As Malaysia’s regulated crypto sector continues to grow, it faces significant hurdles that could impact its long-term trajectory. From the banking sector’s reluctance to onboard regulated digital asset exchanges to the pressing need for tax clarity, these challenges are critical for the industry's future.



In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Aaron Tang, President of the Malaysian Digital Asset Platform Association (MDAPA) (who is also APAC GM for Luno) and Lucas Ooi, Co-Founder & Chief Business Officer of Halogen Capital. We discuss the current state of Malaysia’s crypto landscape, the key obstacles that need to be addressed, and what the industry hopes to see in the upcoming 2025 Budget to ensure the sector’s continued growth and success.

As Malaysia’s regulated crypto sector continues to grow, it faces significant hurdles that could impact its long-term trajectory. From the banking sector’s reluctance to onboard regulated digital asset exchanges to the pressing need for tax clarity, these challenges are critical for the industry's future.In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Aaron Tang, President of the Malaysian Digital Asset Platform Association (MDAPA) (who is also APAC GM for Luno) and Lucas Ooi, Co-Founder &amp; Chief Business Officer of Halogen Capital. We discuss the current state of Malaysia’s crypto landscape, the key obstacles that need to be addressed, and what the industry hopes to see in the upcoming 2025 Budget to ensure the sector’s continued growth and success.

Helping you navigate the ever-changing universe of business, from headlines to the bottom line

Helping you navigate the ever-changing universe of business, from headlines to the bottom line

Enterprise Explores

Crypto in Malaysia: Banking Challenges, Tax Clarity, and Budget 2025 Wishlist

Today, we speak with Professor Dr. Saras Sarasvathy from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, a pioneer in entrepreneurial theory, best known for her work on effectuation. This groundbreaking theory offers a fresh approach to entrepreneurship by encouraging entrepreneurs to start with what they have, leveraging existing resources and forming strategic partnerships, instead of waiting for perfect conditions.



Effectuation emphasises flexibility, collaboration, and the principle of "affordable loss," helping entrepreneurs navigate uncertainty by turning potential risks into manageable experiments. In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, this approach challenges traditional business planning, offering a more pragmatic, resourceful way to drive innovation.



In today’s conversation, Professor Saras will shed light on how effectuation empowers entrepreneurs to navigate uncertainty, leverage limited resources, and create opportunities through partnerships.

Today, we speak with Professor Dr. Saras Sarasvathy from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, a pioneer in entrepreneurial theory, best known for her work on effectuation. This groundbreaking theory offers a fresh approach to entrepreneurship by encouraging entrepreneurs to start with what they have, leveraging existing resources and forming strategic partnerships, instead of waiting for perfect conditions.Effectuation emphasises flexibility, collaboration, and the principle of "affordable loss," helping entrepreneurs navigate uncertainty by turning potential risks into manageable experiments. In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, this approach challenges traditional business planning, offering a more pragmatic, resourceful way to drive innovation.In today’s conversation, Professor Saras will shed light on how effectuation empowers entrepreneurs to navigate uncertainty, leverage limited resources, and create opportunities through partnerships.

Unlocking Entrepreneurial Growth with Effectual Thinking

This week, Marriott International announced plans to open 20 new hotels in Malaysia by 2029, driven by the surge in tourism, in which Malaysia has seen a notable rise in the first half of 2024.



From breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cultural experiences, captivating both local and international travellers alike, the country's allure seems to be stronger than ever. One of the highlights at the recent MATTA Fair, which saw record participation, was a special focus on showcasing Borneo, positioning it as a must-visit destination for 2024.



To dive deeper into the driving forces behind this booming tourism wave, we speak with Nigel Wong, the President of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA). In our conversation today, we explore elements that have spurred this resurgence, the role of key destinations like Borneo, and how Malaysia is evolving to meet the growing demand from travellers.

This week, Marriott International announced plans to open 20 new hotels in Malaysia by 2029, driven by the surge in tourism, in which Malaysia has seen a notable rise in the first half of 2024.From breathtaking landscapes to vibrant cultural experiences, captivating both local and international travellers alike, the country's allure seems to be stronger than ever. One of the highlights at the recent MATTA Fair, which saw record participation, was a special focus on showcasing Borneo, positioning it as a must-visit destination for 2024.To dive deeper into the driving forces behind this booming tourism wave, we speak with Nigel Wong, the President of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA). In our conversation today, we explore elements that have spurred this resurgence, the role of key destinations like Borneo, and how Malaysia is evolving to meet the growing demand from travellers.

Local Tourism Numbers Are Up — What’s Driving the Surge?

Recently, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced a plan to redirect all Domain Name System (DNS) traffic through local servers, intending to protect against harmful online content such as gambling, pornography, and scams.



However, the backlash from the public and various stakeholders began almost immediately after the announcement. This measure raised concerns that the move could lead to online censorship, cybersecurity risks, and DNS poisoning, and negatively impact Malaysia’s digital economy, limiting access to international DNS services like Google or Cloudflare, which users often prefer for speed and privacy.



In response to the backlash, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the suspension of the DNS redirection plan, emphasising that public feedback and concerns of the industry should be considered before moving forward to ensure that the directive would not impede Internet freedom or economic growth.



Today, we discuss this further, exploring the potential implications for businesses, digital freedom, and future tech investments. We’ll discuss the technical and economic ramifications of such a move and explore the broader context of digital regulation in Malaysia with Wong Wing Keong, Cybersecurity Principal Consultant, at Wired Realm to shed light on how this situation reflects the delicate balance between cybersecurity and digital freedom in today’s connected world.

Recently, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) announced a plan to redirect all Domain Name System (DNS) traffic through local servers, intending to protect against harmful online content such as gambling, pornography, and scams.However, the backlash from the public and various stakeholders began almost immediately after the announcement. This measure raised concerns that the move could lead to online censorship, cybersecurity risks, and DNS poisoning, and negatively impact Malaysia’s digital economy, limiting access to international DNS services like Google or Cloudflare, which users often prefer for speed and privacy.In response to the backlash, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced the suspension of the DNS redirection plan, emphasising that public feedback and concerns of the industry should be considered before moving forward to ensure that the directive would not impede Internet freedom or economic growth.Today, we discuss this further, exploring the potential implications for businesses, digital freedom, and future tech investments. We’ll discuss the technical and economic ramifications of such a move and explore the broader context of digital regulation in Malaysia with Wong Wing Keong, Cybersecurity Principal Consultant, at Wired Realm to shed light on how this situation reflects the delicate balance between cybersecurity and digital freedom in today’s connected world.

Crypto in Malaysia: Banking Challenges, Tax Clarity, and Budget 2025 Wishlist

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