Open For Business

Do you know how chocolate is made? Your favorite bar of sweetness is the result of a long and winding production chain, and unfortunately, more often than not the cacao farmers are shortchanged in the process. We speak to Wilfred Ng, founder of Benns Ethicoa, about harvesting cacao beans ethically, keeping farmers in the loop, as well as educating the public about where their favorite hot cocoa comes from. 

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In the age of Zoom classrooms, virtual graduations, and economic recession, the bridge from student to working professional seems more unstable than ever. Zhi Ee Chan, founder of Monsta, talks about their standing as the “University of Experience” and the goal they have of preparing students for the working world.

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As SMEs scramble to digitalise their businesses, figuring out the logistics of e-fulfilment has become a huge priority. For iStore iSend, their early involvement in bridging the e-commerce gap over a decade ago was a boon for the present day. Tommy Yong, co-founder and chief commercial officer, discusses that and more.

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Founded in 2019, Vircle helps parents raise financially smart and physically healthier kids through its unique parental controlled cashless solution that nurtures good eating and purchase behaviors – leading to healthier, brighter and more responsible kids. Vircle uses technology to help children lead better lives by starting them young on life skills such as proper nutrition and financial literacy.

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Many businesses were heading towards bankruptcy during the MCO. Flour was one of them. With a new outlet set to open just before restrictions were set, founder Yogesh Upadhey had to figure out ways to keep the eatery afloat while planning for a future that was uncertain. We speak to Yogesh about how Flour pulled through, expansion plans, as well as what he has learned from this unprecedented time. 

Many businesses were heading towards bankruptcy during the MCO. Flour was one of them. With a new outlet set to open just before restrictions were set, founder Yogesh Upadhey had to figure out ways to keep the eatery afloat while planning for a future that was uncertain. We speak to Yogesh about how Flour pulled through, expansion plans, as well as what he has learned from this unprecedented time. 

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Mattresses aren’t normally bought online. You’d want to feel and test the mattress for comfort before making a decision. But local brand Joey Mattress claims otherwise. With an extensive trial period and ease of delivery, the company is one of the few that have taken mattress shopping online. We speak to Winson Chong and Joey Tan, founders of Joey Mattress, about the impact of the MCO, why they decided to start this venture, as well as plans to grow the business. 

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In the time of COVID-19, having access to health advice and updates has taken on even more significance and importance. Dato’ Chevy Beh, founder of BookDoc, which is the largest end to end healthcare platform in Malaysia, and the only one endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education, discusses the challenges of ramping up his platform in a pandemic.

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Like Quarantine Cupid said, “We may be on lockdown but love is still in the air!” We speak to matchmaking agency Dateworks about how they quickly pivoted their face-to-face business into a comfortable virtual setup during the MCO to connect customers grounded at home, and help Malaysians find love in the age of corona.

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Plus Solar and it’s founders have come a long way from buying mixed rice at RM2.50 and having issues simply collecting payment. Now, they provide renewable energy solutions in the form of solar power to clients like IKEA, KLIA, Mah Sing Plastics, Spritzer and Secret Recipe to name a few. To cement claims of growth, they have achieved the RM150 million revenue mark by the end of last financial year in March 2020, jumping over 200% in revenue compared to its FYE 2019 which recorded RM64 million.

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