Enterprise Explores

From evolving stamp duty rules to revised timelines for e-Invoicing and a major expansion of the Sales and Service Tax (SST), Malaysian businesses are navigating a flood of critical compliance updates. To cut through the complexity and potential confusion, Thenesh Kannaa, Executive Director at Tratax, discusses: Stamp duty enforcement changes and what it means for businesses The revised timeline a...

With World Food Safety Day showing how important it is to apply science and prevention to protect consumers, the question is — how safe is our food before it hits the shelves? Suzanne Mooney, Founder of The Lost Food Project joins us to explore what food safety looks like in practice, the current gaps in the F&B industry and the risks that follow if we just treat food safety as a checkbox, rat...

Many gig workers want to grow, but without a boss, training, or a clear path, building a career can feel out of reach. So, how do you take charge on your own? These days, more people are turning to gig work, whether it’s freelancing, ride-hailing, food delivery, or tutoring, to earn a living or enjoy more freedom than a regular 9-to-5. But while the flexibility is appealing, many find themselves s...

The OECD recently urged Malaysia to boost competitiveness, while neighbours race ahead with bold reforms and investor wins. So what’s holding us back and what needs to change? Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, takes a hard look at Malaysia’s economic fundamentals, the limits of SME-driven growth, and what it will take to remain regionally relevant. See omnystudio.com/list...

IATA's latest financial outlook suggests an improved profitability for the airline industry over 2024 and resilience in the face of global economic and political shifts. But what does this mean for Malaysians who are travelling abroad or for travelers entering the country? We explore that and dive deeper into the state of the travel industry amidst these industry shifts with Nigel Wong, President,...

Too many businesses still treat accessibility as a checkbox. But they may be overlooking a growing market and a chance to build smarter solutions for everyone. On the first-ever World Day for Assistive Technology, we explore how inclusive design can move from the margins to the mainstream, shaping better tech, products, and services for all. Joining us is Stevens Chan, Founder and CEO of Dialogue...

We’re exploring the decline in consumer confidence and global reputation of the United States. This is based on Ipsos’s Consumer Confidence and Impact on U.S. Reputation survey that highlights for the first time, more people are claiming China to have more of a positive influence than the United States at this current point. With that in mind, there's still an optimistic feeling among Malaysians a...

Malaysia now tops Southeast Asia for grocery spending — even ahead of Singapore. In 2023, Malaysians shelled out nearly USD 2,000 (over RM8,000) per person on food, according to the USDA. The numbers may not be inflation-adjusted, but the pain at the checkout counter is very real. We speak with economist and policy analyst Professor Geoffrey Williams to break down why food is becoming so expensive...

Today’s supply chains face constant disruption and rising customer demands. How can businesses not just survive, but thrive? Agentic AI is gaining significant traction in supply chain management, as its capability to make autonomous decisions offers a crucial competitive edge and foresight amidst ongoing global volatility. The big question is: Is it the silver bullet we’ve been looking for? On Ent...

How long does it take for Malaysian businesses to pay their bills and what does that say about our economy? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, Dawn Lai, CEO of Experian Information Services Malaysia unpacks the findings from Experian’s 2025 State of Credit Report. The report introduces the Industry Debts Turned Cash (IDTC) metric to assess real-world payment behavior across seven core sectors...

Banks are more than just vaults for savings or gateways to loans, they’re the lifeblood of a modern economy. But how do we measure their efficiency? What role do monetary policies play in shaping performance? And how should Malaysia’s banks evolve to stay competitive, especially with the rise of digital banks and fintech? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Dr. Chan Sok Gee, Asso...

As Malaysia’s e-invoicing mandate rolls out in phases, many SMEs find themselves confused, concerned, and caught between compliance and opportunity. But e-invoicing isn’t just about ticking regulatory boxes, it’s about streamlining operations, enabling faster payments, and unlocking real-time data for smarter decisions. In this episode, Koren Wines, Managing Director of Xero Asia, explains how bus...

Fintech is booming in Malaysia — so why launch a Hub now? In this episode, we speak with Farhan Ahmad, Group Chief Executive Officer at PayNet to unpack the thinking behind Malaysia’s new Fintech Innovation Hub, built on two key pillars: Community and Catalyst. Why these? Why now? And more importantly — will it work? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AI is racing ahead, but many financial services firms are struggling to keep up, while facing concerns around data breaches, legal issues, and trust concerns.. Deloitte’s AI at a Crossroads report found that 57% of firms reported a rise in AI-related incidents in just the past year, yet only 13% are considered truly “ready” for trustworthy AI governance. So how do we build confidence in AI without...

What do job seekers in Malaysia really want in 2025? It turns out, it’s not just about salary anymore. While pay still matters, many are prioritising things like growth, flexibility, and a workplace that actually respects their time. And what they won’t put up with? Vague job roles, slow hiring, and toxic cultures. In this conversation, Derek Toh, Founder and CEO of Hiredly Group, discusses the ha...

As global trade becomes more fragmented, the Global South is stepping into a more prominent role. But with rising geopolitical tensions, how can Southeast Asian nations chart their own course, without falling into the crossfire between the US and China? Aparna Bharadwaj, Global Leader of BCG’s Global Advantage Practice, joins us to unpack the growing influence of the Global South, ASEAN’s unique p...

What happens when small businesses get the right digital skills at the right time? For over 11,000 MSMEs in Malaysia, the answer is clear with nearly 80% saying their income has gone up after joining the Go Digital ASEAN programme. Backed by Google.org and implemented by The Asia Foundation, Go Digital ASEAN helps micro and small businesses across the region pick up practical digital skills, from...

Scammers are getting smarter, and they are now pretending to be trusted employers or job platforms like Jobstreet. With convincing messages, fake job offers, and even forged identities, these impersonation scams are putting jobseekers at serious risk while also damaging the credibility of real employers. In this episode, we speak with Nicholas Lam, Managing Director of Jobstreet by SEEK Malaysia,...

Blockchain is moving beyond Bitcoin. From tokenizing real-world assets to powering digital identities, it’s reshaping cities, wealth, and business. Nirbhay Handa, CEO of Multipolitan, breaks down key trends from their latest report, crypto-friendly cities, and the risks and opportunities of going on-chain. Nirbhay gets into: Why blockchain adoption is accelerating beyond Bitcoin and speculation. W...

Warren Buffett’s planned exit from Berkshire Hathaway sent ripples through the investment world—despite years of preparation. But what does this transition mean for markets, and more importantly, why do nearly half of successor CEOs underperform their predecessors? Does Malaysian corporate culture help—or hinder—smooth transitions? And once a leader steps down, how should their legacy be managed?...

Online shopping keeps growing. People are spending more on experiences than things. So why are we still seeing new mega malls being built, sometimes just minutes apart? Is there really demand, or is something else driving these developments? And what does it mean for retailers trying to manage rising rents and stay profitable? Today, we speak with Amy Wong, Executive Director of Research & Con...

When done right, cross-industry collaborations don’t just create buzz — they build brand equity, deepen loyalty, and drive real business impact. In Malaysia, we’ve seen brands from different sectors team up in unexpected ways, from turning everyday products into collectibles to blending lifestyle and sustainability for memorable experiences. These collaborations spark conversations, attract new au...

In today’s episode, we explore the complex world of software licensing agreements as software becomes increasingly customised, embedded in business operations, and central to digital strategy. But with greater reliance comes greater risk: poor licensing terms can lead to compliance failures, operational friction, or even costly IP disputes. We speak with Ong Johnson and Lo Khai Yi, Partners and le...

If you’ve ever thought about becoming your own boss without building a business from scratch, franchising might have crossed your mind. It’s often seen as a dependable path for entrepreneurs at any stage — from fresh grads to mid-career professionals and retirees — offering structure, support, and instant brand recognition. But where is Malaysia’s franchise industry heading? From fresh government...

Mobile gaming is on track to become a $270 billion industry by 2032, but it’s not just the games themselves evolving. A global shift is underway as publishers look to break free from the traditional app store model, spurred by regulations like the EU’s Digital Markets Act and similar moves in Japan, Korea, and Indonesia. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Shane Happach, CEO of C...