Retirement: It's an 'Income Problem,' Not an EPF Problem.

Proposals to restructure the EPF aim to solve Malaysia's retirement crisis by creating a pension-like income stream for retirees. But what if the problem isn't the EPF system itself, but a much deeper issue with our income and corresponding quality of education?

Rajen Devadason, Licensed Financial Planner with Manulife Investment Management (Malaysia) Berhad, joins us with a contrarian take, arguing that Malaysia has a fundamental "income problem" rooted in long-term educational policy missteps. He discusses his bold proposals for reform, including the controversial but necessary step of raising the retirement age to combat longevity risk.

We discuss:

• Why the core issue is an "income problem," not an EPF problem.

• The case for raising Malaysia's retirement age to 70.

• How long-term educational policy has impacted national income levels.

• What "longevity risk" is and why it's the biggest threat to retirement.

• Why individuals must focus on building their own private pensions.

  For policymakers and anyone planning for the future, this is a conversation that dives into perspectives on deep, structural reforms needed to secure Malaysia's long-term economic well-being.

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Five years after a massive accounting scandal and a dramatic NASDAQ delisting, Luckin Coffee has staged one of the most remarkable comebacks in corporate history, growing to over 26,000 stores. But the real story isn't just the recovery; it's the powerful, digital-first system that fuels its explosive growth.

Jianggan Li, CEO of Momentum Works, joins us to dissect this incredible turnaround, based on their new "Inside Luckin Coffee" report. He explains how Luckin operates more like a tech or e-commerce company than a traditional cafe, using data to drive everything from its rapid R&D engine to its hyper-efficient store operations.

We discuss:

• The story of their dramatic comeback from scandal and delisting.

• How they operate like an e-commerce company, using stores as fulfillment centers.

• Their data-driven R&D that launches over 100 new products a year.

• Key lessons for other brands on digital capabilities and supply chain mastery.

  For F&B leaders, entrepreneurs, and strategists, this is a deep dive in building a digital-first, data-centric F&B brand.

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Former economy minister Rafizi Ramli says letting students finish school at 16 could get Malaysians into the workforce by 21, giving the economy a boost as the population ages. Critics warn it could leave young people underprepared and deepen inequality.

With Parliament having just made secondary education compulsory until 17, is Malaysia ready to rethink the school-leaving age, and what would it mean for universities, employers, and the students themselves?

Jagdish Singh Malhi, Director of Student Recruitment and Marketing at University of Nottingham Malaysia, and Chan Soon Seng, CEO of Teach For Malaysia, join us to explore the opportunities, risks, and what it would take to make such a change work.

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Following recent amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), it is now mandatory for certain Malaysian companies to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO). With the deadline having passed on June 1st, are you compliant, and what does this new role actually entail for your business?

Tech lawyers Ong Johnson and Lo Khai Yi from Halim Hong & Quek join us to break down the new guidelines from the Personal Data Protection Commissioner. They explain who needs to appoint a DPO, the core functional roles of the position, and the different pathways to achieving compliance.

We discuss:

• The specific criteria for when a company must appoint a DPO.

• The 6 core functional roles and responsibilities of a DPO.

• The difference between "Fundamental" and "Advanced" DPO competency.

• The legal distinction between a "data controller" and a "data processor."

• The three pathways for compliance: outsourcing, a hybrid model, or upskilling.

  For business owners, directors, and legal teams, this is an essential and urgent guide to navigating Malaysia's new data protection landscape.

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By 2030, one in five Malaysians will be over the age of 60 — a demographic shift that’s prompting the government to review whether the current retirement age of 60 still makes sense. With proposals on the table to raise it to 65, what would this mean for businesses, workers, and the economy?

Sam Baxendale, Co-Founder & CEO of Kinetik Hiring, joins us to explore the policy drivers, workplace readiness, and intergenerational dynamics at play, and whether Malaysia is adapting to an ageing workforce or simply buying time.

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As global capital becomes increasingly mobile, Multipolitans are a new class of wealthy individuals seeking cities that can not only grow their wealth but preserve it for the future. A new report from Multipolitan reveals one city is quietly setting the global benchmark for stability and sustainability. So, what makes Singapore so attractive, and where does Malaysia stand?

Nirbhay Handa, CEO of the global migration platform Multipolitan, joins us to unpack the findings from their ‘Wealth Report 2025’. He explains the three indices used to rank global cities and reveals why Singapore is the only city to rank in the top five across all three, making it the ultimate destination for "future-proof wealth.

We discuss:

• The rise of Multipolitans and what they look for in a city.

• Key findings from the Tax Friendly and Wealth Preservation indices.

• Why Singapore stands out as the global benchmark.

• How Malaysia can unlock its potential as a complementary hub.

• Why trust and predictability are more important than low taxes.

  For globally mobile entrepreneurs, investors, and family offices, this is a guide to the cities and strategies that will define the future of wealth preservation.

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As Malaysia prepares to host SME Venture@ASEAN 2025 in October under its ASEAN Chairmanship, the spotlight is on how local businesses can break past domestic limits and seize regional opportunities. But while ASEAN is often touted as a natural growth market for Malaysian SMEs, the journey beyond our borders remains filled with challenges.

We speak with Rizal Dato’ Nainy, CEO of SME Corp Malaysia, about the real barriers holding SMEs back from scaling regionally, from structural hurdles to mindset gaps. We discuss what “export readiness” actually means, how SME Corp is driving innovation and digital adoption, and why events like SME Venture@ASEAN must go beyond networking to deliver real business impact.

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When a takeover or privatisation offer lands, minority shareholders face a tough choice, often needing to decipher complex documents and jargon. What's the difference between an offer that's 'fair' versus one that's merely 'reasonable,' and how can you protect your interests?

Dr. Ismet Yusoff, CEO of the Minority Shareholders Watch Group (MSWG), joins us to demystify the world of corporate actions and shareholder rights. He explains how to assess takeover offers, the crucial role of independent advisors, and how corporate governance is evolving beyond compliance to include critical ESG issues like workplace safety.

We discuss:

• The critical difference between a "fair" and a "reasonable" takeover offer.

• The specific risks minority shareholders face during privatisations.

• MSWG's role in monitoring companies and protecting investor rights.

• How corporate governance has evolved to include ESG and social issues.

• Practical tips for effectively participating in AGMs and EGMs.

  For retail investors and anyone serving on a corporate board, this is a guide to understanding shareholder rights, assessing corporate actions, and promoting better corporate governance.

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With its ASEAN Chairmanship and a maturing ecosystem, Malaysia stands at a pivotal moment for its fintech ambitions. But as AI disrupts roadmaps and regional competition intensifies, is our window to become a true fintech gateway for ASEAN closing fast?

Anil Gill and Marc Fong from the Fintech Association of Malaysia (FAOM) join us to provide a perspective on the state of the industry. They discuss the evolution from disruption to "co-creation" with traditional finance, the challenges of AI adoption, and the urgent need for leadership to capitalise on our regional advantages.

We discuss:

• The evolution of fintech into a collaborative "co-creation" phase.

• How AI is creating both opportunities and investment uncertainty.

• Malaysia's unique position as a potential fintech gateway to ASEAN.

• The role of the ASEAN Fintech Alliance (AFA) in fostering regional growth.

• The urgent need to address the funding gap before the "window closes."

  For fintech founders, investors, and policymakers, this is a crucial discussion on the challenges and strategic imperatives for Malaysia's digital finance future.

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Procurement isn’t just about cutting costs — it’s also one of the most overlooked tools for creating social impact and long-term business value. As ESG pressures mount and supply chains come under greater scrutiny, companies have a powerful opportunity to rethink how and from whom they buy.

Today, we speak with Rashvin Pal Singh, Group CEO of Biji-biji Initiative, and Redza Shahid Ridzuan, Assistant Director of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center at Asia School of Business. They share how values-driven procurement can empower social enterprises, why corporates need to move beyond symbolic CSR purchases, and what it takes to build a more inclusive, impact-aligned supply chain in Malaysia.

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