Open For Business

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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Can local sparkling drink brand Supergulp thrive in the crowded and competitive beverage market? In this episode of Open For Business, we dive into Julian Koh’s journey from e-commerce and food tech roles at companies like Honestbee and Foodpanda to founding Supergulp — a Malaysian sparkling prebiotic drink brand.

As Julian shared with Vulcan Post, the idea for Supergulp began with a simple supermarket visit, where he came across Western sparkling prebiotic drinks. Impressed by their taste and low sugar content, he wondered why there wasn’t a similar option tailored for local tastes. That moment planted the seed for what would become Supergulp.

With no prior F&B experience, Julian drew on his background in food tech and e-commerce to create a healthier alternative for Malaysia’s bustling beverage market, blending inspiration from Western brands with a focus on local preferences.

Julian shares the challenges of launching a consumer brand, strategies to stand out in the “better-for-you” drink market, and Supergulp’s ambitious growth plans. Join us as we explore the early hurdles, the unique product development journey, and the future Julian envisions for Supergulp in Malaysia and beyond.

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We speak with Sheyong Tan, Co-Founder of BiiB, a wellness tech startup that’s changing the game in Malaysia’s fitness landscape. From Malaysia’s largest running league, RUNLIGA, to scalable corporate wellness solutions, BiiB combines community and innovation to redefine employee engagement and health. Sheyong shares his journey from R&D engineer to entrepreneur, explaining how BiiB’s platform integrates fitness, community, and technology for a unique wellness experience.

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How does a material-science aerospace engineer end up building a 9-figure logistics platform?

In this episode of Open For Business, we’re joined by Clarence Leong, Founder and CEO of EasyParcel—a company that has transformed the shipping process for micro-SMEs and SMEs.

Since its launch in 2014, EasyParcel has facilitated over 86 million delivery quotes and served 2.5 million customers across Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.

Clarence shares his remarkable journey from aerospace engineering to entrepreneurship, and how EasyParcel has evolved into a regional player, integrating with e-commerce platforms and offering advanced logistics solutions.

We also explore the company’s growth strategies, key partnerships, and its plans for future expansion—including the potential for an IPO.

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We speak with Joshua Lin, General Manager of PriceShop Malaysia, about how the platform empowers Malaysian consumers to make smarter buying decisions in the consumer electronics space. We explore PriceShop’s approach to price comparison, ensuring accuracy and reliability through its extensive network of SME retailers and advanced technology. Joshua also shares insights on upcoming innovations, such as AI-driven features, and discusses trends in Malaysia’s electronics market, including consumer behaviour and the rise of buying scams.

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In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Cellou Diallo, CEO of RollingPay, a company offering flexible payroll financing solutions to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Founded in 2022, RollingPay wants to help small businesses meet payroll obligations with up to 90-day repayment terms, ensuring timely employee payments—even when cash flow is tight.

We explore Cellou’s journey from Global Head of Data and AI Delivery at SWIFT to building his own business, what sets RollingPay apart from other alternative financing players, and the platform’s future plans.

NOTE: RollingPay does not operate under any clear regulatory framework as we await the Consumer Credit Act to come into effect.

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What does it take to carry a family business’s legacy forward?

In this episode of Open For Business, we explore the evolution of Sun Bus Tech, a company specializing in bus and bus body manufacturing for energy-efficient vehicles.

While Sun Bus Tech was officially formed in 2022, its roots trace back to the 1970s. Joining us is Shyan Phang, CEO of Sun Bus Tech, who shares the story of how her father started a small coachwork fabrication business, why the family exited the bus industry in 2020 only to return two years later, and her own decision to join the family business. We also dive into the challenges of transitioning leadership from one generation to the next, and much more.

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We talk with Rachel Tan, Founder of The Nurts, a platform dedicated to creating and curating purposeful tools that promote personal growth and family connections. With offerings like interactive card games and educational kits, The Nurts focuses on learning through play, supporting families and young individuals in building essential skills. Rachel shares her journey of founding The Nurts, its mission to empower lives, and how the brand is expanding in Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia.

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Confide Platform, your company’s future compliance command centre? In this episode of Open For Business, we speak with Pav Gill, Founder and CEO of Confide Platform—a platform designed to streamline compliance and risk management for organisations.

Pav shares his remarkable journey, from exposing the €24 billion Wirecard scandal to creating a tech solution that helps companies manage sensitive reports and protect whistleblowers.

We explore how his experience at Wirecard shaped Confide Platform, the challenges of building a compliance-focused tech startup, and how the platform could redefine the future of corporate risk management by automating and simplifying compliance, governance, and whistleblowing.

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