General

It was World Wetlands Day on the 2nd of February, and we wanted to give props to the many underrated habitats that fall under the category of wetlands, which are described as the most productive ecosystems in the world. Previously, we spoke about what wetlands are, but in this second episode of our two-part special, we discuss threats that continuously degrade these habitats, but also solutions on how to conserve and protect remaining wetlands. Joining us to do this is Dr. Ahmad Aldrie Amir, a Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow at the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI) at UKM, and he is also the coordinator of the Malaysian Mangrove Research Alliance and Network (MyMangrove). 

*Listen to Part 1 here.

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The 8th of February 2023 marks the 120th anniversary of the birth of Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-haj, our first Prime Minister, and Malaya and Malaysia illustrious founding father. Tunku left footprints in the sands of time that, if we were to follow, may help us restore our past reputation as an exemplary society in which diverse races, religions and regions can live together in peace, harmony and prosperity. To reminisce about Tunku's remarkable life and enduring legacy, we speak to Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Hj Shad Saleem Faruqi (Holder of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Chair, University of Malaya, Trustee, Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman) and Johan Rozali-Wathooth (Trustee, Yayasan Tunku Abdul Rahman).

Image Credit: Wikimedia/Creative Commons

After years of expansion in Southeast Asia, Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com is shutting down its Thailand and Indonesian platforms. While company did not give a reason for the closure, it is largely being seen as a major setback for the company’s overseas expansion efforts.

On the back of this, we speak to Aaron Sarma of ScaleUp Malaysia on how to scale up sustainably, potential pressure on startup valuations, and startup spaces he’s watching in 2023.

Founded in 1992, Karen Barnes Dance offered high-quality dancing training in small groups. In Karen Barnes Dance, each student receives an individualised education to ensure that each person is treated with respect. We speak to Karen Barnes, the founder of Karen Barnes Dance to hear about her journey and vision of the ballet industry in Malaysia.

Photo Credit : Shutterstock | NK D.LIGHT

Insurance - it’s a crucial part of any good financial plan and it’s more than just life insurance, medical card, or critical illness cover. More importantly, it’s not just for individuals, businesses need insurance as well. Senang Insurance is an insuretech that’s trying to make insurance easier for businesses, gig workers, and more. Armed with a new round of funding from TIM Ventures, we speak to Co-founder and CEO Sharian Raj about how they started and what comes next.

近年来，康普茶（Kombucha）成为年轻消费者之间流行的饮品。那么，本期节目就要来聊聊：一瓶康普茶萃取出的创意故事。说的是一位药剂领域的创业者，在行管令期间因为「闲着」，开始发挥创意，做起了私房料理和甜点… 最终，以凤梨酥和独特口味的康普茶作为主打商品。这位嘉宾，究竟会如何透过市集支摊、B2B、委托生产（OEM）等方式，将「玩食材」的创意故事，说给消费者听呢？

Foreign based architects are not new to Malaysia. Our majestic KLCC twin towers were designed by a renowned Argentinian architect - César Pelli while Sir Norman Foster's firm Fosters and Partners has designed many buildings in the KLCC vicinity. Are these foreign architecture firms competing on a level playing field with their Malaysian counterparts? We speak to Mun Inn Chan who is the founding partner for Design Collective Architects (DCA) and EDI Architects Sdn Bhd for insights.

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Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced last week that development allocations for MPs would be reduced by 65% to RM1.3 million as part of efforts to control government finances. What are the implications of this move for MPs and their constituents? Two-term former MP Ong Kian Ming explains the potential consequences.

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As inflation pressure rises and economic activity slows, Malaysian banks will likely see weaker loans growth in 2023. Newly appointed CEO of Alliance Bank, Kellee Kam comes on the Breakfast Grille to share his strategies on how the bank plans to contend with the headwinds in the coming quarters.

电子制造服务（EMS）的供应商NationGate公司上个月在创业板上市，是创业板至今为止最大的筹资规模。作为一家电子代工的公司，他们主要专注于组装电子产品及半导体设备，上市以后也是引发很多投资者的关注。但随着今年疫情缓和之后，科技产品的需求也开始出现放缓，这家电子代工巨头会不会也会受到冲击呢？