Today, we speak with Sharma Lachu, Founder & CEO of Accendo Technologies. They’re a talent intelligence platform that integrates with core HRMS solutions that allow organisations to understand their talent’s potential roles and career paths, identify their risks, conceptualise strategies, assess role fit, and create development plans linked to their career growth.



Formerly known as Arcane Solutions, the company was rebranded to Accendo Technologies back in 2013 with a particular focus on talent development and upskilling using technology and AI-driven innovations.



In 2019, Accendo was included in the Deloitte Fast 500 Asia Pacific Technology list, being one of only 8 companies in SE Asia that made it to Deloitte’s annual ranking of the fastest-growing Asia Pacific companies in the hardware, software, communications, media, life sciences and clean technology industries.



Earlier this year, the business raised funding rounds from OSK Ventures International and The Hive Southeast Asia with global expansion in mind.



Along the course of the conversation, Sharma will be giving us a better sense of the early days at Accendo Technologies and what drove their rapid growth as well as the vision for the company moving forward.

Today, we speak with Sharma Lachu, Founder &amp; CEO of Accendo Technologies. They’re a talent intelligence platform that integrates with core HRMS solutions that allow organisations to understand their talent’s potential roles and career paths, identify their risks, conceptualise strategies, assess role fit, and create development plans linked to their career growth.Formerly known as Arcane Solutions, the company was rebranded to Accendo Technologies back in 2013 with a particular focus on talent development and upskilling using technology and AI-driven innovations.In 2019, Accendo was included in the Deloitte Fast 500 Asia Pacific Technology list, being one of only 8 companies in SE Asia that made it to Deloitte’s annual ranking of the fastest-growing Asia Pacific companies in the hardware, software, communications, media, life sciences and clean technology industries.Earlier this year, the business raised funding rounds from OSK Ventures International and The Hive Southeast Asia with global expansion in mind.Along the course of the conversation, Sharma will be giving us a better sense of the early days at Accendo Technologies and what drove their rapid growth as well as the vision for the company moving forward.

The flagship entrepreneurship show on BFM, featuring personal business stories from early stage start-ups, all the way to billionaire octogenarians in Malaysia and abroad. Notable guests include Martin Cooper (father of the mobile phone), Julian Assange (founder of WikiLeaks), Ralph Henry Baer (father of video games), Tony Buzan (Mindmap Guru), Isaac Tigrett (Hard Rock Cafe founder), Robert Kiyosaki (Financial Guru), Nick Vujicic (motivational speaker) and more. Tap into this valuable resource of shared experiences for the SME industry, which also touches on news, issues and trends affecting the business community and beyond.

Open For Business

Discover fresh concepts, tackle obstacles, and unleash growth - Open For Business is the dynamic show where BFM engages with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and industry trailblazers, igniting inspiration, sparking success, and exploring new business models.

From Arcane to Accendo: The Evolution of A Talent Intelligence Powerhouse

From cabin crew to automotive CEO. In this episode of Open For Business, we dive into the remarkable journey of Feytech Holdings, a Malaysian automotive accessories manufacturer that has grown from producing small-scale leather seat covers to supplying complete car seats for global OEMs.



CEO Connie Goh, who took the company public earlier this year with a successful RM114 million IPO on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market,  joins us to share how this family business has transformed over the last 20 years into a vertically integrated, one-stop solution for automotive interiors.



Connie has been nominated for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Malaysia Awards in the Woman Entrepreneur category.

Key insights include:

- Feytech’s Evolution: From a replacement equipment manufacturer to a Tier 1 OEM supplier with full car seat manufacturing capabilities.

- Vertical Integration: As the only Malaysian automotive supplier offering both seat covers and car seats, Feytech stands out in cost efficiency and convenience.

- Growth Strategy Post-IPO: How IPO proceeds will fund expansion, a new corporate office, potential M&A, and market entry into Malaysia’s central region.

- Competitive Advantage: The unique benefits of vertical integration, cost control, and quality standards that attract OEM partnerships, particularly for CKD projects.

- Connie’s Path to Leadership: From 15 years as a cabin crew member to CEO, using skills from aviation to drive Feytech’s business.

- Navigating Public Company Challenges: Adapting corporate governance and transparency for public markets, with advice for entrepreneurs considering IPOs.

- Future Expansion: Ambitions to diversify into additional automotive parts, secure new OEM projects, and maintain profitability in a competitive landscape.

- Women in Leadership: Connie’s perspective on breaking gender stereotypes in manufacturing and her hopes for a future with fewer industry barriers.

From cabin crew to automotive CEO. In this episode of Open For Business, we dive into the remarkable journey of Feytech Holdings, a Malaysian automotive accessories manufacturer that has grown from producing small-scale leather seat covers to supplying complete car seats for global OEMs.CEO Connie Goh, who took the company public earlier this year with a successful RM114 million IPO on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market, joins us to share how this family business has transformed over the last 20 years into a vertically integrated, one-stop solution for automotive interiors.Connie has been nominated for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Malaysia Awards in the Woman Entrepreneur category.Key insights include:- Feytech’s Evolution: From a replacement equipment manufacturer to a Tier 1 OEM supplier with full car seat manufacturing capabilities.- Vertical Integration: As the only Malaysian automotive supplier offering both seat covers and car seats, Feytech stands out in cost efficiency and convenience.- Growth Strategy Post-IPO: How IPO proceeds will fund expansion, a new corporate office, potential M&amp;A, and market entry into Malaysia’s central region.- Competitive Advantage: The unique benefits of vertical integration, cost control, and quality standards that attract OEM partnerships, particularly for CKD projects.- Connie’s Path to Leadership: From 15 years as a cabin crew member to CEO, using skills from aviation to drive Feytech’s business.- Navigating Public Company Challenges: Adapting corporate governance and transparency for public markets, with advice for entrepreneurs considering IPOs.- Future Expansion: Ambitions to diversify into additional automotive parts, secure new OEM projects, and maintain profitability in a competitive landscape.- Women in Leadership: Connie’s perspective on breaking gender stereotypes in manufacturing and her hopes for a future with fewer industry barriers.

From Family Business to Industry Leader: Feytech’s 22 Years

Can a hot dog be more than simple franchised fast food here in Malaysia? In this episode of Open For Business, we explore the journey of Sausage Sizzle, a homegrown Malaysian brand on a mission to elevate the humble hot dog into a premium dining experience. Co-Founder Nazri Adam shares how Sausage Sizzle grew from a single stall into a recognized brand, with aspirations to expand through both food trucks and potentially fully-fledged outlets.



Nazri discusses the brand’s evolution from event-based sales to multiple licensed locations, followed by a strategic shift to a streamlined model focused on quality and customer experience. Key insights include:


Origins and Vision: How Sausage Sizzle was founded in 2019 to bring locally sourced, quality sausages to Malaysian street food culture, aiming to elevate the humble hot dog into a gourmet experience.


Growth and Challenges: The journey from a single outlet to multiple locations and events, and the pivotal challenges faced, including the impact of COVID-19 and adapting to customer preferences.


Shift in Strategy: Insights into Sausage Sizzle’s recent shift from licensing 18 outlets to a streamlined, owned-and-operated model, with a focus on quality control and customer experience.


Product Innovation and Simplified Menu: The transition from customizable hot dogs to a curated menu, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and providing a consistent customer experience.


Balancing Quality with Affordability: Challenges and strategies around offering premium ingredients in a cost-competitive market and ensuring profitability as they scale up.


The Role of a Food Truck as an R&D Hub: How their food truck acts as a testing ground for new products and marketing strategies, enabling agile adaptations to customer feedback and market demands.


Future Ambitions and Expansion Plans: Sausage Sizzle’s goal to expand with owned outlets and potentially a full sit-down restaurant, while building a stronger brand presence in Malaysia’s premium street food scene.

Can a hot dog be more than simple franchised fast food here in Malaysia? In this episode of Open For Business, we explore the journey of Sausage Sizzle, a homegrown Malaysian brand on a mission to elevate the humble hot dog into a premium dining experience. Co-Founder Nazri Adam shares how Sausage Sizzle grew from a single stall into a recognized brand, with aspirations to expand through both food trucks and potentially fully-fledged outlets.Nazri discusses the brand’s evolution from event-based sales to multiple licensed locations, followed by a strategic shift to a streamlined model focused on quality and customer experience. Key insights include: Origins and Vision: How Sausage Sizzle was founded in 2019 to bring locally sourced, quality sausages to Malaysian street food culture, aiming to elevate the humble hot dog into a gourmet experience. Growth and Challenges: The journey from a single outlet to multiple locations and events, and the pivotal challenges faced, including the impact of COVID-19 and adapting to customer preferences. Shift in Strategy: Insights into Sausage Sizzle’s recent shift from licensing 18 outlets to a streamlined, owned-and-operated model, with a focus on quality control and customer experience. Product Innovation and Simplified Menu: The transition from customizable hot dogs to a curated menu, aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and providing a consistent customer experience. Balancing Quality with Affordability: Challenges and strategies around offering premium ingredients in a cost-competitive market and ensuring profitability as they scale up. The Role of a Food Truck as an R&amp;D Hub: How their food truck acts as a testing ground for new products and marketing strategies, enabling agile adaptations to customer feedback and market demands. Future Ambitions and Expansion Plans: Sausage Sizzle’s goal to expand with owned outlets and potentially a full sit-down restaurant, while building a stronger brand presence in Malaysia’s premium street food scene.

The Shake Shack of Hot Dogs? Sausage Sizzle’s Elevated Vision

From car mats to a regional brand on track to hit RM100 million in annual revenue, in this episode of Open For Business, we explore the journey of Malaysian brand Trapo with Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, Tzong Lee and Zare Lee, and how these self-identified ‘accidental entrepreneurs’ built this automotive accessories brand. 



Founded in 2016 with a focus on eco-friendly car mats, Trapo has since expanded into a wide range of car accessories, now operating 25 outlets across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. Tzong and Zare share insights into Trapo’s evolution, overcoming the challenges of scaling in a competitive market, and their vision for sustainable growth.

They reveal strategies for differentiating Trapo, their approach to product innovation, and how they’re navigating the demands of a crowded industry. We also discuss Trapo’s future, from potential IPO ambitions to further regional expansion.



Additionally, Tzong and Zare have been nominated for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Malaysia awards in the Emerging Entrepreneur category—a distinction previously awarded to brands like ZUS Coffee, Empire Sushi, and financing platform Capbay.



Tune in to discover how Trapo aims to make its mark as the “Apple of Car Accessories” across Southeast Asia.

From car mats to a regional brand on track to hit RM100 million in annual revenue, in this episode of Open For Business, we explore the journey of Malaysian brand Trapo with Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, Tzong Lee and Zare Lee, and how these self-identified ‘accidental entrepreneurs’ built this automotive accessories brand. Founded in 2016 with a focus on eco-friendly car mats, Trapo has since expanded into a wide range of car accessories, now operating 25 outlets across Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. Tzong and Zare share insights into Trapo’s evolution, overcoming the challenges of scaling in a competitive market, and their vision for sustainable growth.They reveal strategies for differentiating Trapo, their approach to product innovation, and how they’re navigating the demands of a crowded industry. We also discuss Trapo’s future, from potential IPO ambitions to further regional expansion.Additionally, Tzong and Zare have been nominated for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Malaysia awards in the Emerging Entrepreneur category—a distinction previously awarded to brands like ZUS Coffee, Empire Sushi, and financing platform Capbay.Tune in to discover how Trapo aims to make its mark as the “Apple of Car Accessories” across Southeast Asia.

From Arcane to Accendo: The Evolution of A Talent Intelligence Powerhouse

In 1 playlist(s)

Open For Business

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips