From trading rubber gloves to manufacturing eco-friendly cleaning products, Yeo Eng Foo, Founder of ReadyCare Signature, shares how his Malaysian brand has grown to offer USDA-certified, halal, and vegan bio-based cleaning solutions across multiple ASEAN markets. In this episode of Open for Business, we explore ReadyCare’s origins, its innovative R&D process, and plans for expansion—all while staying committed to sustainability. Here are some key highlights from the conversation: - Yeo...

From a one-off project supplying workstations to a RM75 million acquisition, Wilstech’s journey is one of growth, adaptation, and strategic decisions. In this episode of Open For Business, Wilson Low, Founder and CEO of Wilstech, shares how the Malaysian B2B IT solutions provider scaled from a RM100,000 family loan to achieving RM23 million in revenue in 2023. We dive into its acquisition by Systech Bhd, lessons from the journey, and the road ahead. Here are some key highlights from the...

Today, we feature Ascendance, a Malaysian youth-driven organisation that’s reshaping the way young people approach education and entrepreneurship. Founded by students for students, Ascendance empowers individuals to discover their passions, develop real-world skills, and achieve personal and professional growth through innovative programmes, mentorship, and hands-on experiences. In this conversation with Harsha Ravindran, CEO, and Sanadtkumar Ganesan, COO, and Co-Founders of Ascendance, we...

From Malaysia to world - how Amplio Ingredients wants to leverage local herbs and bring them into the global supplement supply chain. In this episode of Open For Business, we dive into the origins and ambitions of this Malaysian health supplement ingredient supplier with Executive Director and COO Cheong Wai Loon. Amplio Ingredients specialises in sourcing health supplement ingredients from global manufacturers while providing formulation support for clients, as well as regulatory advice for...

In this episode, we're joined by Ben Jihad, founder of Jeet Academy, a local martial arts training centre that offers techniques from Krav Maga and Jeet Kune Do to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Western boxing. Jeet Academy prepares individuals of all backgrounds with the skills and confidence to tackle life’s challenges—both figuratively and, as we’ll explore, quite literally. Ben’s journey from a lawyer in Brussels to a self-defence expert in Malaysia was sparked by a life-changing experience in...

“I wanted to create something out of nothing”. Starting with a relatively small RM50,000 investment, Leon Goh transformed a small soft-serve mix operation into Gourmet Ingredients, a multi-category manufacturer producing premix powders for beverages, soups, sauces, and more, that’s targeting RM100 million in annual revenue by 2029. In this episode of Open For Business, we explore how Leon, founder and CEO of Gourmet Ingredients, built this premix powder powerhouse, now supplying F&B...

How did Innov8tif transform from a bootstrapped startup to serving 70% of Malaysia’s telecommunications and banking sectors? In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with George Lee, Founder and CEO of Innov8tif Solutions, about the company’s journey, their groundbreaking innovations like IC microprint verification, and the announced RM40 million strategic partnership with Datasonic Group. George has been nominated for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Malaysia awards in the...

Childcare is one of the most pressing challenges facing Malaysian families today. With concerns over learning environments for children, safety and the delicate balance between work and family life, parents are struggling to find reliable, childcare options that ensure their children’s well-being. In today’s episode, we are joined by Daisy Ng, the Founder and Chief Education Officer of Trinity Kids, a playschool dedicated to reshaping the childcare landscape in Malaysia. Daisy shares with...

In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Imran Abdullah, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Positano Risto, a muslim-friendly Italian dining experience inspired by the Amalfi Coast. Launched in Singapore in 2017, Positano Risto has since expanded to Kuala Lumpur, bringing authentic Italian flavours to the region while priding itself on being muslim friendly. Imran shares the journey behind the brand’s creation, the challenge of balancing authentic Italian tastes with muslim-friendly...

On this episode of Open For Business, we explore how Visual Retale is using technology to transform the out-of-home (OOH) advertising landscape in Malaysia. Established a decade ago, Visual Retale has evolved from an OOH media owner to a comprehensive OOH media practice, boasting a network of over 32,000 outdoor and indoor screens across Malaysia. Sai, the founder, joins us to discuss their latest tool, Playdooh, launched in September Playdooh provides dynamic solutions tailored for...

From cabin crew to automotive CEO. In this episode of Open For Business, we dive into the remarkable journey of Feytech Holdings, a Malaysian automotive accessories manufacturer that has grown from producing small-scale leather seat covers to supplying complete car seats for global OEMs. CEO Connie Go, who took the company public earlier this year with a successful RM114 million IPO on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market, joins us to share how this family business has transformed over the last 20...

Can a hot dog be more than simple franchised fast food here in Malaysia? In this episode of Open For Business, we explore the journey of Sausage Sizzle, a homegrown Malaysian brand on a mission to elevate the humble hot dog into a premium dining experience. Co-Founder Nazri Adam shares how Sausage Sizzle grew from a single stall into a recognized brand, with aspirations to expand through both food trucks and potentially fully-fledged outlets. Nazri discusses the brand’s evolution from...

From car mats to a regional brand on track to hit RM100 million in annual revenue, in this episode of Open For Business, we explore the journey of Malaysian brand Trapo with Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, Tzong Lee and Zare Lee, and how these self-identified ‘accidental entrepreneurs’ built this automotive accessories brand. Founded in 2016 with a focus on eco-friendly car mats, Trapo has since expanded into a wide range of car accessories, now operating 25 outlets across Malaysia, Singapore,...

Is AI the answer to Malaysia’s math failure rate? How could AI transform math in schools? In this episode of Open For Business, we explore how Malaysia-based startup AI Teacher is aiming to revolutionise math education for secondary students with Tupai.ai. Co-founded by Edmond Yap and Andre Sequerah, Tupai.ai uses AI to create a personalised and engaging math tutoring experience, with the ultimate goal of helping students improve their SPM grades. The platform, currently in beta, is...

Sigma School, founded in 2022, is more than just an online coding bootcamp — it is a bold initiative that aims to redefine tech education in Malaysia. With a focus on real-world skills and job readiness, Sigma School offers a 3-month intensive programme with a unique guarantee: either secure a tech job or get your money back.  Today, we’re joined by Deric Yee, the founder of Sigma School, to dive into his journey, the challenges of building an impactful edtech platform, and his vision for...

Can local sparkling drink brand Supergulp thrive in the crowded and competitive beverage market? In this episode of Open For Business, we dive into Julian Koh’s journey from e-commerce and food tech roles at companies like Honestbee and Foodpanda to founding Supergulp — a Malaysian sparkling prebiotic drink brand. As Julian shared with Vulcan Post, the idea for Supergulp began with a simple supermarket visit, where he came across Western sparkling prebiotic drinks. Impressed by their taste...

We speak with Sheyong Tan, Co-Founder of BiiB, a wellness tech startup that’s changing the game in Malaysia’s fitness landscape. From Malaysia’s largest running league, RUNLIGA, to scalable corporate wellness solutions, BiiB combines community and innovation to redefine employee engagement and health. Sheyong shares his journey from R&D engineer to entrepreneur, explaining how BiiB’s platform integrates fitness, community, and technology for a unique wellness experience. See...

How does a material-science aerospace engineer end up building a 9-figure logistics platform? In this episode of Open For Business, we’re joined by Clarence Leong, Founder and CEO of EasyParcel—a company that has transformed the shipping process for micro-SMEs and SMEs. Since its launch in 2014, EasyParcel has facilitated over 86 million delivery quotes and served 2.5 million customers across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. Clarence shares his remarkable journey from...

We speak with Joshua Lin, General Manager of PriceShop Malaysia, about how the platform empowers Malaysian consumers to make smarter buying decisions in the consumer electronics space. We explore PriceShop’s approach to price comparison, ensuring accuracy and reliability through its extensive network of SME retailers and advanced technology. Joshua also shares insights on upcoming innovations, such as AI-driven features, and discusses trends in Malaysia’s electronics market, including...

In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Cellou Diallo, CEO of RollingPay, a company offering flexible payroll financing solutions to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Founded in 2022, RollingPay wants to help small businesses meet payroll obligations with up to 90-day repayment terms, ensuring timely employee payments—even when cash flow is tight. We explore Cellou’s journey from Global Head of Data and AI Delivery at SWIFT to building his own business, what sets RollingPay...

What does it take to carry a family business’s legacy forward? In this episode of Open For Business, we explore the evolution of Sun Bus Tech, a company specializing in bus and bus body manufacturing for energy-efficient vehicles. While Sun Bus Tech was officially formed in 2022, its roots trace back to the 1970s. Joining us is Shyan Phang, CEO of Sun Bus Tech, who shares the story of how her father started a small coachwork fabrication business, why the family exited the bus industry in...

We talk with Rachel Tan, Founder of The Nurts, a platform dedicated to creating and curating purposeful tools that promote personal growth and family connections. With offerings like interactive card games and educational kits, The Nurts focuses on learning through play, supporting families and young individuals in building essential skills. Rachel shares her journey of founding The Nurts, its mission to empower lives, and how the brand is expanding in Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia. See...

Confide Platform, your company’s future compliance command centre? In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Pav Gill, Founder and CEO of Confide Platform—a platform designed to streamline compliance and risk management for organisations. Pav shares his remarkable journey, from exposing the €24 billion Wirecard scandal to creating a tech solution that helps companies manage sensitive reports and protect whistleblowers. We explore how his experience at Wirecard shaped Confide...

In this episode, we sit down with Howard Obbard, Co-Founder and Director of Furniture and Choice Malaysia as we explore how this renowned UK-based brand is making its mark in the Malaysian market with its exceptional British craftsmanship and competitive prices. By blending its expertise in premium furniture with local artistry, Furniture and Choice Malaysia is not only transforming homes but also boosting the local economy by creating jobs and championing sustainability. Tune in as we delve...

Are businesses and brands overlooking a vibrant and growing market? In this episode of Open for Business, we speak with Preethi Sanjeevi and Ramakrishnan CN, Co-Founders of Greytt—a platform that aims to offer curated services tailored to people over 50, starting with fitness, but eventually travel and much more. We explore the story behind Greytt’s creation, what it means to redefine ageing, why this demographic is often misunderstood, and the opportunities they see in this underserved...