Open For Business

Does Malaysia really need another regulated crypto exchange? We explore that very question as we dive into the journey of HATA, Malaysia's latest digital asset exchange platform, with David Low, Co-Founder and CEO of HATA.Founded in 2023, HATA is Malaysia’s 5th licensed Digital Asset Exchange (DAX) and the first to receive full approval from the Securities Commission (SC) since the regulator reopened DAX licence applications in November 2022.David is no stranger to the crypto space having previously been the General Manager of Luno’s Asia Pacific operations. He was with Luno for 5 years as the crypto player scaled its regional business.Together, we discuss what sets HATA apart in a competitive market, the challenges of navigating regulatory compliance, and the strategies HATA is employing to capture market share and drive growth.Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast, investor, fellow entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of digital assets in Malaysia, this conversation provides interesting insights into the dynamic world of Digital Asset Exchanges in Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Founded in 2015, IGL Coatings develops and manufactures surface protection solutions, particularly known for its low and zero Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) ceramic coatings.In the last 9 years, it has expanded its presence to over 50 countries and aims to offer high-performance, eco-friendly functional coatings for automotive, marine, aviation, and industrial applications.With a stated commitment to sustainability, IGL Coatings has developed products that it says not only perform exceptionally but also contribute to reducing environmental impact. Their recent strategic alliance with CommerceDotAsia Ventures and recognition by the Financial Times as one of Malaysia’s high-growth manufacturing companies highlight their continued success and ambition.The company was recently shortlisted as one of the 8 companies for Cohort 5 of the Scale Up by Endeavor, a program that works with early-stage, high-potential entrepreneurs.Today, we explore Keong’s entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced, and what lies ahead for IGL Coatings as they continue to push ahead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Supply chains and warehouses are the lifeblood of any high-volume business, yet many still operate with outdated methods. In today’s competitive environment, where margins are slim and every advantage counts, this could be a costly mistake.In this episode of Open For Business, we explore how Hatio, a provider of omnichannel fulfillment services and technology, is revolutionizing the supply chain industry in Southeast Asia. Founded in 2012 as HatioLab in South Korea, Hatio expanded to Malaysia in 2019 under the leadership of co-founders Zhen Cui and Bernard Hor. Their mission? To transform traditional warehouses into smart, efficient operations that can thrive in today’s fast-paced market.We delve into Hatio’s journey, examining how they’re helping businesses like POS Malaysia and Spritzer embrace digital transformation, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the strategies they’re using to drive growth in a highly competitive landscape.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On August 21st, BFM hosted the Enterprise Breakaway: From Farm to Franchise event, where industry experts and seasoned F&B operators explored the critical elements required to build a successful and lasting F&B business in Malaysia.In the panel session titled "Start, Survive, and Thrive," BFM spoke with Patrick Sim, Managing Director of Secret Recipe, and Jessica Li, Co-Founder and COO of Pop Meals. Both shared their unique perspectives on managing and scaling F&B businesses, emphasising the importance of data-driven decision-making and operational simplicity in achieving long-term success.Patrick discussed the challenges of sustaining and growing Secret Recipe, a brand that has been around for 27 years. He delved into the importance of maintaining a strong brand identity, the need for continuous investment in innovation, and the strategic decisions that have enabled Secret Recipe to thrive in a highly competitive market.Jessica offered insights into how Pop Meals, formerly known as DahMakan, transitioned from a cloud kitchen model to a physical store presence. She highlighted how integrating technology and leveraging data have been crucial in refining their product offerings and enhancing customer experience. Jessica also shared the lessons learned from pivoting the business model and the value of staying attuned to customer feedback to drive growth and brand loyalty.Key topics covered:- The role of data-driven decision-making in scaling F&B businesses- Strategies for maintaining brand consistency and customer loyalty- The transition from a cloud kitchen model to physical stores- The importance of operational simplicity in managing F&B operations- Lessons learned from scaling a legacy brand like Secret Recipe- How Pop Meals leverages technology to innovate and stay competitive- Long-term growth strategies for F&B businesses in a dynamic marketWhether you’re a seasoned F&B operator or an entrepreneur looking to break into the industry, this episode provides invaluable insights into the strategies and mindset required to build a successful and sustainable F&B brand.Tune in to hear how Patrick and Jessica are navigating the complexities of the F&B industry and what it takes to not just survive, but thrive.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On August 21st, BFM hosted the Enterprise Breakaway: From Farm to Franchise event, where industry experts and seasoned F&B operators explored what it takes to build a successful and lasting F&B franchise in Malaysia.In the Founder Fireside: Building a Malaysian Franchise session, I spoke with Bryan Loo, the Founder and CEO of Loob Holdings, the organisation behind the Tealive brand and the up-and-coming coffee chain, BaskBear.Bryan shares his journey from being a biotechnology graduate to becoming a powerhouse in the F&B industry—a path that began with a chance encounter at a franchise exhibition in Taiwan.During this engaging conversation, Bryan discusses the strategic decisions that fueled Tealive’s rapid expansion from a humble startup to nearly a thousand outlets, both locally and internationally. He delves into the challenges of navigating the competitive F&B landscape, the importance of processes and professionalisation, and the critical role of innovation and adaptability in staying ahead.Bryan also opens up about the lessons learned from early missteps in overseas expansion, the importance of choosing the right business partners, and how Tealive is positioning itself for future growth in Southeast Asia and beyond.Key topics covered:- Bryan’s accidental entry into the F&B industry and the early days of Tealive- Strategic decisions behind Tealive’s rapid local and international expansion- Navigating challenges in the competitive F&B landscape- The role of innovation, adaptability, and professionalisation in scaling a brand- Lessons learned from early overseas expansion attempts- The importance of choosing the right business partners- Tealive’s future growth strategies in Southeast Asia and beyondWhether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business leader, this episode offers valuable insights into building and scaling a successful F&B brand in a dynamic market.Tune in to hear how an "accidental entrepreneur" became an F&B titan.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 2 a.m. to building a thriving cleaning services business, today we dive into Sathya Selvarajah’s journey with Wonderboys Cleaning. Launched in 2019 with just RM4,000 in startup capital, what began as a university side hustle has grown into a full-fledged business generating RM600,000 in annual revenue with strong margins.With over 500 clients serviced, including well-known names like Kapten Batik and Common Ground, and a partnership with Knight Frank, this episode of Open For Business explores how Sathya started and grew Wonderboys Cleaning, the challenges he faced, the strategies he used to scale, and his plans to expand beyond KL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Open For Business, we welcome Dino Loh, Director of Swing & Pillows, Malaysia's largest co-living and hotel chain operator. Dino shares insights into the company's recent expansion into Bukit Bintang with the acquisition of five hotels under the Kingston brand. This move strengthens Swing & Pillows' presence in key locations, offering a range of accommodations from entry-level to premium. We’ll discuss how this acquisition positions the brand for future growth and its strategy to dominate Malaysia’s hospitality sector. Tune in for a closer look at the company’s vision for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tired of swiping? Swipeless is on a mission to bring back real-life dating through curated, offline activities.This platform connects singles not through screens, but through shared experiences—think pizza-making workshops, hiking trips, quiz nights, and board game sessions. With about 700 members and growing, Swipeless is focused on enhancing genuine interactions in an increasingly digital world. Founder Shan Li aims to rekindle the magic of in-person connections with a fresh, curated approach.Shan Li is no stranger to entrepreneurship; she co-founded the successful mum-and-baby e-commerce business Baby Dash, which raised RM2 million through equity crowdfunding in 2017. As a partner at ScaleUp Malaysia and with over 20 years of experience—including 12 years at CIMB—Shan Li brings a wealth of knowledge from both the corporate and startup worlds.In this episode, we explore the story behind Swipeless, the unique opportunity Shan Li sees in reviving real-life connections, and her journey from corporate life to pioneering new ventures in the digital age.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the joy of customising your own meal to perfection.As Salad Atelier celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, we speak with the Founder, Dylan Lee, to reflect on a decade of growth and innovation. Salad Atelier has added flavour to the Malaysian food scene with its commitment to healthy, delicious, and sustainable dining. With over 30 outlets and plans to expand to 38 by year-end, Salad Atelier displays the characteristics of perseverance, creativity, and consumer engagement.In this conversation with Dylan, we follow the journey of Salad Atelier, from overcoming initial challenges to achieving progressive growth, exploring the strategies that have driven its success. We also discuss the importance of sustainability, how Salad Atelier adapts to local tastes, and Dylan’s vision for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 accessible to homeowners by offering financing solutions that eliminate the high upfront costs typically associated with solar panel installations. Okapi buys the solar panels first, and then leases it to homeowners.Zhern Yung and Christopher, both with backgrounds in banking and engineering, share their journey of leaving the corporate world to venture into entrepreneurship. They discuss the challenges and opportunities they’ve encountered in the solar energy sector, and how their experience has shaped Okapi’s approach to financing.Okapi Solar’s financing plans are designed specifically for landed residential properties, allowing homeowners to install solar panels with zero upfront payment and fixed monthly lease payments over a period of up to 10 years. The co-founders delve into the company’s business model, the balance between raising and deploying funds, and the importance of evaluating customer creditworthiness to maintain a healthy business.As Okapi Solar targets financing 100 residential solar energy systems per month by the first quarter of 2025, Zhern Yung and Christopher also discuss their future plans, including scaling their operations, expanding partnerships with solar installers, and much more.Tune in to learn how Okapi Technologies is lowering the barrier to solar power adoption, and what lies ahead for this innovative startup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.