From bean to cup, cafes are more than just spaces to enjoy coffee — they are stories waiting to be told. Today, we sit down with the co-founders of Flint Cafe & Roastery, Azri Jamaludin and Daniel Fleischer, on how they are carving a niche in Malaysia’s vibrant and highly competitive cafe culture. Launched with a passion for coffee, Flint integrates a coffee bar, roastery, and artisanal western and local cuisine within a modern courtyard gallery. In this conversation, we discuss the origins ...
Dec 19, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast From baking at home with limited resources to navigating factory spaces and certifications, what started as a personal mission to address her own health challenges has turned into a full-time business for Ramya Ragupathi, Founder and Director of Oh My Goodness! Specialising in foods free from gluten, dairy, and refined sugar, Ramya has built a brand that caters to consumers seeking allergen-friendly, accessible, and delicious alternatives. Oh My Goodness! is now entering the Malaysian market wit...
Dec 18, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Katrine Cheong, Founder and Director of Little Precious Postnatal Care, wants to redefine postpartum recovery in Malaysia by offering a hotel-like experience combined with expert-driven care, featuring customised confinement meals, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices, professional staff, and even mental health support. Since its establishment, Little Precious has prioritised both comfort and professionalism, and wants to set itself apart from conventional confinement centers. Despite la...
Dec 17, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast Food isn’t just about feeding people — it’s about connection, community, and stories. We sit down with Chan Yilyn and William Cheah, the co-founders of Santapan, a social enterprise born from a passion for simple, heartfelt cooking and a mission to uplift communities. From their journey of turning a dream into reality to the challenges of balancing purpose with profitability, we explore how they’ve crafted a brand that resonates with people. Learn how they keep quality and heart at the centre of...
Dec 16, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast “Just keep swimming”, in this episode of Open For Business, we explore how SEA Games medalist Ryan Kee turned his passion for swimming into a thriving business. Sailfish Swim Academy was established in 2016 by SEA Games medalist Ryan Kee to tackle multiple challenges: reducing drowning incidents among children, creating career pathways for ex-athletes and fresh graduates, and discovering talent for Selangor through Persatuan Renang Amatur Selangor (PRAS). Operating across seven locations in the ...
Dec 15, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode, Raymond Miranda, founder of Myhejo Method, shares how his personalised tool helps people turn fear into growth through storytelling, coaching, and community. Based in Berlin, Raymond rebranded his Malaysian startup, Laborastory, to Myhejo, after developing a framework from his script writing exercise, Fear and its Opposite. In our discussion, we’ll get into his entrepreneurial journey, thoughts on the future of scriptwriting, and the intersection of storytelling, psychology, ...
Dec 12, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast From 1 store to 86, Nini Tan of DobiQueen shares how she turned a family business pivot into a multimillion-ringgit laundry chain. We dive into DobiQueen’s mission to redefine convenience, empowering busy professionals and families to “buy back time.” Co-Founder and Executive Director Nini Tan reflects on navigating an asset-heavy business model, the lessons learned scaling from 1 to nearly 90 outlets, and her ambitious plans for regional expansion and future growth. Here are some key highlights...
Dec 11, 2024•42 min•Transcript available on Metacast From personal branding to professional empowerment, Ranukka Singham, Founder and Managing Director, Image Revamp, has built a niche in helping individuals and organisations refine their presence and elevate their influence. Starting as a side hustle in 2017, ImageRevamp has grown into a professional branding consultancy and training provider, with frameworks and customized programs that cater to individual and corporate clients. Breaking new ground in 2023, ImageRevamp surpassed seven figures in...
Dec 10, 2024•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast We speak with Arieni Ritzal, founder of Gula Cakery, a homegrown bakery that has grown from humble beginnings into a beloved name with multiple outlets across the Klang Valley. Arieni shares her journey from baking with her grandmother’s recipe book to honing her craft in Paris and eventually building a thriving business despite the odds. We’ll explore the challenges of running a bakery, how Gula Cakery continues to stand out with over 55 varieties of freshly baked goods daily, and the importanc...
Dec 09, 2024•33 min•Transcript available on Metacast “F&B isn’t easy,” but Edwin Chan YOLOed into it with just RM5,000, a KitchenAid, and his parents’ kitchen. Ten years ago, Chef and Founder of Elevete Patisserie, Edwin Chan, left his full-time kitchen job to pursue his passion as a home baker. What started as a small homebaking venture has since evolved into a multimillion-ringgit business, focusing on supplying cafes and businesses while maintaining a Direct-To-Consumer presence exclusively online (unless you know Edwin personally!). Known ...
Dec 08, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s episode, we speak with Lawrence Liou, Managing Director of Aenon Solutions, a Penang-based company offering solutions in automation, barcoding and RFID technology. Founded in 2020, the company has gained significant attention from both local and international MNCs, with its flagship products receiving strong demand. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Dec 05, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast Swipey, co-founded by Kalyana Mohan and Rouvin Thiruchelvam in 2021, started with a clear mission: to simplify financial management for businesses. What began with virtual corporate cards has grown into a financial operating system designed for businesses. Today, Swipey serves over 2,000 businesses, processes over RM120 million annually, and is on track to hit $1 million ARR in 2024, with ambitious plans to grow to $5 million ARR in 2025. In this episode of Open for Business, Kalyana and Rouvin ...
Dec 04, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast From pastry kitchens and whisks to classrooms and business plans, Chef Niklesh Sharma, Founder and Managing Director of the Academy of Pastry & Culinary Arts (APCA), has been an entrepreneur in the culinary education space since 2010. Starting with a campus in Malaysia, APCA has expanded to three campuses in India, as well as locations in the Philippines and Indonesia. Focusing on hands-on training, APCA aims to meet the growing demand for skilled culinary professionals. In this episode of O...
Dec 03, 2024•36 min•Transcript available on Metacast We speak to Johnson Goh, Co-Founder and CEO of MindHive, a Malaysian startup transforming how businesses drive employee engagement and productivity. With innovative tools that decode workplace behaviour, MindHive helps leaders build more motivated and high-performing teams. A finalist in the Alliance Bank 2024 BizSmart Challenge, MindHive is on a mission to empower organisations with smarter solutions to enhance workforce efficiency. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Dec 02, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast How is CADS helping organisations unlock the power of data and AI? Since its founding in 2015, the Center of Applied Data Science (CADS) has been on a mission to close the gap between data literacy and the evolving needs of modern businesses. Through its AI-driven platform, CADS.ai, the company enables organizations to align workforce skills with future demands, optimizing talent management and driving impactful business outcomes. In this episode of Open For Business, Sharala Axryd, Founder and ...
Dec 01, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Donuts are more than just a sweet treat. They are a universal comfort food that brings joy to people of all ages. But in a world where consumers are increasingly seeking unique flavours, premium quality, and memorable experiences, the humble donut is evolving into a canvas for creativity. Donut Plan, an artisanal doughnut shop, seems to have captured the hearts,and taste buds, of its audience. Today, we speak with Lau Jia Sen, the Founder of Donut Plan, to uncover the story behind the business, ...
Nov 28, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast From producing just 10 jars a day to 650 SKUs daily, what began as a home kitchen experiment to create natural, toxin-free bone broth for their picky-eating son has evolved into a thriving seven-figure business. In this episode of Open for Business, we delve into The Daily Broth’s journey from side hustle to full-fledged enterprise. We speak with Rahayu Parmatasari and Tengku Arif Asad, co-founders of The Daily Broth, about how they transitioned out of corporate careers, scaled operations while ...
Nov 27, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast From simplifying rental processes to introducing zero-deposit models and insurance protections, Wong Whei Meng, Founder and CEO of Speedhome, has focused on solving the pain points of landlords and tenants alike. With innovations like tenant screenings and integrated insurance protections, Speedhome is positioning itself as a comprehensive property management platform. Breaking its loss-making streak, Speedhome is on track to achieve profitability this year. The company reported a 75% on-year in...
Nov 26, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jay Jayabalathilagam, the Founder and CEO of Volt Motorsports, a pioneering company at the forefront of changing the hybrid vehicle market. Dr. Jay shares his journey from the inception of Volt Motorsports to the development of their groundbreaking Extended Hybrid Battery eWarranty system, "HiiVolt." As Malaysia's first provider of a fully digital hybrid battery warranty, Volt Motorsports is transforming the way hybrid vehicle owners and dealerships approach...
Nov 25, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast Vanzo Asia started in 2018 with a focus on car air fresheners and has since grown into a homegrown brand that made RM5.1 million in profit on RM40.86 million revenue in FY2023. Co-Founder and MD Allan Wong discusses Vanzo origins, its product range expansion, and how their upcoming ACE Market IPO will help strengthen its retail presence and branding efforts, marking a new chapter in its growth story. Allan has been nominated for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Malaysia awards in the Emergin...
Nov 24, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Fast fashion might be trendy, but who says tradition can’t be trendy? In this episode, we speak with Jeffery Goh, the founder and designer of Inisaya, the brand that is reimagining the traditional Malaysian batik into modern-wear. With their commitment to local craftsmanship and sustainability, Inisaya celebrates individuality and cultural pride through their fusion of heritage and contemporary aesthetics. Today, Jeffery shares with us his journey, the inspiration behind Inisaya, and his vision ...
Nov 21, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Eng F...
Nov 20, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 conversa...
Nov 19, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 look...
Nov 18, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 end...
Nov 17, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 2007...
Nov 14, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast “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 outlets ...
Nov 13, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Technology ...
Nov 12, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 their ...
Nov 11, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 requirem...
Nov 10, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
