Open For Business

Cheong Jin Xi (JX), the visionary Founder and CEO of Aonic, discusses the company's evolution from a DJI distributor to a leader in Malaysian-made drones. He explains how Aonic's proprietary Mist Tec 50 drone addresses after-sales costs for farmers with affordable, repair-friendly components. JX highlights their comprehensive ecosystem of service centers, software, and financing tailored to agricultural needs. He also shares insights on expanding into robotics and the strategic benefits of being 'Made in Malaysia' for global exports.

What does it mean to modernise upon family legacy in a traditional space? For Emily Chin and Medalized, it meant moving from "big plastic trophies" to creative design and bespoke awards that aim to tell a brand's story. Now, as the "Legacy Curator" of Medalized, she's taking it one step further: experimenting with content creation.We discuss:The family legacy in the "boring" awards industry.Her journey from accounting to starting Medalized. The pivot from "big plastic trophies" to bespoke, custom designs.Her strategy for competing with low-cost manufacturing from China.The future vision: creating "meaning behind the awards" by expanding to contentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we’re looking at a brand that has quietly transformed kitchens across the world. Thermomix, the smart kitchen appliance by Vorwerk, has sold over 10 million units globally, and recently celebrated a major milestone with the launch of its first experiential flagship store in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.At the same time, the company unveiled its latest innovation, the Thermomix TM7, a step forward in the brand’s mission to revolutionise home cooking. Revealing more about Thermomix’s Southeast Asian expansion, its unique business model, and what innovation looks like in the modern kitchen is Christine Wong, General Manager of Vorwerk Singapore and Malaysia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Satu Creative operates as a 7-figure social enterprise, but you won't find them on an official accreditation list. After evolving from a creative agency, the firm now focuses on capacity building; running workshops and accelerators for entrepreneurs, but also corporates.Founder and CEO Azuar Zainuddin joins us to share his unique hybrid business model. We discuss:The evolution from a creative agency to a 7-figure social enterprise.Their hybrid model: using corporate training to "pay the bills" for social impact.Why they prioritise partnerships over a large team to scale their reach.How they are redesigning programmes to address the "privilege gap."Measuring success beyond "vanity metrics" by focusing on revenue and job creation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can animals help humans heal? Rajagopal Yagambram, Founder of Planet Zoo Malaysia, believes they can. After nearly two decades in agrotourism, he’s built a one-of-a-kind animal behaviour centre where petting a rabbit isn’t just fun… it’s therapy. He shares how Planet Zoo blends business, education, and empathy to turn animal encounters into wellness experiences for all ages.From starting the business and animal care to creating sustainable revenue and partnerships, Rajagopal opens up about what it really takes to run a modern petting zoo — one that aims to make Malaysians not only happier, but more connected to nature and kindness itself.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Punita Nook Naidu, Co-Founder of H2O DataTech, shares how the Malaysian climate-tech company is turning complex climate and water data into actionable intelligence for governments, businesses, and regulators.Through its platform Airnomik, H2O DataTech helps organisations assess site-specific environmental risks, from floods and droughts to water quality. She discusses how her team combines AI, engineering, and policy expertise to close the gap between scientific data and real-world decision-making, the challenges of scaling a climate-tech business, and what it takes to make environmental analytics both practical and profitable.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grace Oh, Founder of Sol Menopause, Asia’s medically reviewed menopause app, shares how her platform is changing the way women manage midlife health at home, at work, and beyond. Designed to be both evidence-based and community-driven, Sol aims to break the stigma around menopause by providing women with trustworthy guidance, holistic support, and a space to understand and advocate for their wellbeing. We discuss what led Grace to create Sol, how she’s aiming to tackle one of healthcare’s most underserved conversations, and what it means to build a business that’s both purpose-driven and data-informed.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The on-demand home services space is notoriously difficult, with high-profile failures like Kaodim. So why is Tim Goi, a founder of a traditional B2B cleaning company, now entering the fray with his new app, Okay Tasks?Tim Goi joins us to discuss:* The strategic pivot from a B2B service to a B2C tech platform.* How Okay Tasks plans to succeed where platforms like Kaodim failed.* Their 20% transaction fee model and 250k ECF raise.* Why finding cleaners (supply) is a bigger challenge than finding customers.* Their strategy for building trust (insurance and partner agencies).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellness, it’s a word we hear constantly these days. But for many women, particularly in Malaysia, it’s more than a buzzword. It’s a balancing act between work, family, identity, and the pursuit of something deeper, connection and purpose.Earlier this year, a small idea built on friendship, shared passion, and a mission to help women Connect, Recharge, and Grow turned into one of Malaysia’s most talked-about wellness events. And now, it’s back, bigger, bolder, and more intentional than ever.The Women’s Wellness Festival 2.0 returns this November at Parc Subang, featuring over 30 workshops, talks, and experiences spanning emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. Behind it are three remarkable founders, Diane Chia of Millennia Village, Raja Jesrina Arshad of PurelyB, and Sarah Lian of Supparetreat, who’ve combined their expertise in longevity, ancestral healing, and holistic empowerment to create a truly women-led movement.We explore the business behind wellness, how they’ve built a collaborative ecosystem that turns purpose into profit, and what it really takes to make wellbeing sustainable, not just for a day, but for a lifetime.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the bold claim of "Making Teh Tarik Great Again", this new F&B brand is on a mission to elevate Malaysia's unofficial national drink. But this is no ordinary startup, it's built on a 96-year family legacy in the B2B tea supply business.Founder Koh Peng Chye joins us to share his story. He explains why he expanded from his family's established B2B trade to a B2C brand, driven by a frustration with inconsistent brewing, and details his ambitious plan to scale by automating the perfect "leaf to cup" experience before expanding.We discuss:The mission to establish a global brand for Teh Tarik.The strategic expansion from a 96-year-old B2B tea supplier to a B2C brand.Their "leaf to cup"  quality control advantage over funded competitors.The scaling strategy: developing bespoke machinery to automate the brewing process.Their "living lab"  outlet and plans for FMCG and future fundraising.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.