Internal Audit’s New Groove? From Policeman to Partner

In an era of interconnected "poly-crises". from geopolitical tensions to cybersecurity threats and climate risks, how can organisations build true resilience? The answer may lie in redefining the role of a traditionally overlooked function: internal audit. Derek Lee, Vice President of The Instit…

Why & When M&A Deals Destroy Value (& How to Avoid It)

Mergers and acquisitions often grab headlines with promises of synergy and growth. But the reality is that many M&A deals fail, not only failing to create value but actively destroying it. So what separates a successful corporate marriage from a costly divorce? Ng Zhu Hann, CEO of Tradeview Capi…

Parking vs Progress: The EV Parking Debate

Malaysia is shifting gears in its electric vehicle journey. Cities like Petaling Jaya are racing ahead with  plans to install 1,000 EV chargers by 2030, with the first 100 already in place. But not everyone is cheering. In Taman Tun Dr Ismail, residents have raised concerns that newly installed c…

Is Malaysia Ready To Accommodate Digital Nomads?

Southeast Asia has become ground zero for the digital nomad movement, with hotspots like Bali and Bangkok leading the way. But is Malaysia keeping up? From the rollout of digital nomad visas to a growing network of co-working spaces, the pieces are starting to fall into place. Still, questions rema…

Are Central Banks (Inadvertently) Causing Economic Crises?

Central banks globally are tasked with maintaining price stability, typically by managing interest rates. But what if this entire approach is fundamentally flawed and the source of the very economic instability it's meant to prevent? Economist Dr. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Ed…

Can Old Towns Survive the New Economy?

Urban revitalisation is sweeping across Malaysian cities, with PJ Old Town as a focal point. But can efforts to modernise historic areas uplift communities without displacing them? Urban planner Mustapha Kamal joins us to discuss the economic logic behind revitalisation, the risks of gentrification…

Beyond Bitcoin: How Stablecoins Bridge Crypto & Real Money

Stablecoins are being positioned as the critical bridge between traditional finance and the world of blockchain, with the potential to transform how businesses move money and raise capital. But as Malaysia explores this new frontier through regulatory sandboxes, what are stablecoins really, and wha…

E-commerce 3.0: 4 Trends Defining This New Era

Southeast Asia's e-commerce landscape is entering a new era. The 'land grab' phase of rapid growth is over, replaced by "E-commerce 3.0", a new game focused on profitability, sustainability, and platform dominance, where giants like Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Lazada now control 84% of the market. …

Know Your Workforce: The Key to Doing More with Less?

Nearly half of Malaysian businesses are optimistic about growth in 2025, yet most are not planning to significantly increase their headcount. This "do more with less" approach is redefining workforce strategy, forcing leaders to focus on productivity, technology, and retaining top-tier talent in a …

AI, Mass Job Loss & UBI? Why Education Needs an Overhaul

The common narrative is that AI, like the internet before it, will ultimately create more jobs than it destroys. But what if that comparison is a dangerous delusion? Our guest today argues that AI is a fundamentally different force, a productivity tool designed to replace jobs on an unprecedented s…