Open For Business

Managing distributed and multi-site teams often leads to mountains of paperwork and hampers productivity. In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with John Lee, Founder and CEO of Caction, about how digitisation can streamline workflows and solve these challenges.

Founded in 2017 by John Lee, a former GE engineer, Caction wants to improve how companies manage distributed workforces by digitising processes that traditionally relied on tedious paperwork. John explains how their SaaS solution not only automates attendance and job scheduling but also converts real-time data from field operations into actionable insights for better decision-making. With a client roster featuring major names like Hyundai Elevator, and Kone, Caction says it has saved millions of man-hours across industries.

In our conversation, John also shares the challenges of scaling a tech startup, customising software to meet diverse client needs, and driving customer retention in a competitive market.

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In this episode Open For Business, we dive into how MYCRS Sdn Bhd is trying to transform the construction industry by digitising concrete testing. Founded in 2021 by Thomas Yap—whose 18 years of experience include landmark projects like the Burj Khalifa and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge—MYCRS aims to bring transparency and reliability to material testing. Thomas explains how the company is tackling data manipulation in concrete testing through innovative R&D, leveraging advanced technology to ensure accurate results.

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Today on Open For Business, we’re serving up some pizzas. We speak with Alan Goh, the Founder of Round, a pizzeria dedicated to authentic Neapolitan flavours and traditional pizza-making techniques. But behind every perfectly charred crust and fresh mozzarella topping lies a journey of risk, reinvention, and the pursuit of quality. What does it take to carve out a niche in Malaysia’s competitive F&B scene? From securing capital to standing out in a crowded market, we uncover the realities of running a pizzeria, and whether there’s a secret ingredient to lasting success.

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Originally founded in 2016 and restructured in 2022 as The Farm Shop, the company has rapidly scaled its operations—achieving RM4.6 million in revenue in 2024 and setting ambitious targets of RM14.4 million in 2025 and RM56 million by 2026.

In this episode of Open For Business, Founder and Managing Director Dr. Tan I-Lene delves into the company’s vertically integrated model, which spans sourcing high-quality dairy from local farms, processing it, and delivering fresh products through retail outlets, direct-to-home channels, and HORECA partnerships.

Dr. Tan discusses the challenges of maintaining product quality and brand authenticity amid rapid growth, innovative strategies such as the “godfather offer” subscription model, and the broader implications for food security and sustainability.

Whether you’re a business leader in agriculture or an investor intrigued by food tech, this episode provides valuable insights into building a resilient and scalable business in Malaysia’s competitive dairy industry.

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In this episode of Open for Business, we explore the journey of Vepro Group, a Malaysian robotics and automation company founded in 2003 by graduates of the University of Malaya. Over 23 years, Vepro Group has grown steadily and now aims to reach RM100 million in revenue by 2030. Today, the company represents and collaborates with major brands such as Fuji and Omron and is a member of the International Federation of Robotics. Vepro Group specialises in industrial automation, offering solutions in robotics, automated packaging, palletising, and end-of-line systems.

Managing Director and CEO Chu Chee Seng shares insights into the company’s early days—starting with RM300,000 in capital raised from savings, borrowings, and support from friends and family—and its evolution into a business generating around RM30 million in revenue last year, with a target of RM100 million by 2030. They discuss the dual business model that blends consultancy with a growing SaaS offering, the importance of standardising processes through products like the Rakan Robot, and strategies for regional expansion across ASEAN.

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Join us as we chat with Duncan Ross, Founder of Xzotic Pens, a Malaysian-based company specializing in personalized, hand-turned wooden pens. Founded in 2021, Xzotic Pens has quickly become a standout in the fine writing industry, with seven retail stores across Selangor and Johor Bahru. In this episode, Duncan shares his journey of turning a passion for craftsmanship into a thriving business, the challenges along the way, and how he’s scaling in Malaysia’s competitive market.

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Discover how a Sarawak startup is leveraging AI to enhance environmental sustainability in agriculture and forestry. In this episode of Open For Business, we take a closer look at EB Tech, a technology startup using artificial intelligence to tackle environmental challenges. Founded in 2021/2022, EB Tech initially developed AI solutions for the palm oil sector—employing robotics and autonomous drones to address operational inefficiencies—before pivoting to broader sustainability initiatives such as carbon credit management and nature-based solutions.

CEO Moses Vincent and CFO Ashweein Narayanan explain how EB Tech integrates deep learning, computer vision, and robotics into a hybrid business model that combines software-as-a-service with project consultancy. They discuss the practical challenges of scaling a tech venture in a capital-intensive industry and share their plans for forming strategic partnerships in markets such as Thailand and Taiwan.

The conversation also highlights emerging industry trends and external validation, including EB Tech’s Rising Star Award at Cradle Fund’s inaugural PLUGIN conference for Malaysian startups in December 2024.

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Join us in this episode of Open For Business as we chat with Wajih Ghauri, Founder of Katin Life, a luxury bedding brand that’s redefining comfort, quality, and ethical values with its premium Egyptian cotton products. Launched in 2023, Katin Life has already achieved six-figure monthly sales and is Malaysia’s highest-rated bedding brand. With recent expansions into Singapore and Pakistan, Wajih is now eyeing new markets and using modern strategies like live commerce and personalized customer engagement to fuel growth. In this conversation, we explore Wajih’s entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced, and what’s next for Katin Life in 2025.

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In this episode, we dive into the intricacies of biohacking with the co-founders of AMANI, an exclusive, members-only club designed to help corporate executives optimise their mind, body, and soul for peak performance. With 96% of senior leaders experiencing some level of burnout, AMANI aims to address this gap with a unique approach tailored for the Malaysian market, where biohacking is still emerging. Join us as Yann and Anabelle share their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and their vision for the future of this groundbreaking business.

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On Open For Business, we speak with Jamie Lim, the founder of Zoey’s Homemade by Zoey Food Supply, a brand that has grown from a home-based venture into a thriving business with RM4.8 million in revenue in 2023. Jamie shares her journey, from starting the business during a personal challenge to raising RM2 million in equity crowdfunding. Tune in to hear how Zoey Food Supply champions preservative-free, frozen meals while navigating scaling challenges and ambitious growth plans, with a target of RM10 million in revenue by 2025.

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