BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  Open For Business  >  Why MalaysiaKini’s Co-Founder is Now Betting on AI

Why MalaysiaKini’s Co-Founder is Now Betting on AI

Premesh Chandran, CEO & Co-Founder, Awatar Innovations | Eshwaren M, CTO & Co-Founder, Awatar Innovations | Razlan Rizal, COO & Co-Founder, Awatar Innovations

02-Oct-25 10:00

Why MalaysiaKini’s Co-Founder is Now Betting on AI

Backed by 500 Global, AI startup Awatar Innovations is on a mission to build the next generation of agentic chatbots. But what does it really take to build a deep tech company in Malaysia's burgeoning but challenging AI landscape?

The co-founding trio. Premesh Chandran, Eshwaren M, and Razlan Rizal, join us to share their story. They discuss their unique team dynamic, their strategy of using free consumer tools like Sakura AI as marketing for their deeper B2B enterprise solutions, and their plan to raise a $500k seed round to fuel their growth.

We discuss:

  • The vision to build agentic AI chatbots for businesses.

  • The unique challenges of building an AI startup in Malaysia (high costs, education gap).

  • Their product strategy: using free tools like Sakura AI to drive B2B leads.

  • Their business model, from free entry-level bots to full enterprise solutions.

  • Their plan to raise a $500k seed round for team and market expansion.

For aspiring AI founders and investors, this is an inside look at the journey and strategy of an early-stage Malaysian tech venture.

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  technologySMEentrepreneurs

Tags:  AI startupagentic aichatbotsventure capitalmalaysia tech





Play / Pause

Listen now : Open For Business : From one restaurant in 1990 to a multi-brand...

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst & Writer, The Macro Butler tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

John Zogby, Founder of Zogby Strategies, weighs in on how the US views the latest strikes on Iran.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Ng Zhu Hann, Founder & CEO of Tradeview Capital talks about EPF's dividend announcement.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Adam D. Dixon, Adam Smith Chair and Director of Panmure House discusses state capitalism, geopolitics, and implications on Malaysia.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

P. Gunasegaram, Independent Business Writer, examines whether Vantris Energy Bhd’s RM480 million government support is a recovery plan or a bailout.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Dr James Dorsey, Adjunct Senior Fellow, S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, provides the Iran's perspective on the recent US-Israeli attack of the country.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Laurent Lequeu, Independent Market Analyst & Writer, The Macro Butler tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) We take a look at the FBM KLCI as well as regional capital markets.

9:35 AM

Pinnacle Perspectives

Ts. Syed Saggaf Syed Ahmad, President of MOGSC discusses how Malaysia’s oil and gas sector can navigate challenges after the 2025 Petronas Activity Outlook shortfall.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

From one restaurant in 1990 to a multi-brand F&B group, Serai’s journey spans generations. We speak with the family behind Serai Group about capital, growth and what it takes to sustain a restaurant business for over three decades.

11:05 AM

P&L

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

As the US Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s tariff play, new mechanics for a 10% global tax are already emerging. Dr. Carmelo Ferlito argues that protectionism is a "civilisational retreat" that makes societies poorer and starves innovation. Discover why in this conversation.

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille (REPEAT)

Adam D. Dixon, Adam Smith Chair and Director of Panmure House discusses state capitalism, geopolitics, and implications on Malaysia.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Earth Matters

In one month, Orang Asli communities faced evictions, arrests and logging without consent. Are reform promises failing? Koong Hui Yein, a Programme Manager at RimbaWatch, explains what is at stake.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Grief is never linear. Some people go through the five stages of grief, but some don’t. We speak to a counsellor about what you need to know about grieving.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

A countdown of the 5 biggest stories of the day, to catch you up on all you need to know!

6:00 PM

Today I Learned

7:00 PM

Just For Kicks

8:00 PM

A Bit of Culture