Open For Business
Episodes
From Creative Agency to Hackathons: Inbaraj Suppiah’s JomHack Journey
29 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 (Pix...
The Mighty Eagle's Vision
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we sit down with Peter Vesterbacka, the visionary entrepreneur best known for his role in turning Angry Birds into a global phenomeno...
The Krispy Kreme of Cinnamon Rolls? How Homebaker@Clover Plans to Get There
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Homeba...
From 9-to-5 to Bazaars and Hotels: Belly Happy’s Journey
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 snack...
The Sweet Journey of Sugar and I
23 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 fa...
Katch: ClassPass Meets Enterprise Solution For Health And Wellness?
22 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
MyPetGo For Your Doggo
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The pet tech market, according to reports by Research Nester and Global Market Insights, is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. The m...
When Tech Meets Textile: The Story Of Hologenix
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, we speak with Seth Casden, CEO & Co-Founder at Hologenix. They’re a material science company that develops products that ampl...
Uno Advisers: The Financial Planning Firm For Women?
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Open For Business, we sit down with Ian Wong and Kimberly Law, co-founders of Uno Advisers, a financial planning firm with a missio...
Study to Success
16 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Co-founded by the twin brothers, Andy Gan and Chris Gan, back in 2014, TWINS Education has earned a reputation for excellence over the years, offering...
Mole's Magic: Elevating Business Networking
12 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, we speak with Melly Ling, CEO and Co-Founder of Mole, a local startup that has built an all-in-one networking platform with their v...
Beep Technologies: From Vending Machine to Unifying EV Charging in SEA
11 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Kristoffer Jacek Soh and Benjamin Long, co-founders of Beep Technologies, a company that started b...
From Bookkeeping to Fundraising: FinKnight - Your Outsourced Finance Team?
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Open For Business, we sit down with Chang Lih Yen and Chan Qi Yang, Co-founders and Managing Directors of FinKnight, a Malaysia-bas...
From Arcane to Accendo: The Evolution of A Talent Intelligence Powerhouse
09 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we speak with Sharma Lachu, Founder & CEO of Accendo Technologies. They’re a talent intelligence platform that integrates with core HRMS ...
$411 Million To Fix SME Hiring? Employment Hero’s 10 Year Journey
08 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“What I discovered was that business owners, especially SMEs, are petrified of employing people. It’s a huge problem that we wanted to solve.” B...
KL's Fast Track To Fun
05 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we are switching it up a notch and taking you on an “exhilarating” journey behind the scenes of Skyline Luge Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s new...
Moving Billboards? How VOOH Media Is Driving Out-of-Home Brand Visibility
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Is turning everyday vehicles into billboards the key to breaking through ad overload?In this episode of Open For Business, we explore how VOOH Media i...
From Trash to Treasure: How Entomal is Generating Millions from Biowaste
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
1 ton of food waste + Black Soldier Fly larvae = 100kg of animal feed + 200kg of fertiliser!? Does this mean that the secret to managing biowaste is h...
See-Through Solutions
02 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
When you go through security bag scans, have you ever wondered about how it works or do you just find it a hassle and wish the checks would move faste...
Why A Student Quit Uni To Turn Ugly Fruits Into (TUG) Gelato
01 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Could turning ugly fruits into gelato be worth quitting university? For Hailey Yong, it was.At just 20, Hailey, CEO and Founder of The Unusual Greens,...
From Stress to Serenity
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
OGAWA, an iconic household name in the health and wellness industry that most Malaysians are familiar with – it doesn’t sound Malaysian but did yo...
HATA Enters the Crypto Chat: Why Luno’s Ex-GM Launched His Own Exchange
28 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Does Malaysia really need another regulated crypto exchange? We explore that very question as we dive into the journey of HATA, Malaysia's latest digi...
From RM20K to Millions: How This Engineer-Turned-Entrepreneur Built IGL Coatings
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Founded in 2015, IGL Coatings develops and manufactures surface protection solutions, particularly known for its low and zero Volatile organic compoun...
Revolutionising Warehouses: How Hatio is Redefining Supply Chain Efficiency
26 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Supply chains and warehouses are the lifeblood of any high-volume business, yet many still operate with outdated methods. In today’s competitive env...
Start, Survive, And Thrive in F&B - Insights from Secret Recipe and Pop Meals
25 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On August 21st, BFM hosted the Enterprise Breakaway: From Farm to Franchise event, where industry experts and seasoned F&B operators explored the ...
Tealive’s Bryan Loo: From Accidental Entrepreneur to F&B Titan
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On August 21st, BFM hosted the Enterprise Breakaway: From Farm to Franchise event, where industry experts and seasoned F&B operators explored what...
Wonderboys Cleaning: From Student Side Hustle to RM600K Business
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How did Wonderboys Cleaning turn RM4,000 in startup capital into a business that makes RM600,000 in annual revenue?From doom scrolling on Instagram at...
Expanding Horizons: Swing & Pillows' Growth
19 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Open For Business, we welcome Dino Loh, Director of Swing & Pillows, Malaysia's largest co-living and hotel chain operator. Din...
Why Swipeless Is Raising RM1 Million to Make Dating IRL Again
18 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Tired of swiping? Swipeless is on a mission to bring back real-life dating through curated, offline activities.This platform connects singles not thro...
Lettuce Celebrate: 10 Years of Salad Wins
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Salad Atelier, possibly the first name to come to mind when one craves a fresh and delicious salad, especially when you think of its poke bowls and th...
Okapi Solar - Breaking Barriers to Solar Panels on Your Roof?
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How can homeowners make the switch to solar energy without breaking the bank?Founded in 2022, Okapi Solar is on a mission to make solar power more acc...
From 9-to-5 to Doughnut Balls: LOOKOO's Sweet Escape Story
12 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We talk to Harith Aqil, the founder of LOOKOO, a local F&B startup that’s set to change how we think about doughnuts with their unique twist—d...
Paper vs. Pixels: How Bootstrapped Mossery is Navigating a Digital-First World
11 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In a world dominated by smartphones and tablets, is there still room for a premium stationery and notebook brand?As Mossery celebrates its 10th annive...
From Peas to Power
08 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Founded in 2015 by a group of friends united by a passion for fitness and a commitment to healthy living, Soluxe Nutrition emerged from a shared desir...
Geomax’s Rubber Revolution? Turning Rejected Gloves into Footwear
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With his 20 years of experience in the rubber industry, Steven founded Geomax Rubber in 2018 with the aim to revolutionise the footwear industry by up...
ReU Living: Redefining Senior Living and Post-Op Care
06 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
ReU Living builds communities for senior living and post-hospitalization recovery. It's a joint venture between eldercare solutions provider Meaningfu...
Putting A Modern Twist on Traditional Keropok Lekor
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We speak with Yeo Kwong Jin, Founder at Fiskor, a contemporary Malaysian cracker brand which uses cutting edge technology in the production of lekor c...
Connecting Arts and Audiences: Inside CloudJoi’s Ticketing and Streaming Platform
04 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
CloudJoi is a ticketing service, streaming platform, and community hub designed for the performing arts. Founded in 2020 as CloudTheatre, the company ...
Eco-Friendly Living with Tiny Houses
01 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We hear from Big Tiny, a property development company transforming the dream of serene, nature-immersed living into a reality. Founded by Jeff Yeo and...
Paywatch's Ambitious Plan: New Era of Financial Access for the Underbanked?
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Paywatch is a financial services company that provides earned wage access (EWA) services to help employees get banked, receive credit, and improve the...
Infinity8: Beyond Coworking Spaces
30 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Founded in 2017 with the aim to redefine workspaces, Infinity8 today offers dynamic coworking environments that cater to both local and international ...
Cleve.ai - Personal Branding Made Easy
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we speak with Ashvin Praveen, Co-founder and CEO of Cleve.ai. They're an AI-powered content workspace for creators to create, get inspired, and...
How Mental Wellness Platform PlusVibes Found Its Groove
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Open for Business, we dive into the world of mental wellness with Madiha Fuad, Founder and CEO of PlusVibes. Launched in 2020 durin...
Engage Life - Gamifying Wellness Solutions
22 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We speak with Paresh Subramaniyam, Founder and CEO of Engage Life, a wellness company offering holistic health and well-being solutions for individual...
From 100 Hours to 5 Minutes: How NexLaw.ai is Revolutionising Legal Prep
21 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"The stress. The quantum of stress. To prepare a case that you need to do the submissions the next day, (that can take) 15-16 hours. You ask the young...
Archers Assemble: Team Building with a Twist
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
How do you feel when you hear the phrase team building? When your company tells you that you are going on an offsite team building weekend, do you moa...
Bakin Love’s Ambition to Support F&B With Premixes
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Open for Business, we speak with Dalia Alkatiri, Founder and Managing Director of Bakin Love, a Malaysian-based baking business tha...
redBus Maps Malaysia’s Future Travel Routes
15 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In recent years, Malaysia's digital economy has undergone a remarkable transformation, fundamentally reshaping how consumers interact with businesses ...
Grobrix, A Hobby That Snowballed: Why This Founder Left Finance for Farming
14 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With their patented modular edible hydroponic green walls, Grobrix is on a mission to reconnect urban communities with the source of their food, promo...
Amplifying Expense Management with Merchantrade Asia
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Open for Business, we discuss the evolution of expense management platforms in Malaysia with Ivan Alias, Deputy Chief Commercial Of...
How Novi Health Is Tackling the Rise in Non-Communicable Disease
10 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Among some of the key findings from Malaysia’s National Health and Morbidity Survey 2023 includes the fact that 15% of adults in Malaysia have diabe...
Driving Digitalisation: How POMEN Supports Workshops and Corporate Fleets
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Founded in 2018, POMEN has moved from being a B2C platform to a B2B one, now helping connect companies like PETRONAS and Maxis with workshops to help ...
Pick A Pickle!
04 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Malaysia's cuisine is a captivating blend of flavours reflecting the country's rich cultural diversity. With influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, a...
From Zero to RM2 Million: Notti’s 1-Year Journey Elevating Kibble
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Founded in April 2023, Notti Pet Food is a local pet food brand that wants to elevate pet kibble and recently secured RM2.4 million in seed funding fr...
Flying Into the Future of Drones
01 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Aonic was born as a commercial drone solutions provider for enterprises looking to modernise their operation workflow. While they are no stranger to t...
Sukha Golden: Making Senior Living Communities More Accessible and Affordable?
30 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
By 2030, Malaysia is expected to transition into an ageing society, with individuals above age 60 and older to make up 15% of the population, and this...
Why Junaid Wahedna Left Wall Street to Revolutionise Islamic Finance: The Story Behind Wahed
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Leaving Wall Street to revolutionize Islamic finance, solo founder Junaid Wahedna raised $82 million in his mission to eliminate interest from Muslim ...
CHN to Businesses: Don’t Buy Laptops, Subscribe Instead
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Established in 2012, Complete Human Network helps companies deal with their electronic equipment needs, allowing enterprises to optimise their IT budg...
Evlos: AI-Powered Computer Vision for Better Manufacturing
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Evlos is an artificial intelligence (AI) company that provides AI-powered computer vision solutions to manufacturers all over Malaysia.Announced last ...
Crack the Code: Pain-Free Living with Chiropractic Care
24 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we speak with Dr. Matt Kan, the Founder of Chiropractic First Group. With over two decades of experience, Dr. Kan has been advocating for chirop...
How Learning Platform ReSkills Reached Profitability Charging $1 A Month
23 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From pandemic project to Nasdaq listing later this year, Jin Tan started ReSkills back in 2020 as an online educational portal with the aim of making ...
Making Every Bandage Count
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In the bustling landscape of healthcare innovation, one company is making waves with its products and with a purpose. Rightfully sounding like a compa...
BidMyAsset: Innovating Industrial Asset Disposal with Sustainability in Mind?
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
BidMyAsset is a Malaysian-based auction platform for second-hand and manufacturing machinery and equipment, and while it may have been founded in 2022...
Seedflex: Frictionless and Dynamic Credit for Cashless Merchants
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Founded in 2023, Seedflex raised seed funding from 500 Global in Q4 last year to launch its shariah-compliant digital financing solution “Pay-As-You...
FPA’s Journey Back into the Courts
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We speak with Jeremy Dev, Founder at Far Post Academy, a Malaysian based startup that offers futsal lessons for kids aged 4 years and above.They offer...
Transforming Furniture Shopping with Neo Livin
13 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We speak with Ann Sze Pang and Tan Jin Xue, Co-Founders of Neo Livin, a tech-driven DTC furniture platform changing the way people shop for furniture....
Serial Founder Robin Chase: Don’t Raise Venture Funding
12 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
"If you can build your company without raising money, do it because then you're in control. There's this idea that you're really cool if you've got so...
How Automotive Synergy Navigated Through ‘Kodak Level’ Disruption
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“My mum said to me, stop playing with cars or turn it into a business. So I turned it into a business.”Established in 2004, Automotive Synergy sta...
The Tapping Tapir
10 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We speak with Ivan Lee, Co-Founder of The Tapping Tapir, a Malaysian beverage company known for its unique range of artisanal sodas made from natural ...
Solaroo Systems: Behind Pekat Group’s Residential Push
09 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Solaroo is a wholly owned subsidiary under Pekat Group Bhd that deals in smaller scale solar photovoltaic systems for residential, commercial and indu...
Transforming Digital Experiences with CONTEN.T
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We speak with the founders of CONTEN.T, an award-winning BrandTech company specialising in creating advanced digital experiences using first-party dat...
From Bazaars to Boutiques: The Rise of Kapten Batik’s 8-Figure Business
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From selling 20 shirts at a free night bazaar to hitting 8-figures in revenue in 2022 with aims to hit RM50 million in 3 years time, on this edition o...
Low-Code Pioneers
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Orangeleaf Consultancy, founded by Ellice and Tim Hendricks, is changing Malaysia’s tech industry with their low-code platform expertise. Starting a...
Store N Go: Leveraging TikTok Shop To Power Growth
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Founded in 2018, Store N Go provides warehousing services and tailored product handling, storage, packaging materials, kitting services, and distribut...
Writing Success: TPE’s Whiteboard Journey
23 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We’re joined by Toh Kean Wee, the Founder and Managing Director of TPE, one of the largest whiteboard and writing instrument manufacturers in Malays...
Eutech’s 20 Year Journey in Smart Property Management
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Lakshita Wijerathne, CEO at Eutech Cybernetic, a Smart Technology solutions provider that owns Ivi...
Sometime: From Frustration to Malaysian Fashion Brand
19 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“To our surprise, we realised probably 6 or 7 out of 10 customers that walked in didn't really know us, (before that,) we thought we were famous. Th...
Scanning for Success
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In recent years, Malaysia has been faced with a rising student dropout rate, with over 14,506 students leaving school prematurely in 2023 alone. That’...
Bootstrapped and Profitable Patriot Biotech’s Genomic Ambitions
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Founded in 2022, Patriot Biotech describes itself as a group of scientists, inventors, innovators and entrepreneurs who want to bring molecular-based ...
How Uber Inspired TheLorry’s Modernisation of ‘Lori Sewa’
14 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“If there is a time to start a business, it is now, while we’re young.”A lunch between co-workers in their mid-20s in 2014 turned into a startup...
Revolutionising Manufacturing with Projet Technology
13 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Open For Business, we venture into the advanced field of technology, focusing on engineering, manufacturing and product development...
Why 2Stallions Co-Founder Avoided Engineering and Built a Digital Marketing Firm Instead
12 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we speak with Dhawal Shah, Regional Managing Director and Co-founder of 2Stallions, a boutique digital marketing agency with headquar...
Expanding Horizons: IWG Malaysia's New Workspace Launches
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We explore IWG Malaysia's ambitious expansion as they gear up to launch four new workspaces in the country. Two of these new centres will be situated ...
Tokpork’s 6 Year Journey, KL Foodie Spark, and Expansion Plans
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“And I took that personally”. That was how the eccentric founder of Tokpork, Phon Yung Hou, felt when he was making RM300 a day in sales which pal...
Capsphere: Helping SMEs Leverage Assets for Financing
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Connecting SMEs to investors, Capsphere claims that it sets itself apart from other similar players because each loan is asset-backed, or secured by a...
Embracing Resilience in Ethical Beauty
06 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Transitioning from corporate careers in the United States of America to building a transformative business here in Malaysia, Carmen Khor and Jeremy An...
KL Tech City: From Advisory Business to Venture Studio
05 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
KL Tech City is a venture studio that predominantly focuses on providing early stage capital for emerging technologies like Blockchain, Fintech, EV, C...
E-Commerce Success: The PTT Outdoor Blueprint
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Back in 2016, the e-commerce scene was just beginning to harness the full potential of online and mobile commerce, and social media marketing. Online ...
Disruptive Doctors: Connecting & Upskilling Forward-Thinking Doctors
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Like many founders, entrepreneurship wasn’t in the plans for Selina – she always wanted to become a doctor, and the dream was to become an Intensi...
Lean Partner - 10 Years Of Operational Excellence
29 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, we speak with Manickavasagam Palaniandy, Founder of Lean Partner–they’re a boutique consulting firm that specialises in Agile O...
Bateriku’s 10 Year Journey to RM95m Business
28 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Founded in 2014, Bateriku.com wants to list in 2027, hit revenue of RM170 million in 2024, and continue to expand its margins and profitability.On thi...
Rollti: Reshaping Malaysia’s Beloved Roti Canai
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today on Open For Business, we speak with Keith Loh, CEO of Rollti, a local startup that runs a grab-and-go concept restaurant that offers a fresh tak...
18 Years of Easybook: From Pet Project to RM300 Million Business
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Founded in 2006, Easybook.com started off as a platform that sold bus tickets in Malaysia and Singapore but has since grown operations regionally. Las...
Looking to Get Hyred?
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today's rapidly evolving job market, traditional methods of securing part-time work, such as word-of-mouth referrals or classified ads, are becomin...
OpenAcademy: MasterClass Meets YouTube With a Localised Twist
21 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
OpenAcademy is the education arm of marketing-tech consultancy OpenMinds, and is trying to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world ski...
Modernising Organic Waste Management With BioLoop
18 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today on the show, we take a look at some of the innovative strides in sustainable waste management with Mah Jun Kit, Founder and CEO of BioLoop, a pi...
From Tealive to The Body Shop, Web Bytes’ 17 Years of Empowering Retail and F&B
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Founded in 2007, Web Bytes is a software development company that specialises in software solutions for the retail and food and beverage (F&B) ind...
14 Years of Wanderlust Around the World
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
“Fashion retail is not a Silicon Valley story”.Jenn’s Wanderlust + Co journey began back in 2010 in her apartment in Melbourne, powered by a Wor...
Bomb Battle: A Twist to Escape Room
15 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While technological advancements and immersive multiplayer experiences make gaming a popular leisure activity, excessive screen time poses risks to ch...
Finalyst: Trying to Help Agents Improve Conversion and Relationship Management
14 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Malaysian startup Finalyst wants to help financial planners, insurance agents, and unit trust consultants improve sales conversions and better manage ...