Grab mandates full return to office from Dec 2, employees “disappointed” with the sudden move

Grab will require its employees to work five days a week in the office starting in December, as announced during a company town hall this morning (October 24). According to an article by CNA, employees who wished to remain anonymous confirmed that the mandate will take effect from December 2, 2024, onwards. The reason for […]
M’sia now has a B2B digital halal marketplace for SMEs, created by Maybank Islamic & Borong

Borong, a B2B ecommerce platform, has partnered with Maybank Islamic to launch Salaam Market—claimed to be Malaysia’s first-ever digital marketplace for halal-certified products. This platform is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) easily access affordable halal goods while offering financial support and certification guidance, all in one place. It’s a major step forward […]
These 7 teams beat 500 entries for MYHackathon 2024’s first cohort, won RM250k grants each

[Written in partnership with MYStartup, but the editorial team had full control over the content.] “MYHackathon is not just a platform to test capabilities but also a strategic arena to discover new talents and generate innovative solutions for challenges faced by the government and related agencies.” These are the words of YB Tuan Chang Lih […]
The Period Co. believes S’pore needs alt period products, and not just ‘cos they sell them

Upon getting our first bleed, we are taught how to use sanitary pads, panty liners, and the different lengths offered. We are also advised when to change our pads or panty liners to ensure they’re all clean down there. However, some studies have claimed that pads and panty liners contain harmful chemicals, with many manufacturers […]
Threat of losing your job to AI is finally real as Claude can now use a computer like a human

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated opinions expressed below belong to the author. Anthropic has just presented a significant update to its Claude AI model called “computer use”—which does exactly what it says: it uses a computer like a human. It can see the screen, understand what it sees, navigate various software applications, and use a mouse […]
This M’sian couple quit their jobs to start Tedboy in Bangsar, now it’s grown to 5 outlets

When Edward and Patrina, a husband-and-wife duo, welcomed their first child, Ted, they had no idea that this little bundle of joy would become the inspiration behind their next big adventure—Tedboy. Edward, a former chemical engineer, and Patrina, a former pharmacist, had no culinary experience. Despite this, the couple embarked on their journey with one […]
Infinix ZERO Flip: At RM2,999, this might be the best flip foldable phone I’ve ever tried

I never thought I would see the day where I am ranked in the top three globally for any game, but alas, the day has come, with JumpUp. Given, this is a game that only seems to be playable through the cover screen of the Infinix ZERO Flip. Still, I want you to know that […]
They opened an F&B biz while “jobless & broke”, now the group’s on track to RM23mil revenue/yr

Western food joints are aplenty in the Klang Valley nowadays. You likely have your own favourite spot, but one brand that has not only been sustaining itself in the competitive scene but also growing is OH MY BELLY. Some might remember it as Belly and the Chef but the business also goes by Belly for […]
Convinced that M’sians aren’t recovering properly post-workout, he developed his own solution

When you think of workout protein products, you likely imagine protein powders, shakes, supplements, and various items that are heavily geared toward pre-workouts. But Hojū, a Malaysian health brand founded by dietitian Leonard Yap, aims to shake things up with its focus on recovery. Hojū’s product claims to not only support post-workout recovery but also […]
This M’sian opened a sourdough biz in KL to survive, now makes 6-figure revenue/month

“I knew that I created something right,” Jonathan Leon Lim (Jon) stated. It didn’t matter that his cafe was about in debt after three months of business because of a failed partnership. It didn’t matter that people were offering to buy him out of the brand, he was steadfast and stayed on. Jon was confident […]
Is Google’s AI redefining photography? Here’s my hands-on experience with the Pixel 9 Pro XL.

I’ve had my eye on the Google Pixel series for years—mainly because of the camera. As a photography enthusiast, the promise of cutting-edge mobile photography has always piqued my interest. So, when I had the chance to test the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL together with the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 for almost three […]
This M’sian quit her job to run her desserts biz, specialises in dango with unique toppings

Have you ever tried dango? I’ve always found the tricoloured Japanese rice flour treat to look fascinating, though I’ve yet to get the chance to eat it. But if you’ve ever wanted to live out your anime fantasies with a dango skewer of your own, here’s a business in KL that’s got you covered. One […]
Why this 80 Y/O Japanese coffee house made S’pore its home after moving here in 1979

When we first discussed the topic of this article, one of our biggest questions was: How did this 80-year-old Japanese brand’s only remaining store end up being at Chin Bee Avenue in Singapore? The year was 1944 when Grand Master Kiyoshi Suzuki opened Suzuki Coffee, a small kissaten (coffee shop in Japanese) in Tokyo. By […]
Why was the viral crypto CEO refused PR status in S’pore? Because it’s not about the money.

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed below belong solely to the author. You may have seen it in the news a couple of days ago—a CEO of a Singapore-based crypto analytics platform, Nansen, vented his frustration about getting his permanent residency (PR) application rejected on X in a viral post that garnered over 2.7 million views and a […]
This film festival wants to spook S’poreans with Asian horror, on screen and in the flesh

Amid spooky festivities such as Universal Studio’s annual Halloween Horror Night, the House of Horrors Film Festival is set to make its first haunt this Halloween. When it comes to horror movies, one cannot leave Asian horror out of the conversation. From franchises such as Japan’s Ju-On and classics like Thailand’s Pee Mak, this film […]
The Makeover Guys on their new 10,000 sq ft space that’s 2x the budget, with a last-min cafe

What does a nearly RM4 million office look like? We got our answer recently while touring the office of The Makeover Guys (TMOG). Located in Kota Damansara, the space spans around 10,000 square feet, according to founder and CEO Gavin. But why did it cost so much? First, meet the makeover guys For those who […]
Chick-fil-A to open 1st Asian branch in S’pore next year, now looking for local franchisees

Renowned for their chicken sandwiches, American fast food restaurant chain Chick-fil-A has announced plans to launch in Singapore. The chain plans to invest US$75 million into its Asian expansion, and its eyes seem to be set on Singapore first. Chick-fil-A reportedly aims to open its first Singaporean restaurant in late 2025. Anita Costello, Chick-fil-A’s chief […]
Pedestrian crossings go touchless: S’pore to replace 11,500 push buttons by 2031 for hygiene

Starting in the fourth quarter of 2025, pedestrians in Singapore will experience a more modern way to cross the street—by waving their hands instead of pressing buttons. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced plans to replace all mechanical pedestrian push buttons with touchless sensors by 2031, reported The Straits Times. This initiative aims to […]
Singapore salary data: 200+ non-executive roles that pay S$10,000 per month or more

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated any opinions belong to the author. British recruitment corporation, Michael Page, has released its annual salary guide for 2024, this time with even more detailed methodology comprising 280,000 data points from its own sources. In total, the company has listed over 500 roles across 15 different professions, with their respective, average […]
Budget 2025 roundup: 20 quick facts entrepreneurs in Malaysia need to know

Following the theme of “Ekonomi MADANI: Negara Makmur, Rakyat Sejahtera”, Budget 2025 has been tabled on October 18, 2024, by Malaysia’s Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. If you missed it, here are the must-know topics for entrepreneurs and startups to note. 1. The government has allocated RM421 billion for Budget 2025 […]
Budget 2025: What M’sians need to know about tax redemptions, subsidies & more

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Malaysia’s Finance Minister, has tabled the 2025 Budget in parliament today (October 18, 2024). Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know, from tax changes and subsidy adjustments to incentives. Taxes Sales tax on luxury goods While basic food items will be spared, expect to […]
Budget 2025: Cash aid and other financial assistance for Malaysians of all ages

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Malaysia’s Finance Minister, has tabled the 2025 Budget in parliament today (October 18, 2024). Here are key things to note when it comes to cash aid for Malaysians (regardless of age) and initiatives that will help the youths. Cash aid for Malaysians of all ages In […]
Budget 2025: Almost RM600 million in financing allocated for halal-certified MSMEs

According to MATRADE, Malaysia’s halal industry is expected to reach a market size of US$113.2 billion by 2030. In line with that, the MADANI government is allocating part of the RM421 billion Budget 2025 to growing the halal sector. Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) and SME Bank will offer special financing to halal MSMEs with […]
AI could bring in US$826bil globally by 2030. Here’s why M’sian startups should get on board.

[This is a sponsored article with MDEC.] You read the title right. According to Statista, the market for artificial intelligence (AI) grew beyond US$184 billion in 2024, a considerable jump of nearly US$50 billion compared to 2023. In 2030, it’s predicted that the market will “race past” US$826 billion. This all points to there being […]
Gaining US$34 billion this year alone, Sea is back on top & second only to DBS in S’pore

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated any opinions expressed below belong solely to the author, who doesn’t hold any stake in Sea Ltd. or any of its competitors. Following the implosion of the inflated tech stocks in late 2021 Sea Ltd. lost around 90 per cent in value at its lowest point, as money hastily receded. Now, […]
How Petite Fleur’s founder grew her side hustle to a full-fledged business in Singapore & beyond

[This is a sponsored article with Visa.] Not many florists can say they’ve had the privilege of arranging flowers for magazine covers or designer runway shows. But Petite Fleur can, as one of the few local florists that has successfully branched out beyond Singapore. Patricia Tanuwijaya, founder and CEO of Petite Fleur, would’ve never imagined how […]
Here are the 5 M’sian winners that bagged RM35K each from MYStartup’s 4th pre-accelerator

[Written in partnership with MYStartup, but the editorial team had full control over the content.] Powered by Cradle and WatchTower and Friends, the MYStartup Pre-Accelerator Cohort 4 successfully concluded its Demo Day on October 4. This marks the culmination of over three months of intensive mentorship, training, and business development. 11 finalist startups presented their minimum […]
M’sian ecommerce solutions startup Borong to invest RM75 million into Sarawak, here’s why

For the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), a government-owned company, the mission is straightforward—to propel Sarawak’s digital economy. Now joining this effort is Borong, a Malaysian B2B ecommerce solutions provider and platform aggregator. Touted as Southeast Asia’s fastest growing wholesale marketplace, it facilitates over 100,000 businesses’ trade and procurement locally and regionally. Formerly known as […]
Singapore’s Love, Bonito lays off 29 roles, including 14 locally

Singaporean fashion retailer Love, Bonito has axed approximately 6.9% or 29 corporate roles within its global workforce, with 14 roles in Singapore impacted. According to an article by CNA published today (October 17), the homegrown brand explained that the brand’s “immediate focus will be on helping impacted individuals as well as remaining employees through this […]
Despite profitability claims, ONE Championship axes jobs including S’porean ones

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organisation ONE Championship laid off an unspecified number of employees yesterday (October 16), including those from its Singapore headquarters. In an article published by The Straits Times, a virtual meeting was held with employees from all its offices yesterday morning. Chatri Sityodtong, CEO and founder of ONE Championship, announced the cuts. […]