We went to KL’s most fun restaurant led by a Michelin-starred chef, here’s what it was like
Watching your boss take two shots in succession—straight from a bottle—changes something in you.
But let’s backtrack.
We found ourselves at Nam Kok Hotel one afternoon, where the famous Suzie Wong is. We weren’t there for her, though.
No, we were there for a brand-new bar and restaurant called Picaro, and here’s something to know before you go yourself: Expect the unexpected.
When great minds come together
If I said that the chefs at Picaro absolutely cooked and served, you’d think, “That’s what they’re meant to do anyway!”
Well, yes, but as a Gen Z, I mean that in more than the literal sense.
Picaro is hands-down the most fun restaurant I’ve ever had the pleasure of dining in.
The chefs were dancing and singing, servers were taking shots with guests, and above all, the food was scrumptious. Need I say more?
Credit for bringing the concept to life goes to Rhombus Connexion, whose new baby Picaro falls perfectly into the group’s impressive portfolio consisting of The Beer Factory, Michelin-recognised Dancing Fish, Suzie Wong, and more.
The Spanish-inspired menu with Malaysian influences leaves nothing to be desired, and that’s because behind it is the chef patron of one Michelin-starred Au Jardin in Penang.
Chef Kim Hock Su, or Su, is making his mark in Klang Valley as Culinary Director of Picaro, so definitely come with high expectations. We did, and glad to say, they were met.
A pairing as old as time
Anyone who’s been to Vaso in Bangkok may think that Picaro sounds awfully familiar. And yes, the similarities are there. Michelle, co-founder of Picaro, acknowledged that it’s part of what inspired their own take on the fun concept.
But beyond that, she added, “The idea behind Picaro came from those after-hours industry hangouts we had as restaurateurs—with the hosting chef whipping up whatever dishes they feel like in the kitchen, enjoying it with friends, drinks, and music.”
It’s all about letting loose and putting the kitchen team at the heart of the party.
Once they had the concept, Michelle told Vulcan Post that they knew Su was the one to bring it to life, as long-time admirers of his work and after trying his creations at Un Poco Loco.
“It wasn’t an easy conversation,” she admitted, “but with lots of good food, we are glad that Chef Su decided to join us.”
While not as intricately designed as sister brand Suzie Wong, Picaro absolutely keeps up the high-energy nightlife vibes.
The main dining space is U-shaped, surrounding an open kitchen where chefs grill, prep, and dance right in front of you.
I can’t blame them for busting out some moves on the kitchen floor, because Picaro’s DJ was truly bringing the heat, and will be there on weekday and weekend nights.
Seats are arranged in such a way that you can’t not talk to the person next to you, and that’s what is at the core of Picaro—socialisation over good food.
It’s a pairing as old as time, and one that aligns with Su’s vision.
Good food at the heart of it all
“Picaro’s menu was born from the love of Spanish food but with a slight local spin on it, many of the dishes will remind one of Spain as well as Southeast Asia,” Su told Vulcan Post.
“The objective is to blur the lines of both heritages so that it may provoke our diners to have conversation about the flavours at hand.”
I hope the menu is exciting to their palate, induces them to think about each flavour and discussions can be raised and a conversation starts with the person beside them, all while sitting in the kitchen where other chefs and I have similar conversations.
As for his proudest dishes at Picaro, Su recommended the crab croquettes (which I found had an elevated homey taste) and crab paella (yummy and indulgent).
“They were fun to create as there was more to play with, we do not normally get crabs of that size in Penang,” he said.
But he’s not just enthusiastic about showcasing quality produce—he’s also a believer in being mindful with their creations and processes.
“When creating a dish, instead of taking only the ‘good parts’ of the produce, I ardently encourage to purpose in its entirety.”
“You can surprise one’s self when you experiment on its possibilities. Off cuts and traditional food scraps can shine, if you let them.”
Although this passionate chef runs on “many good cups of coffee, sheer determination, and little-to-no sleep,” Su has some better advice for aspiring F&B entrepreneurs:
- As much as you wish, you really can’t do it all, so having a trusted team lets you focus on the bigger picture.
- Go in with your eyes wide open, do your research, and really dig into the details.
- Enjoy the journey and the results, the time flies by (good and bad).
And on that note, Rhombus Connexion and Su have certainly crafted a space and menu that allow patrons to let loose and enjoy the good times.
At Picaro, nestled away behind several layers of doors is the promise of a good evening, with good companionship and good food.
It is open Wednesday to Sunday, with two sessions available: 6PM to 8.30PM, or 9PM to 11.30PM.
So, swing by if you’ve been finding yourself in need of some flavour and fun in your life.
Also Read: Malaysia’s semiconductor industry is ramping up, here are the companies that are hiring now
Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post
Carousell lays off 76 employees across its regional offices, with S’porean staff affected too
Homegrown ecommerce firm Carousell has laid off 76 employees from its business and tech departments across its regional offices, including in Singapore.
The affected staff, who were notified by Carousell Group CEO Quek Siu Rui in a town hall this morning (December 6), represent about 7% of the Group’s total headcount. They were also informed individually by their department heads and a HR representative after the meeting.
According to a statement from the platform, the layoff was carried out “to match market reality” in some business units, and to “reallocate resources to areas that are showing promise”.
These adjustments aim to ensure the long-term sustainability and operational efficiency of our Group.
Carousell
The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and the Creative Media and Publishing Union (CMPU)—which represents Carousell’s Singapore workforce under union membership—have confirmed that they were informed by the ecommerce company about the retrenchment.
According to a CMPU spokesperson, Carousell “assured that it has explored all alternative options, including redeployment to other suitable positions”.
Also Read: Carousell fined S$58,000 for data leaks, over 2.6 million users affected
Featured Image Credit: Carousell
Meet 5 M’sian founders who made it & are now helping to grow the next gen of startups
[This is a sponsored article with MDEC.]
Malaysia’s tech scene has seen notable growth, establishing itself as a significant hub in Southeast Asia. In fact, StartupBlink reported that Kuala Lumpur is ranked as the third-best startup city in the region.
One might say that a key factor in this rise is the success of accelerators and incubators in the country. Local tech leaders don’t just stop at achieving remarkable milestones either—they’re also reinvesting their knowledge, resources, and success back into the ecosystem.
In collaboration with the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), we’ve compiled a non-exhaustive list of prominent Malaysia Digital (MD) status companies that are actively contributing to the growth of the next generation of scaleups and talents in Malaysia.
Growing businesses and industries
1. SkyeChip
Founded in 2019, SkyeChip is a design company started by SK Fong and Teh Chee Hak. The duo are industry veterans with over 20 years of experience in notable companies such as Intel, Altera, and Broadcom. Together, the founders have filed more than 40 patents.
The firm specialises in Intellectual Property (IP) and Integrated Circuit (IC) solutions for use in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing applications.
With a vision to position Malaysia as a global leader in IC design, SkyeChip collaborates with universities and provides students with hands-on experience through real-world projects. This is to ensure graduates are well equipped for employment with SkyeChip.
For example, its internship programme and Final Year Project (FYP) sponsorships nurture creativity in students to solve practical problems. SkyeChip has invested over RM300,000 to empower over 100 students at local universities, as well as supported over 90 students under the SkyeChip Graduate Associate Program.
Beyond that, the founders are Industry Advisory Panel (IAP) members for Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP) respectively. They actively contribute their expertise to bridge the gap between academia and industry, ensuring that university curricula stays relevant with the ever-evolving industry.
“Through our collaborations with universities and investments in talent development, we aim to create a vibrant ecosystem where students are not only skilled, but also inspired to drive innovation in the tech semiconductor industry,” shared SK Fong, SkyeChip’s CEO.
2. ViTrox Corporation Berhad
ViTrox Corporation Berhad (ViTrox), a Penang-based semiconductor manufacturer has grown into a global leader in automated vision inspection systems.
Established in 2000, ViTrox went public in 2004. The company exports their goods and services worldwide and has over 65 sales channel partners around the globe.
Their journey reflects the potential of Malaysia’s tech industry on the international stage.
ViTrox’s success isn’t just measured by its business achievements; the company is committed to fostering innovation within the ecosystem.
The company’s three co-founders have teamed up with Southern Capital Group to launch Cambrian Fund, a venture capital fund aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s tech ecosystem.
The fund focuses on early-stage tech companies with founders who demonstrate strong vision, the right mindset, and exceptional execution skills.
Additionally, the ViTrox Academy was established in 2020 to provide students with technical training programmes and soft skills training, ensuring that the future workforce is well-equipped to meet industry demands.
In January 2023, ViTrox Academy launched ViTrox College which runs Diploma programmes in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, as well as Mechatronics Engineering, bridging the gap between academia and industry.
3. Oppstar Berhad
Founded in 2014 by three IC design industry experts—Ng Meng Thai, Cheah Hun Wah and Tan Chun Chiat—Oppstar Berhad (Oppstar) has emerged as a key player in the semiconductor space.
Having listed on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market in 2023, Oppstar designs chips that play a role in digitalisation technologies in industries including telecommunication, consumer electronics, industrial electronics, and automotive.
Much like ViTrox, the company is fostering the continuation and growth of Malaysia’s semiconductor innovation talent pool.
This can be seen through Oppstar’s internship programme, providing university students with hands-on experience in IC design.
Over the past two financial years, they’ve provided internships to over 105 students, with 46 of them transitioning to full-time design engineers at Oppstar, the team shared. These interns are offered competitive remuneration packages, typically exceeding RM4,000, with a focus on both professional and academic performance, Oppstar’s team shared.
Additionally, Oppstar has partnered with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to establish a dedicated IC design lab at the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, ensuring students have the tools and resources to succeed.
The company has invested over RM1 million in the lab, mainly for design software subscriptions essential for training. This initiative underscores Oppstar’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of design engineers, with future plans for upgrades and collaborations in the works.
4. CARSOME
Malaysia’s first unicorn, CARSOME, has evolved over the last nine years into one of Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car ecommerce platforms. With operations in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, it has won accolades, including PIKOM’s 2024 Tech Entrepreneur Unicorn Icon Award.
From a startup with five employees selling approximately 30 cars in its first month, CARSOME has grown into a regional powerhouse of 3,000 strong, selling more than 100,000 cars per annum, with more than US$1 billion in revenue.
This year, the startup announced its most successful quarter to-date for Q2 2024, with EBITDA more than tripling, building on the profitable momentum first seen in December 2023.
Eric Cheng, the driving force behind CARSOME’s growth, emphasised that maintaining the company’s focus on profitability while addressing real customer problems is his top priority.
And he’s not just keeping all this expertise to himself. Eric is also an angel investor and advisor, sharing his expertise with new startups to help them navigate entrepreneurial challenges.
His collaboration with Sunway Group to establish the CARSOME Mobility Lab accelerator programme in 2022 highlights his support for new ventures.
CARSOME was also an early supporter of the Sunway Education Group’s 42KL initiative, providing financial support since its inception in 2021. To date, 500 students have benefited from free programming education through the 42KL initiative, CARSOME’s team shared.
The CARSOME management team also works with the government to provide mentorship and guidance for the startup ecosystem.
For example, CARSOME leaders have been appointed as mentors for the Selangor Accelerator Program (SAP) and Selangor E-Commerce Xccelerator Programme by the Selangor Information Technology & Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec).
Additionally, CARSOME Academy helps address the industry’s skilled workforce gap by offering TVET certification across various automotive skill sets.
To date, CARSOME Academy has trained 400 students, enabling them to secure roles with starting salaries ranging from RM2,000 to RM2,500, according to the team.
Moving forward, CARSOME Academy aims to enhance collaborations with industry partners, providing students with a more comprehensive, hands-on learning experience while offering partners a reliable pipeline of skilled talent.
5. Joel Neoh
Joel Neoh is a prominent entrepreneur in the tech industry.
From leading Groupon Malaysia and Fave, to becoming an investor and Managing Director of Prenetics (parent company of CircleDNA), he’s also a founding partner of First Move.
Joel’s appointment aligns with Prenetics’ efforts to “reinvent the preventive healthcare landscape” by focusing on consumer health, genetics, early cancer detection, and targeted cancer therapies.
At the same time, he’s actively paying it forward through First Move, a founder-led early-stage fund for consumer-focused startups across Southeast Asia.
The fund provides pre-seed funding of up to US$100,000 and already has a current portfolio of seven companies spanning Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, including Giggly Coco, Scentses + Co, Collektr, Evolut Commerce, TjuFu, and Decube.
Part of a larger support system
The names we featured are just a handful of those supported by the MD national strategic initiative, including MDEC’s GAIN (Gateway, Amplify, Invest, Nurture) and FOX (Founders Centre of Excellence) programmes.
They aim to identify and nurture high-growth technology companies, amplifying their potential to become global ones.
These high-growth companies go on to become industry leaders; some like the highlighted ones here go on to set a precedent for how success can be used to uplift others. Their commitment to paying it forward ensures that Malaysia’s tech ecosystem will continue to grow and thrive, supporting the next generations of startups.
Also Read: 5 reasons Tokyo makes an ideal launchpad for M’sian & S’porean startups to scale globally
Featured Image Credit: Chu Jenn Weng, CEO of Vitrox / Joel Neoh, founding partner of First Move / Eric Cheng, CEO of Carsome / Ng Meng Tai, founder and Managing Director of Oppstar / SK Fong, CEO of SkyeChip
Here’s a masterlist of all the tax reliefs individuals can claim for YA 2024 in Malaysia
Ah, tax season—the time when you either sigh at your bank account or do a happy dance over a refund.
If you’re a Malaysian earning over RM34,000 a year, tax filing is a must. The process may not be the most enjoyable, but by claiming all the tax reliefs you’re eligible for, you lower your chargeable income, which could lead to a tax refund.
In short, tax reliefs can help you reduce what you owe or even get some of your hard-earned money back.
This guide from PwC Malaysia covers all the tax reliefs for YA 2024, breaking down the categories so you can maximise your savings and, hopefully, make tax season a little easier.
Tax relief for individuals & spouses
1. Automatic individual relief – RM9,000
Just by filing your taxes, you get an automatic deduction of RM9,000. No strings attached, no receipts needed.
2. Education expenses – RM7,000
Whether you’re brushing up on your coding skills or finally pursuing that Master’s degree, you can claim up to RM7,000. This includes:
- Any course of study up to the tertiary level, excluding Master’s or Doctorate degrees, pursued to obtain qualifications or skills in legal, accounting, Islamic financing, technical, vocational, industrial, scientific, or technological fields.
- Any Master’s or Doctorate degree programme aimed at acquiring qualifications or skills.
- Any course recognised by the Director General of Skills Development for upskilling and self-improvement, with a limit of RM2,000 (valid until YA 2026).
3. Spouse/Alimony relief – RM4,000
Do you have a spouse without an income or are you paying alimony? Here’s a little relief to help balance those bills.
4. Insurance reliefs
For life insurance premiums or voluntary contributions to Employee Provident Fund (EPF) or for both, you can claim up to RM3,000.
If you’re an employee who contributes to Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), you can claim RM350.
5. EPF contributions – RM4,000
This covers voluntary or mandatory contributions to the EPF or pension schemes by individuals or public sector employees.
Tax relief for children
1. Ordinary child relief
- Child under 18: RM2,000
- Child above 18 in full-time education such as diploma level or higher within Malaysia, or degree level or higher outside Malaysia, or undergoing training or apprenticeship in a trade or profession within Malaysia: RM8,000
2. Breastfeeding equipment– RM1,000
Claim this once every two years if you have a baby under two years old.
3. Childcare/Kindergarten fees – RM3,000
Keep those childcare receipts from registered centres. This is extended till YA 2027.
4. Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional (SSPN) – RM8,000
This lets you invest in your child’s future and save on taxes.
Tax relief for parents
1. Medical expenses for parents – RM8,000
Covering the costs of their check-ups and medications can help you save on taxes. This includes medical and dental treatments, comprehensive medical examinations (including vaccinations, up to RM1,000), special needs care, or caregiver expenses, supported by medical certification.
Tax relief for your whole family
1. Education or medical insurance – RM3,000
Cover those premiums, and claim the relief—it’s like an incentive for responsible adulting.
2. Medical expenses for serious illnesses – RM10,000
From fertility treatments to vaccinations, this category covers a lot. Even dental work is eligible under the 2024 Budget update.
Here’s what’s included:
- Medical expenses for fertility treatment for self or spouse
- Complete medical examination, COVID-19 detection test (including the purchase of self-test kit) and mental health examinations or consultations for self, spouse or child limited to RM1,000
- Vaccination expenses which qualified for deduction for self, spouse or child up to RM 1,000
- Expenses for diagnostic assessments, early intervention programmes, or rehabilitation treatments for learning disabilities in children under 18 years old, are up to RM4,000
- Dental examination or treatment by dental practitioners registered with the Malaysian Dental Council for self, spouse or child, limited to RM1,000
3. Lifestyle expenses – RM2,500
- Purchase or subscription of reading materials, books, journals, magazines, newspapers or other similar publications (in print or digital formats) for knowledge enhancement
- Purchase of personal computer, smartphone or tablet
- Internet subscription expenses
- Fees for upskilling or self-improvement courses
For fitness buffs & EV enthusiasts
1. Sports equipment – RM1,000
This relief covers:
- Expenses for purchasing sports equipment, entry or rental fees for sports facilities, and registration fees for sports competitions
- Gym membership fees
- Sports training fees that are charged by registered sports clubs, societies, or companies
2. EV charging facilities – RM2,500
Going green gets a reward too. Claim this for EV-related expenses which include installation, rental, hire-purchase of equipment, or subscription fees.
Tax relief for the disabled
1. Disabled individuals or dependents
- Self: RM6,000
- Spouse: RM5,000
- Child: RM6,000
Caring for someone with disabilities or are one yourself? Reliefs like these can ease the financial burden.
2. Basic supporting equipment – RM6,000
Wheelchairs, hearing aids, and other essential tools are claimable too.
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As per tax regulations, you must keep records supporting your tax returns for up to seven years.
So, spend some time collecting receipts, statements, and invoices. This will help you prepare for any potential audits by tax authorities in the future.
- Read more about what we’ve written on taxes here.
Also Read: Mega sales are coming up in M’sia, here’s how to ensure that your parcels don’t go missing
Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post
