Open For Business

Is turning everyday vehicles into billboards the key to breaking through ad overload?

In this episode of Open For Business, we explore how VOOH Media is attempting to transform the advertising landscape by turning everyday vehicles into mobile billboards. Joining us is Rajvinder Rai Singh, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of VOOH Media, who shares his journey from digital marketing and e-commerce to leading VOOH’s charge in vehicle out-of-home advertising.

Rajvinder discusses the challenges and opportunities in this unique advertising space, how VOOH Media is differentiating itself from competitors, and how the company leverages data to try and deliver high ROI for brands. He also dives into the future of vehicle advertising and the growth strategies VOOH Media is implementing to drive success in a crowded market.

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1 ton of food waste + Black Soldier Fly larvae = 100kg of animal feed + 200kg of fertiliser!? Does this mean that the secret to managing biowaste is hidden in fly larvae?

Founded in 2019, Entomal Biotech uses Black Soldier Fly larvae to transform organic waste into new products while reducing carbon emissions (compared to leaving the food waste in a landfill).

Having made US$310,000 in revenue in 2023 and on track to grow 4.7 times to US$1.48 million in 2024, Entomal has big ambitions ahead, aiming to hit US$3.7 million in 2025 and US$5.2 million in 2026.

However, given that the use of Black Soldier Flies isn’t proprietary IP or technology, what is going to stop a hungrier competitor from coming in and eating their lunch (or in this case their biowaste)? We get into that, and much more, in this episode of Open For Business with Yanni Ching, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Entomal Biotech.

Among other things, Yanni shares with us:

- The inspiration behind starting Entomal Biotech.

- Differentiation in a non-proprietary tech market.

- Entomal’s value proposition and current offerings.

- Challenges and milestones from inception to commercialization.

- Ensuring quality and compliance in biowaste management.

- Revenue growth, profitability, and future financial expectations.

- Funding, investors, and strategic plans for scaling the business.

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When you go through security bag scans, have you ever wondered about how it works or do you just find it a hassle and wish the checks would move faster? Well, today look into the world of security technology in the field of cargo and baggage scanning solutions.

We speak to Lee Yuh Jiunn, the General Manager of Billion Prima, a Malaysian company specialising in developing and deploying cargo scanners. With over 15 years of experience, the company has evolved from a service provider to a manufacturer, focusing on X-ray scanners, optical character recognition systems, and radiation detection technologies.

In today’s episode, Lee YJ  shares about the inception of the company,  and how its innovations set Billion Prima apart from other players in this niche industry.

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Could turning ugly fruits into gelato be worth quitting university? For Hailey Yong, it was.

At just 20, Hailey, CEO and Founder of The Unusual Greens, left her studies behind to pursue TUG Gelato full-time, an enterprise that transforms imperfect and surplus fruits into delicious gelato. What began as a student competition idea in the HULT Prize has grown from a home kitchen project to a 123 sqft central kitchen, and now to two outlets, including a fully-equipped central kitchen.

Among other things, Hailey discusses the early challenges of convincing others—starting with her own family—of her vision, the R&D process that began in her own kitchen, and how she eventually transitioned her project from a side hustle to a full-time business.

She also delves into the importance of staying true to her mission while continuously innovating to stand out in a crowded market. Finally, Hailey talks about her future plans, including potential expansion and the possibility of external funding, all while staying committed to the cause of food sustainability.

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OGAWA, an iconic household name in the health and wellness industry that most Malaysians are familiar with – it doesn’t sound Malaysian but did you know that it is indeed a Malaysian brand?

What started as a passion for enhancing lives through innovative wellness solutions, and from its humble beginnings in 1996, OGAWA has grown into a recognisable brand, changing the way we think about relaxation and well-being.

In our conversation today with Leong Boon Hong, the Director of OGAWA Malaysia, we uncover the story behind the company’s journey – how it navigated early challenges, embraced technological advancements, and carved a niche in a highly competitive wellness industry, creating a healthier, more relaxed world.

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Does Malaysia really need another regulated crypto exchange? We explore that very question as we dive into the journey of HATA, Malaysia's latest digital asset exchange platform, with David Low, Co-Founder and CEO of HATA.

Founded in 2023, HATA is Malaysia’s 5th licensed Digital Asset Exchange (DAX) and the first to receive full approval from the Securities Commission (SC) since the regulator reopened DAX licence applications in November 2022.

David is no stranger to the crypto space having previously been the General Manager of Luno’s Asia Pacific operations. He was with Luno for 5 years as the crypto player scaled its regional business.

Together, we discuss what sets HATA apart in a competitive market, the challenges of navigating regulatory compliance, and the strategies HATA is employing to capture market share and drive growth.

Whether you’re a crypto enthusiast, investor, fellow entrepreneur, or simply curious about the future of digital assets in Malaysia, this conversation provides interesting insights into the dynamic world of Digital Asset Exchanges in Malaysia.

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Founded in 2015, IGL Coatings develops and manufactures surface protection solutions, particularly known for its low and zero Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) ceramic coatings.

In the last 9 years, it has expanded its presence to over 50 countries and aims to offer high-performance, eco-friendly functional coatings for automotive, marine, aviation, and industrial applications.

With a stated commitment to sustainability, IGL Coatings has developed products that it says not only perform exceptionally but also contribute to reducing environmental impact. Their recent strategic alliance with CommerceDotAsia Ventures and recognition by the Financial Times as one of Malaysia’s high-growth manufacturing companies highlight their continued success and ambition.

The company was recently shortlisted as one of the 8 companies for Cohort 5 of the Scale Up by Endeavor, a program that works with early-stage, high-potential entrepreneurs.

Today, we explore Keong’s entrepreneurial journey, the challenges he faced, and what lies ahead for IGL Coatings as they continue to push ahead.

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Supply chains and warehouses are the lifeblood of any high-volume business, yet many still operate with outdated methods. In today’s competitive environment, where margins are slim and every advantage counts, this could be a costly mistake.

In this episode of Open For Business, we explore how Hatio, a provider of omnichannel fulfillment services and technology, is revolutionizing the supply chain industry in Southeast Asia. Founded in 2012 as HatioLab in South Korea, Hatio expanded to Malaysia in 2019 under the leadership of co-founders Zhen Cui and Bernard Hor. Their mission? To transform traditional warehouses into smart, efficient operations that can thrive in today’s fast-paced market.

We delve into Hatio’s journey, examining how they’re helping businesses like POS Malaysia and Spritzer embrace digital transformation, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the strategies they’re using to drive growth in a highly competitive landscape.

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On August 21st, BFM hosted the Enterprise Breakaway: From Farm to Franchise event, where industry experts and seasoned F&B operators explored the critical elements required to build a successful and lasting F&B business in Malaysia.

In the panel session titled "Start, Survive, and Thrive," BFM spoke with Patrick Sim, Managing Director of Secret Recipe, and Jessica Li, Co-Founder and COO of Pop Meals. Both shared their unique perspectives on managing and scaling F&B businesses, emphasising the importance of data-driven decision-making and operational simplicity in achieving long-term success.

Patrick discussed the challenges of sustaining and growing Secret Recipe, a brand that has been around for 27 years. He delved into the importance of maintaining a strong brand identity, the need for continuous investment in innovation, and the strategic decisions that have enabled Secret Recipe to thrive in a highly competitive market.

Jessica offered insights into how Pop Meals, formerly known as DahMakan, transitioned from a cloud kitchen model to a physical store presence. She highlighted how integrating technology and leveraging data have been crucial in refining their product offerings and enhancing customer experience. Jessica also shared the lessons learned from pivoting the business model and the value of staying attuned to customer feedback to drive growth and brand loyalty.

Key topics covered:

- The role of data-driven decision-making in scaling F&B businesses

- Strategies for maintaining brand consistency and customer loyalty

- The transition from a cloud kitchen model to physical stores

- The importance of operational simplicity in managing F&B operations

- Lessons learned from scaling a legacy brand like Secret Recipe

- How Pop Meals leverages technology to innovate and stay competitive

- Long-term growth strategies for F&B businesses in a dynamic market

Whether you’re a seasoned F&B operator or an entrepreneur looking to break into the industry, this episode provides invaluable insights into the strategies and mindset required to build a successful and sustainable F&B brand.

Tune in to hear how Patrick and Jessica are navigating the complexities of the F&B industry and what it takes to not just survive, but thrive.

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On August 21st, BFM hosted the Enterprise Breakaway: From Farm to Franchise event, where industry experts and seasoned F&B operators explored what it takes to build a successful and lasting F&B franchise in Malaysia.

In the Founder Fireside: Building a Malaysian Franchise session, I spoke with Bryan Loo, the Founder and CEO of Loob Holdings, the organisation behind the Tealive brand and the up-and-coming coffee chain, BaskBear.

Bryan shares his journey from being a biotechnology graduate to becoming a powerhouse in the F&B industry—a path that began with a chance encounter at a franchise exhibition in Taiwan.

During this engaging conversation, Bryan discusses the strategic decisions that fueled Tealive’s rapid expansion from a humble startup to nearly a thousand outlets, both locally and internationally. He delves into the challenges of navigating the competitive F&B landscape, the importance of processes and professionalisation, and the critical role of innovation and adaptability in staying ahead.

Bryan also opens up about the lessons learned from early missteps in overseas expansion, the importance of choosing the right business partners, and how Tealive is positioning itself for future growth in Southeast Asia and beyond.

Key topics covered:

- Bryan’s accidental entry into the F&B industry and the early days of Tealive

- Strategic decisions behind Tealive’s rapid local and international expansion

- Navigating challenges in the competitive F&B landscape

- The role of innovation, adaptability, and professionalisation in scaling a brand

- Lessons learned from early overseas expansion attempts

- The importance of choosing the right business partners

- Tealive’s future growth strategies in Southeast Asia and beyond

Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business leader, this episode offers valuable insights into building and scaling a successful F&B brand in a dynamic market.

Tune in to hear how an "accidental entrepreneur" became an F&B titan.

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