Open For Business

Fast fashion might be trendy, but who says tradition can’t be trendy? In this episode, we speak with Jeffery Goh, the founder and designer of Inisaya, the brand that is reimagining the traditional Malaysian batik into modern-wear. With their commitment to local craftsmanship and sustainability, Inisaya celebrates individuality and cultural pride through their fusion of heritage and contemporary aesthetics. Today, Jeffery shares with us his journey, the inspiration behind Inisaya, and his vision for modernising tradition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From trading rubber gloves to manufacturing eco-friendly cleaning products, Yeo Eng Foo, Founder of ReadyCare Signature, shares how his Malaysian brand has grown to offer USDA-certified, halal, and vegan bio-based cleaning solutions across multiple ASEAN markets. In this episode of Open for Business, we explore ReadyCare’s origins, its innovative R&D process, and plans for expansion—all while staying committed to sustainability.Here are some key highlights from the conversation:- Yeo Eng Foo started his career trading rubber gloves and personal care products, supplying to major clients like Walmart. This experience highlighted global demand for sustainable products and inspired him to transition into bio-based cleaning solutions.- The idea for ReadyCare emerged in 2016 when Walmart requested recyclable packaging for gloves. Unable to find local suppliers, Yeo identified a gap in the market for eco-friendly products and started researching bio-based cleaning solutions.- With no chemistry or manufacturing background, Yeo took a leap of faith, investing over RM1 million in machinery before even finalising product formulas. He built an in-house R&D team to develop stable, plant-based cleaning solutions tailored to market needs.- ReadyCare offers USDA bio-based, halal-certified, vegan-friendly, and MyHijau-certified products. Its lineup includes star items like bio-based dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, and the region’s first USDA-certified toilet bowl cleaner.- ReadyCare designs products specifically for regional needs, such as dishwashing liquids effective against greasy Asian cuisine. Their R&D ensures products are eco-friendly without compromising cleaning performance or safety.- Initially faced with scepticism about product effectiveness, ReadyCare built trust by offering free samples and demonstrating tangible benefits like gentler effects on skin and effective grease removal.- In just three years, ReadyCare Signature achieved seven-figure annual revenues. The brand also exports to Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines, with Singapore and Indonesia launches in progress.- Yeo’s plans include scaling up through refillable vending machines to reduce plastic waste and expanding into untapped markets. He envisions ReadyCare becoming a global leader in bio-based cleaning solutions with eventual plans for an IPO to fuel growth.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.