We visited homegrown gelato biz GIOIA’s new Chinatown store to learn what makes it so premium

[Written in partnership with GIOIA, but the editorial team had full control over the content.] Malaysia doesn’t lack gelato options, but one new kid on the block to keep your eye on is GIOIA. With its powdery baby blue branding giving it that quintessential summery vibe, the brand first captured the taste buds of patrons […]
Mossery pioneered the M’sian customisable notebook scene 10 yrs ago, now it’s a global brand

“Mossery is Malaysian?!” If this isn’t the thought that goes through your head when you read this article, congratulations, you’re considerably more in the know compared to the handful of people I’ve spoken to about this. Jokes aside, Mossery has become such a globally renowned brand since it started out in 2011 as a considerably […]
The St. Regis KL’s Michelin-selected restaurant features locally-sourced harvests in new menu

Located on the second floor of The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur is The Brasserie, a Michelin-selected restaurant for two consecutive years. Paying homage to Malaysia’s diverse agricultural heritage, The Brasserie’s menu now incorporates dishes that feature ingredients meticulously sourced from Malaysia’s states. Recently, we were invited to get a taste of some of these dishes […]
Would you pay this app RM55 to meet strangers for dinner? We tried it, here’s our verdict.

Would you pay RM55 just to meet up with five strangers for dinner, not including the cost of food and drinks? Well, at my dinner table last Wednesday, my five new companions’ answers were yes. Let’s first rewind to how I got into this situation. Fancy a dinner with strangers? The company that made all […]
At just US$2.99/mth, this VPN can safeguard your data without breaking the bank

[This is a sponsored article with TurisVPN.] If you’re on the lookout for a VPN that will protect your data without costing an arm and a leg, TurisVPN could tick a lot of boxes for you. TurisVPN is a newly launched VPN service that combines ease of use with high-speed connections, offering subscriptions starting from just […]
Are we safe? AI bot tries to rewrite its own code to cheat the limits imposed by researchers

Disclaimer: Unless otherwise stated, opinions expressed below belong solely to the author. Two days ago, a Tokyo-based AI research lab revealed AI Scientist, a clever AI system designed to conduct scientific research independently of humans and produce complete papers ready for subsequent peer review (which the authors propose to, ultimately, automate as well). Of course, […]
foodpanda gifts 53K households in S’pore’s “most boring neighbourhood” free deliveries

Food and grocery delivery platform foodpanda is giving all 53,000 households in Yew Tee unlimited free deliveries with a complimentary one-month pandapro subscription. Each household will receive a unique pandapro subscription code delivered to their front doors or letterboxes, enabling them to unlock the offer. Residents can look forward to a bevy of good food […]
We had to ask Gushcloud why they’re giving employees paid leaves to go on Tinder dates

Ever wondered if you could take PTO (paid time off) just to socialise and meet someone new? Well, at Gushcloud International, you now can. The global creator and entertainment company that’s headquartered in Singapore just announced its partnership with the dating app Tinder to introduce Tinder Leave. It’s a new employee benefit that’s open to […]
After working in Australia for 10 yrs, this M’sian returned to open a doughnut shop in PJ

From the tiny hands reaching for sprinkles to the sophisticated palate seeking a gourmet treat, doughnuts have an undeniable charm that transcends age and taste. Whether it’s a classic glazed delight or an adventurous flavour fusion, there’s a doughnut out there to satisfy every craving. That was one of the reasons Shih Sheng decided to […]
This app has paid users US$10 million to walk, and it’s now in M’sia. We tried it out.

As a digital native, I’ve always seen ads for apps that claim to pay you for walking. These ads, which somehow usually get promoted by “meme pages” oftentimes come off as a scam. That’s why when I got an email for a platform called WeWard, I initially brushed it off. But something about it made […]
Asian Football Confederation launches 3 new leagues, sponsored by smartphone brand TECNO

[This is a sponsored article with TECNO.] Head to any pub, bar, or mamak in Malaysia and there’s a good chance there will be a football match playing. Football isn’t just a game in Malaysia—it’s a passion that brings people together. This enthusiasm is set to grow even more with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) […]
This Kelantanese couple grew their humble hawker stall into a premium beef noodle spot in PJ

A couple since they were teenagers, Sherwin and Kayren had always thought of moving to KL to start a business. But it took a while before they could get there. Growing up in Kelantan, Kayren went on to study in Sunway while Sherwin was in Taylor’s. The two decided to further their studies overseas, with […]
This M’sian bookstore is disrupting how we buy books with vending machines in LRT stations

The hustle and bustle of modern life can make it hard for book lovers to find time to visit their favourite bookstores. Long commutes, endless workdays, and the constant rush between appointments make many readers long for the simple pleasure of browsing a bookstore and finding that perfect read. At that moment, have you ever […]
Tim Hortons will debut in M’sia with exclusive offerings, here’s our first impressions

News of Tim Hortons‘ expansion into Malaysia has been circulating the internet for a while now, but in case you haven’t heard, yes, it’s happened. The popular Canadian coffee chain with over 5,000 outlets worldwide has arrived on Malaysia’s shores. And on August 13, we got to be some of the first in Malaysia to […]
Venture capital firm Antler closes US$72mil fund to boost early-stage startups in SEA

Antler, a global early-stage venture capital firm, has secured US$72 million (RM324 million) for its second Southeast Asia fund. This new fund will be used to invest in early-stage startups across the region. The firm will be investing US$27 million (over RM124 million) into 45 promising startups over the next few months. Part of the […]
Going global? Love, Bonito & StashAway share 5 tips for startups eyeing int’l expansion.

What’s the next big thing after you’ve established your company as a local staple? You broaden your horizons by entering new markets overseas, of course. At least, that’s the route that many startups take, for good reason. There are plenty of benefits that come with taking your business international. This includes upping your revenue potential, […]
This local pizza chain wants to overtake global names to become Malaysia’s go-to pizza brand

“Our long-term plan is to replace Pizza Hut and Domino’s and be the number one pizza brand in Malaysia.” That’s the ambitious goal of a group of friends who set out to bring a slice of New York to the local food scene. What started as a home experiment during the Movement Control Order (MCO) […]
This M’sian quit biotech to run her socks biz, now has a 2nd brand with her own designs

To me, socks have always been a great venue for self-expression. It’s somewhat subtle, yet chock-full of potential, and always gets a chuckle or two out of people when they inadvertently notice a funny design. A local brand that’s tapping into the demand for cute, interesting socks is Typical Us. From science to socks Typical […]
How this Muay Thai fight club in PJ became a community hub for people from all walks of life

It all started seven years ago, on an ordinary day at a field in Sungai Buloh. Coach ADD, a dedicated Muay Thai enthusiast, was training with his son, Danish. Unbeknownst to them, their passion was about to ignite a spark that would change countless lives. Did you know: Muay Thai or Thai boxing is the […]
These M’sians invested RM300K to open a bar for “biang biang” noodles, now have 2 outlets

Biang. Biang. That’s the sound you’d hear when passing by the kitchen of Biang Biang Noodle Bar. Not because the chefs are making a ruckus, no. That just so happens to be the sound of your noodles being handmade from scratch. At first glance, biang biang noodles look like your usual pan mee or mian […]
This Malaysian ditched her high-paying job in Singapore to sell Asian-inspired gelato in PJ

Eugenia had always dreamed of opening her own cafe since she was little. Originally, she envisioned a cosy cake or pastry cafe. Gelato never crossed her mind until she stumbled upon Birds of Paradise (BOP) in Singapore. The moment she stepped into the boutique, she was enveloped in a world of creamy delights. The Macadamia […]
Things we kept hearing at Tech in Asia Conference KL that M’sian founders should know too

On July 24 and 25, the Vulcan Post team found ourselves at Hilton Kuala Lumpur for the Tech in Asia Conference 2024. We heard that about 2,000 people were in attendance on the first day, but if you weren’t one of the many faces in the crowd, we’ve got you covered. While you can check […]
These M’sians are running a 6-storey fine dining dessert hub in Petaling Street

“Malaysia’s first fine dining dessert hub,” that’s what MONO calls Nucre Patisseries. A newcomer in the scene, the house of sweet treats is located on the bustling Petaling Street in KL and has arguably one of the best views there. All thanks to its tall building consisting of six floors, giving it a nice sight […]
How to turn new brands into household names, according to the M’sian startup behind Montigo

Thousand Miles. Bottom Labs. Eubi. Cosmic Cookware. Montigo. What do all of these direct-to-consumer (D2C) brands have in common? Well, they’re all brands under RPG Commerce, of course. A homegrown company led by founder and CEO Melvin Chee, RPG Commerce has raised millions of dollars, with the last reported one being its Series B round […]
These S’poreans are revolutionising prayer items, from eco-friendly hell notes to joss sticks

While Singapore’s annual National Day celebrations are ongoing, there is another festival that is celebrated: the Hungry Ghost Festival. Colloquially known as “Ghost Month,” the traditional Chinese festival falls on the seventh month of the Chinese Lunar calendar. During this period, the Chinese worship their ancestors and make offerings to the wandering souls that are […]
Why Overkill Singapore’s Ryan Tan started a site matching homeowners with interior designers

First of all, if you’re wondering why the co-founder of this startup looks familiar, that’s because it’s none other than Ryan Tan, the man behind Overkill Singapore. Yes, the media brand that has amassed over 100,000 subscribers on YouTube, and thousands more on other platforms. He had also previously founded the now-defunct Night Owl Cinematics, […]
This couple quit their jobs in Chicago to start a vegan skincare brand in Malaysia

Balancing body and soul. That’s the tagline of Libra Wellness. For them, personal care isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good too. And honestly, who doesn’t want a bit of both? However, with the market being saturated with personal care brands, co-founders Jeremy Andrus and Carmen Khor believe in making skincare and self-care accessible […]
Before you partner up, here are 8 questions you must ask to choose the right co-founder

In the world of startups, one of the most critical decisions you can make is choosing a co-founder. Much like the dynamics between a horse and a jockey in a race, the success of a startup often hinges on the synergy between the business idea (the horse) and the individual driving it (the jockey), as […]
Once obese, this M’sian started a gym designed for gym haters. It’s now a 14 Y/O biz.

When I first read about DailyMuscle’s mission, it totally resonated with me. As someone who experiences “gymtimidation”, working out in public spaces like the gym can be very anxiety-inducing, even when joined by a friend. Is my form weird? Are people judging me for my technique? Am I using the equipment right? Do I even […]
Malaysia’s semiconductor industry needs a reboot. Here’s why & what needs to be done.

Malaysia’s journey in the semiconductor industry began in 1972 when the state of Penang, facing economic challenges, successfully attracted global tech giants to its shores. That’s when Intel launched its first production facility outside of the United States, a five-acre assembly site in Penang, Malaysia, according to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority. This strategic move […]