Open For Business

It’s safe to say that one of the few truly uniting factors for Malaysians is our pride in our food. But how much do we, and the rest of the world, really know about where our food comes from? Jeslyn Ooi Shiyun, founder of Happy Dumpy, creates unique and functional gifts all based on our local cuisine, and shares her passion for storytelling and creativity, as well as her focus on supporting local suppliers and her shift to e-commerce during the pandemic.Image Credit: Happy Dumpy Official FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Xifu is an investment platform which aims to become a one-stop app that streamlines market analytics, trading functionality, fundraising deals and more.Sean Yap, managing director, discusses their aim of disrupting traditional broker models, and their aspiration of becoming Malaysia’s first whitelabel interactive stock broker.Image Credit: Xifu Official FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former radio host JJ Fernandez jumps back in the studio with us to talk about his latest venture - The Washupp Lifestyle Laundry. How quickly is there money to be made in the laundromat business? Does being a celebrity and fame help increase traffic? And does content-creation help build revenue? JJ brings a friend into the studio to cheat on his answers, and to convince us why Washupp’s USP has the advantage over every other competitor.Image Credit: JJ Fernandez LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OGEd is an Ed-Tech venture that provides a centralised e-learning experience for the oil and energy industry. It makes upskilling in the industry easier, which is necessary given the large knowledge gap that currently exists between junior and senior professionals. The founding team collectively have 80+ years of experience in the oil & gas industry, while having 20+ years in the digital space. Khairul Imran, co-founder, expounds on his passion for education for the industry.Image Credit: shutterstock | Pand P StudioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’ve all felt the frustration of driving round and round an area or a parking lot, desperately searching for that coveted empty space with bright yellow lines for ages. Well, what if you knew you had your very own parking spot reserved and ready to go? CEO of peer to peer parking platform, ParkIt, Liew Kei Yan, discusses how he came up with this idea, misconceptions about running a tech business, and how he raised millions through equity crowdfunding and venture capitalists.Image Credit: ParkIt Malaysia Facebook OfficialSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to the world of soft drinks, one alternative in particular is taking the world by storm - kombucha. Gillian Chen & Zech Pharamond, co-founders of MyBoocha, tell us more about what kombucha is, and how they’ve grown from drink-making hobbyists to full-fledged entrepreneurs.Image Credit: Myboocha Facebook OfficialSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

iCARES Tech provides a convenient yet secure visitor control system to the client which intends to eliminate the duplication of access card issues, provide traceable records as well as create a more secure living community. This property security management app has now expanded from Malaysia to Singapore as well. They won third place in the recent ASB101k Competition Start-up Track and TBV Capital has invested a 6-figure amount into iCare. Franky Foo, co-founder, shares their expansion plans.Image Credit: Integrated Community and Resident System Facebook OfficialSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inspired by George Harrison of The Beatles, Harriston Chocolates started out in 2005 in Malaysia as Cocoa Boutique by SC Teng. Taking the brand further are sisters Queenie and Wei Tzyy who now own Harriston Boutique, Signature and Chocolatier. They join the conversation as they unfold their sweet journey in the confectionery industry.Image Credit: Harriston Chocolate Official FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our roads here in Malaysia are not without problems. No matter where you live, whether it’s the Klang Valley or elsewhere, there is no doubt that you will have encountered a pothole or two? But other than driving around it and complaining, is there anything else that you can do? RepotLah is a one stop reporting platform to report non emergency issues in Malaysia. See a pothole? Repotlah! Someone smoking where they shouldn’t? Repotlah! These reports will then be sent to the relevant authorities. We speak with the founder Keasavan Hari Krishnan about how he hopes to solve some of the problems that we encounter on a daily basis.Image Credit: RepotlahSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sister duo Sim Li & Heidi Aw started off selling handbags and accessories, but with the launch of their multifunctional fitness bag came a wave of demand for more athletic wear. With that, they’ve since expanded into creating an entire lifestyle brand focusing on being happy, healthy, and comfortable. What could possibly be next?Image Credit: LIVLOLA Official WebsiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.