Bfm :: The Breakfast Grille

World Children’s Day commemorates the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child which establishes basic protections and rights for all children, regardless of background and jurisdiction. However in Malaysia, these rights are not extended to non-citizen minors, including refugees and those who are deemed as stateless, putting the future of thousands of children in limbo, many of whom are born and raised on these shores. We reflect on the consequences of this gap with our panel of experts.

The United Nations recognises November 19th every year as World Toilet Day and the discussion on this programme centres around TOTO Ltd, a Japanese company that has been producing and innovating toilets, toilet seats, and other bathroom products for more than a century. Endo Daisuke, the president of TOTO Asia Oceania, talks about the company's focus in this region.

The changing political dynamics at the federal government have led to renewed attention on the Malaysia Agreement 1963 and what Sabah & Sarawak are entitled to under the historic deal. A key contention is whether the MA63 grants Sabah and Sarawak a right to hold 35% of seats in Parliament. We’ll hear both sides of the argument today from two prominent academics that have commented extensively on the issue - Dr. James Chin of the University of Tasmania & Dr. Wong Chin Huat of Sunway University.Image Credit: Labor Studio / Shutterstock.com

The internet, a utility that we have become so dependent on, is powered by an unseen network of submarine cables laid on ocean floors across the world. We speak to OMS Group, a Malaysian company involved in this industry that provides subsea digital infrastructure solutions. It has a global presence and strong backers like the KKR Group. Ronnie Lim, the Group CEO, tells us about its growth strategy and monetisation plans.

OYO Rooms, finally turned a profit in its latest financial year since being founded in 2012. The Indian multinational hotel chain which is backed by Japan's Softbank, is now refocusing its efforts into increasing that profitability by reducing the number of purely budget hotels and providing a more varied range of products to suit more people. Akshay Rathod, country head for OYO Malaysia gives us an insight into what changes can be expected to maintain this positive momentum.

The Body Shop is an iconic skincare, cosmetics and perfume brand that was synonymous with conservation and recycling even before ESG became mainstream. However it recently has gone into receivership and emerged with a new owner, Aurea Group. We speak to Mike Jatania, the new Executive Chairman of the Body Shop on their turnaround plans and why they see value in this company.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

Logistics Consulting Asia – Savills (LCAS) is a Malaysian consultancy that helps businesses across Asia strengthen their supply chains and logistics capabilities. What are the supply chain trends shaping the region amid ongoing US-China trade tensions? We speak with John Talbot, CEO of LCA Savills about how its business is navigating the challenging climate and ways to boost supply chain resiliency.

The fertility, obstetrics and gynaecology services industry is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11% to reach RM470 million ringgit by 2026, on the back of slowing population growth. How is Metro Healthcare looking to capitalise on this momentum through its ACE Market listing? We speak to Managing Director Jason Lim for more on how the company intends to use its IPO proceeds and the outlook for the sector.

The Madani Government is working on a new policy blueprint for public higher education to replace the current plan that ends in 2025. What is the policy direction we should be taking to improve the higher education landscape for national progress? We discuss themes in higher education with Dr. Sharifah Munirah Alatas, an Independent Scholar and Chair of the Malaysian Academic Movement (GERAK), and Dr. Wan Chang Da, a Visiting Senior Fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak InstituteImage Credit: Shutterstock.com

Spain was once seen as the laggard of the Eurozone, but following the post-pandemic recovery it is now one of the bloc’s outperformers. We discuss the factors in the change in Spain’s economic narrative as well as the aftermath of the tragic floods that hit Valencia early this month with H.E. Jose Luis Pardo, the Ambassador of Spain to Malaysia.

Security seals are often a forgotten part of the supply chain. We speak to the world’s 3rd largest player which is due to list on Bursa Malaysia as to their reasons for listing, how they got OCBC to be their shareholder and why should you buy their share. Their Group MD, Datuk Adrian Ng joins us.

Ukraine has been in the midst of war after Russia invaded its western neighbour nearly 1,000 days ago, and now controls around 18% of that country. Today, Ukraine's Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Trade & Agriculture, Taras Kachka, who is on a mission around the world to drum up more trade, shares about the ongoing challenges and whether or not there is still potential for more bilateral trade with his country.

Malaysia and Cuba have had diplomatic relations since 1975 and citizens of both nations don't require visas to visit each other. Yet, bilateral trade remains low. Florentino Batista González, the ambassador of Cuba to Malaysia shares his views on the potential of bilateral relations after both countries became BRICS partners, as well as how the continued US economic embargo on the Caribbean island nation is wreaking havoc on its citizens' wellbeing.

November has become associated with novel writing, thanks to the grassroots NaNoWriMo movement, to the extent that in the US, November 1st is designated as National Authors Day. In this spirit, we discuss themes related to the Malaysian writing and publishing industry with author Cheeming Boey and publisher Amir Muhammad of BukuFixi.

Levi's, a brand synonymous with jeans, has a 170-year heritage. But does it still have a cache, and how does this world-leading apparel maker compete in SEA? We pose these questions to Sameer Koul, General Manager for Southeast Asia and Country Manager for Thailand, Levi Strauss & Co.

3REN Bhd is a soon-to-be-listed automation solutions and engineering services provider, primarily focusing on the semiconductor, electronics, and manufacturing sectors. Koh Dim Kuan, its executive director and CEO, shares the company's future plans following its listing to raise some RM31 million to expand its operations and to enhance its R&D capabilities.Image Credit: Shutterstock.com

The past year has seen a seismic shift in the political landscape in Europe, with far-right groups and ideologies gaining momentum across the continent, including in France. Is the French principle of laicite a bulwark or a vulnerability in the face of the far-right movement? We get a better understanding of the concept and how it's implemented with Ambassador Jean-Christophe Peaucelle, Counselor for Religious Affairs at the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.

Budget 2025 is the most expansionary in history at RM421bn with the goal of fiscal consolidation while growing the economy through the introduction of new taxes and incentives. To delve into the implications of this budget for businesses, we speak with Tai Lai Kok, Head of Corporate Tax at KPMG, and Datuk William Ng, National President of the Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA).

1MDB is undeniably the largest financial scandal in Malaysia’s history. Malaysian journalist Leslie Lopez has released his first book, The Siege Within, which reveals previously unpublished material from his own archives related to the embezzlement of 1MDB funds. The book explores the roles of former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and fugitive financier Jho Low in this political crime. We speak with Leslie about his journey in covering this story.

Swiss Re a key player in the insurance business has been providing coverage to insurance companies as a reinsurer since 1863. Paul Murray, CEO of Life and Health Reinsurance at Swiss Re, shares his insights on their role in risk management, growth strategies, and the pricing challenges faced in today’s environment.