Philanthropist and retired currency speculator George Soros made his first ever visit to Malaysia last week at the invitation of Malaysia's London School of Economics and Political Science Alumni Society.

His three-day visit was marked by a one-hour meeting with former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in what is widely regarded as a reconciliation between two bitter foes.

Soros and Mahathir traded insults during the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis when Mahathir accused currency speculators, in particular Soros, for causing the financial crisis that badly hit the regional economy.

On Friday night, the self-made billionaire also held court at a packed dinner talk organised by the society attended by some of the country's top tycoons. The following are extracts of his address.

  1. Soros on his early years (4 mins)

    Soros gives an insight into his early years the Nazi and Soviet occupation of his native Hungary and his father's world-views.
  2. Soros on his economic philosophy (5 mins)

    Philosopher Karl Popper shaped Soros' own ideas on economics and business, where he challenged the notion of perfect competition.
  3. Soros on open society (6 mins)

    Soros reveals the motivation that led him to set up the Open Society Foundation and what it seeks to accomplish.
  4. Soros on his latest book (4 mins)

    The 'Age of Fallibility' explores the war on terror, globalisation, global warming, policies of the Bush administration, among other issues.
  5. Soros on US role (90 secs)

    Embroiled in Iraq, the US is no longer in a position to influence the global community in areas of conflict.