Venture studios promise to "manufacture startups" at scale, offering a shortcut to high-performance growth. But according to Jeffrey Paine of Golden Gate Ventures, the reality is often far less glamorous, with many studios collapsing within 24 months.

In this episode, Jeffrey breaks down why he believes the venture studio model rarely delivers fund-level returns. He explains the dangers of "zombie companies," the misalignment of incentives between studios and founders, and why a non-standard equity structure can make future fundraising nearly impossible.

We discuss:

• The difference between a venture studio and a traditional VC.

• Why operational overload and a lack of discipline kill most studios.

• The "incentive trap": why studios struggle to kill weak ideas.

• How non-standard equity structures scare off future investors.

• What high-performance studios do differently (specialisation & surgical focus).

  For founders considering joining a studio and investors evaluating the model, this is a critical look at the economics and pitfalls of "manufacturing" startups.

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ASEAN is famous for its food, but a new report reveals a surprising statistic: only 23% of the region's F&B trade stays within Southeast Asia. What's stopping the flow of goods between neighbors? The answer lies in a complex web of "red tape," from confusing nutrition labels to divergent halal rules.

Dr. Evelyn S. Devadason, lead advisor for the latest ASEAN Integration Report from The Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS) , joins us to unpack the hidden barriers choking regional trade.

She explains why non-tariff measures (NTMs) disproportionately hurt MSMEs, the high cost of information asymmetry, and why "capability access" is more critical than market access for small businesses.

We discuss:

• Why intra-regional F&B trade is shockingly low at 23%.

• The "regulatory distance" created by divergent food safety and labeling rules.

• How inconsistent halal standards create friction for exporters.

• The "say-do gap" between trade agreements and on-the-ground reality.

• Why MSMEs need "capability access" (digital & vertical integration) to survive.

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As 2025 comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset. But a true annual review goes beyond just listing resolutions, it requires deep introspection to uncover the painful lessons, celebrate the wins, and set a clear, strategic path for the year ahead.

Jeevan Sahadevan, Founder of Leverage Labs, returns for his annual tradition of guiding us through "25 Questions to Review Your 2025." He breaks down his framework for an 8 hour to 2-day deep dive into your year, designed to help you find closure, identify necessary endings, and define your "one-word theme" for 2026.

We discuss:

• The 25-question framework: from reviewing 2025 to planning 2026.

• Why you must identify your "painful lessons" before setting new goals.

• The "necessary endings": what you need to cut to move forward.

• The "law of the sixth": auditing the 5 people you spend the most time with.

• How to find your "one-word theme" to guide your entire year.

  For entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone looking to level up, this is an essential guide to closing the chapter on 2025 and designing your best year yet.

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Malaysians have embraced e-commerce, but with maturity comes a shift in behaviour. Ipsos Malaysia’s latest data shows that promotions and discounts now outrank product quality as the top reason consumers shop online.

We speak with Kuan Sawu Fang, Senior Client Officer at Ipsos Malaysia, about how this obsession with value is reshaping the digital marketplace. Are platforms and SMEs caught in a never-ending cycle of discounts? And what happens to brand loyalty when price becomes the product?

We examine how Malaysia’s digital economy is being transformed by the way we shop, click, and spend.

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Malaysia’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are contributing more to GDP and exports than ever before, but many still struggle to break into global markets. High costs, customs challenges and unpredictable delivery timelines often hold them back, even when demand exists overseas.

Denise Wong, Head of Cross Border at Ninja Van Malaysia, discusses what MSMEs need to understand before expanding internationally, how 44 new shipping lanes are opening fresh opportunities in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Latin America, and why logistics is becoming a strategic tool rather than a back-end function.

A practical, grounded conversation for founders and business owners who want to take their products beyond Malaysia’s borders.

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With Budget 2026 announced, the Finance Bill 2025 tabulated in Parliament last week has revealed key details. From clarifications on Capital Gains Tax (CGT) to a major shift in stamp duty compliance, businesses have a new set of rules to navigate.

Tax expert Thenesh Kannaa of TraTax joins us to break down some key updates. He discusses the new and clarified scope for CGT (including preference shares), the move to a self-assessment system for stamp duty and updates around returns and payments, and the upcoming changes to corporate tax installment schedules that will impact cash flow planning.

We discuss:

• Capital Gains Tax (CGT): How preference shares and liquidations are now in scope.

• Stamp Duty: The implications from the shift to self-assessment and the deadlines for filling returns and payment of duty.

• RPGT: New rules to improve cash flow and limit loss carry-forwards.

• Corporate Tax: The transition to a 12-month installment schedule within the financial year.

November Updates: OECD guidance on remote work and new Labuan substance requirements.

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Elite athletes spend years sharpening their minds, not just their skills. But what can business leaders learn from that discipline?

Today, Mike Way, the head coach of Harvard University’s squash programme, and Bharati Suresh Chand, Founder of Global Edge Pharma and Global Edge Consultancy, discuss how mental fitness shapes performance, decision-making, and consistency. They explain what separates mentally strong performers from talented ones, how pressure influences behaviour, and the habits that help athletes and leaders stay composed and focused.

They also reflect on insights shared at the recent Mental Fitness Sports Conference 2025, and discuss practical routines organisations can adopt to build healthier, steadier teams.

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Malaysia’s data centre sector is seemingly entering a new phase of expansion powered by AI adoption and hyperscale investments. We’re now being positioned as one of Asia’s most cost-competitive markets with a strong balance of affordability, policy stability and regional connectivity. 

Based on a new report from a global professional services company, Turner & Townsend, Kuala Lumpur was ranked 17th globally in data centre construction costs (at US$11.37 per watt). This puts KL among Asia’s most cost-competitive markets and well below regional peers like Singapore and Tokyo. 

But as competition intensifies across the region, what will truly set Malaysia apart in a market defined by scale, speed, and sustainability? To help us explore this, we speak with Carlos Garcia Rodriguez, Project Director at Turner & Townsend.

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In today's digital landscape, a cyber attack is almost inevitable. But while many companies are prepared to handle the hack, they often fail to handle the headlines. A new analysis by Penta found that reputational damage often stems not from the breach itself, but from how transparent, accountable, and timely the response is.

Dan La Russo, Senior Partner at Penta, joins us to discuss the new rules of crisis management. He explains why "speed + transparency = trust," and warns of the emerging threat of "agentic AI" that can launch attacks with minimal human intervention.

We discuss:

• Why cyber risk has moved from the IT back-office to the boardroom.

• The "Speed + Transparency = Trust" formula for crisis communication.

• Case studies: What Cloudflare did right vs. the reputational cost of silence.

• The emerging threat of "agentic AI" orchestrating cyber attacks.

• The critical first 2 hours of an incident response plan.

Image credit: Shutterstock

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What it takes for SMEs to thrive in the future? How can they stay resilient in uncertain times, be resourceful with limited resources, and remain ready to seize new opportunities? Industry leaders will share insights and real-world strategies to inspire SMEs to adapt, innovate, and grow in an ever-changing business landscape.

This event was presented by Maybank. Future-proofing your business.

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