From a pregnancy craving to a multi-million ringgit business, in this episode of Open For Business, we sit down with Rosli Manaf, Co-Founder of Homebaker@Clover, to explore the journey of building a successful bakery chain specialising in cinnamon rolls. Rosli shares how this passion project grew into a thriving business with 11 outlets across the Klang Valley, the challenges of scaling in the ever competitive and complex F&B market, and his ambition to make Homebaker@Clover the Krispy Kreme...
Sep 25, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Open For Business, we speak to Cindy Woon, Founder and Chief Happiness Officer of Belly Happy, a business offering a range of snacks, homemade drinks, and ready-to-eat meals. Cindy shares how she left her corporate job to pursue her entrepreneurial journey, the early challenges of starting Belly Happy, and how the business has grown from bazaars to partnerships with hotels. Tune in to learn: - Why Cindy made the shift from a corporate career to starting her own business. - How...
Sep 24, 2024•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today on the show, we speak with Ilyas Alsagoff, Co-Founder and Director at Sugar and I, a local bakery outlet that sells homemade desserts and are famously known for their bomboloni. Founded in 2013 by Ilyas and his sister, Sharifah Nur Ilisa, Sugar and I began when the siblings started baking brownies for their parents with a heartwarming mission: to bring joy through baking. 9 years later, their passion for baking has now become a growing business, with over 10 products on the menu, custom-ma...
Sep 23, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Open For Business, we delve into the story of Katch, a platform aiming to simplify the health, fitness, and wellness industries by integrating booking management and other backend processes with platform services (think ClassPass), and marketing. We explore how Katch is trying to address the sector's challenges like improving visibility, reducing high commission fees, and unifying fragmented management systems, aiming to carve a niche in a market dominated by giants like Class...
Sep 22, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast The pet tech market, according to reports by Research Nester and Global Market Insights, is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 16% from 2023. This growth is driven by increasing pet ownership, technological advancements, and a rising focus on pet health and wellness. Today, we speak with Richard Nilsson, Founder and CEO of MyPetGo. This pet tech platform leverages technology to provide personalised, ...
Sep 19, 2024•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today on the show, we speak with Seth Casden, CEO & Co-Founder at Hologenix. They’re a material science company that develops products that amplify human potential, including their flagship product CELLIANT. It’s a bio-responsive infrared textile that transforms body heat into full-spectrum infrared energy. Seth founded the company back in 2002 after previously working as a financial analyst and stints in private equity. After raising over $10 million and establishing partnerships with globa...
Sep 18, 2024•29 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Open For Business, we sit down with Ian Wong and Kimberly Law, co-founders of Uno Advisers, a financial planning firm with a mission to empower women through personalised financial planning. Founded in 2021 and officially launching in 2023, Uno Advisers says it is taking a fresh, client-focused approach to the traditionally product-pushing financial services industry. Ian and Kimberly share how their backgrounds led them to start Uno Advisers, the challenges they’ve faced in b...
Sep 17, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Co-founded by the twin brothers, Andy Gan and Chris Gan, back in 2014, TWINS Education has earned a reputation for excellence over the years, offering personalised learning experiences for student’s needs. With a focus on International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and A-level tuition. Additionally, TWINS Education also offers IELTS preparation courses, and enrichment programmes such as English primary tuition and French classes. Back in 2021, the business transitioned from ...
Sep 16, 2024•27 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today on the show, we speak with Melly Ling, CEO and Co-Founder of Mole, a local startup that has built an all-in-one networking platform with their very own business card and networking app. They are essentially a networking tool that connects people at events and conferences, with the aim of turning every interaction into lasting insights. To tackle the downsides of networking events, Mole has introduced their very own, Mole card, an attendee's information digital card and an event management ...
Sep 12, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Kristoffer Jacek Soh and Benjamin Long, co-founders of Beep Technologies, a company that started by enabling cashless transactions for vending machines and has since evolved to address Southeast Asia’s fragmented EV charging ecosystem. Founded in 2018, Beep now operates Southeast Asia’s largest EV roaming network through its Voltality platform, connecting over 5,000 charging stations. Join us as we explore the journey of Beep, from its early da...
Sep 11, 2024•45 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of Open For Business, we sit down with Chang Lih Yen and Chan Qi Yang, Co-founders and Managing Directors of FinKnight, a Malaysia-based financial advisory startup. Initially launched as Beetle Knight Advisory, the company rebranded to FinKnight in 2023 to better reflect its mission of simplifying financial management for startups and SMEs. To support this ambition, FinKnight secured funding from First Move and Gobi Partners, which will be used to fuel their expansion across Mala...
Sep 10, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we speak with Sharma Lachu, Founder & CEO of Accendo Technologies. They’re a talent intelligence platform that integrates with core HRMS solutions that allow organisations to understand their talent’s potential roles and career paths, identify their risks, conceptualise strategies, assess role fit, and create development plans linked to their career growth. Formerly known as Arcane Solutions, the company was rebranded to Accendo Technologies back in 2013 with a particular focus on tal...
Sep 09, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast “What I discovered was that business owners, especially SMEs, are petrified of employing people . It’s a huge problem that we wanted to solve.” Benjamin Thompson, Co-Founder and CEO of Employment Hero. In this episode of Open For Business, we explore Employment Hero’s journey from a simple HR platform to becoming a “fully-autonomous” HR tech solution for SMEs. We dive into why Employment Hero is striving to build the first employment operating system (OS) to simplify hiring, retention, and firin...
Sep 08, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Today, we are switching it up a notch and taking you on an “exhilarating” journey behind the scenes of Skyline Luge Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s newest adventure attraction. As the 8th Skyline Luge park globally and the 2nd in Southeast Asia, this “thrilling” (depending on your thrill appetite or level) destination offers a unique blend of gravity-fueled excitement and scenic beauty in the heart of the Klang Valley. We explore the origins of this luge park concept, its latest innovations like Malays...
Sep 05, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Is turning everyday vehicles into billboards the key to breaking through ad overload? In this episode of Open For Business , we explore how VOOH Media is attempting to transform the advertising landscape by turning everyday vehicles into mobile billboards. Joining us is Rajvinder Rai Singh, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of VOOH Media, who shares his journey from digital marketing and e-commerce to leading VOOH’s charge in vehicle out-of-home advertising. Rajvinder discusses the challenges and ...
Sep 04, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 1 ton of food waste + Black Soldier Fly larvae = 100kg of animal feed + 200kg of fertiliser!? Does this mean that the secret to managing biowaste is hidden in fly larvae? Founded in 2019, Entomal Biotech uses Black Soldier Fly larvae to transform organic waste into new products while reducing carbon emissions (compared to leaving the food waste in a landfill). Having made US$310,000 in revenue in 2023 and on track to grow 4.7 times to US$1.48 million in 2024, Entomal has big ambitions ahead, aim...
Sep 03, 2024•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast When you go through security bag scans, have you ever wondered about how it works or do you just find it a hassle and wish the checks would move faster? Well, today look into the world of security technology in the field of cargo and baggage scanning solutions. We speak to Lee Yuh Jiunn, the General Manager of Billion Prima, a Malaysian company specialising in developing and deploying cargo scanners. With over 15 years of experience, the company has evolved from a service provider to a manufactu...
Sep 02, 2024•26 min•Transcript available on Metacast Could turning ugly fruits into gelato be worth quitting university? For Hailey Yong, it was. At just 20, Hailey, CEO and Founder of The Unusual Greens, left her studies behind to pursue TUG Gelato full-time, an enterprise that transforms imperfect and surplus fruits into delicious gelato. What began as a student competition idea in the HULT Prize has grown from a home kitchen project to a 123 sqft central kitchen, and now to two outlets, including a fully-equipped central kitchen. Among other th...
Sep 01, 2024•37 min•Transcript available on Metacast OGAWA, an iconic household name in the health and wellness industry that most Malaysians are familiar with – it doesn’t sound Malaysian but did you know that it is indeed a Malaysian brand? What started as a passion for enhancing lives through innovative wellness solutions, and from its humble beginnings in 1996, OGAWA has grown into a recognisable brand, changing the way we think about relaxation and well-being. In our conversation today with Leong Boon Hong, the Director of OGAWA Malaysia, we ...
Aug 29, 2024•30 min•Transcript available on Metacast Does Malaysia really need another regulated crypto exchange? We explore that very question as we dive into the journey of HATA, Malaysia's latest digital asset exchange platform, with David Low, Co-Founder and CEO of HATA. Founded in 2023, HATA is Malaysia’s 5th licensed Digital Asset Exchange (DAX) and the first to receive full approval from the Securities Commission (SC) since the regulator reopened DAX licence applications in November 2022. David is no stranger to the crypto space having prev...
Aug 28, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast Founded in 2015, IGL Coatings develops and manufactures surface protection solutions, particularly known for its low and zero Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) ceramic coatings. In the last 9 years, it has expanded its presence to over 50 countries and aims to offer high-performance, eco-friendly functional coatings for automotive, marine, aviation, and industrial applications. With a stated commitment to sustainability, IGL Coatings has developed products that it says not only perform exception...
Aug 27, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast Supply chains and warehouses are the lifeblood of any high-volume business, yet many still operate with outdated methods. In today’s competitive environment, where margins are slim and every advantage counts, this could be a costly mistake. In this episode of Open For Business, we explore how Hatio, a provider of omnichannel fulfillment services and technology, is revolutionizing the supply chain industry in Southeast Asia. Founded in 2012 as HatioLab in South Korea, Hatio expanded to Malaysia i...
Aug 26, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast On August 21st, BFM hosted the Enterprise Breakaway: From Farm to Franchise event, where industry experts and seasoned F&B operators explored the critical elements required to build a successful and lasting F&B business in Malaysia. In the panel session titled "Start, Survive, and Thrive," BFM spoke with Patrick Sim, Managing Director of Secret Recipe, and Jessica Li, Co-Founder and COO of Pop Meals. Both shared their unique perspectives on managing and scaling F&B businesses, emphas...
Aug 25, 2024•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast On August 21st, BFM hosted the Enterprise Breakaway: From Farm to Franchise event, where industry experts and seasoned F&B operators explored what it takes to build a successful and lasting F&B franchise in Malaysia. In the Founder Fireside: Building a Malaysian Franchise session, I spoke with Bryan Loo, the Founder and CEO of Loob Holdings, the organisation behind the Tealive brand and the up-and-coming coffee chain, BaskBear. Bryan shares his journey from being a biotechnology graduate...
Aug 22, 2024•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast How did Wonderboys Cleaning turn RM4,000 in startup capital into a business that makes RM600,000 in annual revenue? From doom scrolling on Instagram at 2 a.m. to building a thriving cleaning services business, today we dive into Sathya Selvarajah’s journey with Wonderboys Cleaning. Launched in 2019 with just RM4,000 in startup capital, what began as a university side hustle has grown into a full-fledged business generating RM600,000 in annual revenue with strong margins. With over 500 clients se...
Aug 21, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast On this episode of Open For Business, we welcome Dino Loh, Director of Swing & Pillows, Malaysia's largest co-living and hotel chain operator. Dino shares insights into the company's recent expansion into Bukit Bintang with the acquisition of five hotels under the Kingston brand. This move strengthens Swing & Pillows' presence in key locations, offering a range of accommodations from entry-level to premium. We’ll discuss how this acquisition positions the brand for future growth and its ...
Aug 19, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast Tired of swiping? Swipeless is on a mission to bring back real-life dating through curated, offline activities. This platform connects singles not through screens, but through shared experiences—think pizza-making workshops, hiking trips, quiz nights, and board game sessions. With about 700 members and growing, Swipeless is focused on enhancing genuine interactions in an increasingly digital world. Founder Shan Li aims to rekindle the magic of in-person connections with a fresh, curated approach...
Aug 18, 2024•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Salad Atelier, possibly the first name to come to mind when one craves a fresh and delicious salad, especially when you think of its poke bowls and the joy of customising your own meal to perfection. As Salad Atelier celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, we speak with the Founder, Dylan Lee, to reflect on a decade of growth and innovation. Salad Atelier has added flavour to the Malaysian food scene with its commitment to healthy, delicious, and sustainable dining. With over 30 outlets and p...
Aug 15, 2024•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast How can homeowners make the switch to solar energy without breaking the bank? Founded in 2022, Okapi Solar is on a mission to make solar power more accessible to homeowners by offering financing solutions that eliminate the high upfront costs typically associated with solar panel installations. Okapi buys the solar panels first, and then leases it to homeowners. Zhern Yung and Christopher, both with backgrounds in banking and engineering, share their journey of leaving the corporate world to ven...
Aug 13, 2024•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast We talk to Harith Aqil, the founder of LOOKOO, a local F&B startup that’s set to change how we think about doughnuts with their unique twist—doughnut balls. Inspired by his time in Melbourne, Harith launched LOOKOO in 2022 with the help of his childhood best friend. Their delicious doughnut balls have quickly gained popularity, available not only in their physical store but also through food delivery platforms like GrabFood, Foodpanda, and ShopeeFood. We discuss with Harith about his journey...
Aug 12, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
