In recent years, Malaysia's digital economy has undergone a remarkable transformation, fundamentally reshaping how consumers interact with businesses and services. The travel sector, in particular, has seen significant shifts, with online transactions becoming an integral part of daily life. This rapid digitalisation, accelerated by the pandemic a few years ago, has changed consumer behaviour and driven substantial economic value through digital platform business models.


Amidst this progressively developing landscape, online bus ticketing platform, redBus, has emerged as one of the forerunners in the travel industry. Established in India in 2006 and now operating in Malaysia since 2015, as well as in multiple countries, redBus leverages technology to offer seamless and personalised travel experiences. By harnessing the power of generative AI, redBus optimises operations and enhances customer satisfaction, empowering both travel operators and end consumers.


Today, we speak with Krishnan Ramaswami, the Chief Business Officer for International Business at redBus, on how the company is navigating Malaysia's dynamic digital economy, its growth journey, and future technological adoption.

In recent years, Malaysia's digital economy has undergone a remarkable transformation, fundamentally reshaping how consumers interact with businesses and services. The travel sector, in particular, has seen significant shifts, with online transactions becoming an integral part of daily life. This rapid digitalisation, accelerated by the pandemic a few years ago, has changed consumer behaviour and driven substantial economic value through digital platform business models. Amidst this progressively developing landscape, online bus ticketing platform, redBus, has emerged as one of the forerunners in the travel industry. Established in India in 2006 and now operating in Malaysia since 2015, as well as in multiple countries, redBus leverages technology to offer seamless and personalised travel experiences. By harnessing the power of generative AI, redBus optimises operations and enhances customer satisfaction, empowering both travel operators and end consumers. Today, we speak with Krishnan Ramaswami, the Chief Business Officer for International Business at redBus, on how the company is navigating Malaysia's dynamic digital economy, its growth journey, and future technological adoption.

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.

redBus Maps Malaysia’s Future Travel Routes

From personal branding to professional empowerment, Ranukka Singham, Founder and Managing Director, Image Revamp, has built a niche in helping individuals and organisations refine their presence and elevate their influence. Starting as a side hustle in 2017, ImageRevamp has grown into a professional branding consultancy and training provider, with frameworks and customized programs that cater to individual and corporate clients.



Breaking new ground in 2023, ImageRevamp surpassed seven figures in revenue, achieving 80% year-on-year growth. Leveraging a unique branding framework that spans seven pillars—from appearance to growth—the business is scaling with a team of 30 trainers and expanding its footprint into regional markets like Singapore, Brunei, and beyond.



In this episode of Open for Business, we explore ImageRevamp’s journey from side hustle to 7 figure business, its approach to scaling, and how it’s carving out a unique space in the competitive world of professional training.



Key Highlights from the Conversation

- Origins: Ranukka’s career pivot from corporate training to launching ImageRevamp as a side hustle, eventually scaling it into a full-time business.

- Framework: The evolution of ImageRevamp’s branding framework from four pillars (ABCD) to seven, incorporating emotional wellbeing, financial literacy, and growth.

- COVID Pivot: How the pandemic accelerated ImageRevamp’s digital transformation, enabling global reach in markets like India, Uganda, and Southeast Asia.

- Scaling Strategy: Transitioning from a solopreneur to managing a team of 30 trainers, while maintaining the personalized touch ImageRevamp is known for.

- Market Positioning: Leveraging LinkedIn visibility, corporate expertise, and a niche focus on professional branding to stand out in a saturated training industry.

- Key Milestones: Surpassing seven figures in revenue with 80% year-on-year growth in 2023, marking the company’s strongest performance to date.

- Regional Expansion: Plans to grow its presence in Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines, offering trainers international exposure and elevating ImageRevamp’s regional influence.

- Long-Term Vision: Empowering organisations and individuals while expanding the company’s footprint, with a focus on continuous innovation and relevance in an evolving professional landscape.

From personal branding to professional empowerment, Ranukka Singham, Founder and Managing Director, Image Revamp, has built a niche in helping individuals and organisations refine their presence and elevate their influence. Starting as a side hustle in 2017, ImageRevamp has grown into a professional branding consultancy and training provider, with frameworks and customized programs that cater to individual and corporate clients.Breaking new ground in 2023, ImageRevamp surpassed seven figures in revenue, achieving 80% year-on-year growth. Leveraging a unique branding framework that spans seven pillars—from appearance to growth—the business is scaling with a team of 30 trainers and expanding its footprint into regional markets like Singapore, Brunei, and beyond.In this episode of Open for Business, we explore ImageRevamp’s journey from side hustle to 7 figure business, its approach to scaling, and how it’s carving out a unique space in the competitive world of professional training.Key Highlights from the Conversation- Origins: Ranukka’s career pivot from corporate training to launching ImageRevamp as a side hustle, eventually scaling it into a full-time business.- Framework: The evolution of ImageRevamp’s branding framework from four pillars (ABCD) to seven, incorporating emotional wellbeing, financial literacy, and growth.- COVID Pivot: How the pandemic accelerated ImageRevamp’s digital transformation, enabling global reach in markets like India, Uganda, and Southeast Asia.- Scaling Strategy: Transitioning from a solopreneur to managing a team of 30 trainers, while maintaining the personalized touch ImageRevamp is known for.- Market Positioning: Leveraging LinkedIn visibility, corporate expertise, and a niche focus on professional branding to stand out in a saturated training industry.- Key Milestones: Surpassing seven figures in revenue with 80% year-on-year growth in 2023, marking the company’s strongest performance to date.- Regional Expansion: Plans to grow its presence in Singapore, Brunei, and the Philippines, offering trainers international exposure and elevating ImageRevamp’s regional influence.- Long-Term Vision: Empowering organisations and individuals while expanding the company’s footprint, with a focus on continuous innovation and relevance in an evolving professional landscape.

Why This Founder Quit Corporate & Built a 7-Figure Business

We speak with Arieni Ritzal, founder of Gula Cakery, a homegrown bakery that has grown from humble beginnings into a beloved name with multiple outlets across the Klang Valley. Arieni shares her journey from baking with her grandmother’s recipe book to honing her craft in Paris and eventually building a thriving business despite the odds.



We’ll explore the challenges of running a bakery, how Gula Cakery continues to stand out with over 55 varieties of freshly baked goods daily, and the importance of family and perseverance in Arieni’s journey. 

We speak with Arieni Ritzal, founder of Gula Cakery, a homegrown bakery that has grown from humble beginnings into a beloved name with multiple outlets across the Klang Valley. Arieni shares her journey from baking with her grandmother’s recipe book to honing her craft in Paris and eventually building a thriving business despite the odds.We’ll explore the challenges of running a bakery, how Gula Cakery continues to stand out with over 55 varieties of freshly baked goods daily, and the importance of family and perseverance in Arieni’s journey.

Baking Dreams Into Reality

 “F&B isn’t easy,” but Edwin Chan YOLOed into it with just RM5,000, a KitchenAid, and his parents’ kitchen.



Ten years ago, Chef and Founder of Elevete Patisserie, Edwin Chan, left his full-time kitchen job to pursue his passion as a home baker. What started as a small homebaking venture has since evolved into a multimillion-ringgit business, focusing on supplying cafes and businesses while maintaining a Direct-To-Consumer presence exclusively online (unless you know Edwin personally!).



Known for blending French pastry techniques with Malaysian flavors, Elevete has grown into a 30-person team, securing retail spots in AEON and IKEA Singapore along the way.



In this episode of Open For Business, we explore Edwin’s journey from a humble home bakery to a full-fledged baking facility, the challenges of scaling while preserving artisanal quality (if even possible), and how Elevete sees the path ahead in such a competitive market.

“F&amp;B isn’t easy,” but Edwin Chan YOLOed into it with just RM5,000, a KitchenAid, and his parents’ kitchen.Ten years ago, Chef and Founder of Elevete Patisserie, Edwin Chan, left his full-time kitchen job to pursue his passion as a home baker. What started as a small homebaking venture has since evolved into a multimillion-ringgit business, focusing on supplying cafes and businesses while maintaining a Direct-To-Consumer presence exclusively online (unless you know Edwin personally!).Known for blending French pastry techniques with Malaysian flavors, Elevete has grown into a 30-person team, securing retail spots in AEON and IKEA Singapore along the way.In this episode of Open For Business, we explore Edwin’s journey from a humble home bakery to a full-fledged baking facility, the challenges of scaling while preserving artisanal quality (if even possible), and how Elevete sees the path ahead in such a competitive market.

redBus Maps Malaysia’s Future Travel Routes

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