Enterprise Explores

Looking ahead to Budget 2024’s tabling in parliament, on this edition of Biz Bytes, you will learn about what the government can do to further support and stimulate Malaysia’s Soonicorns with Dr. Sivapalan Vivekarajah, Senior Partner & Co-Founder at ScaleUp Malaysia Accelerator. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We discuss Elon Musk's decision to alter X's content landscape and how Meta's Threads may benefit, Spotify's latest Supremium features, and the urgent concerns voice actors have with AI voice cloning. Plus, we explore the innovative uses of iPhone 15 Pro's action button by Tesla owners, Huawei's potential game-changer in smartphone microscopy, and breakthroughs in earthquake prediction with AI. Se...

Last month, Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) [KWAP], unveiled Dana Perintis, an initiative that will see RM500 million invested into Malaysia's venture and startup ecosystem. This will be done over the next 18 to 24 months and encompasses two strategic pillars; investments into selected Malaysia-focused Venture Capital (VC) funds and direct investments into early-stage companies, each recei...

Late last month, DeliveryHero confirmed to Bloomberg that they’re considering selling part of its Southeast Asian operations, including the Foodpanda brand. Bloomberg noted that the deal would include the food delivery platform’s operations in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and the Philippines. However, if the sale were to take place, the remaining Foodpanda markets of Ban...

“Who was your first leader?” With a sudden question like that, you might find it difficult to answer that instantly. It might be your parents, an older sibling, a friend, your Scoutmaster? How about your fellow student or your teacher? In a vibrant school environment, students can stand as beacons of inspiration and promise. They are the youthful torchbearers of change, the voices of innovation, a...

In 2023, we have seen a few key foreign players investing in or entering Malaysia, whether it's Amazon, Tesla, or payments unicorn Xendit. Now while we often hear about the need to attract foreign companies and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the name of the country’s development, there’s an argument that not all FDI is created equal, with plenty of criticism lobbied at companies simply exploit...

Former Apple design chief reportedly in discussions with OpenAI to provide a more natural and intuitive way of interacting with AI; ChatGPT now able to browse Internet for real-time information; Meta unveiled a range of AI-powered features which includes Ray-Ban smart glasses and generative AI stickers; New generative AI art tool by Getty Images; AI transparency on TikTok; Bard security breach; An...

As a preview to Enterprise Breakaway happening on Thursday October 19th, today on Biz Bytes we explored one of the key topics of the event - the “death of cheap money” and how to navigate the funding winter. Joining us on this discussion were Ng Sai Kit, Director at Artem and Chairman of Malaysia Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, and Angel Low, Managing Partner at Growth Charger and...

In an age where information travels at the speed of a click and marketing strategies are driven by data, the role of artificial intelligence has become pivotal in two critical areas: addressing the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, and revolutionising data- and insights-driven marketing. AI, with its capacity for analysing vast datasets at almost breakneck speed, has emerged as a...

Intellectual property rights are some of the most important intangible assets possessed by business owners in Malaysia. It comprises patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright, geographical indications and layout designs of integrated circuits. These rights prevent the unauthorised duplication or use of any item or work to which the business owner is to have full rights. Recent statistics...

Tech Tuesday: Google's AI Chatbot Bard gets an upgrade; AI tools introduced for YouTube, OpenAI's group of experts to assist in assessing and mitigating AI model risks; ChatGPT now has a voice— as do chickens; New AI feature by Spotify allows podcasters to instantly translate their content; Tentative agreement reached after five month long WGA strike; Microsoft introduces new AI companion for Wind...

We’re now around 3 weeks away from the Budget 2024 being tabled in Parliament and tax reform is always something that comes up during this time and when we talk about tax reform, there’s really no escaping the topic of whether the Goods and Service tax will make a comeback. While there’s been a lot of chatter around the reimplementation of GST, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar...

In today’s ever changing business ecosystem, diversity and inclusion have emerged as strategic imperatives for enterprises worldwide. These principles are now recognised as essential growth drivers of productivity, innovation, and overall organisational success. Moreover, according to a CNBC Workforce Survey in 2021, nearly 80% of workers prefer to be part of a company that values diversity, equit...

Partipost Malaysia is an influencer marketing platform, with a presence in 8 Southeast Asian countries. (like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam just to name some of them). They help connect brands and everyday people also known as micro and nano influencers. They are also currently working with clients in various industries, mainly Beauty, FMCG, Fashion, F&B, Baby & Children, Educatio...

Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India (VVSEAI) has completed the fund raising for its fifth fund (Fund V), with commitments of USD 541 million. Fund V is now 80% larger than Fund IV, which was raised in 2019. Fund V will invest in high-growth startups seeking their early round of institutional funding in Southeast Asia and India, with a primary focus on Singapore, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vi...

Tech Tuesday: Fight for human brain rights in Latin America; Stephen Fry gets his voice stolen by AI, raising new concerns on the threat it poses on creative talents; Roman Empire lives on in the hearts of men, according to new TikTok trend; Zoom employees back in the office; We look at what’s in store with Apple’s iOS 17. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sustainable development in Malaysia has been steadily progressing over the years. In supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Malaysia has developed a number of policies and programs to achieve these goals. For example, the 11th and 12th Malaysia Plan emphasised the importance of advancing sustainable economic growth, social equity, and environmental protection. However,...

In the lead up to Malaysia Day, find out why Scale Up Malaysia’s Doc Siva is “very positive about the Malaysian startup ecosystem”. In today’s episode of Enterprise Biz Bytes, we discuss the gap between Malaysia and Singapore’s startup ecosystems, what Malaysia can learn from Singapore, and what the future of Malaysia’s startup ecosystem looks like. Helping us with this conversation is Dr. Sivapal...

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is a free trade agreement (FTA) between 11 countries, including Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam. End of last year, Malaysia joined the CPTPP as its ninth member But this could grow further with several countries such as Colombia, Taiwan, T...

The franchise landscape in Malaysia is growing rapidly with the industry expecting to reach RM22.66 billion in sales by 2025, up from RM14.65 billion in 2020. This growth is being driven by a number of factors, including an increasing demand for convenience, and the availability of funding. There are a number of advantages as well as disadvantages to owning a franchise in Malaysia. Similarly, owni...

Tech Tuesday: AI systems have learned how to deceive humans. What does that mean for our future?; What is FOBO and why is it suddenly on the rise among college-educated workers?; The top 5 tech trends in 2024 everyone must be ready for; EU “Gatekeeper” list: Not 1 European company; Apple is reportedly spending “millions of dollars a day” on AI. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a recent event hosted by a local university, where our Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was delivering a talk, a student raised concerns about the need to consider how the government disseminates information and suggested a strong media unit as a solution. It acknowledged that there is a weakness in the government's communication machinery, and the premier called on the younger generatio...

The spectrum from intent to action varies by consumer segments, indicating that sustainability goals are better achieved through unlocking consumers’ value drivers and differentiated products, according to the NielsenIQ (NIQ) thought leadership report entitled “Green Divide”. This report dives deep into the spectrum of the consumer landscape and how they think and act differently when it comes to...

The 26-year partnership between Malaysia Airlines Bhd and its in-flight caterer Brahim's Food Services Sdn Bhd (BFS) finally comes to an end. While there’s certainly a lot that can be discussed and dissected from this, on today’s show, we discuss the potential challenges that come from a long-standing partnership, such as dependency on a single partner as well as the legal implications that follow...

It is just apt, as Malaysia celebrates its 66th Merdeka, and 60th year of the Malaysia federation (Hari Malaysia), we speak to the founder of Fusion Wayang Kulit, Tintoy Chuo, on how it all started, how this passion for art-turned-business revives and promotes Malaysia’s history and culture, especially beyond our shores; and is there value in arts and heritage afterall. See omnystudio.com/listener...