We address the critical issue of corruption impacting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. A recent Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) report reveals that 63% of SMEs fear rejecting bribery could lead to business loss. This highlights the significant challenges in maintaining ethical standards while competing in the market.



We explore the types of corruption SMEs encounter, such as bribery and favouritism, and the legal and economic repercussions of engaging in corrupt practices. We also discuss the role of industry associations and government in supporting SMEs, the effectiveness of anti-corruption laws, and the psychological impacts on SME owners and employees.


Joining us are Lim Koon Huan, Partner at Skrine, and Sujatha Sekhar Naik, Chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Corporate Governance, to share insights and strategies to help SMEs uphold integrity in the face of corruption.

We address the critical issue of corruption impacting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia. A recent Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) report reveals that 63% of SMEs fear rejecting bribery could lead to business loss. This highlights the significant challenges in maintaining ethical standards while competing in the market.We explore the types of corruption SMEs encounter, such as bribery and favouritism, and the legal and economic repercussions of engaging in corrupt practices. We also discuss the role of industry associations and government in supporting SMEs, the effectiveness of anti-corruption laws, and the psychological impacts on SME owners and employees. Joining us are Lim Koon Huan, Partner at Skrine, and Sujatha Sekhar Naik, Chairman of the Malaysian Institute of Corporate Governance, to share insights and strategies to help SMEs uphold integrity in the face of corruption.

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

Pay A “Facilitation Fee” or Risk Loss of Business?

In a recent report on corporate Malaysia by Remote, a global HR platform, Malaysia has been ranked as the second worst country for work-life balance among 60 nations. This statistic seems alarming and highlights a critical issue that impacts the well-being of employees and the overall productivity and competitiveness of businesses in this country. As the modern workforce increasingly values balance and well-being, understanding the underlying factors contributing to this ranking is essential.


Malaysia's ranking points to several deep-seated issues within the workplace culture. Long working hours, high job demands, and the pervasive expectation to be constantly available have created an environment where employees struggle to find equilibrium between their professional and personal lives. This imbalance has far-reaching consequences, affecting mental health, job satisfaction, and employee retention rates.


To dig deeper into these issues and explore potential solutions, we speak with Organisational Psychologist and CEO of O-Psych, Hetal Doshi, to help us understand the psychological impact of poor work-life balance, the specific needs and desires of Malaysian employees, and the practical steps employers can take to foster a healthier, more balanced work environment.

In a recent report on corporate Malaysia by Remote, a global HR platform, Malaysia has been ranked as the second worst country for work-life balance among 60 nations. This statistic seems alarming and highlights a critical issue that impacts the well-being of employees and the overall productivity and competitiveness of businesses in this country. As the modern workforce increasingly values balance and well-being, understanding the underlying factors contributing to this ranking is essential. Malaysia's ranking points to several deep-seated issues within the workplace culture. Long working hours, high job demands, and the pervasive expectation to be constantly available have created an environment where employees struggle to find equilibrium between their professional and personal lives. This imbalance has far-reaching consequences, affecting mental health, job satisfaction, and employee retention rates. To dig deeper into these issues and explore potential solutions, we speak with Organisational Psychologist and CEO of O-Psych, Hetal Doshi, to help us understand the psychological impact of poor work-life balance, the specific needs and desires of Malaysian employees, and the practical steps employers can take to foster a healthier, more balanced work environment.

Work-life Balance - An Elusive Goal?

The semiconductor industry has long been a cornerstone of Malaysia's technological and economic landscape. In response to soaring global demand, Malaysia has launched an ambitious US$5.3 billion National Semiconductor Strategy to cement its position as a key global player. This strategy, structured into three phases, aims to drive technological advancements, enhance talent development, and promote sustainability.


Today, we explore Malaysia’s semiconductor landscape and the new strategy with Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA). We also discuss how these initiatives are set to transform the industry, focusing on the critical role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the prospects, challenges, and support systems for the semiconductor sector and its integral SMEs.

The semiconductor industry has long been a cornerstone of Malaysia's technological and economic landscape. In response to soaring global demand, Malaysia has launched an ambitious US$5.3 billion National Semiconductor Strategy to cement its position as a key global player. This strategy, structured into three phases, aims to drive technological advancements, enhance talent development, and promote sustainability. Today, we explore Malaysia’s semiconductor landscape and the new strategy with Dato’ Seri Wong Siew Hai, President of the Malaysia Semiconductor Industry Association (MSIA). We also discuss how these initiatives are set to transform the industry, focusing on the critical role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the prospects, challenges, and support systems for the semiconductor sector and its integral SMEs.

Betting on Chips - The National Semiconductor Strategy

Did you know that Malaysia is Wise’s fastest growing market in APAC and that Asia represents around 20% of revenue today? Following Wise’s expanded presence in Singapore along with new local leadership hires, in this episode of Enterprise Explores, we explore what this signals about the company’s focus and strategy for the rest of the region, including Malaysia, with Shrawan Saraogi, the Asia Pacific Head of Expansion at Wise, formerly known as TransferWise. 


Join us as we explore how Wise changed the status quo and revolutionised the way money moves across the globe, Wise’s recent expansions in the APAC region, including their strategic growth in Singapore and Malaysia, the underlying infrastructure and technology behind Wise’s services, which have made instant, low-cost, and transparent international payments possible, and much more.

Did you know that Malaysia is Wise’s fastest growing market in APAC and that Asia represents around 20% of revenue today? Following Wise’s expanded presence in Singapore along with new local leadership hires, in this episode of Enterprise Explores, we explore what this signals about the company’s focus and strategy for the rest of the region, including Malaysia, with Shrawan Saraogi, the Asia Pacific Head of Expansion at Wise, formerly known as TransferWise.&nbsp; Join us as we explore how Wise changed the status quo and revolutionised the way money moves across the globe, Wise’s recent expansions in the APAC region, including their strategic growth in Singapore and Malaysia, the underlying infrastructure and technology behind Wise’s services, which have made instant, low-cost, and transparent international payments possible, and much more.

Pay A “Facilitation Fee” or Risk Loss of Business?

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