Open For Business

In conjunction with Merdeka week, we’ll be speaking to local family businesses that thrived for generations. Chai Huat Hin was established back in 1972 selling dried seafood and traditional oriental groceries. In 2016, with the help of the founder’s granddaughter Lana Ng, they have leveled up by opening the doors to digitalisation. She shares the challenges at the initial stages of digitalisation and the success of being able to reach a younger audience, with a mission to keep the family tradition alive. Image Credit: Chai Huat Hin Trading Facebook PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We tend to associate batik with formal or traditional wear, but it's undeniable that batik has been making a comeback, as more local brands put a new and modern spin on batik wear for all occasions. One of those brands is Batik by Nellie Pop and Jee, run by a mother and daughter duo, doing their bit to bring slow fashion back in style. We speak to Wong Ann Jee, one of the co-founders, to find out more about how their Peranakan heritage influences their work in creating custom and unique pieces for their customers.Image Credit: Batik by Nellie Pop & Jee Instagram PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Back in 2019, we had so many questions for Dylan about Split’s proposition to “pay for the customer first”. We then had so many questions about offering non-credit card instalment plans. Now, with ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ sweeping the e-commerce landscape, we have more questions about Split’s decision to go the other direction - save now, buy later, and get some discounts. We invite Dylan back on the show to talk about delaying instant gratification, enabling better financial decision making, and if ‘Save Now Buy Later’ is yet another idea that’s ahead of the curve.Image Credit: Shutterstock | GarfieldbigbermSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes coming up with your own idea and company is a struggle, and you want a helping hand. Enter MyLaksa, a local F&B outlet dedicated to sharing Penang Asam Laksa with the country - co-founder and managing director, Daniel Ong, explains how they’re providing entrepreneurial opportunities to aspiring business owners and how they’ve handled the struggles of the pandemic. Image Credit: MyLaksaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eclimo is Malaysia’s own EV motorbike maker that have been in business since 2008. They have worked with a myriad of clients which includes KFC, Polis Diraja Malaysia, Majlis Bandaraya Melaka Bersejarah and Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang.  As society grows more conscious about our carbon emissions and the environment, the EV space is heralded as the future of mobility. We’re joined by Dato’ Dennis Chuah, Founder and Executive Director of Eclimo to talk about business in the EV space.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No, it’s not just a bag of mud! In an effort to encourage sustainability, Shamrock Botanics puts agricultural byproducts and waste through a multi-step, months-long process to produce nutrient-rich soil and fertiliser for everyday plants. We speak to founder Rachel Kwan about getting into the botany business, the types of ingredients found in Shamrock’s products, as well as catering to the sudden surge in demand for gardening supplies over the last two years.Image Credit: Shamrockbotanics Facebook PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to opening and running an F&B outlet, the word passion is often heard but what are the challenges and is it a lonely, hard slog? Yeong Yeng Yee, owner of  Fat Bird Ramen tells us his journey and what keeps him going despite rising cost and a shortage of workers. Image Credit: Fat Bird Ramen Facebook PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Chong Nge Seng decided to pursue his dream of owning an ice cream business, he had to quit his job and go to Italy to learn the art of gelato-making. Similarly, Brian Jeevan learned the craft in Singapore before embarking on this venture. Today, Piccoli Lotti is ready to expand, with two new outlets already opened in 2022 and more to come. We speak to Chong and Brian about navigating the competitive Malaysian market, localing ice cream, and the minimalistic approach of Piccoli Lotti’s aesthetic.Image Credit: Piccoli Lotti Facebook PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Women’s fashion unfortunately still faces a level of stigmatisation, especially when it comes to our undergarments, where certain styles are deemed more appropriate than others. However, wearing a bra can be an uncomfortable or even painful experience, with underwires that literally scratch our skin or bra straps that cut into our shoulders. So what other choice do we have? Carmen Lew, founder of DTC brand NIUD, discusses their functional and inclusive bra-alternatives.Image Credit: NIUD Facebook PageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SmartClean is a Cleanliness & Hygiene Intelligence company, building AIOT & SAAS powered Intelligent Cleaning management solutions. Lav Agarwal, the CEO of SmartClean explains how he aims change the ways which cleanliness & hygiene in the built environment are monitored, measured and managed to improved health and hygiene standards. Image Credit: Lav Agarwal Linkedin ProfileSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.