What must Malaysian policymakers understand to craft a regulatory framework that balances flexibility and the nuances of the gig economy with the need for social protections?



The gig economy has transformed modern work, offering flexibility for gig workers, cost-effective solutions for businesses, and convenience for consumers. However, Malaysia’s long-anticipated Gig Workers Bill could reshape this landscape, with industry players voicing concerns over unintended consequences and lack of engagement in the drafting process.



From defining gig work accurately to balancing flexibility with social protections and emphasising meaningful industry engagement, in this episode of Enterprise Explores, Rashid Shukor, Director of Country Operations and Mobility at Grab Malaysia, and Franchesca Chia, Founder and CEO of GoGet, share their insights on the complexities of regulating gig work.



Here are some key highlights from the conversation:

- Defining Gig Work: The gig economy spans diverse models, from location-based platforms like Grab and GoGet to non-location-based and freelance work. Precise definitions are key to effective regulation.

- Flexibility First: Flexibility is the cornerstone of gig work, and policies must ensure it’s preserved without compromising worker protections.

- Concerns with Current Policies: Both Grab and GoGet emphasised gaps in existing frameworks, such as costly multi-platform contributions and outdated structures like annual payment models.

- Social Protections: Platforms advocate for voluntary, bite-sized contributions for insurance and social protections, ensuring affordability for gig workers with fluctuating incomes.

- Technology as a Solution: Leveraging APIs, digital platforms, and microinsurance models can streamline protections while maintaining operational efficiency.

- Stakeholder Engagement: Both platforms urge policymakers to prioritise dialogue with gig workers, platforms, and other stakeholders to craft effective regulations.

- Global Lessons, Local Leadership: Malaysia has been progressive in gig economy innovations, with initiatives like PERKESO’s SKSPS and EPF integrations, but continuous dialogue is vital to sustain this leadership.

- Future-Proofing the Model: Ensuring any policy accounts for multi-platform work, inclusivity, and evolving employment dynamics is essential for balancing worker welfare, platform sustainability, and consumer affordability.

What must Malaysian policymakers understand to craft a regulatory framework that balances flexibility and the nuances of the gig economy with the need for social protections?The gig economy has transformed modern work, offering flexibility for gig workers, cost-effective solutions for businesses, and convenience for consumers. However, Malaysia’s long-anticipated Gig Workers Bill could reshape this landscape, with industry players voicing concerns over unintended consequences and lack of engagement in the drafting process.From defining gig work accurately to balancing flexibility with social protections and emphasising meaningful industry engagement, in this episode of Enterprise Explores, Rashid Shukor, Director of Country Operations and Mobility at Grab Malaysia, and Franchesca Chia, Founder and CEO of GoGet, share their insights on the complexities of regulating gig work.Here are some key highlights from the conversation:- Defining Gig Work: The gig economy spans diverse models, from location-based platforms like Grab and GoGet to non-location-based and freelance work. Precise definitions are key to effective regulation.- Flexibility First: Flexibility is the cornerstone of gig work, and policies must ensure it’s preserved without compromising worker protections.- Concerns with Current Policies: Both Grab and GoGet emphasised gaps in existing frameworks, such as costly multi-platform contributions and outdated structures like annual payment models.- Social Protections: Platforms advocate for voluntary, bite-sized contributions for insurance and social protections, ensuring affordability for gig workers with fluctuating incomes.- Technology as a Solution: Leveraging APIs, digital platforms, and microinsurance models can streamline protections while maintaining operational efficiency.- Stakeholder Engagement: Both platforms urge policymakers to prioritise dialogue with gig workers, platforms, and other stakeholders to craft effective regulations.- Global Lessons, Local Leadership: Malaysia has been progressive in gig economy innovations, with initiatives like PERKESO’s SKSPS and EPF integrations, but continuous dialogue is vital to sustain this leadership.- Future-Proofing the Model: Ensuring any policy accounts for multi-platform work, inclusivity, and evolving employment dynamics is essential for balancing worker welfare, platform sustainability, and consumer affordability.

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

Regulating Gig Work: Grab & GoGet Weigh In

From political interference to unclear mandates, not all GLCs and GLICs operate on the same level. Some run efficiently under close scrutiny, while others fly under the radar, plagued by inefficiencies and governance issues. This raises a critical question: how can we hold these entities—whether at the state or federal level—to higher standards to improve transparency, accountability, and public trust?



Aira Azhari, Acting CEO of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), shares how targeted reforms can transform GLCs and GLICs into more effective, accountable, and transparent drivers of economic and social progress.



So in this episode of Enterprise Explores, we unpack IDEAS’ five-point framework for reform, which emphasises stronger parliamentary oversight, independent appointments, and clearer mandates to align with Malaysia’s broader economic goals.



Here are some key highlights from the conversation:

- Governance Challenges: Issues like political interference, opaque investment decisions, and lack of accountability hinder GLIC and GLC effectiveness and trust.

- FSBs, Not GLICs: Federal Statutory Bodies (FSBs) are entities established through acts of Parliament, such as EPF and Tabung Haji, to fulfill specific mandates and objectives as per their respective Acts. Unlike GLCs, which are companies incorporated under the Companies Act and often state-owned, FSBs operate under distinct legal mandates outlined in their founding statutes. IDEAS argues that using the term FSBs for organisations like EPF is more accurate.

- IDEAS’ Five-Point Framework: IDEAS proposes reforms focusing on ownership rationale, independent oversight, transparent appointments, and performance monitoring to enhance governance.

- Parliamentary Oversight: Advocating for a stronger role for Parliament in scrutinising annual reports and vetting board appointments while avoiding political meddling in operations and investment decisions.

- Independent Ombudsman: IDEAS recommends establishing an ombudsman to protect whistleblowers and ensure ethical practices within GLCs and GLICs.

- Balancing Roles: Emphasizing the need for GLCs to clearly distinguish between profit-driven objectives and social policy goals to avoid conflicting mandates.

- Future Vision: A call for the Malaysian government to act as an “active and informed owner,” ensuring institutions deliver clear objectives while maintaining professional independence.

- Cultural Shift: Addressing Malaysia’s political culture, which often rewards supporters with appointments, as a long-term goal for sustainable reform.

From political interference to unclear mandates, not all GLCs and GLICs operate on the same level. Some run efficiently under close scrutiny, while others fly under the radar, plagued by inefficiencies and governance issues. This raises a critical question: how can we hold these entities—whether at the state or federal level—to higher standards to improve transparency, accountability, and public trust?Aira Azhari, Acting CEO of the Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), shares how targeted reforms can transform GLCs and GLICs into more effective, accountable, and transparent drivers of economic and social progress. So in this episode of Enterprise Explores, we unpack IDEAS’ five-point framework for reform, which emphasises stronger parliamentary oversight, independent appointments, and clearer mandates to align with Malaysia’s broader economic goals.Here are some key highlights from the conversation:- Governance Challenges: Issues like political interference, opaque investment decisions, and lack of accountability hinder GLIC and GLC effectiveness and trust.- FSBs, Not GLICs: Federal Statutory Bodies (FSBs) are entities established through acts of Parliament, such as EPF and Tabung Haji, to fulfill specific mandates and objectives as per their respective Acts. Unlike GLCs, which are companies incorporated under the Companies Act and often state-owned, FSBs operate under distinct legal mandates outlined in their founding statutes. IDEAS argues that using the term FSBs for organisations like EPF is more accurate.- IDEAS’ Five-Point Framework: IDEAS proposes reforms focusing on ownership rationale, independent oversight, transparent appointments, and performance monitoring to enhance governance.- Parliamentary Oversight: Advocating for a stronger role for Parliament in scrutinising annual reports and vetting board appointments while avoiding political meddling in operations and investment decisions.- Independent Ombudsman: IDEAS recommends establishing an ombudsman to protect whistleblowers and ensure ethical practices within GLCs and GLICs.- Balancing Roles: Emphasizing the need for GLCs to clearly distinguish between profit-driven objectives and social policy goals to avoid conflicting mandates.- Future Vision: A call for the Malaysian government to act as an “active and informed owner,” ensuring institutions deliver clear objectives while maintaining professional independence.- Cultural Shift: Addressing Malaysia’s political culture, which often rewards supporters with appointments, as a long-term goal for sustainable reform.

Reforming GLICs & GLCs: A 5-Point Guide To Better Governance

Who are the 4 most important stakeholders to every business? How can corporations identify problems before they escalate? And what does effective government relations look like today?



In today’s polarised and digital world, corporate reputation and crisis management are more critical than ever. From managing complex government relations to leveraging data-driven stakeholder strategies, Conall McDevitt, President of The Penta Group, sheds light on how businesses can navigate these challenges and turn them into opportunities.



With decades of experience in public affairs, crisis management, and stakeholder solutions, McDevitt emphasises trust as the foundation of reputation and advocates for a 360-degree view of your key stakeholders: staff, investors, regulators, and customers.



In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we discuss how organisations can measure and manage reputation using data, stay ahead of crises, and align with evolving regulatory landscapes.



Here are some key highlights from the conversation:

- Stakeholder Focus: Penta advocates managing relationships with four critical stakeholder groups—employees, customers, regulators, and investors—to build trust and resilience.

- Data-Driven Insights: Learn how organisations can track reputation through metadata analysis, sentiment tracking, and primary research, ensuring issues are addressed before they become crises.

- Reputation & Crisis Management: McDevitt outlines the “Measure, Monitor, Analyze, Track”  framework for identifying early signals of reputational risks.

- Evolving Public Affairs: Government relations are shifting from being relationship-led to research-led, emphasising data to bridge the gap between organizations and policymakers.

- Proactive Advocacy: McDevitt shares examples of grassroots campaigns influencing policy and mitigating regulatory risks, highlighting the importance of understanding unintended consequences.

- Trust Signals: Spotting trust erosion through tools like Glassdoor trends, social media sentiment, and customer feedback is key to reputation management.

- Strategic Leadership: Why large organizations might need a Chief Stakeholder Officer to integrate insights across all stakeholder groups.

Who are the 4 most important stakeholders to every business? How can corporations identify problems before they escalate? And what does effective government relations look like today?In today’s polarised and digital world, corporate reputation and crisis management are more critical than ever. From managing complex government relations to leveraging data-driven stakeholder strategies, Conall McDevitt, President of The Penta Group, sheds light on how businesses can navigate these challenges and turn them into opportunities.With decades of experience in public affairs, crisis management, and stakeholder solutions, McDevitt emphasises trust as the foundation of reputation and advocates for a 360-degree view of your key stakeholders: staff, investors, regulators, and customers.In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we discuss how organisations can measure and manage reputation using data, stay ahead of crises, and align with evolving regulatory landscapes.Here are some key highlights from the conversation:- Stakeholder Focus: Penta advocates managing relationships with four critical stakeholder groups—employees, customers, regulators, and investors—to build trust and resilience.- Data-Driven Insights: Learn how organisations can track reputation through metadata analysis, sentiment tracking, and primary research, ensuring issues are addressed before they become crises.- Reputation &amp; Crisis Management: McDevitt outlines the “Measure, Monitor, Analyze, Track” framework for identifying early signals of reputational risks.- Evolving Public Affairs: Government relations are shifting from being relationship-led to research-led, emphasising data to bridge the gap between organizations and policymakers.- Proactive Advocacy: McDevitt shares examples of grassroots campaigns influencing policy and mitigating regulatory risks, highlighting the importance of understanding unintended consequences.- Trust Signals: Spotting trust erosion through tools like Glassdoor trends, social media sentiment, and customer feedback is key to reputation management.- Strategic Leadership: Why large organizations might need a Chief Stakeholder Officer to integrate insights across all stakeholder groups.

Boycotts, Trust, Reputation: Managing Risks in Uncertain Times

Social media has become very much a part of our daily life, but its impact on children has sparked global concern. Australia recently passed a law banning social media access for users under 16 without parental consent, addressing rising worries over mental health, online safety, and data privacy for minors. While Malaysia hasn’t introduced a similar law, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is making strides to regulate social media for younger users, focusing on age verification for those under 13. These developments reflect a broader global trend of prioritising child safety in the digital space and raise important questions about how governments and platforms can effectively enforce such policies.



In this episode, we discuss these pressing issues with Jillian Chia, Partner and Head of Privacy and Data Protection Practice at Skrine. Together, we explore the implications of stricter age restrictions on social media, the challenges of ensuring compliance without infringing on privacy, and the potential ripple effects of such measures on international regulations. We also look into the delicate balance between safeguarding children and upholding digital rights, as well as the unintended consequences these restrictions might have on digital literacy and online behaviour.

Social media has become very much a part of our daily life, but its impact on children has sparked global concern. Australia recently passed a law banning social media access for users under 16 without parental consent, addressing rising worries over mental health, online safety, and data privacy for minors. While Malaysia hasn’t introduced a similar law, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is making strides to regulate social media for younger users, focusing on age verification for those under 13. These developments reflect a broader global trend of prioritising child safety in the digital space and raise important questions about how governments and platforms can effectively enforce such policies.In this episode, we discuss these pressing issues with Jillian Chia, Partner and Head of Privacy and Data Protection Practice at Skrine. Together, we explore the implications of stricter age restrictions on social media, the challenges of ensuring compliance without infringing on privacy, and the potential ripple effects of such measures on international regulations. We also look into the delicate balance between safeguarding children and upholding digital rights, as well as the unintended consequences these restrictions might have on digital literacy and online behaviour.

Regulating Gig Work: Grab & GoGet Weigh In

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