Machines now outnumber humans in digital environments—automated apps, cloud workloads, and bots are everywhere. But while these identities hold access to critical systems, most organisations still treat security as a human-only concern. New data from CyberArk's Identity Security Landscape report shows 78% of security leaders in Asia Pacific experienced breaches linked to compromised machine identities last year. And with nearly 40% of machine identities holding privileged access, the gap in protection is becoming a major attack vector. Serene Lee, Regional Business Leader of ASEAN and the Head of Sales at CyberArk joins the conversation to unpack how this silent threat is evolving, and what businesses can do to reduce their risk.

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In the first half of 2025, Malaysia's IPO market solidified its position as a regional powerhouse, capturing an incredible 66% of all capital raised in Southeast Asia. But as global headwinds and trade tensions persist, is this impressive momentum sustainable?

Wong Kar Choon, a Transactions Accounting Support Partner at Deloitte Malaysia, joins us to unpack the findings from their latest report on the region's capital markets. He explains the key factors behind Malaysia's success, the strategic "flight to quality" trend among investors, and what businesses must do to prepare for a successful listing.

We discuss:

• The key factors driving Malaysia's IPO market dominance.

• The "flight to quality" trend and what it means for aspiring issuers.

• How geopolitical risks and trade tariffs are impacting the landscape.

• The outlook for Malaysia's IPO pipeline in the second half of 2025.

• Key advice for businesses preparing to go public, including crafting a compelling "equity story."

  For business leaders, founders, and investors, this is a deep dive into the trends, risks, and opportunities in today's IPO landscape.

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Malaysia’s rising household debt is more than just a financial issue — it’s a symptom of a deeper economic shift As stable, well-paying industrial jobs give way to more precarious service roles, many Malaysians are leaning on credit just to keep up with the cost of living.

We speak with Dr Paul Anthony, Senior Lecturer at Taylor’s University, about how deindustrialisation is chipping away at income stability, why household debt has become a ticking time bomb, and what Malaysia can do to rebuild economic resilience.

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The AI arms race is heating up, and big tech giants have a new weapon: the 'acqui-hire 2.0.' Instead of buying companies, they are poaching entire teams of key talent, often leaving behind a 'shell of a company' and disrupting the startup ecosystem.

Bikesh Lakhmichand, CEO of 1337 Ventures, joins us to dissect this complex and aggressive new trend. He explains the strategic motivations behind these deals, the potential implications for investors and employees, and the surprising ripple effects that are creating new opportunities for startups in Southeast Asia.

We discuss:

• The "acqui-hire 2.0" playbook and why it's happening now.

• The fallout for startups when key talent is poached by big tech.

• Why winning the loyalty of developers is the real prize in the AI war.

• The positive ripple effect: how talent wars are creating new local ventures.

• Why Malaysian companies should focus on vertical AI, not foundational models.

  For founders, VCs, and tech leaders, this breakdowns the power dynamics, risks, and opportunities in the global AI talent wars.

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As the US Federal Reserve faces intense political pressure to slash interest rates, the debate over central bank independence and its global impact is heating up. But what are the real dangers of setting "artificial" interest rates, whether they are politically motivated or not?

Economist Dr. Carmelo Ferlito, CEO of the Center for Market Education, joins us to make his radical case against the foundations of modern monetary policy. He argues that any centrally-planned interest rate distorts the market, de-anchors inflation expectations, and ultimately leads to monetary disorder, speculation, and asset bubbles.

We discuss:

• The dangers of "artificial" interest rates, whether high or low.

• How political interference erodes trust in central bank independence.

• The critical distinction between fiscal and monetary policy.

• Why artificial rates lead to speculative asset bubbles and instability.

• Alternative frameworks, like market-determined rates and currency competition.

  For economists, investors, and policymakers, this is a thought-provoking challenge to the conventional wisdom of modern monetary policy.

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Kuala Lumpur’s rapid modernisation is transforming neighbourhoods, but at what cost? With megaprojects like the MRT3 on the rise, long-standing community hubs such as the Jalan Kelang Lama wet market are under threat. Recently delisted from the KL Local Plan 2040 and earmarked for commercial redevelopment, the market’s uncertain future highlights a familiar pattern where “upgrades” leave behind ghost buildings and displaced traders, eroding the social fabric of the city.

What are the hidden costs of infrastructure-led progress? And can urban development balance modernisation with social equity? Dr Keith Tan, Associate Professor at Taylor’s University’s School of Architecture, Building & Design, discusses the risks of transit-oriented gentrification and explores how Malaysia can build a future-ready city without leaving its communities behind.

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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 farmers a fairer profit share, and his insights on the bigger threats facing the industry, from market saturation to climate change.

We discuss:

• The rise of "durian tourism" and its real impact on farmers.

• The direct-to-consumer model designed to bypass the middlemen.

• The "Musang King" debate: Is there an oversupply or are locals being priced out?

• Why market saturation may be a bigger threat than climate change.

• The strategic vision for using durian as a tool in trade and diplomacy.

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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 disproportionately affected and largely unprepared, and argues that a strategic shift is needed for them to evolve from price competitors into value creators.

We discuss:

• The true impact of the 25% US tariff on the entire SME supply chain.

• How compounding domestic costs are pushing businesses into "survival mode."

• Why SMEs must evolve from middlemen to brand and IP owners.

• The call for more targeted government support and systemic reforms.

• The opportunities and challenges for SMEs expanding within ASEAN.

  For SME owners, business leaders, and policymakers, this is an essential dive into the urgent challenges facing Malaysia's economic backbone.

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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 industry and argues that the tariffs will accelerate the pivot to sustainability, turning green credentials into the new competitive edge.

We discuss:

• The key factors behind Malaysia's data centre dominance.

• How new power tariffs will impact costs and future projects.

• Why sustainability is becoming a key competitive differentiator.

• The risk of investment diversion to regional competitors.

• The specific impact on high-demand, AI-focused data centres.

  For investors, tech leaders, and policymakers, this is a key analysis of the risks and opportunities shaping the future of digital infrastructure in the region.

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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 Malaysia's competitiveness stacks up against regional rivals like Vietnam, and what our long-term trade strategy should be in an era of increasing geopolitical tension.

We discuss:

• The real impact of the 25% US tariff on Malaysia's economy.

• Which sectors are most at risk (and why semiconductors were spared the worst).

• How Malaysia's competitiveness compares to regional peers.

• The government's policy response and ongoing negotiation strategy.

• The long-term need to de-risk the economy from geopolitical influence.

For business leaders, exporters, and policymakers, this breaks down the challenges and strategies for navigating a volatile global trade environment.

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