Enterprise Explores

Five teenagers from a Felda settlement in Pahang are defying expectations, and geography, to represent Malaysia at the FIRST Global Challenge in Panama City, the world’s biggest youth robotics competition. Guided by mentors from Lam Research and Roboticist Malaysia, these students from Sekolah Menengah Islam Al-Maarif have become the first team from Felda, Pahang, and an Islamic school to qualify. We explore how access, mentorship and belief can transform students with no robotics background into world-class innovators, and what their journey says about the future of Malaysian talent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a surge in retail investors using apps, data dashboards and now AI-driven tools to make decisions that once belonged mainly to analysts and full-time traders. At the same time, younger Malaysians are moving beyond the traditional blue-chip counters that previous generations favoured, and are beginning to explore new themes like clean energy, technology indices and AI-linked equities.Events like Moofest, which position themselves as platforms to explore the future of wealth and investor education, reflect this shift. The conversation is no longer just about what to buy, but how decisions are being made in a tech-driven landscape and whether AI is helping Malaysians invest smarter or simply trade faster.Today, we speak with Indy Lau, COO of Moomoo Malaysia, to explore how AI is influencing investor behaviour, what the new Malaysian investor looks like, and how platforms like Moomoo are navigating that shift.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Salim Abu Haniffa, Executive Director of the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce–Southern Africa, joins us to discuss this "we don't see each other" paradox between Malaysia and South Africa.He makes the case for South Africa as a critical gateway to a $1 trillion regional market, explains the vast, untapped opportunities in areas like halal and agritech, and calls for a shift from "handshake diplomacy" to "supply chain diplomacy."We discuss:The current state of Malaysia-Southern Africa trade relations.Why South Africa is a strategic gateway to the 400-million-person Southern African Development Community (SADC) market.The untapped potential in the halal economy and other key sectors.The risk of Malaysia being "left behind" as regional peers increase engagement.Key recommendations for businesses to de-risk and enter the African market.For business leaders and policymakers, this is a deep dive into the opportunities and misconceptions of doing business in Africa.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, global trade was dominated by goods like oil and cars. But a new report from BCG argues the real battleground of the future is in services. From cloud computing and fintech to streaming, services trade is projected to hit nearly $12 trillion by 2032, creating new tensions and ‘fault lines’" that will reshape the global economy.Aparna Bharadwaj, Global Leader of the Global Advantage Practice at BCG, joins us to unpack these findings. She discusses why digital services have become geopolitical flashpoints, how governments are using non-tariff barriers like data localisation, and why businesses must now develop a ‘geopolitical muscle’.We discuss:What services trade is and why it's growing twice as fast as goods.Why digital services (cloud, SaaS, fintech) are the new ‘fault lines’.The rise of non-tariff barriers like data localisation and digital taxes.Why businesses must build a ‘geopolitical muscle’ to survive.For business leaders and policymakers, this is an essential guide to the new, complex, and high-stakes future of global commerce.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, an American identity has been one of the world's most powerful brand assets. But in a shifting global landscape, is it now a liability? A new survey from Ipsos reveals a 22% global drop in purchase intent for American brands, creating a ‘perception penalty’ that has real economic consequences.Seth Traum, a Partner at Ipsos Strategy3, joins us to unpack the findings from their "Brand America 2025" survey. He discusses why this anti-American sentiment is rising, how some brands like Apple navigate it, and the strategic playbook for brands in this complex new reality.We discuss:The 22% ‘perception penalty’ and its impact on trust and sales.Why US sentiment is rising while global sentiment is falling.Key lessons from the brand strategies of Apple, Tesla, and McDonald's.The importance of monitoring the ‘say-do gap’ between attitudes and actions.Why brands should focus on universal values over a national identity.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While Budget 2026 introduced no new broad-based consumption taxes, the landscape for businesses has been far from static in 2025. From the continued expansion of the SST scope to key changes in excise and stamp duties, Geeta Balakrishnan, Tax Director at PwC Malaysia, joins us to break down the key issues.She discusses the ‘grey zones’ in the expanded SST regulations, the bottom-line impact of new excise duties, and the strategic shift to digital compliance with e-invoicing and self-assessment for stamp duty.We discuss:The key consumption tax takeaways from Budget 2026.Why SST collection has now surpassed previous GST levels.The "grey zones" in the expanded SST scope and what they mean for compliance.Key changes to excise duties (EVs, alcohol, tobacco) and stamp duties.The broader push to modernise tax compliance through digitalization.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sit down with Anas Amdan and Shahrizal Denci, co-founders of Bantu Tani Sdn Bhd, to explore how Malaysia’s food waste crisis isn’t just an environmental problem but also an economic one.Every day, Malaysia discards around 17,000 tonnes of food, almost half of which is still edible. Behind that number lies a hidden cost for SMEs, especially in agriculture and food retail, where waste isn’t waste until someone fails to extract value from it. For entrepreneurs like Anas and Shahrizal, the challenge isn’t just about saving food, it’s about redesigning systems so surplus becomes opportunity.From logistics bottlenecks to shifting consumer mindsets, we discuss how Bantu Tani is building a business model around redistribution, recovery, and revaluation as well as what it would take to make food waste reduction a legitimate part of Malaysia’s food security strategy rather than a side campaign.From Budget 2026 incentives to cultural barriers, it’s a conversation about turning what we throw away into an engine for resilience, sustainability, and growth.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2026 signals Malaysia’s boldest digital push yet, with initiatives ranging from a RM2 billion Sovereign AI Cloud and RM5.9 billion R&D, commercialisation and innovation (R&D&C&I) fund to new AI and cybersecurity training incentives for SMEs.But beyond the hype, can Malaysia really execute? Are our SMEs ready to go digital, and do people even understand what these AI initiatives mean for them?Alex Liew, Chairman of the National Tech Association of Malaysia (PIKOM), joins us to discuss whether Malaysia’s new tech policies can deliver real-world impact, and how execution, inclusivity, and cyber trust will define the country’s digital future.This episode of Enterprise Explores was brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Malaysia’s Budget 2026 freshly tabled, many SMEs and mid-tier companies are parsing through the fine print to understand what the government’s promises of reform and inclusion actually mean for them.We speak with Datuk William Ng, National President of  the Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA), to discuss what’s in Budget 2026 for SMEs — from financing access and compliance pressures to digital readiness and export potential. Does this “Rakyat’s Budget” truly deliver on its promise to strengthen Malaysia’s small-business backbone, or are entrepreneurs still waiting for deeper, structural support?Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We unpack Malaysia’s 2026 National Budget and its implications for the business community with Farah Rosley, Malaysia Tax Managing Partner at Ernst & Young Tax Consultants.The continuity in the Budget 2026 reinforces fiscal consolidation and economic resilience, with a strong focus on strengthening existing tax frameworks, targeted incentives, and continued subsidy rationalisation. Key highlights include:A reduced fiscal deficit target of 3.5% of GDP, signaling continued fiscal discipline.Subsidy rationalisation measures, including the capping of RON95 petrol, contributing to a total expected savings of RM15.5 billion.Strengthened tax collection through the nationwide rollout of e-invoicing by mid-2026 and a new stamp duty self-assessment system.A new outcome-based incentive framework for corporate tax, linking financial support to measurable outcomes like employment and technology transfer.Key targeted incentives for businesses, including:An expanded RM1.5 million tax deduction on listing expenses for the energy, utility, and technology sectors.An accelerated capital allowance to promote domestic direct investment and digital technology adoption.A 10-year tax exemption for domestic sales from food security projects.Support for regional integration through initiatives like the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone and the ASEAN Business Entity Framework.A continued focus on sustainability, with enhanced green technology incentives and the impending introduction of a carbon tax.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sit down with Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist at AmBank Group, to look ahead to Budget 2026 through the lens of Malaysia’s broader economy.As global uncertainties persist, inflationary pressures remain, and fiscal consolidation efforts continue, Malaysia faces the challenge of sustaining growth while navigating structural reforms and maintaining investor confidence. Yet within these headwinds lie opportunities, from targeted subsidies and smarter spending to policies that could strengthen productivity and long-term competitiveness.Firdaos shares his insights on what to watch in this year’s budget, from the assumptions guiding fiscal strategy to the key indicators shaping Malaysia’s outlook for 2026 and beyond.From reform priorities to spending trade-offs, it’s a grounded look at how Malaysia can balance stability with ambition as Budget 2026 is tabled.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sit down with Dr Sivapalan Vivekarajah, Co-Founder & Senior Partner at ScaleUp Malaysia Accelerator, and Ng Sai Kit, Chairman of the Malaysian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (MVCA), to look ahead to Budget 2026 through the lens of Malaysia’s tech startup ecosystem.In a landscape where funding pipelines have tightened, valuations are being recalibrated, and global competition for talent intensifies, many founders are trying to sustain innovation while navigating an uncertain investment climate. Yet amid these pressures lies opportunity — from stronger public–private partnerships to smarter use of government procurement and policy tools that could reignite growth and confidence.Dr Siva and Sai Kit share what meaningful support for startups and investors should look like, from improving access to capital and export readiness, to designing policies that attract quality investments and reward long-term innovation.From funding gaps to procurement reforms, it’s a candid look at how Malaysia’s tech ecosystem can move from resilience to renewal as Budget 2026 approaches.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We sit down with Dr Chin Chee Seong, National President of the SME Association of Malaysia, to look ahead to Budget 2026 through the eyes of Malaysia’s small and medium businesses.With costs climbing, regulations multiplying, and technology evolving faster than most firms can keep up, many SME owners are trying to modernise while simply keeping the lights on. Yet beneath the strain lies opportunity, digital tools, automation, and policy reforms that could transform challenges into catalysts for growth.Dr Chin shares what real support for SMEs should look like, from fairer tax structures and faster disbursement of grants to more accessible financing and smarter incentives for innovation. From tax breaks to training grants, it’s a candid look at how Malaysia’s small businesses can trade frustration for momentum as Budget 2026 approaches.Brought to you by Mah Sing. Reinvent Spaces. Enhance Life.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Accessing financing remains one of the toughest challenges for Malaysian businesses, especially when collateral is an issue. That’s where Syarikat Jaminan Pembiayaan Perniagaan (SJPP) steps in, with government-backed guarantees designed to help SMEs and mid-tier companies tap into the funds they’re entitled to.Datuk Fazlur Rahman Zainuddin, Principal Officer of SJPP, explains what businesses can still access in 2025, how they can actually get it, and whether new schemes might be on the horizon in Budget 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has seen a surge in ransomware attacks in recent years, with high-profile cases like the KLIA ransom demand of USD10 million raising alarm about the country’s cyber resilience. As the nation’s digital economy grows, so too does its vulnerability. And experts warn that artificial intelligence is giving cybercriminals new tools, while the looming reality of quantum computing threatens to upend the very encryption that underpins global cybersecurity.At the recent Cyber Defence & Security Asia (CyberDSA) conference, these issues took centre stage. In this episode, Ian Farquhar, Security CTO at Gigamon, explains why Malaysia must shift from a reactive to a proactive cybersecurity posture, how businesses can safeguard their hybrid and multi-cloud environments, and what resilience in a post-quantum world really looks like.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A safer way to donate to social impact projects?The Securities Commission of Malaysia has recently issued new guidelines for Social Exchange Platforms, creating a regulated avenue for channeling philanthropic capital to social impact projects. But what exactly are these platforms, and what do the new rules mean for non-profits and donors?Lawyers Ong Johnson and Lo Khai Yi from Halim Hong & Quek join us to break down this brand-new framework. They explain the stringent requirements for operators, the rules for listed projects (like the 80/20 fund utilisation cap), and the robust accountability mechanisms designed to build donor trust.We discuss:What a Social Exchange Platform is and how it differs from ECF or P2P.The stringent requirements for operators, including a RM5 million capital floor.The key criteria for projects, including the 80/20 fund utilisation rule.The new accountability mechanisms, from impact reports to mandatory trust accounts.How this framework benefits both individual donors and corporate CSR programs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, the promise of the ASEAN startup ecosystem has been hindered by fragmented regulations, funding gaps, and disconnected networks. A new, ambitious initiative, the ASEAN Digital Center of Excellence (COE), aims to finally solve this by building a truly integrated regional platform.Neil Cheong, Co-founder of the venture studio GUIDE, joins us to share an inside look at this project. His firm is acting as an independent secretariat, gathering grassroots perspectives from across the region to design a platform that truly serves the needs of the ecosystem, from an AI-powered investor directory to a "soft landing zone" for regulatory harmonisation.We discuss:The mission behind the new ASEAN Digital Center of Excellence (COE).The grassroots approach to designing a platform for the ecosystem, by the ecosystem.The most requested features, from an AI-powered directory to a regional mentor network.Why access to talent and knowledge is a bigger challenge than funding.The concept of a "soft landing zone" for regulatory harmonization.For startup founders, VCs, and ecosystem builders in Southeast Asia, this is an inside look at the ambitious plan to build a more connected and seamless digital future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s freight and logistics sector is changing fast. Projected to grow from nearly USD 30 billion in 2025 to almost USD 38 billion by 2030, the shift from speed-focused express delivery to freight solutions is transforming how businesses trade. For industries like healthcare, electronics, and advanced manufacturing, precision, compliance, and cold-chain reliability are now business-critical.Trade lanes are also shifting. With renewed momentum around the EU–Malaysia Free Trade Agreement and stronger Asia–Europe connectivity, exporters now have greater access to European markets, but only if they can keep pace with stricter requirements and rising logistics demands.Woon Tien Long, Managing Director of FedEx Malaysia, shares how freight is changing the logistics game, what SMEs need to know about tariffs and trade opportunities, and how Malaysia can position itself as a key player in global supply chains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As US tariffs rise, Asian exporters face a stark choice: absorb the costs and see margins shrink, or pass them on and risk losing market share. A new report from Nomura finds that, on average, Asian exporters are absorbing about one-fifth of these new costs, but the strategy varies dramatically across countries and industries.Sonal Varma, Chief Economist for India and Asia ex-Japan at Nomura, joins us to unpack this critical issue. She discusses who is absorbing the costs versus who is passing them on, the "double whammy" of tariffs combined with currency appreciation, and what this means for competitiveness and growth across the region.We discuss:The key findings from Nomura's report on US tariffs and Asian trade.Who is absorbing the costs vs. passing them on, and why.The "double whammy" of tariffs and currency appreciation squeezing margins.The specific sectors, like electronics and autos, that are under the most pressure.The outlook for trade and growth as tariffs continue to rise.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the world of venture capital, one metric separates paper promises from real success: DPI, or Distributions to Paid-In Capital. It's the actual cash returned to investors, and in a landscape littered with inflated valuations, it matters more than ever.Kevin Brockland, Managing Partner at Indelible Ventures, joins us to demystify this crucial metric. He explains why a lack of DPI has created a liquidity crisis in Southeast Asia, the need for a strategic "reset" in the regional ecosystem, and his candid advice for fund managers and founders navigating this tough new reality.We discuss:What DPI is and why it's the most important metric in venture capital.The liquidity crisis facing the Southeast Asian venture ecosystem.Why the region needs a "reset" away from chasing unicorns toward viable M&A.The challenges for both LPs and GPs in a low-DPI environment.Why startups must be "default alive" and focus on revenue as the best funding.For VCs, LPs, and startup founders, this is an essential and candid deep dive into the real economics of the venture capital industry in Southeast Asia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.