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Enterprise Explores

BFM Media

Helping you navigate the ever-changing universe of business, from headlines to the bottom line

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33:05

The Durian Gold Rush: Cashing In on a Tourism Boom

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/07/16

The king of fruits is now fueling a tourism boom in Malaysia, with durian-themed packages and farm tours drawing in thousands of visitors. But behind the hype of all-you-can-eat buffets, what are the real opportunities and challenges for the businesses on the ground?Eugene Ng, a durian entrepreneur and founder of Durian Pintar Malaysia, joins us to discuss the thorny business behind the trend. He shares his dual perspective as both a farm owner and a direct-to-consumer seller, his model for giving

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29:01

Tariffs, Taxes & Rising Costs: SMEs Now In Survival Mode

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/07/15

Starting August 1st, a new 25% US tariff on Malaysian goods threatens to hit exporters and their supply chains hard. But this is just the latest in a string of compounding cost pressures, from rising electricity tariffs to SST hikes, that are pushing many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) into survival mode.Datuk William Ng, National President of Small and Medium Enterprises Association Malaysia (SAMENTA), joins us to break down the real-world impact of these challenges. He explains why SMEs are

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39:42

Is Malaysia's Data Centre Dominance in Jeopardy?

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/07/14

Malaysia has solidified its position as a dominant hub for data centres in Southeast Asia, attracting massive investments from global tech giants. But with newly announced power tariffs set to increase costs for large-scale operators, is that dominance now in jeopardy?Alexander Kheder, TMT Analyst at BMI, joins us to analyse how these new tariffs could prompt a "gradual diversion of investments" to peer markets like Indonesia and Thailand. He discusses the critical power challenges facing the

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38:43

Trump's 25% Tariff on Malaysia: How Bad & What Now?

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/07/13

With the US announcing 25% tariff on Malaysian goods, businesses are bracing for a potential economic slowdown. This "tariff tangle" has already prompted a downgrade in Malaysia's 2025 GDP growth forecast, creating significant uncertainty for exporters and policymakers alike. So what is the real impact, and what is the best strategy forward?Firdaos Rosli, Chief Economist at AmBank Group, joins us to dissect the implications of these new trade barriers. He explains which sectors are most at risk, how

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32:16

Internal Audit’s New Groove? From Policeman to Partner

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/07/10

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 Institute of Internal Auditors Malaysia, joins us to explain why the role must evolve from a reactive "policeman" focused on past compliance to a proactive, forward-looking strategic advisor. He discusses Malaysia's

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35:40

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

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/07/09

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 Capital, joins us to dissect the art and perils of M&A. He pulls back the curtain on the real motivations behind deals, the critical importance of cultural alignment over simple business synergy, and the

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29:09

Parking vs Progress: The EV Parking Debate

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/07/08

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 chargers are eating into precious public parking space, highlighting a tension many urban areas face: how do you balance the needs of today’s communities with the demands of a cleaner, greener tomorrow?We speak

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20:59

Is Malaysia Ready To Accommodate Digital Nomads?

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/07/07

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 remain about whether the country is ready to compete with its neighbours, and what role local startups might play in shaping a remote-first future. Gary Bowerman, Co-Founder at High-Yield Tourism, joins the

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36:17

Are Central Banks (Inadvertently) Causing Economic...

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/07/06

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 Education, joins us to make the case for a radical rethink of modern monetary policy. He argues that by interfering with market forces, central banks create "monetary disorder," leading to distorted investments,

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36:57

Can Old Towns Survive the New Economy?

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/07/03

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, and what it takes to create growth that’s both inclusive and sustainable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

en-US

33:50

Beyond Bitcoin: How Stablecoins Bridge Crypto & Real...

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/07/02

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 what will it take to adopt them safely and effectively?Tech lawyers Ong Johnson and Lo Khai Yi, Partners at Halim Hong & Quek, join us to demystify the world of stablecoins. They break down the different

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35:28

E-commerce 3.0: 4 Trends Defining This New Era

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/07/01

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.Jianggan Li, CEO of Momentum Works, joins us to unpack the key findings from their latest "E-commerce in Southeast Asia 3.0" report. He dissects the major trends reshaping the industry, from the explosion of

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43:11

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

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/06/30

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 challenging economic climate.Rahul Chawla, Head of Talent Solutions for Southeast Asia at Aon, joins us to break down the findings from their latest pulse survey. He discusses why cautious optimism

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33:40

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

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/06/29

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 scale, and the impact is already here.Dr. Sivapalan Vivekarajah, co-founder of ScaleUp Malaysia Accelerator, joins us to deliver a stark warning about the future of work. He explains why he believes

en-US

39:12

Scaling An E-Commerce Platform: When and How?

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/06/25

Building and scaling a responsible e-commerce platform in an environment that’s moving fast and not always clean isn’t always an easy feat. Nur Azre Abdul Aziz, Director of Strategic Partnerships at TikTok Shop Malaysia joins us to explore some of the real challenges the platform is grappling with, the hard lessons, the trade-offs and the growing pains of not only shoppers, but also millions of sellers and creators.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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38:39

Stamp Duty Showdown: What LHDN's Enforcement Means...

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/06/24

The recent debate over stamp duty on employment contracts has left many Malaysian businesses confused and concerned. Following a major policy clarification from the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) on June 6th, what do companies really need to do to ensure compliance, and what comes next as we head towards a full self-assessment regime in 2026?This conversation brings the regulator and an industry advisor to the table for more clarity. Shafudin bin Yacob from LHDN and Soh Lian Seng from KPMG in Malaysia

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42:26

SSM to CoSecs: Your License is on the Line. What Now?

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/06/23

A recent warning from the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) has put company secretaries on high alert. With increased enforcement for non-compliance, the risk of hefty fines and even disqualification is now a serious reality for this often-misunderstood profession. But what does this mean for business owners and directors?This news prompts a crucial conversation that goes far beyond paperwork. Joined by lawyer Sheba Gumis from Skrine and Chartered Accountants SS Gan of SS Gan & Co, we

en-US

41:05

Beyond EPF: Making the Case for a Universal Basic...

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/06/22

Malaysia's EPF system, designed for a different era, is proving insufficient for a future of longer lifespans and flexible work. As millions face retirement insecurity, the conversation must shift from merely fixing the old model to building a new one. But what should that new social safety net look like?Economist Dr. Geoffrey Williams joins us to make the case for a radical solution: a universal, non-contributory, basic pension. He dismantles the "work longer, save more" myth and lays out a

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32:16

Can Malaysian Law Really Protect Your Tech Talent?

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/06/19

When tech giants dangle massive signing bonuses worth hundreds of millions, it’s more than just competition — it’s a global war for talent. And if you're a Malaysian startup, scale-up, or mid-sized tech company, how do you even begin to compete?We dive into the legal and ethical battleground of talent poaching with Ong Johnson and Winn Wong of Halim Hong & Quek. We unpack what businesses can do right now to safeguard their talent from being swept away by global players and whether non-competes

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25:31

Beyond an Aging Crisis: The $946B Silver Economy...

Enterprise Explores ·

2025/06/18

As Malaysia rapidly transforms into an aging nation, what is often viewed as a challenge is emerging as one of the country's biggest economic opportunities: the silver economy. At its heart is AgeTech, technology designed to support the health, independence, and well-being of a growing senior population, with spending power.Alea Nasihin and Sabreena Zahri from the Institute for Capital Market Research (ICMR) join us to unpack their new report on building this ecosystem. They discuss how technology

en-US

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