In this episode, we're joined by Ben Jihad, founder of Jeet Academy, a local martial arts training centre that offers techniques from Krav Maga and Jeet Kune Do to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Western boxing. Jeet Academy prepares individuals of all backgrounds with the skills and confidence to tackle life’s challenges—both figuratively and, as we’ll explore, quite literally.

Ben’s journey from a lawyer in Brussels to a self-defence expert in Malaysia was sparked by a life-changing experience in 2007 and now as an entrepreneur, Ben not only leads Jeet Academy but also consults for industries like filming and has expertise in fight choreography as well as stunt planning.

In our conversation, we dive into Ben’s personal journey, the founding philosophy of Jeet Academy, and what’s next for the academy going forward.

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“I wanted to create something out of nothing”. Starting with a relatively small RM50,000 investment, Leon Goh transformed a small soft-serve mix operation into Gourmet Ingredients, a multi-category manufacturer producing premix powders for beverages, soups, sauces, and more, that’s targeting RM100 million in annual revenue by 2029.

In this episode of Open For Business, we explore how Leon, founder and CEO of Gourmet Ingredients, built this premix powder powerhouse, now supplying F&B outlets nationwide and exporting to five ASEAN countries, as well as his ambitious plans to localise supply chains across ASEAN.

Key insights from the conversation include:

- Leon’s Entrepreneurial Path: From investment analyst to food manufacturing innovator, Leon shares the inspirations and challenges behind his transition to food manufacturing.

- Building from Scratch: Started with RM50,000, a single blender, and small batches for ice cream shops. Overcame early scepticism and barriers by focusing on product quality and consistency.

- Expanding Product Lines: How Gourmet Ingredients pivoted during the pandemic to add new product lines, making beverages a major part of their business.

- Menu Solutions Concept: Leon’s strategic shift toward becoming a “food menu solutions” provider, helping F&B clients with ready-to-use products across appetisers, main courses, beverages, and desserts.

- ASEAN Expansion Strategy: Plans to expand into new ASEAN markets, establish local factories in Vietnam and Indonesia, and increase exports from 30% to 70% of revenue.

- Innovation and Consistency: Ensuring quality and food safety with international certifications (ISO, HALAL, HACCP) and ongoing R&D for constant product improvement.

- Future FMCG Ambitions: Leon’s vision to launch a consumer-facing line, leveraging experience from developing private-label products for established brands.

- Funding and Growth Outlook: Why Gourmet Ingredients remains self-funded through bank financing and potential considerations for M&A or an IPO as the business scales.

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How did Innov8tif transform from a bootstrapped startup to serving 70% of Malaysia’s telecommunications and banking sectors? In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with George Lee, Founder and CEO of Innov8tif Solutions, about the company’s journey, their groundbreaking innovations like IC microprint verification, and the announced RM40 million strategic partnership with Datasonic Group.

George has been nominated for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 Malaysia awards in the Technology Entrepreneur Category.

George shares insights into the challenges of scaling a tech business, the evolving eKYC landscape, and Innov8tif’s plans to expand regionally while maintaining its leadership in secure digital onboarding.

Among other things, we get into:

- Entrepreneurial Journey: How George Lee and his co-founder started Innov8tif with RM60K, and how they moved from software development and consultancy and into the eKYC business.

- Innovation in eKYC: Innov8tif’s patented solutions, such as IC microprint verification, and their impact on secure digital onboarding.

- Market Leadership: Serving 70% of Malaysia’s telco and banking sectors and the strategies behind maintaining this dominant position.

- Strategic Acquisition: Insights into Datasonic Group’s RM40 million acquisition and how it will drive Innov8tif’s growth and innovation, as well as advice on strategic partnerships.

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Childcare is one of the most pressing challenges facing Malaysian families today. With concerns over learning environments for children, safety and the delicate balance between work and family life, parents are struggling to find reliable, childcare options that ensure their children’s well-being.

In today’s episode, we are joined by Daisy Ng, the Founder and Chief Education Officer of Trinity Kids, a playschool dedicated to reshaping the childcare landscape in Malaysia. Daisy shares with their mission to create a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive, while also supporting modern working families. We will also dive into Daisy’s journey to founding Trinity Kids, the challenges and opportunities within the local childcare industry, and her aspirations for accessible, affordable childcare for Malaysian families.

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In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Imran Abdullah, Co-Founder and Group CEO of Positano Risto, a muslim-friendly Italian dining experience inspired by the Amalfi Coast.

Launched in Singapore in 2017, Positano Risto has since expanded to Kuala Lumpur, bringing authentic Italian flavours to the region while priding itself on being muslim friendly. Imran shares the journey behind the brand’s creation, the challenge of balancing authentic Italian tastes with muslim-friendly requirements, and Positano Risto’s expansion plans.

Tune in to learn about Imran’s vision, his unique approach to the F&B industry, and the strategies guiding Positano Risto’s future growth.

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On this episode of Open For Business, we explore how Visual Retale is using technology to transform the out-of-home (OOH) advertising landscape in Malaysia. Established a decade ago, Visual Retale has evolved from an OOH media owner to a comprehensive OOH media practice, boasting a network of over 32,000 outdoor and indoor screens across Malaysia.

Sai, the founder, joins us to discuss their latest tool, Playdooh, launched in September Playdooh provides dynamic solutions tailored for advertisers by integrating over 62 data points, including geographic, demographic, and psychographic information. By mapping screens based on location and audience attributes, Playdooh enables brands to strategically place ads that align with their target demographics and reach desired locations with precision.

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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 Go, 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.

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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.

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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.

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Is AI the answer to Malaysia’s math failure rate? How could AI transform math in schools? In this episode of Open For Business, we explore how Malaysia-based startup AI Teacher is aiming to revolutionise math education for secondary students with Tupai.ai.

Co-founded by Edmond Yap and Andre Sequerah, Tupai.ai uses AI to create a personalised and engaging math tutoring experience, with the ultimate goal of helping students improve their SPM grades. The platform, currently in beta, is attempting to address both practical and emotional barriers to math learning through adaptive and interactive features.

Edmond and Andre share insights into Tupai.ai’s journey, from the early motivations and challenges to the strategies they believe could make or break their success. We also dive into their funding approach, future expansion plans, and the role of AI in transforming education.

Tune in to discover how this innovative platform is set to change math education in Malaysia.

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Sigma School, founded in 2022, is more than just an online coding bootcamp — it is a bold initiative that aims to redefine tech education in Malaysia. With a focus on real-world skills and job readiness, Sigma School offers a 3-month intensive programme with a unique guarantee: either secure a tech job or get your money back. 

Today, we’re joined by Deric Yee, the founder of Sigma School, to dive into his journey, the challenges of building an impactful edtech platform, and his vision for the future of tech education.

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