The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum in Malaysia, mainly fueled by the rising fuel costs and environmental awareness. However, global growth is slowing, and local adoption faces challenges like affordability and infrastructure. In this episode, Mark Bennett, APAC Energy Customer Experience Leader at EY, joins us to discuss the key barriers to EV growth and shares his thoughts on the main growth drivers for the next wave of EV adoption in Malaysia.

The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum in Malaysia, mainly fueled by the rising fuel costs and environmental awareness. However, global growth is slowing, and local adoption faces challenges like affordability and infrastructure. In this episode, Mark Bennett, APAC Energy Customer Experience Leader at EY, joins us to discuss the key barriers to EV growth and shares his thoughts on the main growth drivers for the next wave of EV adoption in Malaysia.

Are EVs The Way Forward In Malaysia?

With the Malaysia Venture Forum 2024 approaching, we explore the current state of Malaysia’s venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) landscape with Ng Sai Kit, Chairman of the Malaysian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (MVCA).



From the challenges in the exit landscape and the role of GLICs to the impact of the end of the Zero-Interest Rate Policy and Malaysia’s position in the region, Sai Kit sheds light on key issues, opportunities, and hurdles, while outlining potential paths forward for the industry.

With the Malaysia Venture Forum 2024 approaching, we explore the current state of Malaysia’s venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) landscape with Ng Sai Kit, Chairman of the Malaysian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (MVCA).From the challenges in the exit landscape and the role of GLICs to the impact of the end of the Zero-Interest Rate Policy and Malaysia’s position in the region, Sai Kit sheds light on key issues, opportunities, and hurdles, while outlining potential paths forward for the industry.

Malaysia’s VC/PE Landscape: Wins, Hurdles, and What’s Next

Will the Ringgit strengthen or weaken? Should we feel optimistic about Malaysia’s economy heading into 2025? And how is Budget 2025 shaping up a month after its announcement?



In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Caroline Wong, Country Risk Analyst at BMI, part of Fitch Solutions, to break down Malaysia’s GDP performance, Budget 2025, monetary policy, and the outlook for the Ringgit.



We dive into the drivers behind Malaysia’s Q3 GDP growth, the fiscal consolidation measures in Budget 2025, and whether the right balance between growth and sustainability is being achieved. Caroline also shares her thoughts on Bank Negara Malaysia’s OPR stance, inflation trends, and the factors shaping the Ringgit’s resilience amid global trade uncertainties.

Will the Ringgit strengthen or weaken? Should we feel optimistic about Malaysia’s economy heading into 2025? And how is Budget 2025 shaping up a month after its announcement?In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Caroline Wong, Country Risk Analyst at BMI, part of Fitch Solutions, to break down Malaysia’s GDP performance, Budget 2025, monetary policy, and the outlook for the Ringgit.We dive into the drivers behind Malaysia’s Q3 GDP growth, the fiscal consolidation measures in Budget 2025, and whether the right balance between growth and sustainability is being achieved. Caroline also shares her thoughts on Bank Negara Malaysia’s OPR stance, inflation trends, and the factors shaping the Ringgit’s resilience amid global trade uncertainties.

The Ringgit, Inflation, and the Economy: What Lies Ahead?

Southeast Asia’s dynamic economies and intricate political landscapes pose unique challenges for leaders balancing stakeholder interests amidst resource constraints and global uncertainty. This makes mastering negotiation, fostering collaboration, and leading with diplomacy critical skills for navigating complexity and driving business success. In this episode with Professor Bruno Verdini, Executive Director of the MIT-Harvard Mexico Negotiation Programme at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, we explore practical frameworks and actionable strategies to overcome negotiation blind spots, and discuss the skills leaders need to thrive in politically and economically complex environments.

Southeast Asia’s dynamic economies and intricate political landscapes pose unique challenges for leaders balancing stakeholder interests amidst resource constraints and global uncertainty. This makes mastering negotiation, fostering collaboration, and leading with diplomacy critical skills for navigating complexity and driving business success. In this episode with Professor Bruno Verdini, Executive Director of the MIT-Harvard Mexico Negotiation Programme at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, we explore practical frameworks and actionable strategies to overcome negotiation blind spots, and discuss the skills leaders need to thrive in politically and economically complex environments.

The Negotiation Playbook

What’s on the mind of Malaysians’ as we approach 2025?



Today on the show, we’re diving into Ipsos’ latest report, What Worries Malaysia?, which looks at key insights into the nation’s economic optimism, consumer confidence, and growing concerns. With 7 out of 10 Malaysians believing the country is heading in the right direction, we explore the challenges ahead, including corruption and rising crime concerns. Joining us to break it all down is Kiranjit Singh, Regional APAC Lead at Ipsos Strategy3.

What’s on the mind of Malaysians’ as we approach 2025?Today on the show, we’re diving into Ipsos’ latest report, What Worries Malaysia?, which looks at key insights into the nation’s economic optimism, consumer confidence, and growing concerns. With 7 out of 10 Malaysians believing the country is heading in the right direction, we explore the challenges ahead, including corruption and rising crime concerns. Joining us to break it all down is Kiranjit Singh, Regional APAC Lead at Ipsos Strategy3.

What Worries Malaysia? 

Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem is growing, but is the Silicon Valley playbook holding it back? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, I speak with Dr. Sivapalan Vivekarajah, Co-Chair of the Soonicorn Collective and Senior Partner at ScaleUp Malaysia Accelerator, about the pitfalls of adapting Silicon Valley’s approach to Southeast Asia—especially in Malaysia.



We dive into the revenue-driven pressures faced by startups, question whether the $100 million revenue benchmark is realistic for the region, and explore how rethinking valuations could unlock Southeast Asia’s true entrepreneurial potential. Dr. Siva also unpacks why moving beyond the Silicon Valley mindset might be the key to building sustainable, high-margin ventures that thrive in this unique market.



Key areas of discussion include:

- Revenue Pressures: Why the $100 million target is unrealistic for Southeast Asian startups and the structural challenges it highlights.

- Market Size Dynamics: How VC priorities like market size and revenue multiples often overlook the realities of Southeast Asia’s industries.

- Rethinking Valuations and Mindsets: The need for alternative valuation methods that better reflect Southeast Asia’s market potential, with a focus on building profitable, high-margin businesses.

- VC Dynamics: The pressures on venture capitalists to deliver high returns and how that impacts funding strategies in Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem is growing, but is the Silicon Valley playbook holding it back? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, I speak with Dr. Sivapalan Vivekarajah, Co-Chair of the Soonicorn Collective and Senior Partner at ScaleUp Malaysia Accelerator, about the pitfalls of adapting Silicon Valley’s approach to Southeast Asia—especially in Malaysia.We dive into the revenue-driven pressures faced by startups, question whether the $100 million revenue benchmark is realistic for the region, and explore how rethinking valuations could unlock Southeast Asia’s true entrepreneurial potential. Dr. Siva also unpacks why moving beyond the Silicon Valley mindset might be the key to building sustainable, high-margin ventures that thrive in this unique market.Key areas of discussion include:- Revenue Pressures: Why the $100 million target is unrealistic for Southeast Asian startups and the structural challenges it highlights.- Market Size Dynamics: How VC priorities like market size and revenue multiples often overlook the realities of Southeast Asia’s industries.- Rethinking Valuations and Mindsets: The need for alternative valuation methods that better reflect Southeast Asia’s market potential, with a focus on building profitable, high-margin businesses.- VC Dynamics: The pressures on venture capitalists to deliver high returns and how that impacts funding strategies in Southeast Asia.

Why SEA Startups Should Ditch the Silicon Valley Playbook

In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we explore into the evolving landscape of carbon markets and the crucial role of carbon credits in Malaysia's decarbonisation journey. As businesses face increasing pressure to reduce emissions, carbon credits have become a key tool to achieve climate goals, but not without significant challenges. Integrity, cost, and the changing dynamics of both voluntary and compliance markets are reshaping how organisations approach their climate commitments.



We speak with Arina Kok, EY Asia-Pacific Climate Change Advisory Leader and Asean Climate Change and Sustainability Services Co-Leader, to explore how Malaysian businesses can strategically integrate carbon credits, navigate regulatory frameworks, and leverage co-benefits to enhance their brand value.

In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we explore into the evolving landscape of carbon markets and the crucial role of carbon credits in Malaysia's decarbonisation journey. As businesses face increasing pressure to reduce emissions, carbon credits have become a key tool to achieve climate goals, but not without significant challenges. Integrity, cost, and the changing dynamics of both voluntary and compliance markets are reshaping how organisations approach their climate commitments.We speak with Arina Kok, EY Asia-Pacific Climate Change Advisory Leader and Asean Climate Change and Sustainability Services Co-Leader, to explore how Malaysian businesses can strategically integrate carbon credits, navigate regulatory frameworks, and leverage co-benefits to enhance their brand value.

Navigating Carbon Markets: Strategies for Malaysian Businesses

The recent shortfalls of Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign had highlighted how missteps in communications and strategic alignment can impact even the most high-profile initiatives, showing how essential clear communication, and a deep understanding of audience needs are to any initiative’s success.



In today’s business environment, the lines between internal alignment and external success is blurred, making it critical for public-facing and internal campaigns to build trust and cohesion within the organisation first.



Cilia Rasasegram, Chief Experience Officer at Kindler Employee Experience Project, joins us to break down what makes or breaks a campaign. Together, we also explore the parallels between impactful campaign strategies and strong organizational culture, uncovering lessons that can resonate from the boardroom to the brand message.

The recent shortfalls of Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign had highlighted how missteps in communications and strategic alignment can impact even the most high-profile initiatives, showing how essential clear communication, and a deep understanding of audience needs are to any initiative’s success.In today’s business environment, the lines between internal alignment and external success is blurred, making it critical for public-facing and internal campaigns to build trust and cohesion within the organisation first.Cilia Rasasegram, Chief Experience Officer at Kindler Employee Experience Project, joins us to break down what makes or breaks a campaign. Together, we also explore the parallels between impactful campaign strategies and strong organizational culture, uncovering lessons that can resonate from the boardroom to the brand message.

The Anatomy of Effective Campaign Strategies

Early-stage investing is inherently risky, with failure a natural part of the process, so was the public’s reaction to the Fashion Valet saga—a RM44 million loss for Khazanah and PNB — justified, or an overreaction? And what role should GLICs and other large institutions play in the venture capital and startup ecosystem? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we unpack key lessons to learn from the Fashion Valet saga with Kevin Brockland, Managing Partner at Indelible Ventures.



We dive into the challenges, complexities, and strategic considerations for public funds in high-risk startup investing. Kevin also shares insights on the specialised skills needed for early-stage investing, the importance of transparency, and how processes like releasing investment memos and committee minutes may help restore public trust.



We also explore how Malaysia’s GLICs could more effectively support the startup ecosystem by leveraging private sector expertise and adopting successful fund-of-funds models through initiatives like Jelawang Capital.



Key insights from the interview include:

- Understanding Startup Risk: Why the high failure rate in early-stage investing demands specialised knowledge.

- Differentiating Failure Types: The importance of distinguishing between “failure of outcome” (expected risks in startups) and “failure of process” (investment missteps).

- Strategic Investment Approaches for GLICs: Why public institutions may be better suited to supporting startups via grants or fund-of-funds models rather than direct investments.

- GLICs’ Role in Innovation: How Malaysia’s GLICs can enhance innovation by partnering with private sector experts and specialised fund managers.

- Advantages of the Fund-of-Funds Model: How Fund-of-Funds Model, like Khazanah’s Jelawang Capital, can strengthen the startup ecosystem by drawing on private expertise.

- Setting Public Expectations: Communicating the realities of high-risk investments to the public, especially regarding the inherent risks of loss-making and reinvestment for growth.

Early-stage investing is inherently risky, with failure a natural part of the process, so was the public’s reaction to the Fashion Valet saga—a RM44 million loss for Khazanah and PNB — justified, or an overreaction? And what role should GLICs and other large institutions play in the venture capital and startup ecosystem? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we unpack key lessons to learn from the Fashion Valet saga with Kevin Brockland, Managing Partner at Indelible Ventures.We dive into the challenges, complexities, and strategic considerations for public funds in high-risk startup investing. Kevin also shares insights on the specialised skills needed for early-stage investing, the importance of transparency, and how processes like releasing investment memos and committee minutes may help restore public trust.We also explore how Malaysia’s GLICs could more effectively support the startup ecosystem by leveraging private sector expertise and adopting successful fund-of-funds models through initiatives like Jelawang Capital.Key insights from the interview include:- Understanding Startup Risk: Why the high failure rate in early-stage investing demands specialised knowledge.- Differentiating Failure Types: The importance of distinguishing between “failure of outcome” (expected risks in startups) and “failure of process” (investment missteps).- Strategic Investment Approaches for GLICs: Why public institutions may be better suited to supporting startups via grants or fund-of-funds models rather than direct investments.- GLICs’ Role in Innovation: How Malaysia’s GLICs can enhance innovation by partnering with private sector experts and specialised fund managers.- Advantages of the Fund-of-Funds Model: How Fund-of-Funds Model, like Khazanah’s Jelawang Capital, can strengthen the startup ecosystem by drawing on private expertise.- Setting Public Expectations: Communicating the realities of high-risk investments to the public, especially regarding the inherent risks of loss-making and reinvestment for growth.

FashionValet Fallout: Are GLICs Fit For Startup Investing?

A total of RM20 million has been allocated for the development of the e-sports ecosystem under the Budget 2025 and RM10 million from that total amount will be used for constructing a new e-sports stadium. But, is this a step in the right direction for Malaysia's e-sports industry?



In today's episode of Enterprise Explores, we explore how the proposed initiatives in the Budget 2025 support and promote the growth of Malaysia's e-sports industry, what else is the allocated funds going to be used for and whether it addresses the current gaps in the industry at ground-level like talent finding, sponsorships and mentorships, training programs and much more.



We speak with Mohd Syazwan bin Mohd Hanafie, Sports Manager at National Sports Council of Malaysia & Tiffani Lim, Athletes Committee Chairperson at International E-sports Federation (IESF) and also Malaysia's women's e-sports team manager.


Image Credits: Shutterstock

A total of RM20 million has been allocated for the development of the e-sports ecosystem under the Budget 2025 and RM10 million from that total amount will be used for constructing a new e-sports stadium. But, is this a step in the right direction for Malaysia's e-sports industry?In today's episode of Enterprise Explores, we explore how the proposed initiatives in the Budget 2025 support and promote the growth of Malaysia's e-sports industry, what else is the allocated funds going to be used for and whether it addresses the current gaps in the industry at ground-level like talent finding, sponsorships and mentorships, training programs and much more.We speak with Mohd Syazwan bin Mohd Hanafie, Sports Manager at National Sports Council of Malaysia &amp; Tiffani Lim, Athletes Committee Chairperson at International E-sports Federation (IESF) and also Malaysia's women's e-sports team manager. Image Credits: Shutterstock

Malaysia’s Esports Future: Budget Boost or Missed Opportunity?

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

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

3,574 clip(s)