Southeast Asia is Not 1 Consumer Market. Here's Why.

For years, many companies have treated Southeast Asia as a single, monolithic consumer market. But new research from Milieu Insight reveals a more complex reality: the region is actually split into three distinct "consumer economies," each with its own unique mindset, pressures, and motivations. …

The EV Battle: Is BYD the New Tesla?

When we talk about global success stories, BYD stands out as the classic underdog. Once dismissed by Elon Musk as “not even in the same league,” it’s now the world’s largest EV maker, a brand that’s not just selling cars, but reshaping how Chinese innovation is perceived around the world. Yet its r…

Are Venture Studios Creating Zombie Companies?

Venture studios promise to "manufacture startups" at scale, offering a shortcut to high-performance growth. But according to Jeffrey Paine of Golden Gate Ventures, the reality is often far less glamorous, with many studios collapsing within 24 months. In this episode, Jeffrey breaks down why he …

ASEAN’s F&B Trade Paradox: Why Only 23% Stays Regional

ASEAN is famous for its food, but a new report reveals a surprising statistic: only 23% of the region's F&B trade stays within Southeast Asia. What's stopping the flow of goods between neighbors? The answer lies in a complex web of "red tape," from confusing nutrition labels to divergent halal rule…

The 25 Question Review: How to Close 2025 & Win in 2026

As 2025 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset. But a true annual review goes beyond just listing resolutions, it requires deep introspection to uncover the painful lessons, celebrate the wins, and set a clear, strategic path for the year ahead. Jeevan Sahadevan, Fo…

The Great Promotion Trap

Malaysians have embraced e-commerce, but with maturity comes a shift in behaviour. Ipsos Malaysia’s latest data shows that promotions and discounts now outrank product quality as the top reason consumers shop online. We speak with Kuan Sawu Fang, Senior Client Officer at Ipsos Malaysia, about ho…

Beyond Borders: How Malaysian MSMEs Can Expand With Confidence

Malaysia’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are contributing more to GDP and exports than ever before, but many still struggle to break into global markets. High costs, customs challenges and unpredictable delivery timelines often hold them back, even when demand exists overseas. Deni…

CGT, Stamp Duty & RPGT: A Guide to Finance Bill 2025

With Budget 2026 announced, the Finance Bill 2025 tabulated in Parliament last week has revealed key details. From clarifications on Capital Gains Tax (CGT) to a major shift in stamp duty compliance, businesses have a new set of rules to navigate. Tax expert Thenesh Kannaa of TraTax joins us to …

Think Like a Champion, Lead Like One

Elite athletes spend years sharpening their minds, not just their skills. But what can business leaders learn from that discipline? Today, Mike Way, the head coach of Harvard University’s squash programme, and Bharati Suresh Chand, Founder of Global Edge Pharma and Global Edge Consultancy, discu…

Why Malaysia is Winning the Data Centre Race

Malaysia’s data centre sector is seemingly entering a new phase of expansion powered by AI adoption and hyperscale investments. We’re now being positioned as one of Asia’s most cost-competitive markets with a strong balance of affordability, policy stability and regional connectivity.  Based on …