Enterprise Explores

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset. But a true annual review goes beyond just listing resolutions, it requires deep introspection to uncover the painful lessons, celebrate the wins, and set a clear, strategic path for the year ahead.Jeevan Sahadevan, Founder of Leverage Labs, returns for his annual tradition of guiding us through "25 Questions to Review Your 2025." He breaks down his framework for an 8 hour to 2-day deep dive into your year, designed to help you find closure, identify necessary endings, and define your "one-word theme" for 2026.We discuss:The 25-question framework: from reviewing 2025 to planning 2026.Why you must identify your "painful lessons" before setting new goals.The "necessary endings": what you need to cut to move forward.The "law of the sixth": auditing the 5 people you spend the most time with.How to find your "one-word theme" to guide your entire year.For entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone looking to level up, this is an essential guide to closing the chapter on 2025 and designing your best year yet.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysians have embraced e-commerce, but with maturity comes a shift in behaviour. Ipsos Malaysia’s latest data shows that promotions and discounts now outrank product quality as the top reason consumers shop online.We speak with Kuan Sawu Fang, Senior Client Officer at Ipsos Malaysia, about how this obsession with value is reshaping the digital marketplace. Are platforms and SMEs caught in a never-ending cycle of discounts? And what happens to brand loyalty when price becomes the product?We examine how Malaysia’s digital economy is being transformed by the way we shop, click, and spend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are contributing more to GDP and exports than ever before, but many still struggle to break into global markets. High costs, customs challenges and unpredictable delivery timelines often hold them back, even when demand exists overseas.Denise Wong, Head of Cross Border at Ninja Van Malaysia, discusses what MSMEs need to understand before expanding internationally, how 44 new shipping lanes are opening fresh opportunities in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, and why logistics is becoming a strategic tool rather than a back-end function.A practical, grounded conversation for founders and business owners who want to take their products beyond Malaysia’s borders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Budget 2026 announced, the Finance Bill 2025 tabulated in Parliament last week has revealed key details. From clarifications on Capital Gains Tax (CGT) to a major shift in stamp duty compliance, businesses have a new set of rules to navigate.Tax expert Thenesh Kannaa of TraTax joins us to break down some key updates. He discusses the new and clarified scope for CGT (including preference shares), the move to a self-assessment system for stamp duty and updates around returns and payments, and the upcoming changes to corporate tax installment schedules that will impact cash flow planning.We discuss:Capital Gains Tax (CGT): How preference shares and liquidations are now in scope.Stamp Duty: The implications from the shift to self-assessment and the deadlines for filling returns and payment of duty.RPGT: New rules to improve cash flow and limit loss carry-forwards.Corporate Tax: The transition to a 12-month installment schedule within the financial year.November Updates: OECD guidance on remote work and new Labuan substance requirements.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elite athletes spend years sharpening their minds, not just their skills. But what can business leaders learn from that discipline?Today, Mike Way, the head coach of Harvard University’s squash programme, and Bharati Suresh Chand, Founder of Global Edge Pharma and Global Edge Consultancy, discuss how mental fitness shapes performance, decision-making, and consistency. They explain what separates mentally strong performers from talented ones, how pressure influences behaviour, and the habits that help athletes and leaders stay composed and focused.They also reflect on insights shared at the recent Mental Fitness Sports Conference 2025, and discuss practical routines organisations can adopt to build healthier, steadier teams.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia’s data centre sector is seemingly entering a new phase of expansion powered by AI adoption and hyperscale investments. We’re now being positioned as one of Asia’s most cost-competitive markets with a strong balance of affordability, policy stability and regional connectivity. Based on a new report from a global professional services company, Turner & Townsend, Kuala Lumpur was ranked 17th globally in data centre construction costs (at US$11.37 per watt). This puts KL among Asia’s most cost-competitive markets and well below regional peers like Singapore and Tokyo. But as competition intensifies across the region, what will truly set Malaysia apart in a market defined by scale, speed, and sustainability? To help us explore this, we speak with Carlos Garcia Rodriguez, Project Director at Turner & Townsend.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan LaRusso, a Senior Partner at Penta specializing in crisis communications and cyber incidents, discusses how organizations can effectively manage their reputations in the aftermath of cyber attacks. He reveals that reputational damage often arises from poor communication rather than the breach itself. Dan introduces the formula 'speed + transparency = trust' and highlights the emerging risk of agentic AI. He emphasizes the importance of quick, clear responses and shares successful examples like Cloudflare's transparency during a crisis.

In this engaging discussion, MK Goh, CEO of Carex Berhad, a multinational rubber manufacturer, and Connie Goh, CEO of Fatek Holdings, an automotive parts supplier, share their wisdom on future-proofing SMEs. They delve into the importance of family governance and adapting operational systems for growth. MK reflects on Carex's transition to condom manufacturing and the challenges of scaling while maintaining culture. Connie discusses IPO preparation and the need for emotional distance in family businesses, culminating in vital advice for navigating the evolving business landscape.

Budget 2026 brings new opportunities and challenges for SMEs, from updated grants and incentives to evolving tax strategies. This panel will break down what the budget means for your business, highlight ways to maximise available support, and discuss how SMEs can position themselves strategically in the post-budget landscape.This event was presented by Maybank. Future-proofing your business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For SMEs eyeing regional or global expansion, tariffs can make or break profitability. This panel cuts through the complexity of trade agreements, customs duties, and pricing strategy to help exporters future-proof their margins. Expect real-world insights from successful exporters and trade experts on navigating tariff structures and leveraging Free Trade Agreements.This event was presented by Maybank. Future-proofing your business.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.