Inside the exclusive programme for startups by Grab Malaysia, GXBank leaders & Endeavor Malaysia
[This is a sponsored article with Grab.] “This is not the typical tech or startup networking event that we usually go to,” Dennis Lee, CEO and co-founder of CloudJoi, told us when we met him at one of Scale Up by Endeavor’s (Scale Up) sessions. To Dennis, people typically attend business events to connect with […]
Business trends for 2025 that M’sian entrepreneurs are keeping their eyes on
From attending several business conferences this year, such as Tech in Asia, KL20, and Alliance Bank BizSmart, one thing has become clear. Conversations about AI adoption, automation, and sustainability dominate panel discussions and coffee breaks alike. It’s not just about keeping up anymore—it’s about leveraging these tools to thrive. While 2024 hasn’t been a year […]
2024 in focus: Here’s our recap of events & business trends that made waves in Singapore
Yet another year has come and gone, and at Vulcan Post, we’re hitting pause to look back on the key events that have defined 2024. We’ve followed the journeys of entrepreneurs, unpacked key events in Singapore, and explored trends that caught our readers’ attention. And as we bid goodbye to 2024, it only feels fitting […]
Critical convos with a focus on impact: How MRANTI is bridging local & global markets
[This is a sponsored article with MRANTI.] “We must take action. Whether in policy-making, research, or industry practice, it is our responsibility to turn today’s insights into tomorrow’s solutions.” This call to action from MRANTI CEO Datuk Wira Dr. Hj. Rais Hussin captures the organisation’s drive to turn innovation into tangible impact. But while insights […]
Spotting a gap in Malay cuisine, this S’porean family started a restaurant serving halal wine
When Vulcan Post was invited to a media tasting at Aleeya, the first thing that stood out to me was their halal wine. Admittedly, I had low expectations—I assumed that the wines would just taste like grape juice. And pairing them with Malay-Indonesian cuisine? I wasn’t too convinced if the combination would even work. Yet, […]
Singapore 2025 job outlook: Who is hiring next year? Here’s what the data says.
With the arrival of 2025, we’re entering the second half of the decade which started with the worst pandemic in a century. Fortunately the economic situation has greatly improved in Singapore this year, with stabilising prices and strong economic growth as real GDP growth is expected to hit 3.5% or more—an excellent result for a […]
Billionaire CEO stops hiring as AI “can already do all of the jobs”, but promises higher pay
Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, any opinions expressed below belong to the author. Sebastian Siemiatkowski, CEO of Klarna, a Swedish based fintech company (currently valued at about US$15 billion), said the company stopped actively recruiting new hires a year ago, because artificial intelligence (AI) can essentially do all of the jobs already. “It’s just a question […]
Oatly shuts down Singapore plant, 59 workers including 25 from Yeo’s to be laid off
Oatly, the Swedish oat milk company, is closing its manufacturing plant in Singapore after evaluating its supply chain network in the region. This was the company’s first factory in Asia, serving the APAC region. With this closure, the region will be served instead by Oatly’s Europe facilities. Furthermore, the company also has a production facility […]
Unifi Business is giving away TVs, tablets & 5G smartphones, here’s how you can bag this deal
[This is a sponsored article with Unifi Business.] Every once in a while, I’ll hear one of my colleagues in the office ask, “Is your internet okay? Mine isn’t working and I can’t save my work.” This is typically followed by panic and turning the router off and on again, because without the internet, we […]
How this S’porean duo’s beauty chain aims to stand out against giants like Sephora & Sasa
When Eugene Tay and Ben Lin started making cold calls to sell perfumes and skincare to earn extra pocket money, they did not expect their side hustle to grow into a full-fledged retail business. From mainstays such as Estee Lauder, SK-II, and Hugo Boss to local brands like Iren Shizen, The Powder Shampoo, and Hegen, Novela has […]
Making a living in the death trade: What does it take to be a funeral director in Singapore?
Losing a loved one is never easy, but the taboo surrounding death makes it difficult to have open conversations about it. However, one funeral director aims to destigmatise the funeral industry, and writing her first book is her first step. We’ve read her book Echoes of Farewell and spoken to Harmony Tee, the author and founder […]
She opened a Kuching restaurant serving up S’wakian food 3 yrs ago, now it’s grown to S’pore
In 2021, Carmen Toh, alongside a group of artist-entrepreneurs, embarked on a culinary journey that was as ambitious as it was heartfelt. Their shared passion for food, culture, and storytelling culminated in the creation of KANTIN in Kuching. The name itself, a nod to the nostalgic Malaysian school canteens, captures the essence of community, joy, […]
This expat opened a Mont Kiara eatery to popularise a lesser-known chicken dish from Korea
If you think of Korean chicken, the first thing that comes to mind is likely fried chicken. From K Fry to Kyochon, many brands are now present in Malaysia to offer the crowd-favourite dish. However, before Korean fried chicken was a thing, it was actually something called tongdak-gui that popped off in South Korea in […]
5 insider insights from Cradle’s PLUGIN conference that M’sian entrepreneurs should know
[Written in partnership with Cradle, but the editorial team had full control over the content.] Looking back at 2024, there have no doubt been many insightful conferences and events in the startup and business world. From the iconic KL20 Summit to the recent Startup Week Malaysia, there have been many learnings to go around. At […]
S$3,636/mth for a 1-bedroom: How S’pore became the world’s most expensive city to rent in
Renting a home has become increasingly challenging worldwide, with Singapore emerging as the most expensive city for renters. According to the online cost-of-living database Numbeo, a one-bedroom apartment in the Lion City now costs $3,636 per month, reported The Independent Singapore. This dramatic surge in rental prices is sparking global conversations about housing affordability and […]
Club Med Cherating launches refreshed nature activities, we travelled 280km to find out why
45 years after opening their resort to the public in 1979, Club Med Cherating has introduced some new nature-focused offerings to their Gentils Membres—or guests, for those unfamiliar with the resort group’s terminology. Called “Journey into the Wild,” this is Club Med’s response to travel enthusiasts’ desire for more “enriching and experiential getaways.” Promised to […]
A failed venture didn’t stop him from trying again, now he runs a premium patisserie in Melaka
Although I’m proudly from Melaka, I’m not usually up to speed with new brands and happenings back home. So, when I first heard about a relatively new patisserie in the state, I felt surprised and impressed that there was such a refined-looking desserts spot in my hometown. Called iVORi Pâtisserie (iVORi), this bakeshop and cafe […]
How this S’porean ex-lawyer grew his matcha brand into a biz raking in 7-figure revenues
In 2013, Elias Tiong took what seemed like a pretty safe bet—he enrolled at law school at the National University of Singapore. A high-achieving student who breezed through his A-Levels, he was encouraged to pursue law as it could open doors in his career. And it did—four years later, Elias found himself in training at […]
Is P2P financing right for you? We unpack the pros & cons every M’sian investor should know.
[This is a sponsored article with CapBay.] Nowadays, everyone seems to be on the lookout for new ways to make their money work for them. One method that has gained traction in Malaysia in recent years is peer-to-peer (P2P) financing, which lets investors fund SMEs while earning potentially high returns. Not to be confused with […]
17 yrs in, this M’sian biz continues to disrupt the pool industry with their chlorine-free tech
It was 2007, and the Malaysian real estate landscape was booming. Families were upgrading to semi-detached homes and bungalows, indulging in architectural grandeur. But there’s a catch—those grand backyards often weren’t big enough for traditional swimming pools. The very lifestyle that should accompany such luxury—a place for fitness, family, and relaxation—was compromised. That’s when SmartPools, […]
He turned a woodworking hobby into a M’sian brand for handmade pens that start at RM500
They say the pen is mightier than the sword. And at times, it might just be prettier, too. Xzotic Pens, for one, creates such pens. A homegrown brand, it produces beautiful personalised, hand-turned writing instruments that feature real wood, many of which are sourced locally. And the person behind these lovely pens is one Duncan […]
The beauty industry is “stuck in the 1980s,” so this S’porean started a salon to modernise it
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always felt a sense of dread going to a beauty salon. Sure, they get the job done, whether it’s a fresh manicure, a rejuvenating facial, or a quick brow fix, but the relentless upselling, hidden charges, and rigid packages often leave me feeling cornered rather than pampered. Crystal […]
More S’poreans are seeking healthcare in JB. What does it mean for the local medical sector?
Singapore’s private healthcare sector is undeniably advanced, but it’s not without its challenges. A recent analysis by CGS International has revealed a sobering reality: private healthcare providers in Singapore face limited growth opportunities due to market maturity and stiff competition from public institutions. Among the reasons? Singaporeans themselves are exploring more cost-effective healthcare options—including across […]
5-star quality, 3-star prices: Why Positano Risto’s co-founder opened a new Bangsar eatery
If you visit Ibu Ruby’s in Bangsar, a new Indo-Malay restaurant, you’ll find signs claiming that the restaurant has been established since 1979. In reality, the restaurant was launched just some weeks ago, but the story behind the eatery does indeed begin all the way back in the late 70s, when Haji Mohd Imran first […]
How this S’porean grew his pet care retail biz to make 6-figure annual revenues in one year
Some might say that having a pet is like raising a child, and as someone who had pets growing up, I wholeheartedly agree. In fact, my first “child” was a pet rabbit that I adopted from a local shelter. He was conveniently named “Bunny,” and just like a first-time parent, I wanted the best for […]
Have thoughts on trusting AI? This programme wants you to be part of the convo.
[This is a sponsored article with the National Libary Board.] Raise your hand if you’ve recently used artificial intelligence (AI) to find an answer or make your work easier. It’s undeniable that new technologies, especially AI, are becoming the norm in a world pushing towards automation and dependence on technology. While AI has made it easier to […]
How these Singaporeans built a multi-million-dollar biz by manufacturing cleaning robots
With the holiday season around the corner, many Singaporeans are gearing up for their year-end travels—and if you’re one of them, you might have spotted animated robots gliding around the airport, diligently cleaning the premises. These innovative cleaning robots are not just limited to Changi Airport—they’re also hard at work at hospitals, offices and various […]
Tony Fernandes said these 5 things were AirAsia’s biggest assets for growth
Say what you want about AirAsia and Tony Fernandes, but it’s hard to deny that he’s built a company with solid branding and a strong company culture. He’s grown Capital A’s portfolio from one airline brand to span seven core verticals—aviation, logistics, engineering, aviation services, digital lifestyle services, fintech, and even brand management. And I’m […]
Why this M’sian opened a holistic wellness centre in KL that combines 3 medical methodologies
[Written in partnership with RENN Asia Wellness, but the editorial team had full control over the content.] For many, it may seem natural to get aches and pains as you age. Health disorders like hypertension and sugar problems aren’t exactly shockers when you’re older. But for Jonathan Chew, this mindset has never made sense. Surely, […]
How this chef uses his internet virality to grow his authentic halal Italian restaurant in S’pore
Ever enjoyed your holiday in a country so much that you harboured the desire to settle down there? That was the case for then-21-year-old chef Gero DiMaria when he visited Singapore in 1996 and decided to search for a job in the local F&B industry. “Coming from the UK, Asia is very different, and I […]
