Enterprise Explores

As AI advances at breakneck speed, the spotlight is often on innovation, automation, and productivity. But behind the buzz lies a growing risk, one that could have existential consequences. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Chan Tzu Kit, an AI Risks and Safety Advisor who has worked with leading university groups at Stanford, Yale, and NTU, as well as Malaysia’s own National AI...

AI is only as smart as the data it learns from, and in Asia, where adoption is growing fast, that’s becoming a serious issue for businesses. From scattered data and outdated backups to AI models giving the wrong answers, many companies are starting to realise their systems aren't built to support the tools they’re investing in. So how do you fix what’s under the hood before problems get bigger… an...

When hackers targeted Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in a brazen cyberattack, demanding a US$10 million ransom, it wasn’t just a wake-up call for Malaysia’s aviation sector — it was a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities lurking in our critical infrastructure. As the government takes a firm stance against paying ransoms and calls for bolstering local cybersecurity capabilities, we spea...

As the global workforce decentralizes, countries are racing to position themselves as talent magnets. Malaysia is joining the competition, offering digital nomad visas, competitive costs, and a high quality of life. But beyond the headlines and visa schemes, there’s a deeper question: Are we attracting high-impact individuals who will drive innovation, or are we just becoming a stopover for remote...

Nearly 98% of the population in Malaysia are online, and over 25 million use social media — big numbers that reveal how deeply digital habits are shaping daily life in 2025. From how we search, shop, and spend, to the growing influence of AI and mobile-first behaviour, the Meltwater 2025 Global and Malaysia Digital Report highlights where consumers are heading. Joining us to break down the key fin...

In this episode, Enterprise explores how travelling has transformed from a luxury activity into a necessity for self-discovery and personal growth. Based on findings from Klook’s latest Travel Pulse research, key insights from the study reveal that 9 in 10 young travelers can't travel as often as they’d like, 92% experience post-travel blues, and 84% have already planned international trips this y...

Foreign investors are pulling back, capital is flowing out, and recently, China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng met with CEOs of Apple, Pfizer, and Mastercard in a bid to rebuild confidence. What’s really going on beneath the surface of this latest charm offensive, and what does it mean for Malaysia and the region? From shifting supply chains to rising geopolitical risks, we explore whether ASEAN nations...

Chinese EV makers like BYD and Chery have sparked a price war in Malaysia, slashing prices and disrupting the automotive landscape. But is this simply competition at work—or a sign of deeper volatility in the EV market? We break down what these price cuts really mean for consumers, local carmakers, and the long-term viability of EV adoption in Malaysia. From depreciation concerns to policy implica...

The Malaysian government’s latest push to scale SMEs into mid-sized enterprises promises better financing, digitalisation support, and policies for growth. But will it work? We break down the key challenges, measure the initiative’s real impact, and explore what’s needed for sustainable success.  Joining the conversation is Datuk William Ng, National President of the Small and Medium Enterpri...

The Ops Sky investigation has rocked Malaysia’s financial sector, uncovering a massive loan fraud and money laundering syndicate that exploited banking loopholes, recruited bank officers, and even used celebrities as ambassadors. With over RM700 million in fraudulent loans, 27 arrests, and frozen accounts, the case raises serious concerns about governance, fraud prevention, and public trust. Certi...

WhatsApp groups are a popular tool for both personal and business communication, but recently have been flagged as a major risk for personal data leaks. Experts are saying that sensitive business information shared in these groups could expose companies to serious data security threats, including breaches of the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA). In this episode of Enterprise Explores, Amin Asha...

In this episode, we break down the 2024/25 Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey released by CPA Australia, that provides insights into the small business sector across Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. Joining the discussion are Gavan Ord, Senior Manager of Business & Investment Policy, and Azfar Asa’Ad, Senior Advisor of Business, Investment and International at CPA Australia. The 16t...

Malaysia’s e-commerce market is on track to hit $15.7 billion by 2028, with an annual growth rate of 8.5%. And while local giants like Shopee and Lazada have dominated much of the conversation, international players are making bold moves to capture market share. One such name is Taobao, the massive e-commerce marketplace under Alibaba Group. In the past, Taobao was seen as a platform for Mandarin-...

When Donald Trump called on Apple to end its DEI policies, it put a spotlight on the growing tensions between business leaders, investors, and policymakers. Despite shareholder backing, Apple now found itself at the center of a stakeholder battle, between its investors and the President of the United States of America. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, Conall McDevitt, President of The Penta...

Financial phishing scams are rising fast, with over 500,000 attacks targeting businesses in Southeast Asia last year, as reported by Kaspersky. AI is making these scams more convincing than ever, from deepfake emails to fake payment websites that are nearly impossible to tell apart from the real thing. As cybercriminals get smarter, companies, especially SMEs, are struggling to keep up. So what ca...

AI is moving fast, and China’s push for open-source models could shake up the industry. But is Malaysia ready for this shift? Do local AI startups have the funding, talent, and government support to compete? Or are we at risk of being left behind? We break down what’s working, what’s missing, and what needs to change. Most importantly, what will it take for Malaysia to be more than just a user of...

Malaysia has been a key player in semiconductor assembly and testing for decades, but now it’s aiming higher, moving into chip design and development. As global trade tensions rise and the competition for semiconductor dominance heats up, Malaysia faces both opportunities and challenges in strengthening its role in the industry. What will it take to climb the value chain, attract top investments,...

In honor of International Women's Day, we reflect on the significant progress women have made in the business world while recognising the ongoing challenges they continue to face. This year’s theme, "Accelerate Action," calls for decisive steps to achieve gender equality and urges us to address systemic barriers and biases in both personal and professional spaces. In this episode, we’ll discuss th...

Financial firms in Asia-Pacific are set to invest $4.3 billion in Generative AI by 2027, unlocking new possibilities in fraud detection, automation, and customer engagement. But with these opportunities come major security and privacy risks. How can financial institutions harness AI without compromising trust or regulatory compliance? FS-ISAC has outlined eight key steps to help firms manage these...

Live selling isn’t new—but it’s never been this powerful. Across Asia, live commerce has become a billion-dollar industry, turning casual viewers into instant buyers with just a few taps. Now, with the launch of TikTok Shop LIVE Hub, Malaysia is stepping into the spotlight, giving micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) a powerful platform to sell, engage, and scale like never before. B...

The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is being positioned as a potential game-changer for cross-border trade, finance and investment. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Wendell Tan, Principal at Arthur D. Little Malaysia, to explore whether the JS-SEZ could reshape financial services, from traditional banking roles to emerging fintech solutions. They discuss the pos...

Artificial Intelligence is transforming the cybersecurity battlefield, empowering both defenders and attackers with advanced tools. As businesses increasingly adopt AI and cloud technologies, cybercriminals are leveraging the same innovations to launch sophisticated, automated attacks. This escalating threat landscape makes it critical for businesses to strengthen their digital defenses. In this e...

New data protection rules are coming, and businesses must act fast. Starting 1 June 2025, Malaysia’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) Appointment Guidelines and Data Breach Notification (DBN) Guidelines will take effect, requiring companies to strengthen their data governance, designate responsible officers, and comply with stricter breach reporting requirements. But what do these regulations really...

How will Malaysia’s Data Sharing Act 2025 shape the way data is shared across the public sector and industries? While the Act primarily regulates data exchange between government agencies, its effects extend to businesses and various sectors that interact with public data. From compliance challenges to new opportunities for collaboration, what does this mean for organizations navigating Malaysia’s...

The era of the all-powerful, top-down CEO is fading. Today’s leaders must balance confidence with humility, control with empowerment, and profitability with purpose. But how can they make this shift? And what does it take to unlearn outdated management styles to stay ahead in a rapidly changing world? On Enterprise Explores, we speak with Ramesh Srinivasan, Senior Partner at McKinsey and Dean of t...