The king of fruits is now fueling a tourism boom in Malaysia, with durian-themed packages and farm tours drawing in thousands of visitors. But behind the hype of all-you-can-eat buffets, what are the real opportunities and challenges for the businesses on the ground?

Eugene Ng, a durian entrepreneur and founder of Durian Pintar Malaysia, joins us to discuss the thorny business behind the trend. He shares his dual perspective as both a farm owner and a direct-to-consumer seller, his model for giving farmers a fairer profit share, and his insights on the bigger threats facing the industry, from market saturation to climate change.

We discuss:

• The rise of "durian tourism" and its real impact on farmers.

• The direct-to-consumer model designed to bypass the middlemen.

• The "Musang King" debate: Is there an oversupply or are locals being priced out?

• Why market saturation may be a bigger threat than climate change.

• The strategic vision for using durian as a tool in trade and diplomacy.

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Starting August 1st, a new 25% US tariff on Malaysian goods threatens to hit exporters and their supply chains hard. But this is just the latest in a string of compounding cost pressures, from rising electricity tariffs to SST hikes, that are pushing many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) into survival mode.

Datuk William Ng, National President of Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia (SAMENTA), joins us to break down the real-world impact of these challenges. He explains why SMEs are disproportionately affected and largely unprepared, and argues that a strategic shift is needed for them to evolve from price competitors into value creators.

We discuss:

• The true impact of the 25% US tariff on the entire SME supply chain.

• How compounding domestic costs are pushing businesses into "survival mode."

• Why SMEs must evolve from middlemen to brand and IP owners.

• The call for more targeted government support and systemic reforms.

• The opportunities and challenges for SMEs expanding within ASEAN.

  For SME owners, business leaders, and policymakers, this is an essential dive into the urgent challenges facing Malaysia's economic backbone.

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Malaysia has solidified its position as a dominant hub for data centres in Southeast Asia, attracting massive investments from global tech giants. But with newly announced power tariffs set to increase costs for large-scale operators, is that dominance now in jeopardy?

Alexander Kheder, TMT Analyst at BMI, joins us to analyse how these new tariffs could prompt a "gradual diversion of investments" to peer markets like Indonesia and Thailand. He discusses the critical power challenges facing the industry and argues that the tariffs will accelerate the pivot to sustainability, turning green credentials into the new competitive edge.

We discuss:

• The key factors behind Malaysia's data centre dominance.

• How new power tariffs will impact costs and future projects.

• Why sustainability is becoming a key competitive differentiator.

• The risk of investment diversion to regional competitors.

• The specific impact on high-demand, AI-focused data centres.

  For investors, tech leaders, and policymakers, this is a key analysis of the risks and opportunities shaping the future of digital infrastructure in the region.

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With the US announcing 25% tariff on Malaysian goods, businesses are bracing for a potential economic slowdown. This "tariff tangle" has already prompted a downgrade in Malaysia's 2025 GDP growth forecast, creating significant uncertainty for exporters and policymakers alike. So what is the real impact, and what is the best strategy forward?

Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist at AmBank Group, joins us to dissect the implications of these new trade barriers. He explains which sectors are most at risk, how Malaysia's competitiveness stacks up against regional rivals like Vietnam, and what our long-term trade strategy should be in an era of increasing geopolitical tension.

We discuss:

• The real impact of the 25% US tariff on Malaysia's economy.

• Which sectors are most at risk (and why semiconductors were spared the worst).

• How Malaysia's competitiveness compares to regional peers.

• The government's policy response and ongoing negotiation strategy.

• The long-term need to de-risk the economy from geopolitical influence.

For business leaders, exporters, and policymakers, this breaks down the challenges and strategies for navigating a volatile global trade environment.

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In an era of interconnected "poly-crises". from geopolitical tensions to cybersecurity threats and climate risks, how can organisations build true resilience? The answer may lie in redefining the role of a traditionally overlooked function: internal audit.

Derek Lee, Vice President of The Institute of Internal Auditors Malaysia, joins us to explain why the role must evolve from a reactive "policeman" focused on past compliance to a proactive, forward-looking strategic advisor.

He discusses Malaysia's significant corporate resilience gaps and how internal audit is becoming crucial for navigating modern challenges like ESG compliance and cyber threats.

We discuss:

• The shift from a "policeman mindset" to a "trusted business partner."

• Why only 2% of Malaysian organizations are prepared for today's key risks.

• The growing challenge of ESG compliance and Scope 3 emissions reporting.

• How AI is enabling auditors to focus on high-value strategic advisory work.

• The "three lines model" for organizational risk and accountability.

  For board members, C-suite executives, and risk professionals, this explores how to leverage internal audit as a strategic asset to navigate uncertainty and build a resilient organization.

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Mergers and acquisitions often grab headlines with promises of synergy and growth. But the reality is that many M&A deals fail, not only failing to create value but actively destroying it. So what separates a successful corporate marriage from a costly divorce?

Ng Zhu Hann, CEO of Tradeview Capital, joins us to dissect the art and perils of M&A. He pulls back the curtain on the real motivations behind deals, the critical importance of cultural alignment over simple business synergy, and the common pitfalls that lead to value destruction.

We discuss:

• The real motivations for M&A, from strategic growth to short-term KPI chasing.

• Why most deals fail due to poor integration, overpaying, and value misalignment.

• Strategies for minimizing risk, including staying within your "circle of competency."

• The challenge of valuing companies in a disruptive tech landscape.

• Key red flags that investors should watch for in any M&A announcement.

For CEOs, business leaders, and investors, this is a masterclass in the strategic thinking required to navigate the high-stakes world of corporate M&A.

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Malaysia is shifting gears in its electric vehicle journey. Cities like Petaling Jaya are racing ahead with  plans to install 1,000 EV chargers by 2030, with the first 100 already in place.

But not everyone is cheering. In Taman Tun Dr Ismail, residents have raised concerns that newly installed chargers are eating into precious public parking space, highlighting a tension many urban areas face: how do you balance the needs of today’s communities with the demands of a cleaner, greener tomorrow?

We speak with Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, Founder of My Mobility Vision, about why such pushbacks happen, what’s at stake for city councils and residents alike, and how Malaysia can roll out EV infrastructure that works for both progress and people.

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Southeast Asia has become ground zero for the digital nomad movement, with hotspots like Bali and Bangkok leading the way. But is Malaysia keeping up? From the rollout of digital nomad visas to a growing network of co-working spaces, the pieces are starting to fall into place. Still, questions remain about whether the country is ready to compete with its neighbours, and what role local startups might play in shaping a remote-first future. Gary Bowerman, Co-Founder at High-Yield Tourism, joins the conversation.

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Central banks globally are tasked with maintaining price stability, typically by managing interest rates. But what if this entire approach is fundamentally flawed and the source of the very economic instability it's meant to prevent?

Economist Dr. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, joins us to make the case for a radical rethink of modern monetary policy. He argues that by interfering with market forces, central banks create "monetary disorder," leading to distorted investments, asset bubbles, and unsustainable booms.

We discuss:

• Why monetary policy must look beyond just price stability.

• The definition of "monetary disorder" and how it manifests.

• The argument for abolishing central bank-directed interest rates.

• Why fiscal discipline is essential for any sound monetary policy.

• The case for moving from discretionary to rule-based frameworks.

  For economists, policymakers, and anyone interested in the fundamental debates shaping our economy, this is a challenging and thought-provoking exploration of monetary reform.

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Urban revitalisation is sweeping across Malaysian cities, with PJ Old Town as a focal point. But can efforts to modernise historic areas uplift communities without displacing them? Urban planner Mustapha Kamal joins us to discuss the economic logic behind revitalisation, the risks of gentrification, and what it takes to create growth that’s both inclusive and sustainable.

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