Open For Business

We speak with Ann Sze Pang and Tan Jin Xue, Co-Founders of Neo Livin, a tech-driven DTC furniture platform changing the way people shop for furniture. Neo Livin offers high-quality, affordable products through a unique community showroom model, integrating technology and sustainability. With over 1,000 homes served and multiple awards, Neo Livin has transformed from a small startup to a leader in the industry. We discuss their journey, the challenges of scaling a homegrown business, and their vision for the future of sustainable furniture shopping.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"If you can build your company without raising money, do it because then you're in control. There's this idea that you're really cool if you've got some venture money. And I want to say the coolest is if you own the whole thing yourself." Robin Chase, Co-Founder of Zipcar, GoLoco, Buzzcar, Veniam, and NUMO.In this episode of "Open for Business," we speak to serial entrepreneur and transportation innovator Robin Chase. Robin is co-founder and former CEO of Zipcar, the largest car sharing company in the world; Buzzcar, a peer-to-peer car sharing service in France (now merged with Drivy); and GoLoco, an online ride sharing community. She is also co-founder of Veniam, a network company connecting vehicles to the cloud.  More recently she established NUMO, a nonprofit aimed at leveraging new urban mobility technologies for sustainable city development.From starting Zipcar back in 2000, Robin has decades of experience in revolutionizing urban mobility and entrepreneurship, and she shares her unique insights and the key lessons she's learned along the way.Among other things, Robin discusses:Her motivation for diving into urban mobility and the challenges she faced along the way.The importance of timing and being at the right place at the right time in business.The concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and its critical role in launching successful ventures.Navigating the complex dynamics of fundraising and maintaining control over your company.Her vision for the future of transportation, including the rise of electric bikes and smaller vehicles.There’s a lot to learn from Robin's experiences over the last 24 years, including practical advice on how to approach entrepreneurship, the importance of innovation, and how to adapt to ever-changing market conditions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“My mum said to me, stop playing with cars or turn it into a business. So I turned it into a business.”Established in 2004, Automotive Synergy started life as Malaysia’s distributor of satellite navigation systems with Garmin, as satnav became more popular, Automotive Synergy’s business expanded, developing key connections with car manufacturers such as Toyota, Mitsubishi, and BMW, as well as oil and gas companies like Mobil and Shell. However with the rise of the smartphone and apps such as Google Maps and Waze, satnav as a standalone product lost prominence and faced ‘Blackberry Level’ disruption. Thankfully the business had shifted its focus to providing car care chemicals, before distributing other automotive care products and establishing export markets in various countries for its own in-house products.With all that in mind, we explore the origins of Automotive Synergy, how the company pivoted as the satellite navigation business changed, and the ambitions ahead for this company.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak with Ivan Lee, Co-Founder of The Tapping Tapir, a Malaysian beverage company known for its unique range of artisanal sodas made from natural ingredients. The Tapping Tapir began its journey at local artisanal markets in Kuala Lumpur and has grown significantly since its inception.Ivan shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of scaling a homegrown business in the post-pandemic world. We discuss strategies for navigating supply chain disruptions, maintaining product quality, and leveraging digital marketing to reach a wider audience.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Solaroo is a wholly owned subsidiary under Pekat Group Bhd that deals in smaller scale solar photovoltaic systems for residential, commercial and industrial projects.For the most part, Solaroo looks to be Pekat’s residential solar PV system specialist that complements the group’s other subsidiaries. Established in 1999, Pekat Group pivoted over to Photovoltaic (PV) Renewable Energy Technology in 2006 and has since finished over 195MWp of PV projects.In this edition of Open for Business, we will learn more about the role that Solaroo plays in the group as well as why Johann built the business under Pekat Group and Solaroo’s relationship with the group. Beyond that we’ll also learn how Solaroo differentiates itself in a competitive market as more and more residential solar players enter the market as well as Solaroo’s ambitions ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We speak with the founders of CONTEN.T, an award-winning BrandTech company specialising in creating advanced digital experiences using first-party data. With collaborations with top brands like COACH, Calvin Klein, Adidas, and Gucci, CONTEN.T has delivered over 200 innovative digital experiences, including AR/VR, gamification, and AI-driven projects. Our discussion will cover their growth since their last appearance on BFM in 2021, new developments in first-party data strategies, and the impact of their work on brand engagement.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From selling 20 shirts at a free night bazaar to hitting 8-figures in revenue in 2022 with aims to hit RM50 million in 3 years time, on this edition of Open for Business, we explore the rise of Kapten Batik with Co-Founders Farhan Omar and Ekram Faiz.Pulling all their savings together, these engineering students-turned-batik fashion entrepreneurs started this venture in 2017 with RM40,000 in capital with the aim of modernising and reinvigorating batik in Malaysia. From weekend bazaars, Kapten Batik took a big step forward in December 2019 opening its first flagship store in Publika Shopping Gallery. Today it has 7 stores, a warehouse HQ in Puchong, and another 7 consignment boutiques in select resorts and hotels.Farhan and Ekram share their journey from selling at bazaars to opening multiple stores, their product development process, and the challenges they faced. Additionally, they delve into their marketing strategies, sustainability goals, and future plans for expansion, including potential international markets and exploring new business verticals like cafes and boutique resorts, as well as potential fundraising plans to grow and what they’re potentially looking for in investors.In case you don’t have the time, here are 7 AI-Generated key takeaways from the interview:Origin and Motivation: Kapten Batik was founded in 2017 by Farhan Omar and Ekram Faiz. They identified a gap in the market as young people were not wearing batik. They aimed to modernize traditional batik to make it suitable for everyday wear.Business Development: The business started small, selling at social media and weekend bazaars, eventually opening their first flagship store in Publika Shopping Gallery in December 2019. Today, they have seven stores, a warehouse HQ in Puchong, and seven consignment boutiques in select resorts and hotels.Product Innovation: Initially, they focused on batik-inspired, printed designs to offer a more affordable price point. They researched materials and designs, often traveling to Indonesia for inspiration. Their product line has since expanded to include various materials, such as European linen and sustainable fabrics like recycled plastic for activewear.Market Acceptance: The brand quickly gained traction, with their products selling well at bazaars. Their first major validation came from a successful bazaar at Trec KL. This early success gave them the confidence to invest more into the business.Pandemic Response: During the pandemic, Kapten Batik already had an online store, which helped them pivot quickly. They launched aggressive marketing campaigns to clear seasonal stock and opened their second store in Bangsar Shopping Center in December 2021, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.Growth and Expansion: Kapten Batik has grown significantly, achieving eight figures in revenue by 2022. They aim for 30% annual growth and plan to expand their physical stores and penetrate international markets like Singapore and London. They also plan to open a store in KLIA to attract tourists.Fundraising Plans: Although Kapten Batik has been self-funded and has taken bank loans, the founders are now considering equity funding for future expansion. They are looking for strategic partners who can provide business expertise and support their growth in regional and international markets. They have started entertaining conversations with potential investors to explore these opportunities.Future Vision: The founders envision Kapten Batik becoming a luxury brand with a strong international presence. They also plan to diversify beyond fashion into areas like cafes and boutique resorts, potentially starting in destinations like Bali.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Orangeleaf Consultancy, founded by Ellice and Tim Hendricks, is changing Malaysia’s tech industry with their low-code platform expertise. Starting as a two-person team, they have grown to a 30-strong team, focusing on developing local talent and driving digital transformation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founded in 2018, Store N Go provides warehousing services and tailored product handling, storage, packaging materials, kitting services, and distribution solutions. The company is also the first in Malaysia to integrate influencer marketing solutions with warehousing and fulfilment services. Currently, Store N Go’s influencer marketing solutions span a growing in-house team of 24 influencers on TikTok and they cover a variety of consumer interests from beauty to lifestyle. Kee Lion was on the show back in 2022 to discuss what the early stages of the company looked like and since then, Store N Go has grown as a e-fulfilment service provider in Malaysia, with a portfolio of over 80 brands, 38 originating from Malaysia. In 2023, Store N Go processed more than 4 million parcels and connected local startups and SMEs with an average increase in sales of 99.28%, compared to March 2022. In today’s conversation, Kee Lion will give us a sense of how his past experiences with Nike, Johnson and Johnson & L’Oreal, helped shape the idea of starting up this business, the prominence and importance of TikTok Shop and social commerce, and the ambitions ahead for Store N Go.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re joined by Toh Kean Wee, the Founder and Managing Director of TPE, one of the largest whiteboard and writing instrument manufacturers in Malaysia. Starting from humble beginnings in a 1,000 Sq. Ft. cottage in 2008, TPE has grown into a modern 50,000 Sq. Ft. manufacturing facility, meeting high export market demands.Mr. Toh has navigated the competitive whiteboard manufacturing industry, establishing TPE as a significant market player. His entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen have driven TPE’s growth in both domestic and global markets. As the whiteboard industry evolves, Mr. Toh shares valuable insights into emerging trends and TPE’s future role in the industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Lakshita Wijerathne, CEO at Eutech Cybernetic, a Smart Technology solutions provider that owns Iviva, a full-fledged smart property management platform that enables efficient management of spaces, buildings and cities.With over 20 years of experience and headquartered in Singapore, Eutech works with a global network of partners in 15 countries, seven smart precincts and cities as well as a 300m square footage area of spaces across Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. Their solutions are catered for owners and operators in the real estate industry with the Iviva platform. Along the course of the conversation, Lakshita give us a sense of how Iviva was established, what differentiates it with other smart technology platforms in the market and what the future holds for Eutech in the foreseeable future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“To our surprise, we realised probably 6 or 7 out of 10 customers that walked in didn't really know us, (before that,) we thought we were famous. That was a huge awakening call”.Founded in 2013 by Nicole Wong and Stan Chui, Sometime has evolved from an online-only business to a brand with multiple physical outlets and collaborations with designers across Asia.In this episode of Open for Business, we speak with Stan Chooi, co-founder and CEO of the Malaysian fashion brand, Sometime. Stan shares his transition from the advertising industry to fashion, his partnership with Nicole Wong, the challenges of starting this business, and the rationale behind the brand's offline push. Stan also gets into the role of strategic partnerships and potential future considerations for funding and business expansion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In recent years, Malaysia has been faced with a rising student dropout rate, with over 14,506 students leaving school prematurely in 2023 alone. That’s according to the National Social Council. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for innovative ways or solutions to keep students engaged and invested in their education. With this in mind, MyFuturity Global aims to step in with an application, called StudentQR, designed to transform the education landscape through real-time monitoring and gamification.In this episode, we speak with Syed Huzaifah Syed Omar, the Founder and CEO of MyFuturity Global, a company that specialises in mobile app content for various industries such as education and training, architecture, film and healthcare, who will share his insights on addressing this critical issue and how StudentQR aims to reshape the future of education in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founded in 2022, Patriot Biotech describes itself as a group of scientists, inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs who want to bring molecular-based biotechnology to the masses in Malaysia and the world, while nurturing and building local talent and technology. Today on Open For Business, we explore the ambitions of this startup, their focus on genomics and its applications to aquaculture and value to academia and universities in Malaysia. We’ll also explore Gan's journey to Australia and back, and how that’s informed the way he’s built Patriot Biotech, why he left academia and a stable career, and how he’s built a bootstrapped and profitable business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“If there is a time to start a business, it is now, while we’re young.”A lunch between co-workers in their mid-20s in 2014 turned into a startup that has raised RM46 million, is now close to profitability, and wants to generate RM80-90 million in revenue in 2024 powered by its growth in Indonesia.In 2014, 5 months after an initial discussion over lunch in 2014, Goh Chee Hau and Nadhir Ashafiq started TheLorry. The goal was to connect drivers and their vehicles with business and consumer transport and logistics jobs, with the vision that this would all be powered by proprietary tracking, route optimization and payments technology.With just a handful of drivers in the early days, today TheLorry is present in 4 countries in the region, namely Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia, and partners more than 7,000 drivers who provide services like professional house moving, furniture dismantling and disposing, and B2B logistics.The startup is no stranger to funding rounds. Back in 2016, it raised US$1.5 million in its Series A round, close to RM24 million in its Series B funding round in 2019, and most recently, RM4.1 million through ECF on pitchIN last year.On this episode of Open For Business, you will learn about TheLorry’s origins and ambitions, their evolution over the last decade, and what the path ahead looks like for this Malaysian-born startup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Open For Business, we venture into the advanced field of technology, focusing on engineering, manufacturing and product development with Projet Technology — a company founded out of a passion for tackling the complex challenges within its industry.From reducing lead times and managing resource constraints to facilitating high mix low volume orders, Projet Technology is on a path to transform manufacturing for multiple industries including E&E/Semiconductor, Medical, and Aerospace.We speak to Allen Tan, Founder & Managing Director, and Co-Founder Lua Yew Jin, of Projet Technology.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we speak with Dhawal Shah, Regional Managing Director and Co-founder of 2Stallions, a boutique digital marketing agency with headquarters in Singapore and teams across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and India.Started with his schoolmate-turned-university friend Razy back in 2012, 2Stallions has spent over the last decade providing small businesses with digital marketing services to help them compete with the big guns without a big marketing budget. Among other things, the firm provides client-centric digital marketing solutions — from SEO, SEM, and Performance Marketing to Social Media Marketing and Website Development.Along the course of this conversation, Dhawal gives us a sense of how his love for coding shaped his career and eventually led to starting up 2Stallions, what makes their business model unique in a competitive market as well as what’s in store for the company since the revamp back in April.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We explore IWG Malaysia's ambitious expansion as they gear up to launch four new workspaces in the country. Two of these new centres will be situated in the Klang Valley, while the other two will find their home in Johor Bahru, catering to the growing community of hybrid workers. These new locations, representing Regus and HQ, will enhance IWG Malaysia's portfolio, providing a diverse range of workspace solutions to support businesses in their hybrid work arrangements. The launch, set between April and September, will further strengthen IWG's global presence, adding to its network of over 4,000 locations in 120 countries. Tune in as we uncover how these workspaces align with Malaysia's push for more employee-friendly models, offering insights into how IWG's expansion will shape the future of flexible work environments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“And I took that personally”. That was how the eccentric founder of Tokpork, Phon Yung Hou, felt when he was making RM300 a day in sales which paled in comparison to the others around him at Restoran Yum Me Place. There may have been a tease or two from the business owners around him that Tokpork was more hobby than business.Phon wasn’t always in the business of selling Nasi Lemak, but with the support from his former boss Leon Foong, the former Uber Malaysia boss and then SOCAR Malaysia CEO, he eventually got into the nasi lemak business, after testing a few other food ideas. With Leon helping Phon with the stall deposit, Phon used his last pay-check from SOCAR as working capital and set up shop at a kopitiam in the Bukit Damansara, which he still operates from today. Things were tough at the start, but as he says in this conversion, “it’s about the game” and he wanted to continue to play it. In the early days Phon was only making RM300 a day in sales, but this all changed following a KL Foodie video which ignited his business. The morning after the video was released, Phon was sold out before lunch, even after preparing extra food.In this episode, you will hear about the origins of this business in more detail and why he gave up his career to go into the ever challenging food business. We’ll also explore his larger ambitions, why he wants to go into entertainment (and what he means by that), and the long term ambitions to build Tokpork and eventually sell it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Connecting SMEs to investors, Capsphere claims that it sets itself apart from other similar players because each loan is asset-backed, or secured by an asset. Founded in 2016, the company targets businesses that have been in operations for over 1 year, with assets that can be used to secure the loan such as industrial equipment or even contracts.Last financial year the firm generated RM355,000 in revenue on the back around RM6 million in new loans disbursed over 88 loan/notes. Looking ahead, the P2P financing platform aims to double revenue in FY2024 and again in FY2025, taking it to RM1.4 million, where it currently projects it will get to profitability.In this episode of Open For Business, we dive into this venture’s origins and whether this model has enough of a differentiation in the P2P financing space to thrive. We’ll also dive into some of those targets and how they’re going to achieve them, as well as other ambitions ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.