Does Malaysia really need another regulated crypto exchange? We explore that very question as we dive into the journey of HATA, Malaysia's latest digital asset exchange platform, with David Low, Co-Founder and CEO of HATA.



Founded in 2023, HATA is Malaysia’s 5th licensed Digital Asset Exchange (DAX) and the first to receive full approval from the Securities Commission (SC) since the regulator reopened DAX licence applications in November 2022.



David is no stranger to the crypto space having previously been the General Manager of Luno’s Asia Pacific operations. He was with Luno for 5 years as the crypto player scaled its regional business.



Together, we discuss what sets HATA apart in a competitive market, the challenges of navigating regulatory compliance, and the strategies HATA is employing to capture market share and drive growth.



Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast, investor, fellow entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of digital assets in Malaysia, this conversation provides interesting insights into the dynamic world of Digital Asset Exchanges in Malaysia.

Does Malaysia really need another regulated crypto exchange? We explore that very question as we dive into the journey of HATA, Malaysia's latest digital asset exchange platform, with David Low, Co-Founder and CEO of HATA.Founded in 2023, HATA is Malaysia’s 5th licensed Digital Asset Exchange (DAX) and the first to receive full approval from the Securities Commission (SC) since the regulator reopened DAX licence applications in November 2022.David is no stranger to the crypto space having previously been the General Manager of Luno’s Asia Pacific operations. He was with Luno for 5 years as the crypto player scaled its regional business.Together, we discuss what sets HATA apart in a competitive market, the challenges of navigating regulatory compliance, and the strategies HATA is employing to capture market share and drive growth.Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast, investor, fellow entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of digital assets in Malaysia, this conversation provides interesting insights into the dynamic world of Digital Asset Exchanges in Malaysia.

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.

HATA Enters the Crypto Chat: Why Luno’s Ex-GM Launched His Own Exchange

Founded in 2015, IGL Coatings develops and manufactures surface protection solutions, particularly known for its low and zero Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) ceramic coatings.



In the last 9 years, it has expanded its presence to over 50 countries and aims to offer high-performance, eco-friendly functional coatings for automotive, marine, aviation, and industrial applications.


With a stated commitment to sustainability, IGL Coatings has developed products that it says not only perform exceptionally but also contribute to reducing environmental impact. Their recent strategic alliance with CommerceDotAsia Ventures and recognition by the Financial Times as one of Malaysia’s high-growth manufacturing companies highlight their continued success and ambition.


The company was recently shortlisted as one of the 8 companies for Cohort 5 of the Scale Up by Endeavor, a program that works with early-stage, high-potential entrepreneurs.


Today, we explore Keong’s entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced, and what lies ahead for IGL Coatings as they continue to push ahead.

Founded in 2015, IGL Coatings develops and manufactures surface protection solutions, particularly known for its low and zero Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) ceramic coatings.In the last 9 years, it has expanded its presence to over 50 countries and aims to offer high-performance, eco-friendly functional coatings for automotive, marine, aviation, and industrial applications. With a stated commitment to sustainability, IGL Coatings has developed products that it says not only perform exceptionally but also contribute to reducing environmental impact. Their recent strategic alliance with CommerceDotAsia Ventures and recognition by the Financial Times as one of Malaysia’s high-growth manufacturing companies highlight their continued success and ambition. The company was recently shortlisted as one of the 8 companies for Cohort 5 of the Scale Up by Endeavor, a program that works with early-stage, high-potential entrepreneurs. Today, we explore Keong’s entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced, and what lies ahead for IGL Coatings as they continue to push ahead.

From RM20K to Millions: How This Engineer-Turned-Entrepreneur Built IGL Coatings

Supply chains and warehouses are the lifeblood of any high-volume business, yet many still operate with outdated methods. In today’s competitive environment, where margins are slim and every advantage counts, this could be a costly mistake.



In this episode of Open For Business, we explore how Hatio, a provider of omnichannel fulfillment services and technology, is revolutionizing the supply chain industry in Southeast Asia. Founded in 2012 as HatioLab in South Korea, Hatio expanded to Malaysia in 2019 under the leadership of co-founders Zhen Cui and Bernard Hor. Their mission? To transform traditional warehouses into smart, efficient operations that can thrive in today’s fast-paced market.



We delve into Hatio’s journey, examining how they’re helping businesses like POS Malaysia and Spritzer embrace digital transformation, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the strategies they’re using to drive growth in a highly competitive landscape.

Supply chains and warehouses are the lifeblood of any high-volume business, yet many still operate with outdated methods. In today’s competitive environment, where margins are slim and every advantage counts, this could be a costly mistake.In this episode of Open For Business, we explore how Hatio, a provider of omnichannel fulfillment services and technology, is revolutionizing the supply chain industry in Southeast Asia. Founded in 2012 as HatioLab in South Korea, Hatio expanded to Malaysia in 2019 under the leadership of co-founders Zhen Cui and Bernard Hor. Their mission? To transform traditional warehouses into smart, efficient operations that can thrive in today’s fast-paced market.We delve into Hatio’s journey, examining how they’re helping businesses like POS Malaysia and Spritzer embrace digital transformation, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the strategies they’re using to drive growth in a highly competitive landscape.

Revolutionising Warehouses: How Hatio is Redefining Supply Chain Efficiency

On August 21st, BFM hosted the Enterprise Breakaway: From Farm to Franchise event, where industry experts and seasoned F&B operators explored the critical elements required to build a successful and lasting F&B business in Malaysia.

In the panel session titled "Start, Survive, and Thrive," BFM spoke with Patrick Sim, Managing Director of Secret Recipe, and Jessica Lee, Co-Founder and COO of Pop Meals. Both shared their unique perspectives on managing and scaling F&B businesses, emphasising the importance of data-driven decision-making and operational simplicity in achieving long-term success.



Patrick discussed the challenges of sustaining and growing Secret Recipe, a brand that has been around for 27 years. He delved into the importance of maintaining a strong brand identity, the need for continuous investment in innovation, and the strategic decisions that have enabled Secret Recipe to thrive in a highly competitive market.

Jessica offered insights into how Pop Meals, formerly known as DahMakan, transitioned from a cloud kitchen model to a physical store presence. She highlighted how integrating technology and leveraging data have been crucial in refining their product offerings and enhancing customer experience. Jessica also shared the lessons learned from pivoting the business model and the value of staying attuned to customer feedback to drive growth and brand loyalty.



Key topics covered:

- The role of data-driven decision-making in scaling F&B businesses

- Strategies for maintaining brand consistency and customer loyalty

- The transition from a cloud kitchen model to physical stores

- The importance of operational simplicity in managing F&B operations

- Lessons learned from scaling a legacy brand like Secret Recipe

- How Pop Meals leverages technology to innovate and stay competitive

- Long-term growth strategies for F&B businesses in a dynamic market



Whether you’re a seasoned F&B operator or an entrepreneur looking to break into the industry, this episode provides invaluable insights into the strategies and mindset required to build a successful and sustainable F&B brand.

Tune in to hear how Patrick and Jessica are navigating the complexities of the F&B industry and what it takes to not just survive, but thrive.

On August 21st, BFM hosted the Enterprise Breakaway: From Farm to Franchise event, where industry experts and seasoned F&amp;B operators explored the critical elements required to build a successful and lasting F&amp;B business in Malaysia.In the panel session titled "Start, Survive, and Thrive," BFM spoke with Patrick Sim, Managing Director of Secret Recipe, and Jessica Lee, Co-Founder and COO of Pop Meals. Both shared their unique perspectives on managing and scaling F&amp;B businesses, emphasising the importance of data-driven decision-making and operational simplicity in achieving long-term success.Patrick discussed the challenges of sustaining and growing Secret Recipe, a brand that has been around for 27 years. He delved into the importance of maintaining a strong brand identity, the need for continuous investment in innovation, and the strategic decisions that have enabled Secret Recipe to thrive in a highly competitive market.Jessica offered insights into how Pop Meals, formerly known as DahMakan, transitioned from a cloud kitchen model to a physical store presence. She highlighted how integrating technology and leveraging data have been crucial in refining their product offerings and enhancing customer experience. Jessica also shared the lessons learned from pivoting the business model and the value of staying attuned to customer feedback to drive growth and brand loyalty.Key topics covered:- The role of data-driven decision-making in scaling F&amp;B businesses- Strategies for maintaining brand consistency and customer loyalty- The transition from a cloud kitchen model to physical stores- The importance of operational simplicity in managing F&amp;B operations- Lessons learned from scaling a legacy brand like Secret Recipe- How Pop Meals leverages technology to innovate and stay competitive- Long-term growth strategies for F&amp;B businesses in a dynamic marketWhether you’re a seasoned F&amp;B operator or an entrepreneur looking to break into the industry, this episode provides invaluable insights into the strategies and mindset required to build a successful and sustainable F&amp;B brand.Tune in to hear how Patrick and Jessica are navigating the complexities of the F&amp;B industry and what it takes to not just survive, but thrive.

HATA Enters the Crypto Chat: Why Luno’s Ex-GM Launched His Own Exchange

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