The flagship entrepreneurship show on BFM, featuring personal business stories from early stage start-ups, all the way to billionaire octogenarians in Malaysia and abroad. Notable guests include Martin Cooper (father of the mobile phone), Julian Assange (founder of WikiLeaks), Ralph Henry Baer (father of video games), Tony Buzan (Mindmap Guru), Isaac Tigrett (Hard Rock Cafe founder), Robert Kiyosaki (Financial Guru), Nick Vujicic (motivational speaker) and more. Tap into this valuable resour ...
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Mindmapping Podcasts
Challenging Everything is a podcast with truth seeker Alan Kay who's on a independent mission to challenge everything he's been taught, told and personally learning. Subscribe today to hear his, developing story.
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Follow one church's journey as they depart from modern church growth trends and reinvent themselves by equipping everyday Christians to live out their faith in real life. Find episodes and show notes at www.dereksanford.com/reinventingchurch
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Follow Duinn's journey as we grow as a community. Learn from the mistakes made and milestones achieved. This podcast is intended for entrepreneurs interested in learning about the do's and dont's in starting a business.
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Malaysians are investing more than ever, but many are doing so in a market flooded with hype, social media tips, and unverified “gurus.” The result? Emotional decision-making, rising losses, and growing distrust among retail investors. We speak with Warren Mak, CEO and Co-Founder of Ted Optimus, about why so many Malaysians struggle to invest susta…
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AI Startups: Why Distribution is the Only Moat Left
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40:08
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40:08While skeptics dismiss the current wave of startups as mere AI 'wrappers,' a grassroots movement in Kuala Lumpur is ignoring the noise and building anyway. It begs the question: is it really just an 'AI wrapper' if it solves a fundamental business problem? Joseph Chin, City Organizer for AI Tinkerers Kuala Lumpur, joins BFM’s Open For Business to d…
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Nomad Capitalist: Building a Life Where You’re Treated Best
27:14
27:14
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27:14For many entrepreneurs, the idea of living and working anywhere in the world is the ultimate goal. But for Andrew Henderson, it’s more than a dream—it’s a business model. He’s the founder of Nomad Capitalist, a consultancy that helps high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs build global lifestyles through offshore strategies, second citizenship…
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Replacing Microsoft Office with Memes? Inside Agnes AI
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23:19
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23:19The AI sector is frothy, filled with "wrappers" disguised as deep tech and companies blurring the line between innovation and snake oil. Yet, Agnes AI claims to be different. By combining a "Snapchat-style" social feed with an enterprise-grade productivity suite, they aim to capture the 99% of Southeast Asian users who aren't paying for ChatGPT. Br…
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Being SME-First: How HitPay Scaled to $1B Volumes
41:48
41:48
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41:48The Southeast Asian payments landscape is a fierce battleground, crowded with global giants like Stripe and Adyen, regional heavyweights, and local gateways. Yet, HitPay has carved out a lucrative niche, processing over $1 billion annually for more than 10,000 businesses across the region. CEO Aditya Haripurkar joins us to explain why the region ne…
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When most people think of buffets, they think of indulgence, not innovation. But for treatsure Co-Founder and CEO Preston Wong, surplus food became a business opportunity. After gaining traction in Singapore with its “buffet-in-a-box” concept, treatsure is now partnering with top hotels like The Westin and Grand Millennium to reduce food waste in M…
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From Paper to AI: Why Arkmind is Digitising Money Lenders
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32:43The non-bank lending industry, comprising licensed money lenders, pawnshops, and used car dealers, often operates on paper ledgers and Excel sheets. Johnny Tin, a former banking tech consultant, left his 9-to-5 to change that. He joins us to discuss Arkmind, his company attempting to digitalise this unglamorous sector. We explore how Arkmind bootst…
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Prof. Dr. Billy Tang’s journey from paraplegic farmer to global changemaker is at the heart of PWD Smart FarmAbility, a disability-led social enterprise transforming food security and community resilience. After an accident that left him paralysed, Billy reimagined how agriculture could work for people with limited mobility, low income, or no farmi…
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Series A, B, Then Exit? Why SEA Has a $400M Exit Ceiling
41:47
41:47
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41:47While the rest of Southeast Asia was chasing the "super app" dream and burning cash on subsidies, Qualgro took a different path. For the last decade, this VC firm has quietly focused on the "boring back end of the internet", B2B software, data, and AI. General Partner Weisheng Neo joins us to explain why this approach is paying off. He also discuss…
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40: MIC DROP Moments from Season 3 | Pre-holiday musings | Key Systems for any church | Personal retreat ideas
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49:37In Episode 40, Derek and Danielle unpack their top leadership “mic drop” moments of the season and turn them into simple, actionable practices for pastors. They also pull back the curtain on essential systems, a unique cultural moment of spiritual hunger, and a practical tool for planning meaningful half-day personal retreats.…
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From KL to Texas: Superdough’s Global Expansion Story
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34:39With a 50/50 revenue split between local and international markets, Superdough has quietly grown into an 8-figure entertainment powerhouse. Already operating across the US, South Korea, and the UAE, the company behind Breakout and Hauntu is now accelerating its global expansion with unique new models. Co-founders Johnny Ong and Kelly Low join us to…
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Branding Places, Not Just Projects: Inside IMAJEN’s Strategy
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31:05
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31:05Malaysia’s property market is crowded, competitive, and increasingly shaped by branding that goes far beyond logos and brochures. In this episode, we speak with Evon Chong and Aaron Bok, Co-Founders of IMAJEN, a property-focused branding consultancy that specialises in curating desire for places through storytelling, identity and experience design.…
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Symbiotica: Turning RM10K into a RM125M Global Export Biz
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46:01
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46:01Founded in 2001 with just RM10,000 in savings and RM110,000 borrowed from friends and family, Symbiotica Specialty Ingredients has grown into a major Malaysian manufacturer, exporting active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) to 70 countries. After 23 years of organic growth, the company entered a new chapter in 2024 when Ekuinas acquired an 80% sta…
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Malaysia’s gaming industry has crossed the billion-dollar mark, but a critical talent shortage threatens its momentum — from programmers and tools engineers to live-ops developers. Curine Ventures and Xsolla launched the Xsolla Curine Academy (XCA) in 2023 to close that gap, by building industry-ready creators through hands-on training, mentorship,…
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From Family Legacy to Industry Leader: The Fire Fighter Story
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29:47When Michelle Hah stepped into her family’s fire safety business, it was already a trusted name built on decades of service. But she saw the potential to go further. Under her leadership, Fire Fighter Industry evolved from a small supplier of extinguishers into one of Malaysia’s largest integrated fire safety providers, spanning design, installatio…
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39: From EVENTS to ENVIRONMENTS | Christmas Confabulation | Strategically Using Meetings | Auld Lang Syne...15 end of year questions
1:06:33
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1:06:33In this episode, we explore how churches can shift from event-driven ministry to environments where real discipleship happens. Hear from Shane Stacey, Andrew Silbert, and Sarah Burtt as they unpack practical ways to design worship spaces, mid-size trainings, and small groups that actually produce transformation.…
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WORQ’s New Strategy: The 'Country Club' Office
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32:4618 months ago, co-working operator WORQ planned to raise RM40 million to fuel its expansion. But halfway through the process, they stepped back from the raise, claiming that it wasn’t because they couldn't get the funds, but because they had hit the startup "holy grail": generating enough internal cash flow to fund their own growth. Co-founders Ste…
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From Weddings to Corporate: Evenesis’ Pivot to Survive
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44:57What started in 2010 as a simple wedding RSVP tool has evolved into a complete event technology platform. After a crucial pivot away from the consumer market, Evenesis now powers corporate events and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), combining software with essential on-the-ground managed services. Founder and CEO Ts. Yusno…
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Can ECCO’s Cow-to-Shoe Model Survive the “Promo Pandemic”?
40:48
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40:48In a crowded footwear market, how does a 62-year-old Danish brand stay relevant? For ECCO, it starts with a unique "cow-to-shoe" philosophy, owning the entire value chain from tannery to retail floor. But facing a post-pandemic market downturn and a "promo pandemic" of endless discounts, the brand is rethinking its strategy. Managing Director Benja…
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Caring for ageing parents is becoming one of Asia’s fastest-growing emotional and practical challenges. Yet much of that burden remains invisible. We speak with Ivan Mun, Founder of ELLO, about how personal loss led him to build AI-powered caregiving technology designed to monitor seniors without intruding on their dignity or independence. Can arti…
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OMS Energy: From MBO to NASDAQ & A 40% Stock Drop
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44:52In June 2023, How Meng Hock led a management buyout (MBO) of OMS Energy from Sumitomo Corporation to prevent the company from liquidation. Less than two years later, he successfully listed the company on the NASDAQ, raising over $33 million. However, the transition to public life has been turbulent. Since its IPO in May 2025, the stock has faced si…
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38: From HERO PASTOR to HEALTHY CHURCH | Testing our Telekinesis | Programming Buildouts at Grace | Staff Values/Performance Matrix
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54:19If you’re longing for a healthier way to lead your church, this episode will encourage you. Dave Rhodes calls leaders to become hero-makers, and Pastor Jamaal Williams shows how everyday disciples can own real ministry in their own spaces. It’s practical, honest, and full of next steps you can use this week.…
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Lit Books: "Always 2 Months Away From Shuttering"
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39:22It started as a one-year experiment to cure a career frustration. Eight years later, Lit Books has become a favourite among many readers, particularly those who enjoy a more curated and meaningful book browsing experience. But behind the curated shelves and cozy atmosphere lies the tough reality of running an independent bookstore in Malaysia. Co-f…
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This Furniture Brand’s Plan to Grow 50X in 5 Years
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29:51Ladore Signature wants to ride "Rent-to-Own" (RTO) furniture all the way to an ACE Market listing. But with current revenues around RM500k, is their target of hitting RM25 million by 2029 ambitious... or delusional? Business Development Director Kun Chi Jun and Strategy Officer Ray Chung join us to defend their strategy. They unpack their role as t…
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How This AI Whiteboard is Changing How Teams Think
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26:36Andrey Leskov, the Co-Founder of illumi, an AI-native whiteboard, aims to help teams turn scattered AI chats into visual workflows that build context, compound knowledge, and speed up complex work holistically. Why did the company feel this was a blind spot in the current wave of AI adoption, how did it lead them to build illumi, and what have they…
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Vanilla Crepe: From Side Project to RM10M+ Biz
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35:33
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35:33What started in 2014 as a lifestyle investment to feed his wife's love for cakes has grown into 43 outlets, with more en route. Vanilla Crepe has expanded from a single cafe to 43 outlets and over 100 distribution points, recently breaking past 8-figure annual revenues. CEO Nelson Liew joins us to share the story behind this growth. He discusses th…
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37: From SEEKER to SENDER | Pilgrim’s Progress | Exploring Development Roles | The Now to Next prayer tool
1:01:26
1:01:26
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1:01:26What if your church became known less for who it gathers and more for who it sends? This week’s Reinventing Church episode unpacks Dave Rhodes' challenge to move from seeker to sender, rethinking what we celebrate, track, and multiply. Then Derek talks with Chris Bellinger about how churches can train and release everyday missionaries right where t…
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Aonic: From DJI Distributor to Made in Malaysia Drones
36:56
36:56
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36:56Malaysian drone company Aonic, with top-line revenue near RM300 million, is executing a major strategic push: its own “Made In Malaysia” proprietary hardware, the Mist Tec 50 drone. This shift is driven by a core insight: after-sales costs for imported drones were too expensive for local farmers. Founder and CEO Cheong Jin Xi (JX) joins us to unpac…
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Medalized: From Big Plastic Trophies to Bespoke Awards
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24:07
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24:07What does it mean to modernise upon family legacy in a traditional space? For Emily Chin and Medalized, it meant moving from "big plastic trophies" to creative design and bespoke awards that aim to tell a brand's story. Now, as the "Legacy Curator" of Medalized, she's taking it one step further: experimenting with content creation. We discuss: The …
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Mixing Innovation and Growth: How Thermomix is Cooking Up a Smarter Future in Malaysia
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18:42Today, we’re looking at a brand that has quietly transformed kitchens across the world. Thermomix, the smart kitchen appliance by Vorwerk, has sold over 10 million units globally, and recently celebrated a major milestone with the launch of its first experiential flagship store in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. At the same time, the company unveiled its la…
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Satu Creative: From Creative Agency to Empowering Entrepreneurs
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32:23Satu Creative operates as a 7-figure social enterprise, but you won't find them on an official accreditation list. After evolving from a creative agency, the firm now focuses on capacity building; running workshops and accelerators for entrepreneurs, but also corporates. Founder and CEO Azuar Zainuddin joins us to share his unique hybrid business m…
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Can animals help humans heal? Rajagopal Yagambram, Founder of Planet Zoo Malaysia, believes they can. After nearly two decades in agrotourism, he’s built a one-of-a-kind animal behaviour centre where petting a rabbit isn’t just fun… it’s therapy. He shares how Planet Zoo blends business, education, and empathy to turn animal encounters into wellnes…
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36: From GROWTH to DEPTH | Lessons from the eurythmics | Mindmapping Job Descriptions | A Team Development Tool.
1:02:06
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1:02:06In this episode, Derek and Danielle, along with Pastor Sarah Burtt and the Clarity House team, tackle the shift from growth to depth. They unpack how to design discipleship environments that form people, not just fill rooms, share a behind-the-scenes look at mind-mapping job descriptions, and introduce four simple practices any leader can use to de…
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How This Tech Startup Is Powering Climate Resilience
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29:24Punita Nook Naidu, Co-Founder of H2O DataTech, shares how the Malaysian climate-tech company is turning complex climate and water data into actionable intelligence for governments, businesses, and regulators.Through its platform Airnomik, H2O DataTech helps organisations assess site-specific environmental risks, from floods and droughts to water qu…
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Sol's Vision to Break Stigmas Around Menopause
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30:46Grace Oh, Founder of Sol Menopause, Asia’s medically reviewed menopause app, shares how her platform is changing the way women manage midlife health at home, at work, and beyond. Designed to be both evidence-based and community-driven, Sol aims to break the stigma around menopause by providing women with trustworthy guidance, holistic support, and …
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The RM250K ECF Bet on an On-Demand Cleaning App
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23:19The on-demand home services space is notoriously difficult, with high-profile failures like Kaodim. So why is Tim Goi, a founder of a traditional B2B cleaning company, now entering the fray with his new app, Okay Tasks? Tim Goi joins us to discuss: * The strategic pivot from a B2B service to a B2C tech platform. * How Okay Tasks plans to succeed wh…
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Women’s Wellness Festival 2.0 – Building Malaysia’s Wellness Movement
24:57
24:57
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24:57Wellness, it’s a word we hear constantly these days. But for many women, particularly in Malaysia, it’s more than a buzzword. It’s a balancing act between work, family, identity, and the pursuit of something deeper, connection and purpose. Earlier this year, a small idea built on friendship, shared passion, and a mission to help women Connect, Rech…
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Can 96 Years of Heritage "Make Teh Tarik Great Again"?
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40:31With the bold claim of "Making Teh Tarik Great Again", this new F&B brand is on a mission to elevate Malaysia's unofficial national drink. But this is no ordinary startup, it's built on a 96-year family legacy in the B2B tea supply business. Founder Koh Peng Chye joins us to share his story. He explains why he expanded from his family's established…
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35: From CUSTOMER SERVICE to COACHING | Two truths and a truth | Brainstorm Buddies | Tool: Turning Complaints into Clarity
1:06:58
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1:06:58In this episode of Reinventing Church, Derek Sanford talks with Stephen Hay about how churches can shift from customer service to coaching, from keeping people happy to helping them grow. Learn how to spot consumer Christianity, create feedback-rich coaching cultures, and lead with courage instead of comfort. Plus, behind-the-scenes updates on Grac…
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70-Year-Old Wah Chan: From "Half a Shop" to 55 Outlets
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40:57For 70 years, Wah Chan has been a Malaysian household name in jewelry. Now, with the third generation stepping in, the brand is navigating a major "reinvention". How does a 70-year-old legacy brand adapt to the modern market while staying true to its roots? Executive Director Amanda Koo joins us to share her unique story. A computer scientist who f…
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How This Former Pharmacist is Making Side Gigs Lucrative
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30:25Today’s story is about reinvention and what it really takes to build something completely new when the odds aren’t really in your favour. Kristy Ting, Founder of Side Gig Accelerator, realised her savings and EPF weren’t going to be enough for the life she wanted for her family. She took a leap from dispensing prescriptions to designing sales funne…
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Could a subscription model for outpatient care, like "Netflix for healthcare", be sustainable? FEV3R is betting it can. For a fixed monthly fee, the health tech company offers unlimited virtual consultations, medication delivery, and 24/7 doctor access. Co-Founder and CEO Adlan Hercus joins us to share the story behind his "round two" startup. He d…
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ASEAN Tech Needs 15 Year VC Cycles, Not 10?
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42:54
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42:54Why is this Silicon Valley VC bullish on Southeast Asian tech companies, despite faltering IPOs, blowups, and a scarcity of exits? Launched in 2024, Raisewell Ventures has raised over $35 million to invest in AI, climate, and manufacturing tech, with a longer term aim to cross-pollinate between Silicon Valley and Southeast Asia. With 14 deals alrea…
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Xendit: From Failed Bitcoin Startup To Raising Over $500M
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40:54After a dramatic pivot from a failed Bitcoin startup at Y Combinator, Xendit has since raised over US$500 million since 2015, growing into a payments unicorn. Founder and CEO Moses Lo joins us to share his 10-year journey, detailing their "simplicity, speed, and service" competitive edge, their expansion into a financing business, and the lessons l…
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Ep 34: From ASSIMILATION to ACTIVATION with Scott Michel
1:02:21
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1:02:21Instead of plugging people into roles, call them into purpose.By Derek Stanford
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Coda: From ‘App Tax’ Avoidance to Processing ~$2B Yearly
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33:54What started as a way for game publishers to escape the ‘app tax’ has evolved into a global monetisation and distribution platform. Fresh from acquiring its European counterpart Recharge, Coda now processes nearly $2 billion in commerce annually. CEO Shane Happach, the company's first non-founder CEO, joins us to discuss this new chapter. He shares…
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So You Think Your Food Product Is Premium?
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27:32The packaged food and beverage space is overflowing with brands claiming to be “natural”, “premium” or “healthy”, but few survive beyond the packaging. Alvin Andrew, the self-proclaimed King of Processed Foods, reveals why most founders shouldn’t even be in the game, the truth about what makes a product scalable, and how to build something that act…
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From Copper Cables to Data Centres Powering AI
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36:38Data centres are no longer just information warehouses; they are high-density hubs, or ‘airports for internet traffic’, and the demand for power is exploding from 6 kilowatts a rack to over 150. Wong Weng Yew, a 20-year industry veteran and the founder of Open DC, joins us to share his journey. He explains his pivot from a traditional ISP to buildi…
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Running a transport company in Malaysia is no small feat, especially with rising fuel costs and the challenge of keeping track of dozens of drivers and vehicles. Ginderpal Singh Harnek Singh, Managing Director of Shaziman Transport, shares his entrepreneurial journey, how he keeps his fleet running efficiently, and how tools like PETRONAS SmartPay …
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Why StashAway's Shariah Portfolio Took 7 Years to Build
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41:16With the recent launch of its direct ETF Explorer and a long-awaited Shariah Global Portfolio, is digital wealth manager StashAway signaling a major evolution in its business model? Malaysia Country Manager Wong Wai Ken joins us to share the story behind this new chapter. We discuss: The self-disruptive expansion to a transaction model for their ne…
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