Enterprise Explores

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...

Millennials and Gen Z are poised to inherit an estimated $84 trillion by 2045, marking the largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history and setting the stage for a shift in global wealth dynamics. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Nirbhay Handa, Co-Founder and CEO of Multipolitan, to unpack insights from their Navigating the Future of Wealth Report 2024. We explore the...

How does economic freedom shape prosperity and well-being? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, Dr. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, unpacks insights from the Fraser Institute’s Economic Freedom of the World 2024 Report. We explore Malaysia’s ranking, the challenges behind declining global economic freedom, and why sound monetary policies, strong legal systems, and balan...

Iconic landmarks like KLCC are the crown jewels of Malaysia's tourism industry, drawing visitors from all corners of the globe. Yet, just steps away from the Petronas Twin Towers, photo touts offering snapshot deals have sparked debates about the fine line between informal entrepreneurship and nuisance. Are these small-scale ventures an opportunity to foster local entrepreneurship, or do they risk...

What do the NSRF requirements mean for your company from 2025 onwards? Who does this impact and why should businesses see this as more than compliance, but as a critical part of long-term success? Starting in 2025, the phased implementation of Malaysia’s National Sustainability Reporting Framework (NSRF) will change sustainability reporting. Companies will need to disclose direct, indirect, and Sc...

As social media shifts from centralised platforms like X (formerly Twitter) to decentralised alternatives like Bluesky, businesses face new challenges and opportunities. In this episode, Anna Loi, co-founder of Goodbite Asia and Good & Honest Co., shares her insights on navigating this fragmented ecosystem, from building trust to rethinking analytics and engagement strategies. See omnystudio.c...

The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum in Malaysia, mainly fueled by the rising fuel costs and environmental awareness. However, global growth is slowing, and local adoption faces challenges like affordability and infrastructure. In this episode, Mark Bennett, APAC Energy Customer Experience Leader at EY, joins us to discuss the key barriers to EV growth and shares his thoughts o...