Open For Business

Join us as we chat with Duncan Ross, Founder of Xzotic Pens, a Malaysian-based company specializing in personalized, hand-turned wooden pens. Founded in 2021, Xzotic Pens has quickly become a standout in the fine writing industry, with seven retail stores across Selangor and Johor Bahru. In this episode, Duncan shares his journey of turning a passion for craftsmanship into a thriving business, the challenges along the way, and how he’s scaling in Malaysia’s competitive market.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover how a Sarawak startup is leveraging AI to enhance environmental sustainability in agriculture and forestry. In this episode of Open For Business, we take a closer look at EB Tech, a technology startup using artificial intelligence to tackle environmental challenges. Founded in 2021/2022, EB Tech initially developed AI solutions for the palm oil sector—employing robotics and autonomous drones to address operational inefficiencies—before pivoting to broader sustainability initiatives such as carbon credit management and nature-based solutions.CEO Moses Vincent and CFO Ashweein Narayanan explain how EB Tech integrates deep learning, computer vision, and robotics into a hybrid business model that combines software-as-a-service with project consultancy. They discuss the practical challenges of scaling a tech venture in a capital-intensive industry and share their plans for forming strategic partnerships in markets such as Thailand and Taiwan.The conversation also highlights emerging industry trends and external validation, including EB Tech’s Rising Star Award at Cradle Fund’s inaugural PLUGIN conference for Malaysian startups in December 2024.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join us in this episode of Open For Business as we chat with Wajih Ghauri, Founder of Katin Life, a luxury bedding brand that’s redefining comfort, quality, and ethical values with its premium Egyptian cotton products. Launched in 2023, Katin Life has already achieved six-figure monthly sales and is Malaysia’s highest-rated bedding brand. With recent expansions into Singapore and Pakistan, Wajih is now eyeing new markets and using modern strategies like live commerce and personalized customer engagement to fuel growth. In this conversation, we explore Wajih’s entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced, and what’s next for Katin Life in 2025. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of biohacking with the co-founders of AMANI, an exclusive, members-only club designed to help corporate executives optimise their mind, body, and soul for peak performance. With 96% of senior leaders experiencing some level of burnout, AMANI aims to address this gap with a unique approach tailored for the Malaysian market, where biohacking is still emerging. Join us as Yann and Anabelle share their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and their vision for the future of this groundbreaking business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Open For Business, we speak with Jamie Lim, the founder of Zoey’s Homemade by Zoey Food Supply, a brand that has grown from a home-based venture into a thriving business with RM4.8 million in revenue in 2023. Jamie shares her journey, from starting the business during a personal challenge to raising RM2 million in equity crowdfunding. Tune in to hear how Zoey Food Supply champions preservative-free, frozen meals while navigating scaling challenges and ambitious growth plans, with a target of RM10 million in revenue by 2025.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on Open For Business, we’re melting into the world of Chocolate Concierge, a brand redefining chocolate by showcasing Malaysia’s rich cacao heritage and crafting bold, unforgettable flavours. Founded by Ong Ning Geng, it’s more than just a chocolatier — it’s a quest to create meaningful experiences through sustainable practices and local innovation. We'll explore how Chocolate Concierge is becoming the go-to brand for thoughtful gifting and indulgence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With so many fast-growing beverage brands crowding the market, is there really room for one focusing on juices and smoothies? The former CEO of Foodpanda Malaysia and Brunei certainly thinks so, having raised USD 1 million in seed funding from 500 Global and BEENEXT to fuel his new venture, Being Juice.In this episode of Open for Business, we explore how this Malaysian startup is tapping into the booming “to-go” market by blending nutrition with convenience. Founder and CEO Sayantan Das shares how Being Juice aims to reshape consumer snacking, positioning fruit-based drinks as healthier, between-meal options.With 8 outlets launched since April 2023—including one in the Philippines—and a fresh USD 1 million seed round, the company highlights the pivotal roles of technology, data, and lean operations in driving rapid expansion. Drawing on lessons from his previous leadership role at Foodpanda, Sayantan discusses the challenges of building an authentic, service-driven experience, maintaining cost-efficiency, and ensuring speedy turnaround times. He also outlines ambitions for cross-border growth, aiming to build a new wave of beverage culture across Southeast Asia.Listen in to learn more about:- The rationale for positioning juices and smoothies as “healthy snacking”- Balancing rapid expansion with operational sustainability- Improving margins through lean store formats and data insights- Lessons from a major food-tech venture and how they apply here- Approaches to scaling across Malaysia and the Philippines- Building a service-first culture for top-notch customer experiences- Using product R&D to keep offerings fresh, natural, and sugar-free- How a million-dollar seed round powers future growth and potential cross-border partnershipsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Collektr in 2025: 10X revenue, raise Series A funding, push regionally, hire right. In this episode of Open for Business, we explore how Malaysian startup Collektr is tapping into the booming collectibles market, blending nostalgia with investment potential. From trading cards and comics to sneakers and beyond, Collektr wants to transform how enthusiasts trade, value, and showcase collectibles.With over 40,000 users and $1.3 million raised in Pre-Series A funding, Founder and CEO Adlin Yusman shares the platform’s journey, highlighting the pivotal roles of AI, technology, live streaming, and community. Drawing on lessons learned from the failure of his previous venture, BeMalas, Adlin, discusses the challenges of ensuring authenticity, facilitating high-value transactions, and navigating a high-value collectibles market. He also highlights Collektr’s impressive growth since its launch in April 2023 and the company’s ambitious plans for regional expansion and achieving 10X revenue growth by 2025.Adlin also shares his preference for an M&A exit strategy to deliver liquidity for investors and reveals that the company is actively raising its Series A round to capitalise on the growing collectibles boom.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Discover the journey of Double C, a wellness brand focused on handmade remedies and aromatherapy, with a holistic approach to enhancing physical and emotional well-being. From crafting unique therapeutic products to overcoming entrepreneurial challenges and fostering a community through education, this conversation with certified aromatherapist and Founder of Double C, Christine Looi, discusses the art of balancing passion, creativity, and sustainability.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can home renovation become both more affordable and more environmentally friendly? In this episode of Open For Business, we spotlight a Malaysian startup that’s transforming surplus and overstocked building materials into savings for homeowners while cutting down on construction waste.Founded in 2017, HOMA is now an 8-figure revenue business that runs an online marketplace that reintroduces “new but unsold” supplies back into the renovation ecosystem, helping customers save money and reducing unnecessary landfill waste. We delve into its founding story, uncover how the platform serves both suppliers and end users, and examine the importance of sustainability in its business model.We also explore the venture’s growth trajectory, including a successful Pre-Series A fundraise of US$1.5 million that’s powering expansions beyond Malaysia. Plus, discover why the team wants to tap into an M&A first and an IPO later to grow the business in the longer term.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.