Enterprise Explores

Businesses welcome the targeted aid announced under the fourth Prihatin Special Grant (GKP 4.0) , with many looking forward to the National Recovery Plan entering Phase Two in Penang. Image Credit: iQoncept | Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Under the National Recovery Plan, the Nail Industry (Pedicure & Manicure) is listed as one of the three high-risk industries together with spas and pubs. The Malaysian Association of Nail Industry (MANI) insists the high-risk classification is inaccurate , adding that most nail salons and suppliers may not survive the wait for Phase 4 to reopen. Image Credit: Photographer_ME | Shutterstock See...

Shopping malls and other retail outlets are appealing to the government to reopen by the 15th of July or when Malaysia’s 10% vaccination target is achieved, and are also displeased about the postponement of the plan to operate as vaccination centres to August. Image Credit: mokjc | Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WOBB, the leading job platform for professional junior to mid-level talent will rebrand to Hiredly - becoming a unique hybrid recruitment platform, having a new visual identity, a completely overhauled brand new website for a better job discovery experience, new recruitment automation solutions, and that junior to mid-level talent can now get headhunted, among other highlights. See omnystudio.com/...

While the government has secured enough vaccines from overseas to cover over 100% of our population, efforts are ongoing to develop a Malaysian-made Covid-19 vaccine . The Institute for Medical Research says the project means a lot to Malaysia because it goes beyond the war against Covid-19. Image Credit: M-Foto | Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian e-wallet Boost and major e-commerce platform Lazada are both individually running campaigns to shift micro, small, and medium enterprises online. Click here for more information on Shop Malaysia Online and here for information on Go-eCommerce. Image Credit: YuriAbas | Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Astro’s partnership with Netflix came as a surprise to many. The announcement also came within weeks of Disney+ Hotstar’s launch in the country - with Astro as its official partner. What does this mean for the future of streaming services here in Malaysia, and is a singular platform the best way to tackle the local market? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economists are warning that the enhanced movement control order (EMCO) that applies to large parts of Selangor and Kuala Lumpur will affect the already struggling economy further, potentially leaving a permanent mark. Image Credit: Abdul Razak Latif | Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the Global Cybersecurity Index 2020 report conducted by the International Telecommunications Union, Malaysia was successfully ranked among the top ten countries with high commitment to cybersecurity . Image Credit: Alexander Supertramp | Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pemulih aid package is a necessary boost to help businesses survive the ongoing National Recovery Plan, of which we’re still in Phase 1. While some have called the package comprehensive, others have noticed areas that require improvement. Pemulih’s efficacy depends on how long we remain under tight restrictions, and how much it can keep SMEs going before another stimulus package is...

Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin has launched a one-stop solution centre for SMEs and MSMEs called the MyAssist MSME Portal . On the portal, entrepreneurs can seek advice, information, and digital marketing opportunities. Image Credit: venimo | Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The gig economy is becoming an essential part of the economic system and is expected to continue to thrive, say experts. In Malaysia, according to World Bank data, about 26% of the workforce are freelancers and this number is growing. As the gig economy was already on the rise before the pandemic, the sector would be expected to remain buoyant overall . Image Credit: kreatikar | Pixabay See omnyst...

Minister of Finance Tengku Zafrul clarified the conditions of the 6-month loan moratorium that was announced as part of the Pemulih financial aid package. Image Credit: TY Lim | Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The gig economy has often been seen as a lesser form of work - one that people resort to when there aren’t “stable” opportunities available. But that mindset is shifting now, with more people turning to gig work during the pandemic to not only earn a living , but find a way to thrive by working for themselves. Image Credit: mohamed_hassan | Pixabay See omnystudio.com/listener for...

SME Bank has allocated RM200 million for entrepreneurs from the 3D (dirty, dangerous, and difficult) sectors under the Pemerkasa matching grant financing. Image Credit: Quality Stock Arts | Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Putrajaya has announced a number of initiatives under the package known as the "Pakej Perlindungan Rakyat dan Pemulihan Ekonomi (Pemulih) as a means of financial aid. Today, we unpack what it means for SMEs and businesses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government is considering allowing companies that have fully vaccinated workers to resume full operations in the future. Image Credit: Rawpixel.com | Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Phase One of the National Recovery Plan still in force, businesses want the government to recalibrate the list of essential services and industries to include their supply and export businesses. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Restaurants have been urging customers towards direct delivery as delivery platforms take cuts of up to 35%, and many feel that takeaway is not enough for future business sustainability despite operating hours now being extended to 6AM-10PM. Image Credit: TY Lim | Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

According to PM Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, the current restrictions put in place to curb the spread of Covid-19 will now be measured in ‘Phases’, and no longer in stages of the ‘MCO’ . Whether or not we move from one Phase of the recovery to the next will solely depend on our daily infection numbers and the burden it puts on the healthcare system. See omnystudio.com/listener...

Astro customers will be able to access Netflix on their Ultra and Ulti Boxes, as the two companies have now entered into a partnership. Image Credit: Bogdan Glisik | Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As companies worldwide tackle the issue of climate change with their own sustainable practices, it’s important to keep in mind the limitations that come with certain sustainable practices. An article on HBR highlights some of the key blindspots in the movement towards sustainability that should not be overlooked . Image Credit: PublicDomainPictures | Pixabay See omnystudio.com/listener for p...

Non-essential industries are on tenterhooks as the National Security Council discusses a possible lockdown extension. Many are calling for permission to operate - at the very least for maintenance if not actively operational purposes - as they were allowed to do so during previous movement control orders . Image Credit: amirraizat | Shutterstock See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we hit bigger vaccination targets every week, Malaysians are hopeful that travel will be a possibility soon. The MySejahtera app and its vaccination certificate could be a key component in determining who is allowed to cross borders , as well as run their business at full capacity while still maintaining SOPs. Image Credit: Tom Fisk | Pexels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Now that ‘Working From Home’ has become the norm, companies need to continue adapting and promoting agility in the workforce in order to thrive. According to the Malaysia Productivity Corporation, the ability to implement a hybrid work model will create a healthier, happier workforce moving forward. Image Credit: mentatdgt | Pexels See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.