What makes a good startup investment pitch? That is the question. Coming up with a good investment pitch can be tricky. In some ways, it’s an art form that requires the perfect balance of storytelling, data-driven insights, as well as persuasive communication to entice your potential investors to invest in your company. On this episode of Resource Centre, we speak to Kevin Brockland, Founder & Managing Partner at Indelible Ventures, and Pang Chan Yip, Executive Director at Vertex...

The e-commerce landscape is rapidly transforming, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer behaviours. In this dynamic environment, market intelligence has emerged as a critical tool for businesses. It enables organisations to understand market trends, consumer preferences, and competitive dynamics, thereby enabling strategic decision-making. With the rise of data analytics, companies can now leverage real-time insights to optimise their online presence, enhance customer...

Neuroscience and leadership in business, often termed “neuroleadership”, seeks to apply findings from neuroscience to improve leadership practices, decision-making, and organisational culture.  Neuroleadership focuses on understanding how the brain works and applying this knowledge to various aspects of leadership and management, from problem solving, to improving social skills, and managing stress. Despite its pros and promises, there are also challenges, such as the risk of...

Now, the future of AI is marked by two contrasting perspectives - On one hand, there are the techno-optimists, or AI boomers, who envision rapid and groundbreaking advancements in various related fields like financial services, healthcare or entertainment just to name a few. On the other hand, you have the AI doomers who are concerned about the potential risks posed by advanced AI, including the possibility of AI taking over the role of humanity. So, it's fair to say that many of us could be...

In today's episode, Richard Bradbury and Matt Armitage embark on a cosmic journey through the universe's habitable belt planets, with Matt sharing his peculiar hobby of halting emergent lifeforms. They journey into the complex world of artificial intelligence, debunking myths about AI's inherent evilness and highlighting its neutrality towards human existence. They discuss the intriguing, if not entirely understood, decision-making processes of AI, likening their logical, amoral computations...

Layoffs were a key trend in 2023 particularly for the tech sector, and it looks like this has continued into 2024. Tech industry tracker Layoffs.fyi estimates more than 30,000 employees have been let go this year so far, and while that is a far cry from the nearly 90,000 laid off in January 2023, getting layoffed is never pleasant news. A key theme that has come up with these layoffs, is how they were conducted, whether it was Google last year or more recently Lazada, so today on Resource...

A recent report released by the Deloitte Economics Institute (entitled “Work Towards Net Zero in Asia Pacific -- The Rise of the Green Collar Workforce in a Just Transition”) highlights the potential rise of a new Green Collar workforce in the Asia Pacific region, estimating that 80% of skills needed for energy transition efforts in the short-to-medium term already exist in today’s workforce. However, 40% of workers in Asia-Pacific, including economies like Malaysia, are currently employed...

In recent years, the concept of sustainability has taken centre stage in the corporate world, transcending beyond a mere buzzword to become a cornerstone of modern business practices. This shift is largely attributed to the escalating environmental and social challenges that have emerged in the wake of rapid industrialisation and globalisation. Amidst this backdrop, the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework has emerged as a vital tool for businesses, guiding them towards...

In the rapidly evolving world of business technology, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems have become essential for businesses seeking to enhance their customer engagement and sales efficiency. Moving into 2024, the landscape of CRM is being reshaped by several key trends and technological advancements, driven by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, offering a multitude levels of personalisation in customer interactions. Voice technology, as well as a...

While seeking help may be perceived as a sign of weakness by some, it is a misconception. Entrepreneurship is a complex journey filled with challenges, and guidance from experienced mentors can offer invaluable insights, saving fellow budding entrepreneurs from unnecessarily spending in terms of time or effort. Today on Resource Centre, we look into the Antler Residency Program and how it attempts to support budding entrepreneurs with Frank Kang, the Country Head and Associate Partner of...

Digitalisation continues to be a key area of focus for enterprises in Malaysia as businesses look to tap into the next phase of economic growth. Innovations such as AI can help lower costs and improve productivity, while advancements in cybersecurity will help businesses better fend off key threats such as Ransomware. Underlying all this will be the need for fast and seamless connectivity. In this episode of Resource Centre, learn more about how TM One can help empower businesses to tap into...

According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), there are currently more than 1,600 AI policies globally and this is likely to increase as AI continues to develop and transform the business landscape. In line with that, the AI Governance market is also expected to grow by a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 52 percent between 2024 and 2032. Taking this into consideration, it is particularly important for us to understand why providing necessary training to...

Richard and Matt explore society's perceptions and expectations of humanoid robots. Why put a human face on a machine? The show delves into the technical challenges of creating humanoid robots, such as balance and fine motor control, and the evolving nature of technology that's making it feasible to build lightweight, human-like robots. They discuss Boston Dynamics’ robots like Atlas and Spot, contrasting them with more utilitarian robots like Stretch. The episode concludes with a discussion...

We dive into the world of ethical artificial intelligence with Lee Hickin, AI Technology & Policy Lead for Microsoft Asia, and Adilah Junid, Director of Legal & Government Affairs, Microsoft Malaysia. We explore how Microsoft integrates responsible AI governance into its operations, with a particular focus on the Asian market. Lee and Adilah will provide insights into Microsoft's journey of balancing innovation with ethical AI practices, their collaborative efforts with Asian...

There are a few key prime shopping times of the year, and the end-of-year holiday season is generally considered one of them, filled with sales, promotions, and consumers rushing to get gifts for Christmas time. Recent data from the US National Retail Federation (NRF), retail trade group, shows that the 2023 holiday shopping season was a strong one, reportedly fueled by an appetite for beauty products, apparel and electronics sales across both brick-and-mortar and online channels rose 3.8%...

On this episode of Resource Centre, we zero in on the crucial topic of cybersecurity in the business world. With the Malaysian government's RM1.8 billion initiative for the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy (MCSS) 2020-2024, the urgency is clear. We discuss alarming statistics from Cyber Security Malaysia and a Cyber Risk Index report, underscoring the rampant cyber threats faced by organisations. We also highlight the role of leading educational institutes in training business leaders for...

In this Weird Science edition, we look at the achievements of 13-year-old Willis Gibson, the first human player to complete the classic game Tetris. Technology and nature intersect as our hosts discuss the potential use of plants to create supercapacitors for energy storage, opening possibilities for organic, biodegradable power sources. In AI news, there’s only a 5% chance it will decide to destroy humanity. Or one in twenty, if you like those odds. Plus, they touch on the ethical dilemmas...

The "Mercer 2023 Malaysia Total Remuneration Survey" provides a comprehensive analysis of the current compensation and benefits trends in Malaysia. This report would be useful to HR professionals and business leaders in understanding the remuneration landscape, helping them make informed decisions when developing effective compensation strategies to attract and retain top talent in their organisations. Speaking with us today on the insights into salary structures, market competitiveness, and...

Staying current with tech news and trends is crucial for any business or enterprise as it ensures you remain competitive and innovative. It allows for early adoption of emerging technologies, potentially giving a competitive edge. Awareness of new trends helps in anticipating market shifts, adapting business strategies accordingly, and meeting evolving customer expectations. It also aids in risk management by keeping abreast of cybersecurity developments and regulatory changes. Overall, being...

Today on Resource Centre, we delve into the thought-provoking world of "Venture Meets Mission", a new book that challenges traditional perspectives on the role of businesses. This book is co-authored by Arun Gupta, Thomas J. Fewer, and Gerard George. While many may believe that businesses should solely prioritise profit and growth, the authors of this book challenge this notion by advocating for an entrepreneurship that is inherently purpose-driven and oriented towards societal improvement....

On this special edition of Resource Centre we take a look at how CIMB revolutionises SME support, focusing on growth financing and the GreenBizReady sustainability initiative. We also explore CIMB's tailored services for diverse SME needs, from startups to established businesses, and how they address financial management challenges. Learn about the impact of currency fluctuations and the importance of digital transformation in the post-COVID era. CIMB's commitment to sustainability and the...

In the past few years, HR or People professionals in Malaysia faced unprecedented challenges due to the pandemic. The most notable trends in HR during 2021 were related to the pandemic and its effects on the workforce and economy. These include a shift towards remote and hybrid work models, adoption of digitisation initiatives, more priority on employee skill development, and a data-centric approach to HR. HR professionals themselves are focusing on developing new skills and strategies to...

Have you wondered what stories dominated headlines across Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia in 2023? CARMA's Top 10 Stories for 2023 report reveals the biggest news that captivated audiences and shaped the narratives for these key markets. Delving into these top stories can provide relevant and important insights for any organisation. In this episode of Resource Centre, Jeremiah Rodrigues, General Manager, CARMA Malaysia will elaborate on the importance of news tracking and media analysis...

Cybersecurity is often said to be the ‘defensive system’ for businesses to safeguard their digital assets from eCrime actors, commonly known for conducting malicious campaigns that range from payment-system attacks to data theft. But, what happens if this ‘defence system’ is breached? Today on the show, we spoke to Scott Jarkoff, Director of Intelligence Strategy, APJ and META at CrowdStrike to help us get a better understanding on the state of cybersecurity in 2023 and how can we better...

On this edition of Resource Centre, you will learn about venture building, key strategies, lessons, and insights for businesses to grow in 2024, and more with Harvey Foo and Dylan Woon, Co-Founders and Directors at Sparta Haus. Sparta Haus is a venture builder established in 2019 that has worked with over 200 companies across more than 20 industries. Resource Centre is your one-stop shop to help build, scale and manage your business. Learn from industry experts and experienced practitioners...