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

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.

East Asia’s AI Boom: Growth or Dependence?

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.

emart24’s Vuitton Pang: Leaving Mamee & The Road to Profitability

The global space economy could reach US$1.8 trillion by 2035, as private companies transform an industry once dominated by governments and national space agencies. But where is the money actually being made, and can commercial space ventures become profitable without relying heavily on public funding? On The Breakfast Grille, we explore the economics of satellite services, private spaceflight and emerging technologies, the growing influence of commercial operators, and whether countries such as Malaysia can capture meaningful opportunities in the global space industry without investing billions in their own space programmes.

Image Credit: Shutterstock

The global space economy could reach US$1.8 trillion by 2035, as private companies transform an industry once dominated by governments and national space agencies. But where is the money actually being made, and can commercial space ventures become profitable without relying heavily on public funding? On The Breakfast Grille, we explore the economics of satellite services, private spaceflight and emerging technologies, the growing influence of commercial operators, and whether countries such as Malaysia can capture meaningful opportunities in the global space industry without investing billions in their own space programmes.Image Credit: Shutterstock

The Space Economy: Beyond the Hype

Bloomberg Economics estimates that the cost of a war between NATO and the Russian Federation resulting from direct destruction in the warzone, higher energy prices as oil supplies reduced, and expected selloff in financial markets could cut global output by 1.3% or USD$1.5 trillion in the first year of the conflict. This is just one incentive to avoid war quite apart from the massive loss of life. However the signs of an escalation are everywhere; what will the belligerents choose?

Bloomberg Economics estimates that the cost of a war between NATO and the Russian Federation resulting from direct destruction in the warzone, higher energy prices as oil supplies reduced, and expected selloff in financial markets could cut global output by 1.3% or USD$1.5 trillion in the first year of the conflict. This is just one incentive to avoid war quite apart from the massive loss of life. However the signs of an escalation are everywhere; what will the belligerents choose?

Europe at the Crossroads

EGH International is an interior fit-out company that recently made its debut on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market and is looking to expand its business after having secured prestigious jobs like the Merdeka 118 Park Hyatt Hotel. Its Managing director Datuk Weslie Lim joins us to discuss the company's financial performance, growth ambitions and what it will take to turn its expanding portfolio into sustainable earnings.

EGH International is an interior fit-out company that recently made its debut on Bursa Malaysia's ACE Market and is looking to expand its business after having secured prestigious jobs like the Merdeka 118 Park Hyatt Hotel. Its Managing director Datuk Weslie Lim joins us to discuss the company's financial performance, growth ambitions and what it will take to turn its expanding portfolio into sustainable earnings.

EGH International: Growing An Interior Fit-Out Company

RedPlanet Berhad straddles two unusual businesses: mapping electrical grids for utility companies, and holding the patent on Malaysia's Platform Intrusion Emergency Stop System, which halts LRT trains when something falls onto the tracks. The company recently moved from the LEAP market to ACE, raising RM13.3 million at RM0.19 a share, an offer oversubscribed 85 times. Its order book stands at roughly RM52 million, while managing director Lian Wah Seng estimates the addressable market at over RM10 billion.

Yet a government directive to install platform screen doors across LRT stations could eventually make Red Planet's safety system redundant, and a profit guarantee on its AZTI subsidiary runs out this December. How the company plans to defend its margins, deploy its fresh capital, and push into new markets once that cushion disappears is the question at the heart of this conversation.

RedPlanet Berhad straddles two unusual businesses: mapping electrical grids for utility companies, and holding the patent on Malaysia's Platform Intrusion Emergency Stop System, which halts LRT trains when something falls onto the tracks. The company recently moved from the LEAP market to ACE, raising RM13.3 million at RM0.19 a share, an offer oversubscribed 85 times. Its order book stands at roughly RM52 million, while managing director Lian Wah Seng estimates the addressable market at over RM10 billion.Yet a government directive to install platform screen doors across LRT stations could eventually make Red Planet's safety system redundant, and a profit guarantee on its AZTI subsidiary runs out this December. How the company plans to defend its margins, deploy its fresh capital, and push into new markets once that cushion disappears is the question at the heart of this conversation.

RedPlanet Berhad: Mapping Grids, Patents And LRT Safety Systems

A Shadow Budget With No Seats in Parliament, But Plenty of Numbers

While the federal opposition opted against tabling a shadow budget for Budget 2027, Parti Bersama Malaysia, a party with no current parliamentary representation, introduced its own comprehensive alternative fiscal plan. Their shadow budget proposes replacing blanket fuel subsidies with consolidated monthly cash allowances, reintroducing a 5% GST, and addressing long-term structural fiscal constraints.

Sum Dek Joe, Economist and Policy Spokesperson for Parti Bersama Malaysia, joins The Breakfast Grille to examine the modeling and feasibility behind their proposal. He discusses why the party chose to table an alternative budget, explains how their proposed monthly fuel, cost-of-living, and child allowances aim to leave 80% of households better off, and outlines the economic rationale for replacing SST with a streamlined GST.

A Shadow Budget With No Seats in Parliament, But Plenty of NumbersWhile the federal opposition opted against tabling a shadow budget for Budget 2027, Parti Bersama Malaysia, a party with no current parliamentary representation, introduced its own comprehensive alternative fiscal plan. Their shadow budget proposes replacing blanket fuel subsidies with consolidated monthly cash allowances, reintroducing a 5% GST, and addressing long-term structural fiscal constraints.Sum Dek Joe, Economist and Policy Spokesperson for Parti Bersama Malaysia, joins The Breakfast Grille to examine the modeling and feasibility behind their proposal. He discusses why the party chose to table an alternative budget, explains how their proposed monthly fuel, cost-of-living, and child allowances aim to leave 80% of households better off, and outlines the economic rationale for replacing SST with a streamlined GST.

Bersama's Shadow Budget: Solutions or Just 'Syok Sendiri'?

The South China Sea is at the centre of growing strategic competition between the United States and China. But does a stronger American military presence make the region safer, or risk escalating tensions? Brent Sadler, Senior Research Fellow for Naval Warfare at the Heritage Foundation, discusses China's maritime ambitions, America's role in the region, the Trump administration's foreign policy and what the rivalry means for Malaysia and ASEAN.

The South China Sea is at the centre of growing strategic competition between the United States and China. But does a stronger American military presence make the region safer, or risk escalating tensions? Brent Sadler, Senior Research Fellow for Naval Warfare at the Heritage Foundation, discusses China's maritime ambitions, America's role in the region, the Trump administration's foreign policy and what the rivalry means for Malaysia and ASEAN.

China, America, and the Future of the South China Sea

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.

The Breakfast Grille

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