Enterprise Explores

This week, Marriott International announced plans to open 20 new hotels in Malaysia by 2029, driven by the surge in tourism, in which Malaysia has seen a notable rise in the first half of 2024. From breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cultural experiences, captivating both local and international travellers alike, the country's allure seems to be stronger than ever. One of the highlights at the rec...

Recently, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced a plan to redirect all Domain Name System (DNS) traffic through local servers, intending to protect against harmful online content such as gambling, pornography, and scams. However, the backlash from the public and various stakeholders began almost immediately after the announcement. This measure raised concerns that...

In this episode of Enterprise Explores , we dive into the growing world of Search Funds — an emerging investment model where aspiring entrepreneurs raise capital to acquire and manage established businesses. While it shares similarities with traditional private equity, Search Funds offer unique opportunities for both investors and entrepreneurs. Joining us are Alexander Schuil, Managing Partner at...

In this episode of Enterprise Explores , we delve into Southeast Asia's evolving oil and gas sector, focusing on the critical role National Oil Companies (NOCs) play in driving capital expenditure (capex) growth. According to BMI’s latest report, NOCs in the region are projected to lead the charge in the capex push from US$130 billion in 2023 to US$136.4 billion in 2024, which includes capex on th...

Today, we are diving into the exciting crossroads where Australia’s tech innovation meets Malaysia’s growing digital economy. From advancements in AI and robotics to cutting-edge developments in cybersecurity, Australia’s thriving tech sector is making waves, and the ripple effect is reaching Malaysian shores in remarkable ways. In the lead-up to the highly anticipated Australia Southeast Asia Bus...

What happens when VC-backed exits grind to a halt? Is the venture capital industry facing a crisis? In this episode of Enterprise Explores , we dive deep into the knock-on impact of this US exit drought on the venture capital ecosystem, as well as the strategies VCs are employing to navigate these turbulent times. According to PitchBook, U.S. VC-backed exit value has plummeted 86% from its peak in...

Social enterprises are typically businesses that pursue opportunities that have the potential to solve community-based problems and in recent years we’ve seen these enterprises attempt to tackle a variety of issues, like education, environmental sustainability, and community development. However, challenges such as limited funding, capacity building, and a supportive ecosystem often hinder social...

AI is rapidly transforming the landscape of financial reporting and auditing, with 72% of companies already piloting initiatives and a surge to 99% expected within three years. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we dive into how AI is revolutionising financial reporting and auditing, with insights from Foong Mun Kong, Head of Audit at KPMG Malaysia. As AI adoption in financial reporting is se...

In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we dive into the latest revisions to the Service Tax Policy for the logistics sector, introduced by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. These changes, effective retrospectively from 1st March 2024, are set to have significant implications not only for businesses within the logistics industry but also for those that rely heavily on these services. To help...

Cyber attacks and cyber threats are common nowadays and now extend to the very fabric of national security, economic stability, and public safety. Malaysia has taken steps to fortify its digital defences and enacted the Cyber Security Act 2024 in June this year, and took effect on 26 August 2024. This legislation is not just a framework, but a comprehensive blueprint designed to protect our Nation...

Are Malaysians excited or anxious about AI’s growing influence? Are they worried about losing their jobs to AI? In this episode of Enterprise Explores , we sit down with Arun Menon, Managing Director at Ipsos Malaysia, to unpack their latest study, the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Monitor. This report reveals that while 6 out of 10 Malaysians believe they have a good understanding of AI, there’s a...

In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we spotlight the newly launched PACE Bootcamp by Artem PACE—a 10-week program designed to empower entrepreneurs across various industries. This no-fee, equity-free Bootcamp offers workshops, mentorship, and hands-on learning experiences in key areas like finance, AI, technology, and marketing. With a rigorous evaluation process led by industry experts and in...

On August 21st, BFM hosted the Enterprise Breakaway: From Farm to Franchise event, where industry experts and seasoned operators explored the critical elements required to build a successful and lasting F&B business in Malaysia. In the panel session titled When Partners Fall Out , we spoke with Faye Lim, Partner at Justin Faye & Partners, and Malek Ali, Founder of BFM Media. Both shared th...

Accounting for 33% of Southeast Asia’s total IPO proceeds, Malaysia has emerged as a leader in the region, raising RM2 billion and securing four out of the top 10 IPOs, according to Deloitte’s 2024 Southeast Asia Mid-Year IPO Snapshot report. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we dive into the state of IPOs in Southeast Asia, with a special focus on Malaysia’s impressive market performance in...

In a world constantly being reshaped by the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven innovations,  the Ministry of Digital, in collaboration with Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), seeks to lead Malaysia into the global digital revolution through “Horizon”, a comprehensive and strategic publication. This publication focuses on three key pillars: business, investor...

PropertyGuru's recent decision to go private, just over two years after its public debut on the New York Stock Exchange, raises crucial questions for Southeast Asian tech companies. With a $1.1 billion valuation in its proposed privatisation deal—down approximately 30% from its initial equity value of US$1.6 billion at IPO—this move underscores the challenges regional tech firms face in the compet...

The complexities of the modern workforce would only make sense for organisations to further understand the dynamics that drive employee satisfaction and retention. As a means to that end, the Randstad 2024 Employer Brand Research provides a comprehensive look at the current state of the job market in Malaysia. Key findings from the report revealed that 1 in 3 Malaysians has never used AI at work,...

As Malaysia’s regulated crypto sector continues to grow, it faces significant hurdles that could impact its long-term trajectory. From the banking sector’s reluctance to onboard regulated digital asset exchanges to the pressing need for tax clarity, these challenges are critical for the industry's future. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Aaron Tang, President of the Malaysian...

In Malaysia, sustainability reporting has been mandatory for all PLCs since 2016, and now Bursa Malaysia is raising the bar with enhanced reporting requirements. These new standards are designed to align local practices with international best practices, pushing companies to improve their sustainability efforts and disclosures. To support both listed and non-listed businesses on their ESG journeys...

In recent years, Malaysia has seen a surge of excitement with major foreign direct investment (FDI) announcements from global giants like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, NVIDIA, and Bytedance. These investments promise to boost the economy, create jobs, and drive innovation. But how much of this excitement translates into real, sustained economic impact? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we dive...

We discuss the critical issue of youth employment in Malaysia, as we explore how young talents can stand out in a fiercely competitive job market. With global youth unemployment at its lowest level in 15 years, Malaysia still faces a significant challenge, with the youth unemployment rate hovering around 12.5%. We speak with Camelia Loh, Founder & CEO of Kabel, a job-matching platform connecti...

What could digital-first insurance look like for consumers? This is something Enterprise Explores as we dive into a potential transformative development in Malaysia’s insurance and takaful landscape—the Digital Insurers and Takaful Operators (DITO) Framework. Unveiled by Bank Negara Malaysia in July, this framework is set to pave the way for digital-first insurance and takaful operators, providing...

Enterprise Explores the semiconductor industry to understand Malaysia’s pivotal role in the global ecosystem and value chain. With Malaysia supporting approximately 13% of global backend semiconductor operations and standing as the fifth-largest integrated circuit exporter globally, the country plays a crucial role in this high-stakes industry. We explore insights from the Institute for Democracy...

Enterprise Explores the findings of CelcomDigi's ‘National Scam Awareness Survey 2024’ with Philip Ling, Head of Sustainability at CelcomDigi. As Malaysia becomes increasingly digitised, with over 90% of respondents regularly visiting community internet centres, the survey sheds light on the growing threat of scams and fraud. We’ll explore key insights from the survey, which polled over 10,000 res...

We explore the world of AI and its transformative potential for tech startups in Malaysia with Sharma Lachu, the Founder & CEO at Accendo Technologies and Pang Sern Yong, the Founder at AIHQ. As Google for Startups recently launched a new programme in partnership with the AI Academy, aimed at accelerating the growth of AI startups across the Asia-Pacific region, we explore what this means for...