Enterprise Explores (BFM Media)

Mergers and acquisitions are part and parcel of the corporate environment. When done right, it can build industry giants. A few good examples of this working out in a big way are Google and Android, Disney and Pixar. Yet, 70 to 90 percent of mergers and acquisitions break down which leads to the curious question, why? We speak to  Cilia Rasasegram, HR Consultant and Chief Experience Officer at Kindler Employee Experiences Project to understand the importance of having the right cultures and values in place during the M&A process. 

Image Credit: Shutterstock | VectorMine

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Excited Malaysian fans gushed on Twitter today talking about popular K-pop band BTS’ special meal set in collaboration with fast food chain McDonald’s, as the country today became the first in Asia to get their hands on the meal.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The whole of Malaysia will be placed under the Movement Control Order (MCO) from May 12th to June 7th, as the country grapples with rising Covid-19 infections. We discuss the ramifications of this move on businesses, what consumers can do to ease their pain, and what the government can do to help these businesses find a lifeline again.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A workplace without trust, is when you are working with people who are unreliable, uncommunicative and inconsistent in their work and moods.

That’s why building trust at work is vital for any ogranisational success.

So how should companies and organisations build trust at work? What can be done and what shouldn’t be done? How do we draw the line between professional and personal life when building trust?

We speak to Cilia Rasasegram, HR Consultant and Chief Experience Officer, Kindler Employee Experience Project to understand more.

Photo Credits: Freepik | wayhomestudio

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has decided that gyms in the areas under CMCO can resume operations beginning Monday, October 19th. We discuss why gyms should be allowed to operate during a health crisis like this, and the impact to gym operators, those in the fitness industry and the general public.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recently, in a Reddit post three days ago, and articles on AsiaOne and the New Straits Times, exposed that an eatery (ramen chain) in Kuala Lumpur had allegedly deducted salaries of staff who take medical leave and toilet breaks. Based on a photo of its rules and regulations for employees posted on Facebook (Feb 18) by a netizen, the fines ranged from RM30 to RM500 for various so-called “offences”.

Subsequently, the eatery had also lodged a police report after online backlash on HR policies.

In the modern workplace today, the importance of employee rights and fair employment practices cannot be underestimated. As businesses and economies worldwide cope with rapid technological changes, and shifting societal norms, there is a need to ensure that employment practices evolve accordingly, too.

Today, we will discuss fair employment practices from the lens of legislation, the ongoing efforts and challenges in creating workplaces that comply with legal standards and also foster a culture of respect, equality, and dignity for all employees.

We speak with Donovan Cheah, a partner at Donovan & Ho on matters that will guide both employees and employers towards a more just and productive working relationship.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this season of love, Pizza Hut Malaysia has decided to go extra ‘cheesy’ with surprise romantic deliveries - to their competitors!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Inland Revenue Board (IRB) has recently issued a guideline to provide clarity on the tax status of digital currencies and digital tokens. With Malaysian crypto ownership estimated to be 20 percent above the global average of 15 percent, this could be a sizable tax revenue if done correctly. Keegan Ong, Tax Executive Director from PwC joins us to dissect the contents of this guideline and what it could mean for digital asset ownership in Malaysia. 

Image Credit: Shutterstock | mentalmind

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Earlier this week, MOSTI held a webinar session on Building Tech Resilience with the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation YB Khairy Jamaluddin together with Razif Abdul Aziz, Acting Group CEO of Cradle Fund. In that session, Razif spoke about the challenges early stage startups are facing at the moment. But could this also be a catalyst for fueling the next wave of innovative startups especially with the new norm when the MCO is lifted?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a recent report on corporate Malaysia by Remote, a global HR platform, Malaysia has been ranked as the second worst country for work-life balance among 60 nations. This statistic seems alarming and highlights a critical issue that impacts the well-being of employees and the overall productivity and competitiveness of businesses in this country. As the modern workforce increasingly values balance and well-being, understanding the underlying factors contributing to this ranking is essential.

Malaysia's ranking points to several deep-seated issues within the workplace culture. Long working hours, high job demands, and the pervasive expectation to be constantly available have created an environment where employees struggle to find equilibrium between their professional and personal lives. This imbalance has far-reaching consequences, affecting mental health, job satisfaction, and employee retention rates.

To dig deeper into these issues and explore potential solutions, we speak with Organisational Psychologist and CEO of O-Psych, Hetal Doshi, to help us understand the psychological impact of poor work-life balance, the specific needs and desires of Malaysian employees, and the practical steps employers can take to foster a healthier, more balanced work environment.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Remote working and watching the world go through a major shake-up is redefining what many of us need and want from our careers – and even our lives.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No business should underestimate the importance of good content. And writing good content is able to draw conversions more successfully for your business because good content = good branding. But what is good (and bad) content? And how can you write good content? We speak to Chan Leong Teng, CEO of digital marketing consultantcy Skribble to talk to us all about that.

Image Credit: Shutterstock | apichon_tee

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Language is a very powerful tool in the workplace; here are 7 new workplace verbal habits to master in 2021.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unless you were living in a cave, you might have noticed a new Internet challenge has gone viral. The #AgeChallenge is where users download the FaceApp app onto their phones and digitally speed up your ageing process. The results are scary to say the least but are they actual privacy concerns that we have forgotten here?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are the backbone of most developing countries. Hence why many countries have also developed initiatives to encourage entrepreneurship to grow MSMEs to strengthen the economy. But are the initiatives enough to encourage entrepreneurship? What are the actual reasons for Malaysians to become entrepreneurs? Dr Melati Nungsari, Assistant Professor of Economics at the Asia School of Business, explains the factors that can drive a sole entrepreneurial idea or intent into real action.

Image Credit: Shutterstock | Jacob Lund

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learning something new during this Movement Control Order seems to be a #trend. So why not graduate from Yale University, ranked 8th in the World University Rankings, as recently they have made their most popular course ever available for free! Plus it could also potentially help you to improve your everyday happiness.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

92% of employers say they do not have a hiring policy that targets women returning to the workforce. In addition, the discrimination they face upon returning does not help. We discuss what businesses can do to help unemployed and underemployed Malaysian women discover new career and economic opportunities, with Vani Mahadevan, co-founder of TechSprint Academy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many festivals and holidays have been interrupted or even cancelled as a result of stay-at-home orders during the MCO. But the key difference between the first MCO and the second MCO is that in 2021, Chinese New Year will be celebrated primarily virtually.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the third part of the six-part year-end Enterprise Biz Bytes special, we throw it back to “Could mental health be addressed better at your workplace?” in our show on the work culture of 2019.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From armchairs to iPhones, India’s millennials rent it all. It’s a trend that’s growing in India, with many companies starting to offer rental services for a number of items. It might seem unusual for some, not owning your own furniture - but not for this new group of individuals.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electronic price tags may be the way forward in reducing food waste and removing the stigma from grocery shopping from clearance or discount sections.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the name of science, would you let people see everything you do on your phone? That’s what The Human Screenome project aims to do,  by asking volunteers to allow it’s app to screenshot your phone every 5 seconds. All this to give us a better idea of how technology is linked with social problems.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been quite the week for Wall Street - with hedge-fund giants losing billions as Reddit traders run wild with the ongoing GameStop surge. The unprecedented scenario has inspired Malaysian investors in the retail scene to prop up local glovemakers’ shares via BursaBets. But, as the Malay Mail reports, things may be very different in a country where short-selling is regulated.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Authorities weren’t playing when they found a local Bitcoin mining ring that was siphoning electricity from the surrounding area. After seizing 1,069 machines, the police then proceeded to literally destroy them with a steamroller!

Image Credit: Dayak Daily | YouTube

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a lot of businesses, leaders head into introducing their products or services assuming that people are in a great frame of mind to buy. The mantra goes that all they have to do is cut through the noise, grab the customer’s attention and everything will be perfect. 

But this is a myth.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Companies are launching new brand value propositions to stay relevant in the marketplace, mostly trying to pull the heartstrings of their customers to purchase their products and services. What is brand value proposition and how do we use it at its fullest potential that might be helpful for our businesses? We find out more from Jan Wong, Founder & Online Strategist at OpenMinds Resources.

Image Credit: Shutterstock | SFIO CRACHO

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twitter is now restricting the number of tweets users can read daily, to combat the aggressive ‘data scraping’ by third party members on its site.

Why the concern? Because they are doing it - for free

We take a look at this and other big news in the world of tech with Mr Matt-splain himself, Matt Armitage.

Photo Credits: Shuttershock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s almost been two weeks since the Russians invaded Ukraine. Although this war seems to be a fair geographical distance away from us, Malaysian businesses are expected to suffer economic aftershocks from the Russian invasion. But what is the severity of its impact? And will you and I be affected as well? We discuss.

Image Credit: Shutterstock | Poring Studio

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elon Musk sending crash dummy Starman in a Tesla Roadster to space might innocently be one of the weirdest things to happen in this generation. But after two years of exploring infinity and beyond, where exactly is our favorite space tourist and his fancy vehicle? Turns out, there’s a way to find out. Kind of.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Walmart and Microsoft might seem like an unlikely partnership to acquire TikTok’s U.S. assets, but until very recently the retailer had other plans.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Budget 2020 was disclosed last Friday, so we delve into 3 key areas from the announcement; The Digital Economy, Workforce, and Tax, Grants, and Funds. Farah Rosley and Wong Chow Yang of Ernst & Young Tax Consultants join us for the discussion.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The government has provided several allocations and grants this year designed to support welfare organisations, including those focused on senior care. But apart from the funds, what more is in store for the future of the senior care industry in Malaysia?

Image Credit: Shutterstock | Ivica Drusany

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Budget 2021, one of the issues addressed by Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz was the rising unemployment rate due to COVID-19; as a result, the government has put forth several initiatives to help rectify this.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s competitive global economy, talent is key. In this episode, we dive into the IMD World Talent Ranking 2024 with Professor Arturo Bris, Director of the World Competitiveness Center at the Institute for Management Development (IMD). Discover how top economies like Switzerland (ranked 1st), Singapore (2nd), and Nordic countries like Denmark (3rd), Norway (4th) and Sweden (6th) are excelling in talent development. We also discuss Malaysia's position at 33rd, the impact of AI, and the importance of inclusivity, and what businesses must do to stay competitive in the global talent race.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technology lifecycle management is a critical enabler of business success. However, the proliferation of technology consumption models, coupled with an increasingly complicated and fragmented supplier ecosystem, make it difficult for many organisations to adequately maintain their technology infrastructure in a way that fosters business agility and innovation. 

Global IT infrastructure and services company NTT DATA’s inaugural Lifecycle Management Report has found that globally 80% of organisations agree that inadequate or outdated technology is holding back organisational progress and innovation efforts. In fact, 93% of C-suite executives in APAC believe legacy infrastructure is greatly hindering their business agility. In addition, more than two thirds (69%) of currently active hardware in APAC (with scheduled last day of support) will no longer be supported by 2027.

Today, we speak with NTT DATA’s CEO for Malaysia, Henrick Choo, to explore the strategic importance of lifecycle management, uncover the obstacles hindering technology and business alignment, and identify actionable insights that organisations can implement to overcome these challenges.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Boards in Malaysia are still lagging behind when it comes to the issues of representation and diversity. In honour of International Women’s Day, we take a look at the progress made with women on boards in the Southeast Asian region, and speak to the Malaysian chapter of the 30% Club about how to move further.

Image Credit: Shutterstock | Mary Long

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysia Global Innovation & Creativity Centre (MaGIC) has recently launched the “Social Impact Matching (SIM) Grant” in order to assist up and coming social enterprises.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Ops Sky investigation has rocked Malaysia’s financial sector, uncovering a massive loan fraud and money laundering syndicate that exploited banking loopholes, recruited bank officers, and even used celebrities as ambassadors. With over RM700 million in fraudulent loans, 27 arrests, and frozen accounts, the case raises serious concerns about governance, fraud prevention, and public trust.

Certified Fraud Examiner & Anti-Money Laundering Specialist Raymon Ram of Graymatter Forensic Advisory joins Enterprise Explores to break down:

• How the syndicate manipulated bank loan approval processes

• Why civil servants, particularly teachers, were prime targets

• The role of bank officers & weaknesses in financial controls

• How celebrity endorsements boosted credibility for the fraudsters

• What needs to change to prevent future financial crimes

• The need to invest in technology and keep up with fraudster

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enterprise explores how GenAI will change politics with Bryan DeAngelis, Partner and Head of the Washington Office at stakeholder solutions firm Penta Group. Drawing from their recent article titled "AI: The Next Political Game Changer," we'll explore how artificial intelligence is poised to reshape political campaigns and society at large.

From the power of AI in micro-targeting and personalised messaging to its implications for transparency and polarisation, we'll dissect the four key ways Penta sees AI transforming political landscapes, discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks of its integration into campaigns and elections, as well as unpack the complexities of AI-driven political strategies and the ethical considerations they entail.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sayings like “keep your chin up” and “find the silver lining” have proven to be helpful in times of trouble. However, as the world struggles through COVID-19, these methods of finding positivity can feel a little out of touch or even forced, leading to the issue of toxic optimism.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It seems that as of yet, there’s no chance that any of us will be attending any kind of music festival anytime in the near future. And as sad as that may be, there may be alternatives, they’re just not fully-baked yet.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Monday, 4 December, DE-CIX Malaysia and Digital Penang announced a partnership to establish the Penang Internet Exchange (PIX), aiming to enhance digital capabilities in Penang and position it as a key interconnectivity hub in Southeast Asia.

The collaboration is expected to provide faster, more affordable, and more resilient Internet connectivity, enabling data exchange, collaboration, innovation, and economic growth. The partnership also aims to accelerate Penang's digital economy growth and attract businesses, technology companies, and investors. The two parties are also expected to promote knowledge sharing through training sessions and a Penang Peering Forum.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The gym and fitness industry has estimated revenue losses of more than RM110 million since the first Movement Control Order (MCO 1.0) in March last year, according to the Malaysian Fitness Coalition.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many business leaders are busy go-getters with a crowded calendar and no time to sweat the small stuff, which normally leads to hiring an assistant or secretary. But in the age of the COVID-19 pandemic, perhaps consider hiring someone who can get all your admin done from the comfort of their own home.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“This Is The Window To Shape BNPL In Malaysia”.

Today Enterprise Explores Buy Now, Pay Later in Malaysia. We take a look at the BNPL industry here in Malaysia, feedback about the current regulatory environment and the kind of regulations needed in order to protect consumers but also allow the industry to grow, as well as opportunities and challenges ahead for the industry.

Helping us with this conversation was Dawn Lai, Chief Executive Officer of Experian Information Services Malaysia, and Jonathan Lim, Secretary of Fintech Association of Malaysia (FAOM). Jonathan is also a Partner at law firm Zaid Ibrahim & Co in association with KPMG Law.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Most of us have spent the majority of 2020 working from home now, and there’s nothing to suggest that the remaining months of the year will see a significant change.

There are at least two good reasons for this. Keeping workers safe should be the number-one priority for businesses, even if that means putting up with potential short-term deficits in productivity or motivation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday threatened to regulate or shut down social media companies for stifling conservative voices, a day after Twitter attached a warning to some of his tweets prompting readers to fact check the president's claims.

Twitter made it very clear that the President was spreading misinformation, but if it were someone that you knew, what would you do?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s more data about shopping and consumer behaviour than ever before, but what are brands doing to leverage all those insights? Over the recent festive season, a customer engagement platform ran a survey on spending trends with some surprising results. These insights, if harnessed properly, could help brands thrive over the coming year by understanding post-pandemic consumer behaviour.

Image Credit: Shutterstock | Syda Productions

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The diamond industry has dealt with controversy and stigma over the last couple of decades with news of unethical mining and questionable practices that violate human rights becoming a topic of debate and discussion. As younger consumers demand more transparency with their purchases, jewelry companies like Tiffany & Co. are spearheading a movement to disclose every detail of their diamonds so that consumers are assured of where their precious stones come from.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Facial recognition technologies installed in at least a dozen government-funded schools in Delhi are an “overreach” by Indian authorities and an invasion of children’s privacy, digital rights advocates said on March 2.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If working is inhaling, many people are stuck holding their breath. Here’s why it’s important to cultivate a rest ethic and finally exhale, too.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Twitter has become the first major tech company to allow employees who can work remotely to do so indefinitely, as the coronavirus outbreak forces unprecedented changes in work culture across the world.

The pandemic, which has infected more than 4.2 million people globally so far, has led to strict lockdowns in most countries and changed the way businesses function, with work-from-home emerging as the new norm.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the second part of the six-part year-end Enterprise Biz Bytes special, we throw it back to “Malaysian Motorcycle Manners” in our show on the policies & regulations of 2019.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Valentine’s Day is traditionally used to celebrate romance, but in line with feelings of joy and appreciation, we take a look at how leaders can better communicate their appreciation for their staff and why that’s important.

Image Credit: Shutterstock | Nattakorn_Maneerat

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Japan is a high-tech innovator, the country is producing robots for people with dementia – to provide companionship, improve safety in the home, and help with therapy. Other countries are jumping on board with initiatives to incorporate service robots into dementia care. But we must make sure that people, especially those living with dementia, are firmly at the center of research and development. Technology, after all, should be for and by people, not something imposed on them.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business groups say that relaxation in restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals under Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan will help economic recovery. Meanwhile, we look to New York City for an idea of what fully vaccinated freedom could look like.

Image Credit: Ronnie Chua | Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Among many other things, charity, too, has evolved. With the app Momentum, users can connect their bank accounts to the app and automate donations to the causes they care about. The app aims to turn ordinary moments into opportunities for meaningful change. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do planets, stars, and zodiac signs matter at work? Can they help with communication, and how different are they from personality tests? According to an article on FastCompany, recent interest in “professional” astrology has spiked, with more people turning to stars and signs to explain their problems, or lack thereof, at the workplace.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Top Glove continues to find itself in hot water. The company was recently hit with forced labour allegations, causing the US market to suspend their import of Top Glove products. As investigations continue, we look into what employees can do to protect themselves moving forward.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feeling confused or overwhelmed by the rising demands of emissions reporting and sustainability standards? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we simplify the complexities of emissions reporting — focusing on Scope 1, 2, and 3 — with insights from Phang Oy Cheng, Head of ESG and Sustainability Advisory at KPMG Malaysia.

Oy Cheng breaks down the layers of emissions reporting and explains why companies need to pay attention, even if you are not a listed company or directly impacted by regulations right now.

Among other things, Oy Cheng explains why businesses, even those not yet subject to regulations, need to pay attention to emissions reporting now.

Key Areas of Conversation:

- A clear breakdown of Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and how Scope 3 differs by covering the entire value chain.

- The common challenges businesses face in gathering accurate data, particularly for Scope 3 emissions across supply chains.

- Why emissions management isn't just about compliance but can drive long-term business value, market share, and stakeholder trust.

- Insights into Bursa Malaysia’s latest sustainability reporting requirements and how businesses can prepare for upcoming regulations.

- Practical steps for smaller companies in supply chains to begin their ESG reporting journey, and resources available to support them.

Tune in to gain clarity on emissions reporting, why SMEs, suppliers, and vendors need to pay attention, and discover how your business can turn compliance into a strategic advantage for future growth.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many businesses have found difficulties operating over the course of the pandemic, as their workforces are primarily composed of foreign workers. Business owners are calling for both local workers to fill the gaps and the government to extend their labour recalibration programme to foreign workers as well.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Japanese Doctor who lived to the age of 105, and worked until he was 100 years old, gave a piece of sage advice ‘Don’t Retire. And if you must, retire much later than 65’. We ask, at what age do you plan to retire, and what exactly is the definition of retirement to you?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What in the world is a blockchain animated series? In conjunction with Fox’s launch of its NFT arm, the broadcaster announced a new series helmed by Dan Harmon (of Rick & Morty fame) that will “break new ground” in terms of blockchain tech.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2023 saw fintech funding in Southeast Asia hit a 5-year low as fintech firms in the region raised just US$2 billion in 2023, down 65% from 2022 and 77% lower than 2021, while the number of deals fell 50% — just 142 in 2023 compared to 288 in 2022, as per the Tracxn Geo Annual Report: SEA FinTech 2023.

With this in mind, Enterprise Explores the dynamic and rapidly evolving fintech sector in Malaysia, with Farah Jaafar, Vice President of Fintech Association of Malaysia (FAOM) and Low Zhen Hui, a Managing Partner at venture capital firm Artem Ventures.

Among other things, we got into where the Malaysian fintech scene is today and the milestones and challenges over the past year, key trends to watch ahead, the importance of bringing in talent, whether investor confidence in the sector has wavered, and much more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saving money is never easy, especially when you're on a budget. But this Redditor and the folks over at r/personalfinance know just the trick to making saving simple, fast, and fun. Their secret? Gamify your savings.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Small businesses need two things to survive the pandemic - digital adoption and obviously, steady profits. While being on e-commerce and delivery platforms helps in terms of reach and awareness, a portion of merchants’ profits are used for commissions and platform fees. We discuss the importance of proper digital transitioning as well as having a platform that allows merchants to keep all of their profits.

Image Credit: Lano Lan | Shutterstock

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Work four days a week, but get paid for five? It sounds too good to be true, but companies around the world that have cut their work week have found that it leads to higher productivity, more motivated staff and less burnout.

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 privacy information.

With many non-bank financial institutions cropping up recently, have you considered taking up a non-bank quick loan to improve your personal or business cash flow? But before you commit to a non-bank loan, what should you consider? We discuss. 

Image Credit: Shutterstock | create jobs 51

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re transitioning rather rapidly into digitalising everything we do - from making purchases through e-wallets, shopping and even virtual meetings. But what about license renewals or making applications in the public sectors? Is visiting government agency counters still a thing? Where are we in terms of digitalising our public sectors?

We discuss further with Azwan Baharuddin and Norafishah Malek from Accenture.

Image Credit: shutterstock | Dapitart

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Southeast Asia’s largest SME digital financing platforms, Funding Societies Malaysia, along with renowned online food and grocery delivery platform, Foodpanda, have put their heads together to introduce a new pre-approved financing service that allows SMEs to get a financing plan without any repayment of principal for the first three months.

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 omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The idea of ownership is changing, as more "possessions" these days tend to be virtual instead of physical. But do we really own our digital services, or is the belief that we do actually working for them in ways that we rarely think of?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TikTok will make personalised ads the default starting on April 15, where you’ll have to actively opt out if you want to only receive general ads not based on your app activity.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Human Resource Ministry has received over 5,000 complaints through the Working For Workers application on various labour issues, especially not allowing employees to work from home.

Image Credit: niekverlaan | Pixabay

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lou Ottens, the former Philips engineer who gave the world its first compact cassette tape, has passed away. According to Dutch news outlet NRC Handelsblad, Ottens was 94 when he died on March 6th.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Amidst the competitive landscape of the Asia-Pacific consumer goods market, the narrative has often focused on insurgent brands disrupting established incumbents. However, a recent Bain & Company’s analysis of 23 consumer product categories across 11 Asia-Pacific markets (from 2018 to 2022) paints a more complex picture.

The report, entitled “Resilience Amid Disruption: How Some Asia-Pacific Incumbents Are Outmanoeuvring Insurgents”, challenges the conventional view, revealing how incumbent brands are not just surviving but thriving by blending traditional strengths with insurgent tactics.

The findings delve into the strategic responses that enabled these incumbents to maintain or grow their market share despite rising competition, which we explore with Zara Lightowler, Associate Partner at Bain & Company. Among other things, we dive into the importance of channel dynamics, localisation, M&A and ecosystem scanning, and much more.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

E-hailing drivers are up in arms over new rules governing vehicle pick-up at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and KLIA2. According to the regulation that came into effect last Saturday, drivers can now only chauffeur passengers at the new pick-up points that require a Touch ‘n Go with a minimum value of RM20 or pay-wave cards to access.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the show, Enterprise explores Echelon’s annual Top100 Program, a program specifically curated to boost the growth for startups in Malaysia. To help me break down the significance of this program to startups across SouthEast Asia, I’m joined in the studio by Mohan Belani, CEO and Co-Founder of e27, the startup ecosystem's go-to platform for insights, connections, funding, and talent opportunities.

Recently, Echelon has revealed the first 26 participants in this program for 2024 and some of the them include startups from Laos, the Philippines, and Malaysia, along with Singaporean applicants.

With that and along the course of our discussion today, Mohan helped us get a better picture on the selection process for startups to enter this program, why fundraising has become more challenging in the startup ecosystem as well as some of the differences between Malaysia's tech startup ecosystem with other participating countries from across SEA.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new player has entered the Christmas console gift game; fighting against the giants of Microsoft’s Xbox and Sony’s PlayStation is an oldie, but a goodie - Atari’s VCS.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PayPal just had its two best years ever, and the growth of ecommerce is only one reason. Instead, CEO Dan Schulman credits the company's success at least in part to a 2019 initiative to raise the salaries of its hourly and entry-level employees and dramatically lower their healthcare costs. ensure that everyone who works at the company can afford to pay their bills and receive healthcare when they need it. His approach is a lesson for every business owner.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese New Year is peak season in terms of movie releases in China. It accounts for a significant chunk in local and global box-office collections. With the recent cancellation of film releases in China due to the Wuhan virus outbreak, the global box office could see a massive decline in income, throwing early estimates for a stellar film year out the window.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the third part of the six-part year-end Enterprise Biz Bytes special, we throw it back to “Are Sick Days Dead?” in our show on the work culture of 2019.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enterprise explores the Malaysia Venture Capital Roadmap (MVCR) 2024-2030 with Noor Amy Ismail, COO of MAVCAP.

Launched by The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and the Malaysia Venture Capital Management Berhad (MAVCAP), this 33-page roadmap hopes to elevate Malaysia’s perception in the eyes of the venture capital world and make Malaysia a preferred venture capital hub in Southeast Asia.

The roadmap spotlights three strategic pillars: improving the ease of doing business, enhancing funding accessibility, and elevating Malaysia's venture capital talent pool.

From streamlining cross-border capital flows and establishing a centralised VC platform to aligning tax incentives and broadening exit options, we will dive into how the strategies and interventions aim to foster a more conducive and vibrant environment for venture capital in Malaysia and turn this map into reality.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the 15th of September, Deputy Economy Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said that Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to unlock an estimated worth of around US$110 billion in productive capacity, and that it has the potential to significantly contribute towards accelerated achievement of the objectives and aspirations of the 12th Malaysia Plan and the New Industrial Master Plan 2023.

Today on Enterprise Biz Bytes, we will focus on the benefits of generative AI in automating complex tasks, and what implications it will have on Malaysian businesses. We will also explore how Malaysian SMEs can leverage on the growth of Generative AI, and what implications it brings to the business ecosystem as we head into 2024.

Joining us is Sanjay Deshmukh, Senior Regional Vice President of ASEAN and India at Snowflake.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts say Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin’s new cabinet line-up is well chosen as it comprises candidates with vast experience in many aspects. We discuss the unorthodox structural changes in the Prime Minister’s line up, and the potential impact these experienced ministers could have on the country’s economy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Narendra Modi government’s decision to ban TikTok has left thousands of Indian content creators in the lurch.

The short-form video sharing platform, which took India by storm a couple of years back, gave rise to a whole new breed of celebrities in the country: the TikTok stars.

Besides enjoying massive fan following on the Bytedance-owned app, these creators have been earning from TikTok via brand endorsements. Some even left their stable jobs to create content on TikTok.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If pinching your phone is something you've always wanted to do, well... you can now. A new high-tech phone case could make that very specific desire possible. Marc Teyssier at Telecom Paris in France and his colleagues have devised an artificial skin for interactive devices that responds to touch. The skin is able to detect a variety of gestures, including sliding, stretching and rotation.

ent-bb-human-skin-phone-cases

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday, our new Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced Monday as a public holiday. Similarly during the election, the 18th and 19th of November were public holidays to allow Malaysians to go home and vote. The question for many employees is: are these public holidays applicable to them? Or is it just an option for employers to decide on their holidays? We speak to Ivan Aaron Francis, Associate Lawyer at Thomas Philip Advocates & Solicitors and Canna Tan, a senior HR Manager.

Image Credit: Filepic

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The battle for talent will continue in 2022. According to McKinsey, while hiring for skills and recruiting from unlikely sources are two ways to bring in the right people while the talent pool remains competitive, the work does not stop there. So what are the employee movement, retention, and attraction trends for the rest of the year?

Image Credit: Shutterstock | Hananeko_Studio

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The seemingly endless stream of Facebook privacy scandals of late—including the latest involving users as young as 13 years old—may have you questioning how much the social network and other tech giants actually know about you.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debate continues to rage on about exactly how bad Malaysia has been impacted by “The Great Resignation”, but it’s clear that for better or for worse, the demands and expectations of the current and incoming workforce has changed - and employers must adapt accordingly. Nurul A'in Abdul Latif, Deputy Executive Chair, PwC Malaysia, shares the findings of the PwC’s Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2022 as we take a look at how Malaysia needs to reinvent its workforce.

Image Credit: Shutterstock | Aleutie

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The digital nomad lifestyle is slowly gaining traction especially post-pandemic with many people embracing this unique approach to work. Malaysia has also recently announced the ‘DE Rantau’ program in a bid to capitalise on the growing economic potential from being the destination of choice for digital nomads. So what is a digital nomad and what’s driving the growth behind this lifestyle adoption? We speak to Lydia Lee, Founder of ‘Screw The Cubicle’ and work reinvention strategist to shed some light on the digital nomad lifestyle and its growing popularity.

Image Credit: Shutterstock | E.Rodionova

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many Malaysians have used both iterations of the MCO to delve into experimenting with entrepreneurship; but what do you do if your startup doesn’t quite take off?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We all know the importance of keeping our homes safe, and we still use the tried and tested method of keys, locks and burglar alarms. But as burglars are getting more sophisticated in their methods - we too need to up our prevention game. We’ll be talking about some high-tech and low-cost ways that you can make your home safer.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We see governments and business entities globally pledge to achieve net-zero carbon status by 2050. However, the United Nations Environment Programme’s report revealed that many of these plans are scant with ‘vague’ promises and inconsistencies with the 2030 national climate commitments. And one of the biggest contributors to carbon emission is the logistics industry, with airfreights producing some of the largest carbon footprints. We speak to Soham Chokshi, CEO and Co-founder of Shipsy for some insights on how the logistics industry is getting a handle on its carbon emission.

Image Credit: Shutterstock | DigitalPen

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In line with Mother's Day, Enterprise Explores dives into the collaborative efforts between the Autism Behavioral Center (ABC) and CookX Asia to empower mothers of children with autism. We explore the prevalence of autism in Malaysia, the essential role of mothers in imparting life skills, and the challenges faced in accessing support systems. ABC, Malaysia's largest ABA centre, and CookX, a social cooking app, are creating safe spaces for teaching life skills to the autistic community. The upcoming ABC x CookX event aims to instil valuable qualities like patience and teamwork while addressing issues such as food waste and social integration.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Innovation labs, technology scouting outposts, and accelerator programs to invest in startups have become ubiquitous in large companies, as have regularly-scheduled hackathons or idea challenges that invite employees to develop and pitch new ideas.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The entrepreneurial journey can be a lonely and tough one, and the stigma of discussing mental health is all too prevalent in the startup world. But why is this?

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we move into the modern age of marketing, do traditional methods such as billboards and print ads still have a place in selling a product or service? Digital marketing has started to gain traction as people discover the power of connectivity and granular data that it offers. We speak to Anna Loi, co-founder of Good & Honest Co to understand the importance of digital marketing and how it can help businesses reach out to their target audiences.

Image Credit: Shutterstock | PopTika

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.