Enterprise Explores – Détails, épisodes et analyse

From key leadership changes in Malaysia’s fintech scene and lifting of the digital bank moratorium in the Philippines, to emerging trends in crypto and digital banking, the Malaysian and ASEAN fintech world is off to a dynamic start in 2025. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we explore these developments with Vincent Fong, Chief Editor of Fintech News Malaysia.

Vincent breaks down the latest trends, including Malaysia’s evolving crypto strategy, the competitive dynamics of digital banks, and insights on Singapore’s emerging unicorns. We also explore broader regional trends such as the rise of stable coins, the growth of cross-border payments, and increasing industry consolidation. Vincent shares his expert perspective on how these shifts are reshaping the financial sector and what opportunities and challenges lie ahead for startups and investors alike.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, or industry stakeholder, this conversation offers insights into the current state and future of fintech in the region.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

E-commerce is evolving fast, and if there’s one platform that’s been shaking up the industry, it’s TikTok Shop. Just a year after launching in the United States, it has already raked in a staggering US$9 billion in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV). But beyond the numbers, this signals a massive shift in how consumers discover and buy products, that is, through entertainment-driven commerce.

Here in Southeast Asia, TikTok Shop has already made waves, especially in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. But what does the latest data tell us about its growth trajectory? How should businesses adapt? What are the opportunities and pitfalls? And, most importantly, what actionable steps should brands take to stay ahead?

To help us unpack these insights, we speak with Jianggan Li, Founder and CEO of Momentum Works, on Momentum Works, and analytics and e-commerce operation platform Tabcut’s latest report, “TikTok Shop in the US 2024”.

We discuss:

- The rise of TikTok Shop in the US and its global implications

- What Southeast Asian businesses can learn and apply

- The future of live commerce and influencer-driven sales

- Actionable strategies for brands to thrive in this new era of e-commerce

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This month, Malaysia enters an important moment in data privacy with the rollout of the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Act 2024. Spanning three phases, the amendment introduces key changes — recognising biometric data as sensitive, mandating Data Protection Officers, and imposing heftier penalties for non-compliance.

In this episode, we speak with Ong Johnson, Partner & Head of Technology Practice Group, and Lo Khai Yi, Partner & Co-Head of Technology Practice Group at Halim Hong & Quek, to unpack the Act’s implications. From cross-border data transfers to mandatory breach notifications, discover how businesses can stay compliant and turn regulatory readiness into a competitive advantage.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) or Government-Linked Companies (GLCs) play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s economy, and their significant influence demands rigorous governance frameworks. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we dive into the state of SOE governance in Malaysia and the key challenges, including conflicts of interest, and spotlight the Guidelines on Governance for SOEs and Government-Linked Companies Limited by Guarantee, which aims to strengthen accountability, clarify the roles of supervisory ministries, and enforce merit-based board appointments—including at least one-third independent directors.

Tune in to discover insights on fortifying SOE governance, preventing conflicts of interest, and maintaining vital public confidence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite signs of easing inflation in many countries, 65% of people still expect it to rise by 2026, according to the latest Cost of Living Monitor. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we dive into key findings across 32 countries, examining key factors that influence perceptions of inflation, and how much inflationary pain Malaysians are feeling.

We also discuss why 37% of people feel worse off financially now compared to pre-pandemic times, how the financial gap for low- and middle-income groups is growing, and why disposable income remains a pivotal factor in consumer confidence.

Here are some key areas we covered in this conversation:

- Global Outlook on Inflation: Why two-thirds of survey respondents still see inflation rising, even as official rates cool in many economies.

- Immigration’s Role: A growing perception that immigration drives up living costs, with 56% identifying it as a key factor.

- Financial Well-Being Post-Pandemic: How 37% feel worse off now than before COVID, and why this sentiment is intensifying.

- Bridging the Income Divide:Exploring the challenges facing low- and middle-income earners, and what individuals and businesses can do to cope.

- Disposable Income Dynamics: Understanding why some expect disposable income to rise while others fear it will fall—and how this impacts cost-of-living debates.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysian banks, financial institutions, and digital platforms—Mastercard and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) want to collaborate with you to channel $1 billion in financing to underserved MSMEs across the Asia-Pacific. Backed by a $5 million grant, this initiative aims to help institutions develop innovative products and build capacity to bridge critical gaps in MSME financing.

From prioritising women-led businesses and climate-focused initiatives to envisioning a more inclusive and sustainable future for MSMEs, in this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak to Subhashini Chandran, Senior Vice President for APAC, Europe, Middle East, and Africa at the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, about the $2.5 trillion MSME financing gap in the region and explore how this partnership plans to address systemic barriers.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is Corporate FOMO the answer to closing Malaysia’s Corporate Venture Capital gap? With only 39% of corporations incorporating CVC into their innovation strategies, Malaysia trails behind regional peers like Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. This episode of Enterprise Explores dives into a report by Capital Markets Malaysia and BCG X, examining the barriers, opportunities, and actionable steps needed to build a thriving CVC ecosystem.

Joining us to unpack the findings from their report – Advancing Malaysia’s Innovation Landscape: The Pivotal Role of Corporate Venture Capital – are Navina Balasingam, General Manager of Capital Markets Malaysia, and Hanno Stegmann, Managing Director and Partner at BCG X.

We discuss the challenges of risk-averse corporations, the government's role in facilitating co-investments, and strategies to address key gaps in Malaysia’s CVC landscape. Learn how CVC can drive innovation for Corporate Malaysia, manage risk elements effectively, and activate the three key levers required to catalyse growth in the ecosystem.

For those unfamiliar, Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) involves corporations investing in startups and high-growth ventures through dedicated investment arms. Beyond funding, it’s about leveraging capital, expertise, and market access to fuel innovation and create growth opportunities for both startups and corporations.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With 59% of employers planning to expand their teams in 2025 and 31% focusing on maintaining headcount, Malaysia’s job market is poised for significant activity. In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we unpack Randstad Malaysia’s 2025 Job Market Outlook and Salary Guide with Fahad Naeem, Country Director at Randstad Malaysia.

Key topics covered include:

- How employers are approaching hiring in 2025.

- The in-demand roles and skills driving competition in the talent market.

- Insight and approaches to talent management, attraction, and retention

- Gain insights into hiring trends, the growing demand for tech and digital transformation roles, and strategies to address Malaysia’s ongoing talent scarcity.

- Whether you're an employer tackling recruitment challenges or a professional exploring career opportunities, this episode provides actionable perspectives on navigating Malaysia’s evolving job market in 2025.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How are digital-first wealth managers revolutionising Malaysia’s financial landscape? What does Trump 2.0 mean for Crypto in 2025? What are key trends to watch out for in Wealthtech ahead? In this episode of Enterprise Explores, we speak with Wong Wai Ken, Country Manager of StashAway Malaysia, and Hann Liew, Co-Founder and CEO of Halogen Capital, to discuss the evolution of WealthTech, its impact on Malaysians' approach to wealth management, and of course what they're both watching out for in 2025.

Here are some AI-generated highlights of key areas covered in the conversation:

Market Outlook: Navigating Macro and Crypto Trends

Hann Liew forecasts tighter financial conditions in 2025 with historically high rates and inflation risks. Trump’s fiscal policies could amplify inflation, while proposals for a U.S. Bitcoin reserve may boost crypto markets. Investors must remain nimble to navigate these evolving macroeconomic and crypto trends.

Managing Market Volatility

Ken highlighted the importance of navigating market volatility in 2025. While rate cuts and AI-driven optimism fuel bullish markets, he cautioned against overconfidence. Potential risks, including inflation resurgence and geopolitical shifts, could disrupt markets. Ken emphasises maintaining a long-term perspective and adapting to evolving macroeconomic and technological trends.

Leveraging Technology to Redefine Wealth Management

StashAway and Halogen Capital use technology to enhance user experiences and internal processes. StashAway applies AI to manage portfolios, while Halogen integrates digital tools for crypto funds. By digitising operations and lowering fees, they aim to make wealth management accessible, transparent, and efficient.

Overcoming Challenges in Trust and Education

WealthTech platforms face challenges in trust and financial literacy. StashAway addressed skepticism around digital investment safety, while Halogen Capital clarified its role as a crypto asset manager. Both focus on patient education and transparency to empower Malaysians with knowledge of new asset classes and long-term strategies.

The Role of Partnerships and Industry Collaboration

Halogen collaborates with asset managers to integrate crypto exposure, while StashAway faces challenges aligning with traditional institutions due to high fees. Both stress client-focused partnerships to broaden investment access, combining innovative solutions with established financial systems to drive industry progress.

Preparing for the Future: Trends and Challenges

StashAway addresses Malaysia’s retirement savings gap with diversified portfolios, while Halogen aims to grow crypto assets to 1-3% of managed assets. Both highlight AI and blockchain’s transformative potential but emphasize a steady, long-term approach amid market volatility and evolving regulations.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From rising LNG demand and an oversupply of oil to shifting geopolitics under Trump 2.0, 2025 presents a complex landscape for the global energy sector. How will these trends reshape O&G markets and strategies?

In this episode of Enterprise Explores, Emma Richards, Associate Director of Oil and Gas at BMI, a Fitch Solutions company, shares insights from BMI’s 2025 oil and gas outlook.

Here are some AI-generated highlights of key areas covered in the conversation:

- Oil Market Oversupply: Increased production from OPEC+ and non-OPEC producers is putting downward pressure on prices, with U.S., Brazil, and Canada driving significant supply growth.

- LNG’s Bright Spot: Why global LNG capacity is surging, driven by projects in MENA, Africa, and the Americas, and how geopolitics—especially the Russia-Ukraine conflict—has spurred demand.

- Developed vs. Emerging Markets: Developed market oil demand peaked nearly 20 years ago, while emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia are now key growth engines.

- Trump 2.0’s Role: Regulatory easing in the U.S. could benefit smaller producers while reshaping global competition, with potential risks tied to erratic foreign policy decisions.

- SOE vs. IOC Strategies: State-owned enterprises are leading in both traditional and low-carbon investments, while publicly listed firms face shareholder pressures to prioritise dividends over growth.

- The Energy Transition: Companies are navigating dual pressures—meeting immediate economic demands while strategically positioning themselves for a lower-carbon future.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.