Enterprise Explores

When it comes to tax compliance, what works better: engagement or enforcement? With Malaysia's "shadow economy" estimated at 30% of GDP, the debate over using the carrot or the stick is more critical than ever for the nation's fiscal health.Tax expert Harvindar Singh joins us to dissect the state of tax compliance in Malaysia. He discusses the effectiveness of the self-assessment system, the role of technology like e-invoicing in raising the "detection risk," and the lessons we can learn from other countries in building a culture of trust between taxpayers and the authorities.We discuss:The state of tax compliance in Malaysia vs. regional peers like Singapore.The debate: balancing enforcement ("the stick") and engagement ("the carrot").The crucial role of technology and e-invoicing in improving compliance.Why simplifying the tax system is essential for building a compliance culture.How to bridge the "trust deficit" between taxpayers and the IRB.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ASEAN continues to be seen as a region of immense opportunity, but the 11th EU-ASEAN Business Sentiment Survey by the EU-ASEAN Business Council reveals a paradox. European companies are optimistic about revenues and expansion, yet at the same time frustrated by red tape, rising non-tariff barriers, and slow progress on integration.So where does Malaysia fit in — a country some describe as a sweet spot, not as saturated as Singapore and not as fast-rising as Vietnam, but potentially a gatekeeper for European firms? Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU-ASEAN Business Council, shares what the findings really mean for ASEAN’s credibility, competitiveness, and future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apple has moved far beyond selling gadgets. Each launch now reinforces a bigger story — an ecosystem that locks in millions of users worldwide. With the global rollout of the new iPhone, updated Apple Watch, iPads and more, including their arrival in Malaysia, Alexander Wong and Amin Ashaari, co-founders of SoyaCincau, discuss whether Apple is doubling down on luxury, lifestyle and loyalty rather than breakthrough innovation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Malaysia's government debt hitting a record high of over RM1.2 trillion, many of us see an abstract, impossibly large number. But what does this actually mean for our economy, our currency, and our collective future?Senior Economist Julia Goh from UOB joins us to provide a 101 on government debt. She breaks down why governments borrow, the key warning signs of when a country is borrowing too much, and provides a clear-eyed assessment of Malaysia's current fiscal position and its path forward.We discuss:Why governments borrow and how it differs from personal debt.The key warning signs to watch, including the debt-to-GDP ratio.The real-world consequences of a sovereign debt default.An assessment of Malaysia's current debt position and fiscal health.Why Malaysia's high level of ringgit-denominated debt provides a crucial buffer.For business owners, investors, and anyone looking to understand the forces shaping our national economy, this is an essential primer on government debt and fiscal responsibility.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everyone is talking about "democratising AI," but what does it actually take to move this powerful technology from the hands of a few tech giants into the core of everyday enterprise operations? While individual AI usage is high, businesses are still struggling to move beyond experiments to monetisation at scale.Prem Pavan, General Manager for Southeast Asia and Korea at Red Hat, joins us to discuss this critical challenge.We discuss:* What "democratising AI" really means for businesses on the ground.* The key challenge: moving from proofs of concept to monetising AI at scale.* The crucial role of open source in making new technologies enterprise-ready.* The future of AI, including the rise of data sovereignty and agentic AI.For CIOs, CTOs, and enterprise architects, this is an exploration into the open-source and hybrid cloud strategies needed to win in the era of AI.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, sustainable finance meant investing in green companies. But a new, more pragmatic idea is gaining traction: transition investing, funding high-emitting industries to help them decarbonise. While 91% of Malaysian investors are interested, most don't fully understand it and are wary of the risks.Eugenia Koh, Global Head of Sustainable Finance at Standard Chartered, joins us to break down this emerging concept. She explains the difference between transition and traditional ESG investing, the need for credible, science-based plans to avoid greenwashing, and the path to mainstreaming this new approach.We discuss:What transition investing is and how it differs from traditional ESG.Why it's a complementary strategy for decarbonising the real economy.The investor paradox: high interest but also high skepticism and a knowledge gap.How to assess a company's transition plan for credibility.The key steps needed to mainstream this new form of sustainable finance.For investors and wealth managers, this is a deep dive into the next frontier of sustainable finance and the potential opportunities it holds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do so many digital transformation and AI projects fail to deliver their promised returns? According to our guest, the answer has less to do with technology and everything to do with the most overlooked element: the human factor.Bestselling author and digital transformation expert Kamales Lardi joins us to share her human-centric approach to technology. She explains why successful transformation hinges on trust and mindset shifts, the real risks of AI that go beyond cybersecurity, and the importance of having a clear, transformative purpose to guide your organization through change.We discuss:The "human side" of digital transformation and why it's critical for success.Why AI should be seen as an enabler to solve business problems, not a silver bullet.A case study on why simply replacing people with AI for cost-cutting often fails.The importance of a "massive transformative purpose" in leading change.Why human-centered governance is essential for the safe adoption of autonomous AI.For C-suite leaders and digital strategists, this is an essential guide to putting people at the center of your transformation journey. Catch Kamales at MDX Summit 2025 happening at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 17-19 Sept 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world buzzing with AI hype, how do you separate real innovation from the "bubble of expectations"? With three decades of experience on the frontiers of technology, our guest, a self-described "tech bubble collector", offers a unique, long-term perspective on the cycles of boom, bust, and breakthrough.Tech investor and entrepreneur Nicklas Bergman joins us to share his insights. He discusses why he's skeptical about the current generative AI hype, the real "data economy advantage," and his work with the European Innovation Council's €10 billion fund to commercialise deep tech.We discuss:A tech investor's reality check on the AI "bubble of expectations."The true "data economy advantage" and its associated privacy risks.Inside the European Innovation Council's €10 billion deep tech fund.The key ingredients for successfully commercialising scientific innovation.What Malaysia can learn from the Nordics to build its tech future.For tech investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, this is an insightful long-term perspective on navigating hype cycles and building a resilient innovation economy. Catch Nicklas at MDX Summit 2025 happening at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 17-19 Sept 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US government is now a strategic shareholder in chipmaker Intel, signaling a new era of state intervention in the US But what are the real risks of this interventionist playbook for innovation, free competition, and investor confidence?Economist Dr. Carmelo Ferlito joins us to dissect this trend. He argues for a clear distinction between a market economy driven by price signals and a state-led one driven by policy, warning that state intervention often leads to inefficiencies, politically protected monopolies, and an erosion of investor confidence.We discuss:The key differences between a market economy and a state-led economy.The dangers of governments "picking winners and losers."Why politically protected monopolies stifle long-term innovation.The risks to investor confidence when the state becomes a major market player.The historical cycles of state interventionism and their consequences.For policymakers, investors, and business leaders, this is a broad exploration into the complex and cyclical battle between market forces and state control.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New rules incoming for affiliates, sellers & marketplaces? With Malaysia's new E-commerce Bill set to be tabled by year-end, Ganesh Kumar Bangah, the e-Commerce Chapter Chair of PIKOM, joins us to break down the need for it and key implications.He discusses the need to regulate dominant marketplaces, the crucial new legal distinction between affiliates and sellers, and his strong advocacy for local brands to build their own e-commerce websites.We discuss:The key aims of the upcoming E-commerce Bill.The new distinction between "affiliates" (influencers) and "sellers."The argument for regulating dominant, foreign-owned marketplaces.Why brands should invest in building their own brand.coms to reduce reliance.How the new rules will impact sellers, logistics partners, and consumers.For e-commerce sellers, brand owners, and digital marketers, this is a deep dive into the changing regulatory landscape and the strategies needed to thrive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Google's massive antitrust trial in the headlines and Malaysia set to amend its own Competition Act, the rules of fair play in business are under the spotlight. But what do these laws actually mean for businesses on the ground, and could you be accidentally breaking them?Competition law expert Tan Shi Wen, a Partner at Skrine, joins us to demystify this complex area. She explains the two main prohibitions under Malaysian law, why the rules apply to SMEs just as much as corporate giants, and the severe financial and reputational risks of getting it wrong.We discuss:The two main prohibitions in Malaysian competition law.Why the law applies to all businesses, not just dominant players.The very broad definition of an "agreement" (and its hidden risks).The severe penalties for non-compliance: up to 10% of worldwide turnover.The upcoming changes to the Competition Act, including a new merger control regime.For business owners of all sizes, this is a guide to understanding your compliance obligations and competing on merit in today's regulated market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Across our cities, empty shop lots and vacant office buildings are a common sight, a sign of wasted potential. But for enterprising individuals and businesses, could these underutilised assets be the next big opportunity?Cha-Ly Koh, Founder and CEO of the data analytics firm UrbanMetry, joins us to provide a data-driven look at this issue. She discusses her framework for assessing these properties, the key financial and execution risks involved, and why repurposing old buildings is often harder and more expensive than building new ones.We discuss:How to identify and define an "underutilised asset."The key financial, legal, and execution risks to consider before repurposing.Why it's often more expensive to revitalise old buildings than to build new.Why community and social capital are a city's most underutilised assets.Policy ideas like a "vacancy tax" and "patient capital" to encourage urban renewal.For real estate investors, developers, and urban planners, this is an essential, data-driven guide to the challenges and opportunities of urban renewal.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence is powering a new wave of innovation, but it's also fueling a darker reality: the rise of 'Dark AI.' From hyper-realistic deepfakes to perfectly crafted phishing scams, how are cybercriminals weaponising this technology, and how can businesses and individuals protect themselves?Sergey Lozhkin, Head of Kaspersky's Global Research & Analysis Team for APAC, joins us to break down this emerging threat landscape. He explains how Dark AI enhances existing threats, the dangers of unapproved AI tools in the workplace, and why employee education is now more critical than ever.We discuss:What "Dark AI" is and how cybercriminals are using it to create malware and scams.Why AI is both a "shield" for defenders and a "sword" for attackers.The growing threat of sophisticated, AI-powered phishing and deepfakes.The risks of unapproved AI tools and malicious browser extensions in the workplace.Why strong cybersecurity basics and employee education are the best defense.For business leaders and IT managers, this is an essential deep dive into the new frontier of cyber threats.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a global debt market of over $100 trillion, the Shariah-compliant Sukuk market has just crossed its own major milestone: $1 trillion. But what exactly are these Islamic financial instruments, how do they differ from conventional debt, and what's driving their rapid growth?Bashar Al Natoor, Global Head of Islamic Finance at Fitch Ratings, joins us to get into all this and more.We discuss:What Sukuk are and how they differ from conventional bonds.The key drivers behind the market's growth to over $1 trillion.The important difference between asset-based and asset-backed Sukuk.Malaysia's role as an evolved domestic ecosystem vs. the GCC's US dollar market.The powerful and growing synergy between Islamic finance and ESG investing.For investors, financial professionals, and policymakers, this is a deep dive into one of the fastest-growing segments of the global debt capital market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amidst geopolitical uncertainty and relentless pressure on supply chains, Asia's manufacturing sector is turning to technology to stay competitive, with 94% of leaders planning to invest in AI. But what are the real-world use cases, and what are the biggest hurdles to successful adoption?Marcelo Tarkieltaub, Regional Director for Southeast Asia at Rockwell Automation, joins us to dissect the findings from their 2025 "State of Smart Manufacturing" report. He discusses the skills gap, the challenge of legacy infrastructure, and Asia Pacific's unique "pragmatic" and efficiency-driven approach to AI.We discuss:The key use cases for AI in manufacturing (quality, efficiency, and cybersecurity).The biggest challenges to adoption: the skills gap and legacy systems.Why APAC's adoption strategy is more "pragmatic" than other regions.The mindset shift: viewing sustainability as a key driver of efficiency.Practical first steps for SMEs to begin their smart manufacturing journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beyond the gleaming skyscrapers and historical landmarks, what is the true heritage of a city like Kuala Lumpur? As we celebrate Merdeka, we explore how our urban heritage can be a living asset, preserving our unique identity while powering industries like tourism.Shin Tseng of REXKL and Nigel Wong of MATTA join us to discuss this critical topic. They explore the move beyond tangible architecture to embrace intangible culture, the challenge of maintaining authenticity while improving sites for tourism, and the debate over Kuala Lumpur's unique "tapestry" or "Rojak" identity.We discuss:Why heritage is more than just buildings, it's about living, intangible culture.How to balance "polishing" a site for tourism while keeping it authentic.The debate over Kuala Lumpur's unique and complex heritage identity.Why local residents are the true "soul" of any heritage site.A vision for curating micro-heritage districts to celebrate our diversity.For urbanists, tourism professionals, and anyone passionate about the future of our cities, this is an exploration into the art of celebrating and preserving our national identity.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Months after new reciprocal tariffs were announced, initial data shows that Asian exporters have been front-loading shipments to the US to get ahead of the hikes. But what does this early reaction tell us about the real impact on trade, and what comes next after the frenzy?Darren Tay, Head of APAC Country Risk at BMI, joins us to break down the findings from their new report. He analyses the varied responses across the region, from Taiwanese firms absorbing costs to Japanese exporters buffered by a weak yen, and explains why we should brace for a "payback" period and a global slowdown in 2026.We discuss:The "front-loading" effect and what the initial trade data reveals.How Taiwan is absorbing the tariffs and how currency changes have buffered JapanWhy Asian financial markets have been surprisingly resilient so far.The long-term impact: a global slowdown and reduced reliance on the US.Why 2026 is the year to watch for the full "payback" from the tariffs.For business leaders, exporters, and investors, this is a data-driven analysis of the new tariff landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TikTok Shop's global business is booming, doubling its GMV to over $26 billion in the first half of 2025. But beneath this explosive growth, the ecosystem is in constant flux, with Indonesia overtaking the US as the largest market and a rapid turnover of top influencers and products.WeiHan Chen, Insights Lead at Momentum Works, joins us to dissect the findings from their latest report on this dynamic platform. She discusses the different growth drivers in Malaysia versus other key markets, the real challenges sellers face in a content-driven environment, and the maturity gap in live commerce between Southeast Asia and the West.We discuss:The key drivers behind TikTok Shop's $26B global growth.Why Indonesia has re-emerged as the platform's largest market.The challenges for sellers (and why over half of US stores had zero sales).The maturity gap in live commerce between Southeast Asia and the US.Why brands need a clear, diversified channel strategy to succeed.For brands, sellers, and marketers navigating the future of social commerce, this is an essential deep dive into the strategies and volatility of the TikTok Shop ecosystem.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CrowdStrike’s 2025 Threat Hunting Report suggests cloud attacks have increased by over 130% in just six months, and adversaries are even targeting AI tools companies are using today. In light of this, we explore how adversaries are weaponizing AI—from deep fake interviews and fake résumés to GenAI-built malware—and targeting the very AI systems businesses rely on. We also break down the report to explore how enterprises can adapt with agentic AI, real-time behaviour analysis, and cross-domain detection strategies. To help us break all this down, we speak with Fabio Fratucello, Field CTO, Worldwide at CrowdStrike.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, the mobile commerce race was all about one thing: app installs. But the game is changing. While global shopping app installs have declined, user engagement is on the rise, signaling a major strategic shift from chasing quantity to cultivating quality.Manish Wali, Head of Inside Sales & Business Strategy for APAC at Adjust, joins us to unpack the findings from their latest "Shopping App Insights Report." He explains why APAC is defying global trends to become the new growth engine and breaks down the playbook for winning in today's mature mobile commerce economy.We discuss:The strategic shift from user quantity (installs) to quality (engagement).Why APAC is the new growth engine for mobile commerce.The growing importance of re-engagement strategies like reattribution.How to leverage AI for smarter targeting and personalisation.Key strategies for app retention and preparing for the crucial Q4 peak season.For marketers and e-commerce leaders, this is a look into the new rules of the app economy and the strategies needed to build a loyal, high-value user base.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.