Enterprise Explores

Former Apple design chief reportedly in discussions with OpenAI to provide a more natural and intuitive way of interacting with AI; ChatGPT now able to browse Internet for real-time information; Meta unveiled a range of AI-powered features which includes Ray-Ban smart glasses and generative AI stickers; New generative AI art tool by Getty Images; AI transparency on TikTok; Bard security breach; And an AI chatbot by the CIA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As a preview to Enterprise Breakaway happening on Thursday October 19th, today on Biz Bytes we explored one of the key topics of the event - the “death of cheap money” and how to navigate the funding winter.Joining us on this discussion were Ng Sai Kit, Director at Artem and Chairman of Malaysia Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, and Angel Low, Managing Partner at Growth Charger and Principal at The Hive Southeast AsiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an age where information travels at the speed of a click and marketing strategies are driven by data, the role of artificial intelligence has become pivotal in two critical areas: addressing the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, and revolutionising data- and insights-driven marketing. AI, with its capacity for analysing vast datasets at almost breakneck speed, has emerged as a double-edged sword in our digital landscape. On one hand, it empowers organisations to harness customer insights and shape personalised marketing campaigns with precision. On the other, it grapples with the challenge of detecting and countering the spread of misleading information in the era of social media.In our discussion today, we delve into the transformative influence of AI in these two realms, highlighting its capabilities, ethical considerations, and real-world applications. Joining us is Mimrah Mahmood, the VP for Enterprise at Meltwater (a software as a service and media intelligence solutions provider) to understand further how AI is shaping the present and future of information integrity and data- and insights-driven marketing strategies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Intellectual property rights are some of the most important intangible assets possessed by business owners in Malaysia. It comprises patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyright, geographical indications and layout designs of integrated circuits. These rights prevent the unauthorised duplication or use of any item or work to which the business owner is to have full rights.Recent statistics reveal a glaring ownership disparity that demands immediate attention. In 2022, only 956 granted patent and utility innovations belonged to Malaysians, while a staggering 5,249 were owned by foreign applicants. In relation, recent World Bank findings highlighted by Malaysia’s Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli shows that only 10.5% of Malaysian firms engage in research and development (R&D), with just 3.5% introducing new products in the past three years. With that in mind, we speak to Safuan Zari, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer of the Malaysian Research Accelerator for Technology & Innovation (MRANTI) to help us digest how Intellectual Property could be a growth driver for entrepreneurs and enterprises, as well as MRANTI's role in bridging the intellectual property knowledge gap in the country. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech Tuesday: Google's AI Chatbot Bard gets an upgrade; AI tools introduced for YouTube, OpenAI's group of experts to assist in assessing and mitigating AI model risks; ChatGPT now has a voice— as do chickens; New AI feature by Spotify allows podcasters to instantly translate their content; Tentative agreement reached after five month long WGA strike; Microsoft introduces new AI companion for Windows and beyond; Amazon to invest up to $4 billion in the AI startup Anthropic; And Indonesia bans direct transactions on social media platforms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re now around 3 weeks away from the Budget 2024 being tabled in Parliament and tax reform is always something that comes up during this time and when we talk about tax reform, there’s really no escaping the topic of whether the Goods and Service tax will make a comeback. While there’s been a lot of chatter around the reimplementation of GST, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made note that other things must be done first before bringing it back, like subsidy rationalisation. On a similar note, Deputy Finance Minister Steven Sim recently also noted that the timing isn’t right for GST to make a comeback. So while the government doesn’t seem keen on it right now, Anwar did say to Bloomberg that GST is the most efficient and transparent tax system, so it might be only a matter of time before it comes back given that over 170 countries have introduced a consumption tax. So today, we speak to Thenesh Kannaa, Executive Director at Tratax, about the likelihood of GST coming back and how best to prepare for it, the difference between GST and the Sales and Service Tax (SST) that replaced it, and more pressing tax issues that business should keep in mind as we head into the next budget and the last quarter of the year.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s ever changing business ecosystem, diversity and inclusion have emerged as strategic imperatives for enterprises worldwide. These principles are now recognised as essential growth drivers of productivity, innovation, and overall organisational success. Moreover, according to a CNBC Workforce Survey in 2021, nearly 80% of workers prefer to be part of a company that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. This just comes to show that embracing diversity is no longer just a moral obligation but a strategic advantage to an enterprise to stay competitive in both the local and international market.With that in mind, we discuss on today’s show the role of leadership in fostering diversity and inclusion within SMEs, the challenges that SMEs face when trying to promote diversity and inclusion as well as the emerging trends in practices for SMEs in Malaysia.Helping us with this conversation is Vaishana Vasuthavan, Founder of VV Consulting Group. Vaishana is a recognised HR Consultant and Entrepreneur with over 13 years in the industry focusing on HR, Technology and Business. She also leads a team providing HR and Business consultancy to diverse clients like JP Morgan, Mindvalley, and NTT.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Partipost Malaysia is an influencer marketing platform, with a presence in 8 Southeast Asian countries. (like Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam just to name some of them). They help connect brands and everyday people also known as micro and nano influencers. They are also currently working with clients in various industries, mainly Beauty, FMCG, Fashion, F&B, Baby & Children, Education, and more.They also launched their Influencer Marketing Report 2023 that consists of survey results from 5 Asian countries which include Singapore, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The survey results indicated that: More than half of all the brands increased their marketing budget up to 50% from 2021-2022.Moreover, from the budget, more brands are using it for influencer marketing with the percentage of brands increasing from 73.2% in 2021 to 87.8% in 2023.With that in mind, we explore today with Andrea Ng, Country Head for Partipost Malaysia on how Malaysian SMEs can leverage on influencer marketing to compete with industry giants, the rising trend of micro-influencers and how they are helping SMEs target niche markets effectively as well as how influencer marketing is reshaping the SME landscape in Malaysia and the difference in strategies compared to traditional marketing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India (VVSEAI) has completed the fund raising for its fifth fund (Fund V), with commitments of USD 541 million. Fund V is now 80% larger than Fund IV, which was raised in 2019.Fund V will invest in high-growth startups seeking their early round of institutional funding in Southeast Asia and India, with a primary focus on Singapore, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and other emerging hubs across the region. These will comprise companies in sectors such as enterprise technology, fintech, consumer internet, digital health, sustainability and mobility.To learn more about Fund V, how the USD 541 million could be deployed, and for Vertex Ventures’ view on the Southeast Asian and Malaysian startup landscape, we spoke with Carmen Yuen, General Partner at Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India.Who is Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India?Vertex Ventures is an early stage VC that focused on Seed, Series A and Series B rounds and is focused on Southeast Asia and India. Some of the companies they’ve invested in include: Used two-wheeler e-marketplace Beepkart from India, Malaysia’s very own StoreHub which is an all-in-one POS system, and Singapore-headquartered cross-border payments company Nium.Image credit : vertexventures.sgSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tech Tuesday: Fight for human brain rights in Latin America; Stephen Fry gets his voice stolen by AI, raising new concerns on the threat it poses on creative talents; Roman Empire lives on in the hearts of men, according to new TikTok trend; Zoom employees back in the office; We look at what’s in store with Apple’s iOS 17.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.