BFM :: Open For Business

From a one-off project supplying workstations to a RM75 million acquisition, Wilstech's journey is one of growth, adaptation, and strategic decisions. In this episode of Open For Business, Wilson Low, Founder and CEO of Wilstech, shares how the Malaysian B2B IT solutions provider scaled from a RM100,000 family loan to achieving RM23 million in revenue in 2023. We dive into its acquisition by Systech Bhd, lessons from the journey, and the road ahead.Here are some key highlights from the conversation:- Wilstech's Origins: Wilson Low launched Wilstech in 2018 with a RM100,000 family loan, starting with a single project supplying workstations to the government.- A Shift to Digital Solutions: Initially focused on hardware, the company pivoted to digital solutions like mobile apps, software development, and business automation systems to address the digitalization needs of Malaysian SMEs.- Star Products Driving Growth: Wilstech's offerings include the WilsONE Business Automation System and eMOBIQ, a no-code app platform that empowers SMEs to streamline operations efficiently and affordably.- Revenue Milestones: Wilstech achieved RM23 million in revenue in 2023 and RM14 million in just the first six months of 2024, driven by both SME solutions and government tenders.- Strategic Acquisition: Earlier this year, Systech Bhd acquired Wilstech for RM75 million in a cash-and-stock deal, marking a major milestone and offering synergies like enhanced resources, funding, and government connections.- Meeting Growth Challenges: Wilson highlighted the challenges of early sales, scaling the business, and navigating M&A decisions, including choosing an acquisition over pursuing an IPO.- Future Ambitions: With an obligation to meet a RM5 million profit guarantee for FY2024, Wilstech is eyeing expansion into AI, big data, and smart city solutions, all while staying focused on its SME customer base.- Long-Term Vision: Wilson envisions Wilstech potentially spinning off as an independent entity within the Systech group, with ambitions to establish itself as a leader in SME-focused innovations.

Today, we feature Ascendance, a Malaysian youth-driven organisation that's reshaping the way young people approach education and entrepreneurship. Founded by students for students, Ascendance empowers individuals to discover their passions, develop real-world skills, and achieve personal and professional growth through innovative programmes, mentorship, and hands-on experiences. In this conversation with Harsha Ravindran, CEO, and Sanadtkumar Ganesan, COO, and Co-Founders of Ascendance, we look into their journey, the challenges they've overcome, and how they continue to inspire and transform the lives of youth across the nation and beyond.

From Malaysia to world - how Amplio Ingredients wants to leverage local herbs and bring them into the global supplement supply chain. In this episode of Open For Business, we dive into the origins and ambitions of this Malaysian health supplement ingredient supplier with Executive Director and COO Cheong Wai Loon.Amplio Ingredients specialises in sourcing health supplement ingredients from global manufacturers while providing formulation support for clients, as well as regulatory advice for end products. They cater to industries ranging from functional foods and nutraceuticals to personal care.In this episode, we explore Amplio's journey—from its origins and evolution to its growth strategies. Cheong Wai Loon shares insights into the company's future, including whether an IPO or M&A could be on the cards, as well as key lessons learned from Sunzen Biotech's acquisition and subsequent divestment of a 70% stake in Amplio. We also discuss how Amplio collaborates with local universities and research centres to advance its products and ingredient offerings, leveraging local herbs.

In this episode, we're joined by Ben Jihad, founder of Jeet Academy, a local martial arts training centre that offers techniques from Krav Maga and Jeet Kune Do to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Western boxing. Jeet Academy prepares individuals of all backgrounds with the skills and confidence to tackle life's challenges—both figuratively and, as we'll explore, quite literally.Ben's journey from a lawyer in Brussels to a self-defence expert in Malaysia was sparked by a life-changing experience in 2007 and now as an entrepreneur, Ben not only leads Jeet Academy but also consults for industries like filming and has expertise in fight choreography as well as stunt planning.In our conversation, we dive into Ben's personal journey, the founding philosophy of Jeet Academy, and what's next for the academy going forward.

“I wanted to create something out of nothing”. Starting with a relatively small RM50,000 investment, Leon Goh transformed a small soft-serve mix operation into Gourmet Ingredients, a multi-category manufacturer producing premix powders for beverages, soups, sauces, and more, that's targeting RM100 million in annual revenue by 2029.In this episode of Open For Business, we explore how Leon, founder and CEO of Gourmet Ingredients, built this premix powder powerhouse, now supplying F&B outlets nationwide and exporting to five ASEAN countries, as well as his ambitious plans to localise supply chains across ASEAN.Key insights from the conversation include:- Leon's Entrepreneurial Path: From investment analyst to food manufacturing innovator, Leon shares the inspirations and challenges behind his transition to food manufacturing.- Building from Scratch: Started with RM50,000, a single blender, and small batches for ice cream shops. Overcame early scepticism and barriers by focusing on product quality and consistency.- Expanding Product Lines: How Gourmet Ingredients pivoted during the pandemic to add new product lines, making beverages a major part of their business.- Menu Solutions Concept: Leon's strategic shift toward becoming a “food menu solutions” provider, helping F&B clients with ready-to-use products across appetisers, main courses, beverages, and desserts.- ASEAN Expansion Strategy: Plans to expand into new ASEAN markets, establish local factories in Vietnam and Indonesia, and increase exports from 30% to 70% of revenue.- Innovation and Consistency: Ensuring quality and food safety with international certifications (ISO, HALAL, HACCP) and ongoing R&D for constant product improvement.- Future FMCG Ambitions: Leon's vision to launch a consumer-facing line, leveraging experience from developing private-label products for established brands.- Funding and Growth Outlook: Why Gourmet Ingredients remains self-funded through bank financing and potential considerations for M&A or an IPO as the business scales.

How did Innov8tif transform from a bootstrapped startup to serving 70% of Malaysia's telecommunications and banking sectors? In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with George Lee, Founder and CEO of Innov8tif Solutions, about the company's journey, their groundbreaking innovations like IC microprint verification, and the announced RM40 million strategic partnership with Datasonic Group.George has been nominated for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Malaysia awards in the Technology Entrepreneur Category.George shares insights into the challenges of scaling a tech business, the evolving eKYC landscape, and Innov8tif's plans to expand regionally while maintaining its leadership in secure digital onboarding. Among other things, we get into:- Entrepreneurial Journey: How George Lee and his co-founder started Innov8tif with RM60K, and how they moved from software development and consultancy and into the eKYC business.- Innovation in eKYC: Innov8tif's patented solutions, such as IC microprint verification, and their impact on secure digital onboarding.- Market Leadership: Serving 70% of Malaysia's telco and banking sectors and the strategies behind maintaining this dominant position.- Strategic Acquisition: Insights into Datasonic Group's RM40 million acquisition and how it will drive Innov8tif's growth and innovation, as well as advice on strategic partnerships.

Childcare is one of the most pressing challenges facing Malaysian families today. With concerns over learning environments for children, safety and the delicate balance between work and family life, parents are struggling to find reliable, childcare options that ensure their children's well-being.In today's episode, we are joined by Daisy Ng, the Founder and Chief Education Officer of Trinity Kids, a playschool dedicated to reshaping the childcare landscape in Malaysia. Daisy shares with their mission to create a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive, while also supporting modern working families. We will also dive into Daisy's journey to founding Trinity Kids, the challenges and opportunities within the local childcare industry, and her aspirations for accessible, affordable childcare for Malaysian families.

In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Imran Abdullah, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Positano Risto, a muslim-friendly Italian dining experience inspired by the Amalfi Coast. Launched in Singapore in 2017, Positano Risto has since expanded to Kuala Lumpur, bringing authentic Italian flavours to the region while priding itself on being muslim friendly. Imran shares the journey behind the brand's creation, the challenge of balancing authentic Italian tastes with muslim-friendly requirements, and Positano Risto's expansion plans.Tune in to learn about Imran's vision, his unique approach to the F&B industry, and the strategies guiding Positano Risto's future growth.

On this episode of Open For Business, we explore how Visual Retale is using technology to transform the out-of-home (OOH) advertising landscape in Malaysia. Established a decade ago, Visual Retale has evolved from an OOH media owner to a comprehensive OOH media practice, boasting a network of over 32,000 outdoor and indoor screens across Malaysia.Sai, the founder, joins us to discuss their latest tool, Playdooh, launched in September Playdooh provides dynamic solutions tailored for advertisers by integrating over 62 data points, including geographic, demographic, and psychographic information. By mapping screens based on location and audience attributes, Playdooh enables brands to strategically place ads that align with their target demographics and reach desired locations with precision.

From cabin crew to automotive CEO. In this episode of Open For Business, we dive into the remarkable journey of Feytech Holdings, a Malaysian automotive accessories manufacturer that has grown from producing small-scale leather seat covers to supplying complete car seats for global OEMs.CEO Connie Go, who took the company public earlier this year with a successful RM114 million IPO on Bursa Malaysia's Main Market, joins us to share how this family business has transformed over the last 20 years into a vertically integrated, one-stop solution for automotive interiors.Connie has been nominated for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Malaysia Awards in the Woman Entrepreneur category.Key insights include:- Feytech's Evolution: From a replacement equipment manufacturer to a Tier 1 OEM supplier with full car seat manufacturing capabilities.- Vertical Integration: As the only Malaysian automotive supplier offering both seat covers and car seats, Feytech stands out in cost efficiency and convenience.- Growth Strategy Post-IPO: How IPO proceeds will fund expansion, a new corporate office, potential M&A, and market entry into Malaysia's central region.- Competitive Advantage: The unique benefits of vertical integration, cost control, and quality standards that attract OEM partnerships, particularly for CKD projects.- Connie's Path to Leadership: From 15 years as a cabin crew member to CEO, using skills from aviation to drive Feytech's business.- Navigating Public Company Challenges: Adapting corporate governance and transparency for public markets, with advice for entrepreneurs considering IPOs.- Future Expansion: Ambitions to diversify into additional automotive parts, secure new OEM projects, and maintain profitability in a competitive landscape.- Women in Leadership: Connie's perspective on breaking gender stereotypes in manufacturing and her hopes for a future with fewer industry barriers.

Can a hot dog be more than simple franchised fast food here in Malaysia? In this episode of Open For Business, we explore the journey of Sausage Sizzle, a homegrown Malaysian brand on a mission to elevate the humble hot dog into a premium dining experience. Co-Founder Nazri Adam shares how Sausage Sizzle grew from a single stall into a recognized brand, with aspirations to expand through both food trucks and potentially fully-fledged outlets.Nazri discusses the brand's evolution from event-based sales to multiple licensed locations, followed by a strategic shift to a streamlined model focused on quality and customer experience. Key insights include:Origins and Vision: How Sausage Sizzle was founded in 2019 to bring locally sourced, quality sausages to Malaysian street food culture, aiming to elevate the humble hot dog into a gourmet experience.Growth and Challenges: The journey from a single outlet to multiple locations and events, and the pivotal challenges faced, including the impact of COVID-19 and adapting to customer preferences.Shift in Strategy: Insights into Sausage Sizzle's recent shift from licensing 18 outlets to a streamlined, owned-and-operated model, with a focus on quality control and customer experience.Product Innovation and Simplified Menu: The transition from customizable hot dogs to a curated menu, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and providing a consistent customer experience.Balancing Quality with Affordability: Challenges and strategies around offering premium ingredients in a cost-competitive market and ensuring profitability as they scale up.The Role of a Food Truck as an R&D Hub: How their food truck acts as a testing ground for new products and marketing strategies, enabling agile adaptations to customer feedback and market demands.Future Ambitions and Expansion Plans: Sausage Sizzle's goal to expand with owned outlets and potentially a full sit-down restaurant, while building a stronger brand presence in Malaysia's premium street food scene.

From car mats to a regional brand on track to hit RM100 million in annual revenue, in this episode of Open For Business, we explore the journey of Malaysian brand Trapo with Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, Tzong Lee and Zare Lee, and how these self-identified ‘accidental entrepreneurs' built this automotive accessories brand. Founded in 2016 with a focus on eco-friendly car mats, Trapo has since expanded into a wide range of car accessories, now operating 25 outlets across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. Tzong and Zare share insights into Trapo's evolution, overcoming the challenges of scaling in a competitive market, and their vision for sustainable growth.They reveal strategies for differentiating Trapo, their approach to product innovation, and how they're navigating the demands of a crowded industry. We also discuss Trapo's future, from potential IPO ambitions to further regional expansion.Additionally, Tzong and Zare have been nominated for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Malaysia awards in the Emerging Entrepreneur category—a distinction previously awarded to brands like ZUS Coffee, Empire Sushi, and financing platform Capbay.Tune in to discover how Trapo aims to make its mark as the “Apple of Car Accessories” across Southeast Asia.

Is AI the answer to Malaysia's math failure rate? How could AI transform math in schools? In this episode of Open For Business, we explore how Malaysia-based startup AI Teacher is aiming to revolutionise math education for secondary students with Tupai.ai.Co-founded by Edmond Yap and Andre Sequerah, Tupai.ai uses AI to create a personalised and engaging math tutoring experience, with the ultimate goal of helping students improve their SPM grades. The platform, currently in beta, is attempting to address both practical and emotional barriers to math learning through adaptive and interactive features.Edmond and Andre share insights into Tupai.ai's journey, from the early motivations and challenges to the strategies they believe could make or break their success. We also dive into their funding approach, future expansion plans, and the role of AI in transforming education.Tune in to discover how this innovative platform is set to change math education in Malaysia.

Sigma School, founded in 2022, is more than just an online coding bootcamp — it is a bold initiative that aims to redefine tech education in Malaysia. With a focus on real-world skills and job readiness, Sigma School offers a 3-month intensive programme with a unique guarantee: either secure a tech job or get your money back. Today, we're joined by Deric Yee, the founder of Sigma School, to dive into his journey, the challenges of building an impactful edtech platform, and his vision for the future of tech education.

Can local sparkling drink brand Supergulp thrive in the crowded and competitive beverage market? In this episode of Open For Business, we dive into Julian Koh's journey from e-commerce and food tech roles at companies like Honestbee and Foodpanda to founding Supergulp — a Malaysian sparkling prebiotic drink brand.As Julian shared with Vulcan Post, the idea for Supergulp began with a simple supermarket visit, where he came across Western sparkling prebiotic drinks. Impressed by their taste and low sugar content, he wondered why there wasn't a similar option tailored for local tastes. That moment planted the seed for what would become Supergulp.With no prior F&B experience, Julian drew on his background in food tech and e-commerce to create a healthier alternative for Malaysia's bustling beverage market, blending inspiration from Western brands with a focus on local preferences.Julian shares the challenges of launching a consumer brand, strategies to stand out in the “better-for-you” drink market, and Supergulp's ambitious growth plans. Join us as we explore the early hurdles, the unique product development journey, and the future Julian envisions for Supergulp in Malaysia and beyond.

We speak with Sheyong Tan, Co-Founder of BiiB, a wellness tech startup that's changing the game in Malaysia's fitness landscape. From Malaysia's largest running league, RUNLIGA, to scalable corporate wellness solutions, BiiB combines community and innovation to redefine employee engagement and health. Sheyong shares his journey from R&D engineer to entrepreneur, explaining how BiiB's platform integrates fitness, community, and technology for a unique wellness experience.

How does a material-science aerospace engineer end up building a 9-figure logistics platform?In this episode of Open For Business, we're joined by Clarence Leong, Founder and CEO of EasyParcel—a company that has transformed the shipping process for micro-SMEs and SMEs.Since its launch in 2014, EasyParcel has facilitated over 86 million delivery quotes and served 2.5 million customers across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.Clarence shares his remarkable journey from aerospace engineering to entrepreneurship, and how EasyParcel has evolved into a regional player, integrating with e-commerce platforms and offering advanced logistics solutions.We also explore the company's growth strategies, key partnerships, and its plans for future expansion—including the potential for an IPO.

We speak with Joshua Lin, General Manager of PriceShop Malaysia, about how the platform empowers Malaysian consumers to make smarter buying decisions in the consumer electronics space. We explore PriceShop's approach to price comparison, ensuring accuracy and reliability through its extensive network of SME retailers and advanced technology. Joshua also shares insights on upcoming innovations, such as AI-driven features, and discusses trends in Malaysia's electronics market, including consumer behaviour and the rise of buying scams.

In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Cellou Diallo, CEO of RollingPay, a company offering flexible payroll financing solutions to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Founded in 2022, RollingPay wants to help small businesses meet payroll obligations with up to 90-day repayment terms, ensuring timely employee payments—even when cash flow is tight.We explore Cellou's journey from Global Head of Data and AI Delivery at SWIFT to building his own business, what sets RollingPay apart from other alternative financing players, and the platform's future plans.NOTE: RollingPay does not operate under any clear regulatory framework as we await the Consumer Credit Act to come into effect.

What does it take to carry a family business's legacy forward?In this episode of Open For Business, we explore the evolution of Sun Bus Tech, a company specializing in bus and bus body manufacturing for energy-efficient vehicles.While Sun Bus Tech was officially formed in 2022, its roots trace back to the 1970s. Joining us is Shyan Phang, CEO of Sun Bus Tech, who shares the story of how her father started a small coachwork fabrication business, why the family exited the bus industry in 2020 only to return two years later, and her own decision to join the family business. We also dive into the challenges of transitioning leadership from one generation to the next, and much more.

We talk with Rachel Tan, Founder of The Nurts, a platform dedicated to creating and curating purposeful tools that promote personal growth and family connections. With offerings like interactive card games and educational kits, The Nurts focuses on learning through play, supporting families and young individuals in building essential skills. Rachel shares her journey of founding The Nurts, its mission to empower lives, and how the brand is expanding in Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia.

Confide, your company's future compliance command centre? In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Pav Gill, Founder and CEO of Confide—a platform designed to streamline compliance and risk management for organisations.Pav shares his remarkable journey, from exposing the €24 billion Wirecard scandal to creating a tech solution that helps companies manage sensitive reports and protect whistleblowers. We explore how his experience at Wirecard shaped Confide, the challenges of building a compliance-focused tech startup, and how the platform could redefine the future of corporate risk management by automating and simplifying compliance, governance, and whistleblowing.

In this episode, we sit down with Howard Obbard, Co-Founder and Director of Furniture and Choice Malaysia as we explore how this renowned UK-based brand is making its mark in the Malaysian market with its exceptional British craftsmanship and competitive prices. By blending its expertise in premium furniture with local artistry, Furniture and Choice Malaysia is not only transforming homes but also boosting the local economy by creating jobs and championing sustainability.Tune in as we delve into the challenges and triumphs of re-establishing a global brand in Malaysia's competitive market, and how the company is pushing the boundaries of innovation and design to offer Malaysians premium, locally-made products.

Are businesses and brands overlooking a vibrant and growing market? In this episode of Open for Business, we speak with Preethi Sanjeevi and Ramakrishnan CN, Co-Founders of Greytt—a platform that aims to offer curated services tailored to people over 50, starting with fitness, but eventually travel and much more.We explore the story behind Greytt's creation, what it means to redefine ageing, why this demographic is often misunderstood, and the opportunities they see in this underserved market. Plus, we dive into how the founders' backgrounds in digital marketing and tech are shaping their vision of targeting and serving people between the ages of 50 and 70.

How did a college dropout selling PCs and web hosting services build a 9-figure digital powerhouse? In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Chan Kee Siak, Founder and CEO of Exabytes Group, an all-in-one provider of business, cloud, digital, and eCommerce solutions.Founded in 2001 as a small web hosting service in Penang, Exabytes now serves 160,000 businesses across 121 countries, with core markets in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Chan shares how he started at 19, pivoted to web hosting, and grew Exabytes through M&A strategies and securing a US$10.7 million investment from Ekuinas in 2019.Now a nine-figure revenue company with 20% annual growth, Exabytes thrives on recurring revenue from SMEs and plans further expansion, M&A, and an IPO within three years. Chan outlines the company's growth drivers, including cloud solutions and deeper penetration into Indonesia's market.Tune in for an inspiring look at Chan Kee Siak's entrepreneurial journey and the future of Exabytes.

On this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Andy Chaw, Founder of Trendz360. They're a global lifestyle group with wholly owned subsidiaries in 8 markets, with Singapore being their central base of operations. Andy will be giving us a sense of the growth and evolution of Trendz360 from inception to the global brand distributor that the business is today, the challenges of managing a global company and how they have evolved over the years as well as his vision for the future of lifestyle retail and wholesale distribution with Trendz360.

How did a Silicon Valley property play become a global corporate innovation driver and VC firm? In this episode of Open For Business, Jojo Flores, Co-Founder of Plug and Play, shares how a Silicon Valley real estate play in 2006/2007 has turned into a global innovation platform and early-stage startup investor. Plug and Play now operates across 50+ locations, running accelerator programs, corporate innovation services, and a venture capital firm.We discuss their journey, expansion into APAC, and their perspective on the future of innovation in the region. Key points we dive into include:- The story behind the founding of Plug and Play and its early beginnings in real estate.- How Plug and Play became a hub for startups like Dropbox, Lending Club, and PayPal.- The role of corporate partnerships in Plug and Play's accelerator and innovation programs.- Plug and Play's investment strategy and how they choose the startups they invest in.- The expansion into Southeast Asia and insights on Malaysia's innovation potential.

Today on Open For Business, Augustine Edwards talks about how he founded AES Academy. From a kid fascinated by loudspeakers his brother gave him, he turned his passion into a full-blown career, mastering the art of audio engineering. AES Academy is a launchpad for the next wave of audio wizards, blending technical expertise with creative innovation. He shares the ups and downs of starting an academy, the evolving audio scene in Malaysia and the future prospects of the audio engineering field.

BookXcess began in 2007 with just 5,000 remaindered books. Today, it's on track to hit RM100 million in sales, working directly with publishers to fulfil its mission of making books more affordable and accessible.In 2009, Andrew Yap and Jacqueline Ng launched the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, which has since become a global cultural phenomenon and has expanded to 37 cities in 14 countries, attracting 3 million visitors annually and selling over 15 million books.From nearly going out of business during the pandemic, the company has rebounded, now operating over 22 outlets nationwide and 3 more in Singapore. In 2023, they achieved USD$4 million in profits and are set to surpass RM100 million in revenue this year, with plans to explore an IPO in 2026.In this conversation, we explore:- Andrew's journey in building these two iconic brands. the business model behind BookXcess and how they are working with publishers to play the high volume game- Why BookXcess takes the risk of owning the books they sell instead of using consignment.the challenges they've faced, including the logistical challenges of moving millions of books.- How BookXcess is innovating with store designs and layouts, BookBots, “blind dates” with books, and more.- Andrew's vision for the future of BookXcess and Big Bad Wolf as they continue to grow in an evolving market.

No entrepreneur left behind? That seems to be the driving force behind GUIDE, an early-stage venture studio and advisory firm founded by Neil Cheong and Alvin Chin.In this episode of Open for Business, we explore how GUIDE aims to provide venture education, hands-on support, and mentorship to founders and entrepreneurs, all while building a scalable business for themselves.We delve into their transition from Ignition Chamber to GUIDE, their unique approach to advisory services, and their ambition to grow a content-driven business that supports a thriving entrepreneurial community.Key Areas of Conversation:- Founder Support: GUIDE's focus on early-stage businesses, offering education, mentorship, and ecosystem-building support.- Evolution from Ignition Chamber: The formation of GUIDE and why they're focusing on content to scale their business.- Business Model & Scalability: How GUIDE balances advisory services with a scalable educational membership model.- 1% Equity Model: GUIDE's innovative equity-based fee structure to support founders.- Future Vision: GUIDE's plans to scale founder programs and foster a vibrant entrepreneurial community.

We speak with Ting Mao, Founder at Sunnystep, a science-based footwear company for walking enthusiasts, active travellers and urban families. We'll be discussing the story behind Sunnystep and how it all started after a horrible injury, the differences between their products with other more renowned footwear brands, the challenges faced and opportunities ahead for the business.Image Credit: mysunnystep.com

“A lot of studio owners are very distracted. So when it comes to looking at who are our worthy rival, I will look at the founders. Then I will kind of know whether or not they will still be our rival in a year's time. ”Curious how a small 1200 sq ft fitness studio in Melaka expanded into Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, and the larger ambition behind these moves? In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with CJ Lee, Co-Founder of MOVE Private Fitness, about their journey from launching a boutique studio in 2020 to scaling across six locations, including Bangkok. With a focus on delivering premium, personalised fitness services to the T20 demographic, MOVE is gearing up for its next phase of growth.Key Areas of Conversation:- What inspired MOVE and the challenges faced in the early days.- How MOVE stands out in a crowded fitness market by specialising and not getting distracted by fitness trends- The story behind expanding MOVE to KL and Bangkok and plans for further regional growth.- Insights into MOVE's upcoming fundraising round and how the capital will fuel further expansion.- Tune in to discover how MOVE Private Fitness is trying to reshape the fitness industry and what lies ahead in its ambitious growth journey.

This morning on the show, we speak with David Ng, Founder at Savor, a local F&B outlet aiming to encourage healthier lifestyles with their plant based meals.David started the business with his wife, Beverly, and business partner, Peter back in 2019 after originally starting in the lifestyle coaching field. Their commitment to health and wellness goes beyond the plate as they have not only established a vibrant plant-based restaurant for consumers to enjoy vegan food but they also provide curated meal plans in their mission to enhance health and wellness for their consumers.With that in mind, we'll be talking about the inception story of Savor from how it started to where the business is at today, the challenges and hurdles they had to overcome in what's becoming a very tough F&B industry and what's in the works for Savor going forward.

In this episode of Open For Business, we sit down with Casper Foo and Lye Yu Min, the co-founders of co-working space Sandbox. Launched in 2017 with an initial RM300,000 investment, Sandbox has grown into a community-driven space attracting freelancers, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs.As they compete with larger players like WORQ and Common Ground, Casper and Yu Min share the challenges they've faced, their vision for the future, and how Sandbox is creating a unique niche in the co-working landscape.Tune in to learn more about their growth journey and what it takes to succeed in the co-working industry.

What does it take to build a localized large language model (LLM) in Malaysia?In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Khalil Nooh, Co-Founder & CEO of Mesolitica, about how his startup is developing Malaysia's own LLM, MaLLaM, and the challenges of AI sovereignty in the region. Khalil dives into his journey from early Natural Language Processing projects to creating an LLM tailored for the Malaysian context.Key areas covered include:- The evolution from chatbots and NLP to large language models (LLMs)- The inspiration and technical challenges behind building MaLLaM- How Mesolitica is leveraging AI for local businesses and government use- The importance of AI sovereignty and local data governance- Mesolitica's approach to developing cost-efficient AI models- How Mesolitica plans to scale its LLM across Southeast Asia

Be it in the morning, evening, or throughout the day, tea has never been left out of the list of Malaysian staples, with a variety of flavours for everyone to enjoy.In this episode, we bring you one of the flavours with Kavievanan Subramaniam, the Founder of Tea Thambi, a local name that has become renowned for its distinctive and pleasant masala chai in Kuala Lumpur.Kavievanan started his journey in 2020, during the challenging days of the pandemic, by selling masala tea on a bicycle through the streets of Little India in Brickfields. What began as a humble venture has now grown into a chain of roadside stalls and a café, with another café already in the works.We speak to him about the inspiration behind Tea Thambi, the challenges he faced in establishing the business, and the strategies he used to achieve such rapid growth. We also discuss future expansion and Kavievanan's vision for Tea Thambi and its impact on the local community.

In this episode of Open For Business, we sit down with Inbaraj Suppiah, Founder of JomHack, to explore his journey from running a creative agency (Pixaworks Creative Sdn Bhd) to leading hackathons that help businesses foster innovation, acquire talent, and solve complex challenges. Tune in to learn how JomHack and Inbaraj have become a key players in corporate innovation and community building, and what the future holds for this exciting venture in the tech ecosystem.Among other things, we dive into:- The origins of JomHack and how Inbaraj transitioned from running a creative agency to designing and executing hackathons and innovation programs.- How hackathons help businesses drive innovation, acquire talent, and test new ideas in a short time.- The importance of community building and how it has played a central role in JomHack's success.- Inbaraj's insights on working with government agencies, corporates, and startups to create impactful innovation programs.- The key steps involved in organizing a successful hackathon and the common misconceptions about what hackathons truly are.- What's next for JomHack and Inbaraj's future ambitions.

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Vesterbacka, the visionary entrepreneur best known for his role in turning Angry Birds into a global phenomenon during his time at Rovio Entertainment. Beyond gaming, Peter has been a key figure in the startup and education ecosystems, driving innovation and future-thinking in a variety of fields. We explore his journey from building one of the most recognisable mobile games to his current ventures, and gain insight into his thoughts on the future of technology, entrepreneurship, and education.

From a pregnancy craving to a multi-million ringgit business, in this episode of Open For Business, we sit down with Rosli Manaf, Co-Founder of Homebaker@Clover, to explore the journey of building a successful bakery chain specialising in cinnamon rolls.Rosli shares how this passion project grew into a thriving business with 11 outlets across the Klang Valley, the challenges of scaling in the ever competitive and complex F&B market, and his ambition to make Homebaker@Clover the Krispy Kreme of cinnamon rolls.Tune in to learn:- The transition from a corporate career in IT and telecommunications to starting an artisanal bakery.- How focusing on cinnamon rolls helped Homebaker@Clover stand out.- The challenges, mistakes and lessons learnt of scaling a food business while maintaining quality.- Future growth plans, including franchising and potential international expansion.

In this episode of Open For Business, we speak to Cindy Woon, Founder and Chief Happiness Officer of Belly Happy, a business offering a range of snacks, homemade drinks, and ready-to-eat meals.Cindy shares how she left her corporate job to pursue her entrepreneurial journey, the early challenges of starting Belly Happy, and how the business has grown from bazaars to partnerships with hotels.Tune in to learn:- Why Cindy made the shift from a corporate career to starting her own business.- How Belly Happy sources and develops its range of snacks.- The strategies Cindy is using to expand into new markets and grow the business.- Her plans for the future and what's next for Belly Happy.

Today on the show, we speak with Ilyas Alsagoff, Co-Founder and Director at Sugar and I, a local bakery outlet that sells homemade desserts and are famously known for their bomboloni.Founded in 2013 by Ilyas and his sister, Sharifah Nur Ilisa, Sugar and I began when the siblings started baking brownies for their parents with a heartwarming mission: to bring joy through baking. 9 years later, their passion for baking has now become a growing business, with over 10 products on the menu, custom-made cake and cookie services and TTDI being their fifth store outlet as of today.With that in mind, we speak with Ilyas on the journey the siblings took from baking brownies for their parents to selling bomboloni across multiple stores in KL, the challenges faced by the business in a very tough and competitive F&B industry as well as their foreseeable expansion plans moving forward.

In this episode of Open For Business, we delve into the story of Katch, a platform aiming to simplify the health, fitness, and wellness industries by integrating booking management and other backend processes with platform services (think ClassPass), and marketing. We explore how Katch is trying to address the sector's challenges like improving visibility, reducing high commission fees, and unifying fragmented management systems, aiming to carve a niche in a market dominated by giants like ClassPass.Joining us are co-founders Lee Cheng Yun and Brendan Siew, who will share insights on Katch's inception, its growth, and the strategies they believe will allow them to compete with established industry players.In this conversation, you'll learn:- Why Lee Cheng Yun and Brendan Siew ventured into the health and fitness sector and the gaps they aim to fill with Katch's innovative solutions.- The evolution of Katch from its early days to its current operations, including how they have tackled initial challenges and plans to sustain growth.- How Katch differentiates itself from competitors like ClassPass through its integration of other technologies such as POS systems, booking management, and more- Katch's business model and how it plans to achieve ambitious targets, including acquiring 400,000 users and hitting RM21 million in revenue by 2025.