Open For Business

Backed by 500 Global, AI startup Awatar Innovations is on a mission to build the next generation of agentic chatbots. But what does it really take to build a deep tech company in Malaysia's burgeoning but challenging AI landscape?The co-founding trio. Premesh Chandran, Eshwaren M, and Razlan Rizal, join us to share their story. They discuss their unique team dynamic, their strategy of using free consumer tools like Sakura AI as marketing for their deeper B2B enterprise solutions, and their plan to raise a $500k seed round to fuel their growth.We discuss:The vision to build agentic AI chatbots for businesses.The unique challenges of building an AI startup in Malaysia (high costs, education gap).Their product strategy: using free tools like Sakura AI to drive B2B leads.Their business model, from free entry-level bots to full enterprise solutions.Their plan to raise a $500k seed round for team and market expansion.For aspiring AI founders and investors, this is an inside look at the journey and strategy of an early-stage Malaysian tech venture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

XION is a Web3 “invisible” trust protocol designed to remove the barriers that keep everyday users from adopting blockchain. Founded by Anthony “Burnt Banksy” Anzalone, the platform aims to eliminate the need for wallets, seed phrases, and gas fees for people and SMEs to transact and verify value as easily as sending an email. With features like USDC gas, Apple ID logins, and seamless proof integrations, XION aims to bring tokenization — from sukuk to unit trusts and invoices — into the mainstream.We speak with Anthony Anzalone, Founder & CEO of XION, about making Web3 accessible to non-technical users, the opportunities and risks in Malaysia’s $43 billion tokenisation potential, and the regulatory groundwork needed to make it real.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Launched in 2024, Webull Malaysia is a licensed digital broker regulated by the Securities Commission, offering access to Bursa Securities, Bursa Derivatives, and U.S. markets through its app. With low fees, real-time data, and a user-friendly interface, the platform aims to make investing more transparent and accessible to Malaysians. Kenneth Chan, CEO of Webull Malaysia shares the story on how the company is positioning itself in Malaysia’s retail investing space, what differentiates them from competitors, and their plans for expansion and product innovation in the region.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Self-storage is no longer just for de-cluttering your home. For Singapore-based Work+Store, it has become a flexible operational hub for SMEs and e-commerce retailers, offering everything from packing stations and last-mile support to specialised wine storage.CEO Danny Wong joins us to share their journey of building a modern self-storage business. He discusses their "co-warehousing" model that provides crucial support for e-commerce businesses, their strategy of optimising older buildings into flexible spaces, and why Malaysian SMEs are increasingly using their platform to establish a foothold in Singapore.We discuss:The evolution of self-storage from personal use to a B2B operational hub.Their "co-warehousing" model with packing stations and fulfillment support.The rise of specialised solutions like air-conditioned and wine storage.How they act as an incubator for growing e-commerce brands.Why Malaysian businesses are using flexible storage to enter the Singapore market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What began as a single attraction built around paint bombs has since exploded into one of Malaysia’s most dynamic entertainment experiences. Bomb Battle, licensed by Mission Group, has evolved from an interactive escape room concept into a full-fledged multi-entertainment hub, drawing in families, young adults, and corporate groups with experiences designed to last beyond novelty.We welcome back Datin Sheehan Tee, Founder of Bomb Battle. She shares how the company has grown since our last conversation, the challenges and lessons along the way, the response from new and repeat audiences, and what expansion, both local and regional, looks like for the brand.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jens Bohnwagner, CEO at XSQUARE Technologies, leads a Singapore-based startup that simplifies warehouse operations with in-house automation software solutions.Founded in 2019 with backing from the Goldbell Group, a mobility and industrial solutions provider, XSQUARE set out to deliver practical value in real-world warehouses. Since then, the company has worked with global leaders such as Coca-Cola, GSK, and Katoen Natie, and is now eyeing expansion into the Middle East.This conversation explores how XSQUARE is redefining intralogistics, the role of its Series A funding round in fueling growth, and what lies ahead as it scales further.Image credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since 2019, P2P financing platform microLEAP has dispersed over RM420 million while maintaining a claimed industry-low default rate of 0.36%. We dive into how this ex-banker built this profitable fintech by focusing on risk first and revenue second.Founder and CEO Tunku Danny joins us to share his journey from a stable banking career to starting microLEAP with one year of savings. He discusses their evolution from a micro-financing platform to a broader SME lender, their unique credit assessment process using psychometric tests, and their vision to become a regional Islamic P2P leader.We discuss:The journey to dispersing over RM420M with a 0.36% default rate.Their "risk-first, revenue-second" philosophy for sustainable growth.Their unique credit assessment model, including the use of psychometric tests.Their strategy for becoming a profitable and Sharia-compliant platform.Their plans for regional expansion into Indonesia and the Philippines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you think of Malaysia’s favourite herbal drinks like mata kucing, lin chee kang, or sea coconut longan, chances are you picture them at a pasar malam or in a traditional kopitiam. But a new brand is giving these classics a fresh stage. Lin Chee King is bringing heritage recipes into a modern kiosk format, with bold branding and a vision to make them a staple for today’s on-the-go consumers.We speak with its Co-Founders, Feeza Faeiz and Nicol Ruhan, about what sparked the idea, the challenges of scaling a heritage drink business, and what it takes to make Malaysians fall in love again with flavours that have been around for generations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eighteen months after our last chat, Colony's CEO Timothy Tiah is back with a story of wins, setbacks, and strategic pivots. From navigating new SST and electricity tariff hikes to making the tough call to close a RM5 million venue, what does it take to lead a premium co-working brand in today's challenging market?Timothy joins us to share an update on his journey, discussing the acquisition of catering company Dough by Meg (and its surprise viral granola hit) and his own emergence as a content creator to drive business growth and reduce marketing costs.We discuss:Navigating the bottom-line impact of new SST and electricity tariff hikes.The strategic decision to close a RM5 million underperforming venue.The acquisition of Dough by Meg and its unexpected expansion into a retail granola brand.How the CEO's personal content creation is driving real B2B and B2C sales.The key criteria for selecting new, highly profitable locations.For entrepreneurs and business leaders, this is a candid and insightful conversation on navigating costs, making tough calls, and finding new growth engines in unexpected places.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What started as a RM1,500 side hustle during the pandemic has exploded into Hygr, an eight-figure beauty and personal care brand. After a viral TikTok video catapulted them into the spotlight, how did two former lawyers turn their DIY project into a full-fledged business with its own GMP-certified factory?Co-founders Ivor Lim and Chew Hoi Meng join us to share their incredible bootstrapping journey. They discuss the challenges that forced them to become manufacturers, their social media-driven approach to product development, and their strategy for building a sustainable, eco-friendly brand in a competitive market.We discuss:* The journey from a RM1,500 side hustle to an 8-figure business.* How a single viral TikTok video became their major turning point.* The manufacturing challenges that forced them to build their own GMP factory.* Their social media strategy for both marketing and product development.* Their playbook for self-funding and bootstrapping a high-growth brand.For aspiring entrepreneurs in the D2C and beauty space, this dives into bootstrapping, brand building, and leveraging social media to scale.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.