Enterprise Explores

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) or Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s economy, and their significant influence demands rigorous governance frameworks. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we dive into the state of SOE governance in Malaysia and the key challenges, including conflicts of interest, and spotlight the Guidelines on Governance for SOEs and Government...

Despite signs of easing inflation in many countries, 65% of people still expect it to rise by 2026, according to the latest Cost of Living Monitor. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we dive into key findings across 32 countries, examining key factors that influence perceptions of inflation, and how much inflationary pain Malaysians are feeling. We also discuss why 37% of people feel worse of...

Malaysian banks, financial institutions, and digital platforms—Mastercard and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) want to collaborate with you to channel $1 billion in financing to underserved MSMEs across the Asia-Pacific. Backed by a $5 million grant, this initiative aims to help institutions develop innovative products and build capacity to bridge critical gaps in MSME financing. From prioritising...

Is Corporate FOMO the answer to closing Malaysia’s Corporate Venture Capital gap? With only 39% of corporations incorporating CVC into their innovation strategies, Malaysia trails behind regional peers like Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. This episode of Enterprise Explores dives into a report by Capital Markets Malaysia and BCG X, examining the barriers, opportunities, and actionable steps ne...

With 59% of employers planning to expand their teams in 2025 and 31% focusing on maintaining headcount, Malaysia’s job market is poised for significant activity. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we unpack Randstad Malaysia’s 2025 Job Market Outlook and Salary Guide with Fahad Naeem, Country Director at Randstad Malaysia. Key topics covered include: - How employers are approaching hiring in...

How are digital-first wealth managers revolutionising Malaysia’s financial landscape? What does Trump 2.0 mean for Crypto in 2025? What are key trends to watch out for in Wealthtech ahead? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Wong Wai Ken, Country Manager of StashAway Malaysia, and Hann Liew, Co-Founder and CEO of Halogen Capital, to discuss the evolution of WealthTech, its impact...

From rising LNG demand and an oversupply of oil to shifting geopolitics under Trump 2.0, 2025 presents a complex landscape for the global energy sector. How will these trends reshape O&G markets and strategies? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, Emma Richards, Associate Director of Oil and Gas at BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, shares insights from BMI’s 2025 oil and gas outlook. Here are...

From Trump 2.0’s potential boost for M&As and $40 billion in AI foundational model funding to the rise of secondary transactions providing liquidity and SoftBank’s $100 billion commitment to US companies, 2024 brought significant shifts in funding priorities, valuation corrections, and global politics that are reshaping the venture capital and startup ecosystem for 2025. In this episode of Ent...

Subsidy rationalisation, the Madani government’s communication challenges, Malaysia’s semiconductor ambitions, and the return of Donald Trump—Professor Dr. Ong Kian Ming and Pankaj Kumar review the Madani government’s 2024 performance and share their key focus areas for 2025. Here are some AI-generated highlights of key areas covered in this conversation with Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Pro Vice C...

Halal food & drinks looks to be a global market that is too big to ignore, with projections placing its value at $1.5 trillion by 2028. This growth, driven by demographic shifts, rising consumer awareness, and mandatory halal certification policies in key markets like Indonesia, has the potential to reshape the global landscape. With younger Muslim populations driving demand for premium halal...

The countdown to Phase 2 of Malaysia’s e-invoicing rollout is on, with businesses earning between RM25 million and RM100 million required to comply by January 1, 2025. Following the implementation of Phase 1 in August 2024, a KPMG survey highlights businesses’ varying levels of readiness, with challenges like IT upgrades, manpower training, and system integration posing potential roadblocks. So, w...

As we edge closer to 2025, artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape industries, redefine innovation, and open up new opportunities for businesses globally. In Malaysia, AI has become an important tool, enhancing operational efficiency, improving customer experiences, and driving data-informed decision-making. Joining us today is Dickson Woo, the Managing Director of IBM Malaysia, to discu...

In Ipsos’s latest Global Trends: Understanding Asia report, three major consumer trends are set to dominate the Asia Pacific region in 2025. As technology continues to evolve, consumers in APAC are embracing what’s been dubbed “Technowonder,” with a strong belief that AI and digital innovation will play a transformative role in their future. At the same time, younger generations are feeling a pull...

HASAN.VC Accelerator 002 is on a mission to empower startups with a unique blend of mentorship, funding, and market access, all while fostering ethical and halal values. This accelerator program is designed to create impactful ventures that align with Shariah principles and address global challenges, positioning startups for success in Southeast Asia and beyond. In this episode of Enterprise Explo...

We speak with Whitnee Hawthorne, Global Head of Travel & Hospitality at Snowflake, about an industry-first AI-driven solution that aims to transform how airlines, hotels, and travel providers operate and engage with customers. We’ll explore how AI is reshaping the customer journey, opportunities for operational innovation, and real-world use cases, such as AI-powered customer service chatbots...

Recently, Starbucks Malaysia’s temporary closure of 50 outlets amid reported financial and operational difficulties serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable landscape of the food and beverage (F&B) industry. Beyond the Starbucks case, other F&B brands are also struggling with similar external pressures whether it is controversies tied to celebrity endorsements, shifts in consumer sen...

From political interference to unclear mandates, not all GLCs and GLICs operate on the same level. Some run efficiently under close scrutiny, while others fly under the radar, plagued by inefficiencies and governance issues. This raises a critical question: how can we hold these entities—whether at the state or federal level—to higher standards to improve transparency, accountability, and public t...

What must Malaysian policymakers understand to craft a regulatory framework that balances flexibility and the nuances of the gig economy with the need for social protections? The gig economy has transformed modern work, offering flexibility for gig workers, cost-effective solutions for businesses, and convenience for consumers. However, Malaysia’s long-anticipated Gig Workers Bill could reshape th...

Who are the 4 most important stakeholders to every business? How can corporations identify problems before they escalate? And what does effective government relations look like today? In today’s polarised and digital world, corporate reputation and crisis management are more critical than ever. From managing complex government relations to leveraging data-driven stakeholder strategies, Conall McDe...

Social media has become very much a part of our daily life, but its impact on children has sparked global concern. Australia recently passed a law banning social media access for users under 16 without parental consent, addressing rising worries over mental health, online safety, and data privacy for minors. While Malaysia hasn’t introduced a similar law, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedi...

Malaysia is once again facing the devastating impact of floods, disrupting many lives and communities across several states. In such crises, disaster relief efforts play a vital role not just in providing immediate aid but also in building preparedness and resilience for the future. Today, we speak with William Cheah, the Co-Founder of Kembara Kitchen, a food production social enterprise dedicated...

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, had recently filed a lawsuit against a former intern alleging deliberate sabotage of its AI model training infrastructure through code manipulation and unauthorised modifications. In light of this, we look at the critical issue of insider threats ranging from unintentional errors to deliberate sabotage. Joining us today is Datuk Alan See, Co-Founder and CEO...

How can Corporate Malaysia and the private sector support Malaysian batik? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we dive into this and much more with Datuk Seri Abdul Jalil Hamid, from the Securities Commission Malaysia, and Zainariah Johari, from MyCreative Ventures, as they share the vision behind Batik Lestari, its role in reshaping the batik economy, and how corporate Malaysia can contribute...

As we near the end of 2024, it’s time to pause, reflect, and gear up for an even better 2025. Jeevan Sahadevan, Founder of Leverage Labs, joins us on Enterprise Explores to share his 24 questions to review 2024 and get ready for 2025. Designed for entrepreneurs, leaders, and teams, these questions dive into wins, losses, and lessons from the past year, helping you turn insights into actionable goa...

In an era where the past meets the present, the fusion of heritage and modernity has become a powerful driver for revitalising tourism and boosting local economies. By blending tradition with innovation, destinations can offer unique experiences that resonate with global audiences and across cultures and generations. Today, we discuss how this fusion fuels economic opportunities, enhances tourism...