Enterprise Explores

Asia is no longer rising in unison. According to Nomura’s latest Asia Macro Outlook 2026: Mind the Gap , a sharp "North-South divide" is emerging, driven by the AI supercycle and shifting supply chains. While tech-heavy economies ride the wave, others risk being left behind. Euben Paracuelles, Chief ASEAN Economist at Nomura, joins us to unpack this bifurcation.  He explains why Malaysia is p...

For years, many companies have treated Southeast Asia as a single, monolithic consumer market. But new research from Milieu Insight reveals a more complex reality: the region is actually split into three distinct "consumer economies," each with its own unique mindset, pressures, and motivations. CEO Sundip Chahal joins us to unpack the findings of their latest consumer outlook report. He explains...

When we talk about global success stories, BYD stands out as the classic underdog. Once dismissed by Elon Musk as “not even in the same league,” it’s now the world’s largest EV maker, a brand that’s not just selling cars, but reshaping how Chinese innovation is perceived around the world. Yet its rise wasn’t only about technology or pricing; it was a masterclass in storytelling. According to new r...

Venture studios promise to "manufacture startups" at scale, offering a shortcut to high-performance growth. But according to Jeffrey Paine of Golden Gate Ventures, the reality is often far less glamorous, with many studios collapsing within 24 months. In this episode, Jeffrey breaks down why he believes the venture studio model rarely delivers fund-level returns. He explains the dangers of "zombie...

ASEAN is famous for its food, but a new report reveals a surprising statistic: only 23% of the region's F&B trade stays within Southeast Asia. What's stopping the flow of goods between neighbors? The answer lies in a complex web of "red tape," from confusing nutrition labels to divergent halal rules. Dr. Evelyn S. Devadason, lead advisor for the latest ASEAN Integration Report from The Institu...

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset. But a true annual review goes beyond just listing resolutions, it requires deep introspection to uncover the painful lessons, celebrate the wins, and set a clear, strategic path for the year ahead. Jeevan Sahadevan, Founder of Leverage Labs, returns for his annual tradition of guiding us through "25 Questions to Review Y...

Malaysians have embraced e-commerce, but with maturity comes a shift in behaviour. Ipsos Malaysia’s latest data shows that promotions and discounts now outrank product quality as the top reason consumers shop online. We speak with Kuan Sawu Fang, Senior Client Officer at Ipsos Malaysia, about how this obsession with value is reshaping the digital marketplace. Are platforms and SMEs caught in a nev...

Malaysia’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are contributing more to GDP and exports than ever before, but many still struggle to break into global markets. High costs, customs challenges and unpredictable delivery timelines often hold them back, even when demand exists overseas. Denise Wong, Head of Cross Border at Ninja Van Malaysia, discusses what MSMEs need to understand before expa...

With Budget 2026 announced, the Finance Bill 2025 tabulated in Parliament last week has revealed key details. From clarifications on Capital Gains Tax (CGT) to a major shift in stamp duty compliance, businesses have a new set of rules to navigate. Tax expert Thenesh Kannaa of TraTax joins us to break down some key updates. He discusses the new and clarified scope for CGT (including preference shar...

Elite athletes spend years sharpening their minds, not just their skills. But what can business leaders learn from that discipline? Today, Mike Way, the head coach of Harvard University’s squash programme, and Bharati Suresh Chand, Founder of Global Edge Pharma and Global Edge Consultancy, discuss how mental fitness shapes performance, decision-making, and consistency. They explain what separates...

Malaysia’s data centre sector is seemingly entering a new phase of expansion powered by AI adoption and hyperscale investments. We’re now being positioned as one of Asia’s most cost-competitive markets with a strong balance of affordability, policy stability and regional connectivity.  Based on a new report from a global professional services company, Turner & Townsend, Kuala Lumpur was r...

In today's digital landscape, a cyber attack is almost inevitable. But while many companies are prepared to handle the hack, they often fail to handle the headlines. A new analysis by Penta found that reputational damage often stems not from the breach itself, but from how transparent, accountable, and timely the response is. Dan La Russo, Senior Partner at Penta, joins us to discuss the new rules...

What it takes for SMEs to thrive in the future? How can they stay resilient in uncertain times, be resourceful with limited resources, and remain ready to seize new opportunities? Industry leaders will share insights and real-world strategies to inspire SMEs to adapt, innovate, and grow in an ever-changing business landscape. This event was presented by Maybank. Future-proofing your business. See...

Budget 2026 brings new opportunities and challenges for SMEs, from updated grants and incentives to evolving tax strategies. This panel will break down what the budget means for your business, highlight ways to maximise available support, and discuss how SMEs can position themselves strategically in the post-budget landscape. This event was presented by Maybank. Future-proofing your business. See...

For SMEs eyeing regional or global expansion, tariffs can make or break profitability. This panel cuts through the complexity of trade agreements, customs duties, and pricing strategy to help exporters future-proof their margins. Expect real-world insights from successful exporters and trade experts on navigating tariff structures and leveraging Free Trade Agreements. This event was presented by M...

Businesses are feeling the squeeze from higher SST, rising electricity bills, foreign worker levies, and tougher financing. This panel will explore how companies are managing these pressures through smarter cost control, efficiency, and government support to stay competitive. This event was presented by Maybank. Future-proofing your business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite ongoing privacy changes and rising costs, the global mobile app economy experienced a stable growth this year and this trend is expected to be carried forward with lots of room for growth in 2026.  This is a finding from a recent report released by measurement and analytics company, Adjust, titled The Mobile App Growth Report: 2025 Edition that suggests APAC leads all regions in the m...

Malaysia’s tourism sector has crossed a major threshold, recording more than RM210 billion in revenue. It is being hailed as evidence of a full recovery and a sign that Malaysia’s tourism economy is back on a strong footing. But behind the headline number lie deeper questions about sustainability, visitor expectations, and our readiness for Visit Malaysia 2026. Are we building a genuinely high-val...

Malaysia’s economic fundamentals have been strengthening, the ringgit is holding steady, inflation is cooling, and business sentiment is gradually improving. On paper, things look stable. But on the ground, SMEs are telling a very different story: hiring has never been harder, wage expectations continue to rise, workers are demanding flexibility, and younger employees are increasingly pushing back...

Malaysia throws away vast amounts of edible and reusable food every day, but initiatives like MPAJ’s waste-diversion programme, which saved over RM100,000 by rerouting 2,400 tonnes of scraps, show there’s real economic value waiting to be unlocked. We speak with Anis Hanani Suffian, Co-Founder & CEO of ReMeal, to take a look at why food waste remains stubbornly high, what it would take to trea...

CEOs in Malaysia are embracing AI but balancing courage with caution as they push for productivity, innovation, and measurable ROI. Dickson Woo, Country General Manager and Technology Leader at IBM Malaysia, discusses the key takeaways from the IBM 2025 CEO Study and what they reveal about how Malaysian leaders are rethinking the future of work. From calculated risk-taking to building AI-ready tea...

Corporate gifts and entertainment are essential for building goodwill, but they're also a notorious tax "grey area." Where does a non-taxable gift end and taxable income begin? And how can your business ensure its entertainment expenses are 100% deductible? Tax expert SM Thanneermalai of Thannees Tax Consulting Services joins us to navigate these "grey areas." He explains the critical difference b...

Malaysia's recently passed Gig Workers Bill aims to formalise the industry and provide social protections. But for platform operators, its "one-size-fits-all" approach, heavily based on e-hailing, poses a critical threat to the 70% of gig workers who are part-time and work in diverse sectors like care and logistics. GoGet's Franchesca Chia and Kiddocare's Rahman Hussin join us to unpack the seriou...

We’ve all Googled our way to an answer — searching, comparing, and digging through sources to learn something new. But that process is changing fast. AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity can now summarise topics, provide instant insights, and even teach you new skills — all without leaving a chat window. XP Ng, CEO of the Academy of Artificial Intelligence, talks about how AI-driven learni...

Malaysia’s Ministry of Education has recently announced plans to introduce a co-teaching model by 2027, pairing two teachers in every classroom and weaving moral education into the weekly curriculum. The goal: more engaging lessons, stronger values, and future-ready graduates. But can this approach deliver real change or will it strain an already stretched system? Janice Chong, Co-Founder and Prog...