Mamee family business, entering the capital-intensive convenience sector, and whether the venture fits a broader family investment thesis.When he left Mamee-Double Decker in 2021 to launch emart24 in Malaysia, the target was 300 stores in five years. Five years on, the chain has only reached 111 outlets, discovering an unexpected growth engine not in central urban hubs like the Klang Valley, but deep in the East Coast, powering revenue to more than double year-on-year to RM114 million in FY2024.Vuitton reflects on walking away from traditional eldest-son expectations at Mamee, candidly sharing why his brother Pierre was the better fit to lead the family business. He also charts the road to group-level profitability after the most recent financials show RM20 million in losses in 2024.He breaks down strategies to help expand margins, his thoughts on an eventual IPO to fund growth, and why he stepped into the world of being a KOL CEO to drive foot traffic.Tune in to learn more about what is standing between emart24 and the scale it needs, and how Vuitton is trying to close that gap with capital, location strategy, and a newly built central kitchen.

East Asia’s AI Boom: Growth or Dependence?

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