Author name: Harshini Anan

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN8lXC3JZd0&list=PLXNUnD-w9bUm9YmvkhNEnRGeat3fkPI73&index=3 For more than three decades, Dato’ David Gurupatham has not only been a skilled lawyer but also a dedicated advocate for Malaysian businesses and underrepresented communities. From humble beginnings to leading high-stakes initiatives, his career exemplifies a commitment to public service, legal reform, and social impact. He sat down with The Exchange Asia at Le Mirch for an exclusive interview to share insights into his remarkable journey. “I knew from a young age that I wanted to make a difference,” says Dato’ David. “Growing up in a middle-class family and attending public schools, I felt a responsibility to help those who couldn’t always stand up for themselves.” This early drive led him to law, and in 1992, he was called to the bar in England. Since then, he has spent over 30 years building a career marked by both resilience and social consciousness.    Early in his career, Dato’ David worked on reforming legal aid in Selangor, where he chaired the Selangor Bar Committee’s Legal Aid Committee for five years. His efforts with the Bar Council’s Legal Aid Committee in the late 1990s and early 2000s helped establish critical programs that continue to benefit the public today. “That work was immensely fulfilling and set the tone for my career,” he reflects.  Leading Through Crisis The COVID-19 pandemic was a defining period in Dato’ David’s career. As a legal advisor to many business groups and trade associations, he witnessed the devastation as lockdowns and unclear regulations upended businesses and livelihoods. “People were losing jobs, businesses were shutting down, and uncertainty was everywhere,” he says. “I felt I had to do something.”  In response, he formed a lobbying group to advocate for business rights called “Industries Unite”. “Initially, we had just 18 trade associations, but we eventually grew to represent 120 associations and 3.3 million businesses,” he recalls. “Working with the government, our members helped create SOPs to allow some industries to reopen safely.” Through targeted efforts, his team’s work enabled sectors like hairdressers, the Food & Beverages sector amongst others to resume operations, helping countless Malaysians return to work.  The initiative drew national attention, it even influenced the government to reduce the unreasonably high fines that were tagged with non-compliance to the COVID SOP’s – underscoring the impact of his advocacy. “This period reinforced my dedication to serving the public and advocating for those without a voice, whether individuals or businesses,” he states.  The Project Satu Hati Initiative  The pandemic also spotlighted food insecurity in society. Many were without jobs and without food. Inspired by the community-driven “White Flag” movement, Dato’ David collaborated with restaurants on a “Pay It Forward” program that fed thousands of vulnerable people every day. “We managed to serve 3,000–5,000 hot meals daily to low-income families and individuals,” he explains  Known as Project Satu Hati, the initiative rallied people from diverse backgrounds and reinforced the importance of community. “It was a reminder that, even when government support falls short, communities can come together to make a meaningful impact,” says Dato’ David.  Building a Visionary Law Firm  Dato’ David’s career also saw him take a path less travelled in Malaysia’s legal landscape. After only a few years of experience, he took a bold step of founding his own firm in 1997. “I had handled some landmark cases that gave me confidence; and to also do more” he says. “So, I decided to strike out on my own, starting with just myself and a clerk in a small office above a motorcycle shop.”  The firm grew steadily, now boasting offices in Malaysia and China with plans for expansion across Southeast Asia. Reflecting on his growth strategy, he notes, “Business demands constant evolution to stay competitive. We adapted and expanded whenever opportunities arose.” Part of his success, he believes, stemmed from investing in young lawyers who brought fresh perspectives and energy to the firm. “Betting on young talent was the right choice. Today, we offer a wide range of services, including conveyancing, banking, and corporate advisory.”  A strong believer in meritocracy, Dato’ David advocates for rewarding dedication and talent. “One of our youngest lawyers made a partner in three years, which is rare in our industry. If someone produces results, they’re rewarded. But I also respect that not everyone wants major responsibilities—some want a balanced approach to life, and that’s fine too.”  However, Dato’ David is also a firm believer in a “no breaks given” approach as a leader, emphasizing that one must work hard and hustle to achieve their goals. “Nobody gave me a break,” he asserts.  Like Harvey Specter, but with Heart   When asked about his leadership style, Dato’ David acknowledges he has always prioritised professionalism and authenticity. “You can’t underestimate the value of a strong first impression,” he says, referencing Suits character Harvey Specter as an influence. “Even when I was in a small office above a bicycle shop, I carried a ‘Harvey Specter’ mindset, projecting confidence and commitment.”  Yet his approach goes beyond appearances. He emphasises that true leadership involves building trust and fostering purpose. “Leadership isn’t just about technical abilities—it’s about character and caring for others. I want clients to walk out of my office feeling reassured, confident, and calm,” he explains. “Once you earn trust, it often becomes a lasting relationship.”  The “Tea Lady” and Constant Reminders of Compassion  We asked Dato’ David to share one of his most memorable cases through his career, one that had thought him an unforgettable lesson – Dato’ David softly replied, “It was a Tea Lady”. One of Dato’ David’s most defining cases involved an elderly tea lady who was dismissed after decades of service without compensation. He recalls, “She came to me with nowhere else to turn. Employment law wasn’t my specialty, but I couldn’t ignore her case.”  Taking on her case pro bono, he faced formidable opposition from one of the country’s largest law firms, yet ultimately secured a fair settlement for her. “That case remains one of the most rewarding of my life,” he says.

In the bustling landscape of digital innovations, few platforms have sought to transform an age-old sport like golf into a seamlessly connected experience comparable to modern conveniences such as ride-hailing or food delivery. One such pioneer is Deemples, a burgeoning platform dedicated to linking golfers worldwide, city by city. Co-founded by David Wong, Deemples has simplified booking a round of golf and fostered a more engaged and united golfing community.   “We envision a future where booking a golf game is as easy as ordering food or requesting a ride. Whether you’re looking for someone to play with or need to book a tee time, Deemples aims to make the process seamless,” said David Wong, CEO and co-founder of Deemples, sharing the inspiration behind the platform. Since its inception, Deemples has evolved significantly. David highlights their growth by saying, “We’ve seen substantial and consistent growth, with revenue doubling annually over the last four years. Achieving our first net profit in 2023 was a significant milestone, reaffirming our mission to connect golfers globally.”  The surge in youth interest in golf in Malaysia has significantly bolstered Deemples’ growth trajectory. This trend is evident in increased sales of golf equipment and apparel, higher rounds played at courses, occupancy at driving ranges, and bookings for golf coaches. Moreover, since its last fundraising round in 2020, Deemples has seen a 200% rise in active users, driven by digital transformation in booking habits and an intuitive user interface that resonates with golfers. The recent infusion of US$2 million from V Ventures marks a pivotal moment for Deemples, which will empower Deemples to expand its reach and enhance connections among golfers globally. With these resources, Deemples aims to streamline operations, improve user experience, and intensify its market presence, solidifying its position as a leader in the golfing community. “This funding will accelerate our initiatives to enhance user experience and expand our market presence. It’s a transformative step that will allow us to reach a broader audience of golfers worldwide,” said David. Deemples plans to leverage the new funds to deepen its integration with golf course operations, simplifying booking, check-in processes, and gameplay for golfers. By collaborating closely with golf courses, Deemples is able to create a seamless end-to-end experience, akin to the convenience found in airline and hospitality sectors, thereby setting a new standard in golfing convenience and efficiency. Navigating rapid growth posed challenges for Deemples, particularly in product enhancement and user acquisition strategies tailored to the discerning golfing community. By prioritising user feedback and strategic partnerships with golf courses, Deemples continues to innovate and refine its platform, ensuring sustained growth and relevance in a competitive landscape. David told The Exchange Asia, “Building a product that truly serves golfers’ needs and expanding our user base are ongoing challenges. Continuous improvement and close collaboration with our community and partners are key to overcoming these.”  Technology lies at the heart of Deemples’ strategy, enabling scalable solutions that cater to global golfing communities. By leveraging robust technological infrastructure, Deemples enhances accessibility, reliability, and efficiency, ensuring seamless experiences for both golfers and golf courses worldwide. Deemples has significantly boosted transactions and engagement for its Malaysian golf course partners, with bookings occurring every nine minutes on average. By facilitating up to 40% of total sales for some partners, the company continues to drive innovative marketing campaigns that maximise revenue without compromising margins. With the platform, David envisions a future where golfers seamlessly connect, play, and explore courses worldwide, akin to the ease of services like Uber and Airbnb. By simplifying cross-border bookings and fostering global connections, Deemples empowers golfers to indulge their passion effortlessly, regardless of location or time zone. Through its two-sided marketplace model, the company enhances revenue opportunities for golf courses while providing golfers with convenient booking options and streamlined experiences. By minimising last-minute cancellations and optimising capacity utilisation, the platform ensures mutual benefits for all stakeholders involved. David envisions Deemples to be borderless, to which he said, “We aim to simplify golf booking globally, enabling golfers to connect and play effortlessly worldwide, akin to services like Uber or Airbnb.”  With promising early feedback and market interest, Deemples plans to expand strategically into new Southeast Asian markets and replicate its success by fostering robust partnerships and meeting the diverse needs of golfers across the region. Moving forward, David hints at future product offerings and market expansions. “We’re committed to continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring Deemples remains at the forefront of revolutionising golfing experiences worldwide,” he added.

The journey of Feruni begins with its founder, Dato’ CC Ngei, whose passion for tiles was ignited at a young age. His father, a tile layer, opened a tile dealer store in 1982, where Dato’ CC began assisting in 1990. By 1992, he was managing a new tile trading store in Seri Kembangan, which carried various local brands. Despite the challenges posed by the Asian Financial Crisis, the business thrived by acquiring large stocks at lower prices and selling them at retail value. “This strategic approach turned seemingly wasteful situations into profitable opportunities,” said Dato’ CC. In 2001, Dato’ CC expanded the business by importing tiles from China, Indonesia, and Thailand. The establishment of Feruni in 2010 marked a significant milestone, focusing exclusively on their branded tiles and setting a new trajectory for the business. “We are proud that some customers have stayed with us since the Seri Kembangan days, a testament to our dedication and quality,” Dato’ CC added. The Inspiration Behind Feruni Driven by time-honored values of integrity, transparency, and innovation, Dato’ CC embarked on a mission to transform Malaysia’s tile industry. Feruni was born from a desire to disrupt the commoditised nature of the market by introducing cutting-edge ideas, global tile trends, and unparalleled customer experiences. Over the past 15 years, Feruni has redefined the industry by changing perceptions of what tiles can do, how they are bought, and how they are sold. “Feruni’s mission goes beyond selling tiles; we offer art that fires imagination, enriches environments, and inspires people,” he explained. Navigating Industry Challenges The tile industry is highly commoditised, with price-sensitive customers and numerous players. Feruni’s vision was to stand out by focusing on transparency, creativity, innovation, and quality. In 2010, Feruni embarked on a journey to differentiate itself by developing a unique brand identity. “Despite the challenges of adding value while remaining commercially viable, the journey has been fulfilling,” Dato’ CC said. “The recent brand relaunch demonstrates our commitment to disrupting the industry through art, beauty, and inspiration.” Breaking Traditional Norms Feruni has led Malaysia’s tile industry with many firsts over the past 15 years. In 2010, it pioneered an immersive customer experience with the flagship Feruni Retail Store, allowing customers to visualise tiles in real-life settings. Feruni’s innovative product ranges, such as the iShapes collection, Modular Sizes collection, and Designer collection, offer unique designs and easy installation, inspiring customers to reimagine their spaces. “These products represent a convergence of art, beauty, and the latest tile technologies,” notes Dato’ CC. “Our collaborations with designers like Lisette of Nala Designs have resulted in unique collections like Mandi Bunga, bringing local floral motifs to life.” Innovation is at the heart of Feruni’s journey. By transforming tiles into works of art, Feruni has changed market perceptions and set new standards in the industry. “Our brand relaunch reflects a commitment to continuous disruption, with a renewed focus on combining art, beauty, and technology,” says Dato’ CC. “Feruni’s products, known for their quality, texture, and durability, exemplify this convergence.” Strategic partnerships have been pivotal to Feruni’s success. Collaborations with designers like Lisette Scheers of Nala Designs have resulted in unique collections like Mandi Bunga, bringing local floral motifs to life. Feruni also collaborates with Malaysia’s leading architects, interior designers, and property developers through programs like Synergistic Collaborations, offering customised packages to property buyers and reducing renovation costs and wastage. “Partnerships are integral to our strategy,” explains Dato’ CC. “They allow us to bring unique and innovative products to market, enhancing the value we offer our customers.” Sustainability Commitment As Feruni takes its environmental and social responsibilities seriously, it ensures that the company obtained the ISO 14001 certification and 30% of products meeting green standards. The application of cutting-edge technologies ensures efficient use of materials without compromising quality. “Our commitment to sustainability is unwavering,” says Dato’ CC. “We implement comprehensive 3R policies and work closely with communities to promote sustainability.” To continue competing in the evolving industry, Feruni offer large-format tiles that are thin and durable, combining technology with aesthetic appeal. It also boasts of advanced surface treatments, such as the Griptech anti-slip technology, add functionality and safety.   “Staying ahead of trends and continuously innovating is key to meeting the evolving needs of our customers,” Dato’ CC explained. “We are committed to setting trends, always focusing on art, beauty, and inspiration combined with technological advancement.” With a solid foundation in Malaysia, Feruni plans to expand its footprint globally. The phased approach will begin with Southeast Asia, followed by expansion across Asia and internationally. “We aim to lead the industry through disruptive creativity, collaborations, and competence,” said Dato’ CC. Dato’ CC Ngei advises aspiring entrepreneurs to identify the problems they can solve and the value they can bring to customers. Lifelong learning, consistent effort, perseverance, and quick recovery from setbacks are essential for success. “Always upgrade yourself, otherwise you will become obsolete,” he emphasises. “Perseverance is key; do not expect overnight success and do not be dejected by setbacks.” Feruni’s commitment to community development is exemplified by Yayasan Feruni’s initiatives, such as the “A Piece of Joy” campaign, which brings happiness through creative artworks on tiles. “As Feruni’s business grows, we are committed to creating greater positive impact on the community,” says Dato’ CC. Feruni’s future is bright, with a strategic focus on leading the industry through art, beauty, and inspiration. Cross-boundary collaborations with artists and designers will ignite fresh ideas and inspire innovative approaches. “Our exceptional team and purpose-driven culture are key to our success,” concludes Dato’ CC. “We ensure that our employees thrive and that we deliver joy to our customers and communities.”

In an era defined by rapid digital transformation, Malaysia finds itself at a critical juncture in its economic evolution. As the world embraces technological advancements to streamline business operations and enhance efficiency, Malaysia’s mandatory e-invoicing implementation emerges as a pivotal step towards modernisation. However, the question remains of whether Malaysia can keep up with its neighbours in this digital race. “Traditionally, businesses relied on manual methods to manage invoices, involving tedious processes of data entry and document handling,” explained akaBot Country Manager, Ginny Truc To.   “Invoices were issued in various formats such as PDF, Excel, or Word, leading to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in data management. The manual nature of these processes resulted in delays, errors, and increased operational costs, hindering businesses’ ability to compete in a fast-paced global market,” she said.   Recognising the need for change, Malaysia embarked on a journey towards e-invoicing, following in the footsteps of neighbouring countries like Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand.    E-invoicing, a digital solution that enables the electronic exchange of invoices between buyers and sellers, promises to revolutionise the way businesses manage their financial transactions. By automating invoice generation, delivery, and processing, e-invoicing offers significant benefits in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings.    “To assess Malaysia’s progress in e-invoicing implementation, it’s essential to compare its efforts with those of its neighbours.   “Singapore stands out as a pioneer in e-invoicing adoption, leveraging advanced technology and government support to streamline invoicing processes. Indonesia follows suit with a gradual approach to implementation, focusing on compliance strategies and business readiness. Meanwhile, Thailand demonstrates strong government backing and technological infrastructure to drive e-invoicing adoption rates,” Truc To added.   “In contrast, Malaysia’s transition to e-invoicing faces unique challenges and opportunities. While the government has taken proactive steps to promote e-invoicing adoption – including the implementation of regulatory mandates – businesses are still grappling with technological readiness, regulatory compliance, and SME readiness. Despite these challenges, Malaysia has the opportunity to leverage e-invoicing as a catalyst for economic growth and competitiveness in the region,” she continued.   Overcoming Challenges: The Role of Robotic Process Automation (RPA)   According to Truc To, one of the key challenges in e-invoicing implementation lies in managing accounting operations across multiple branches, especially concerning data management and financial reporting.    Inconsistencies in data entry methods, duplication of entries, and delays in data transfer between branches pose significant hurdles to efficient operations. However, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) offers a solution to these challenges by automating repetitive tasks, minimising errors, and improving processing speed.   “RPA solutions like akaBot provide businesses with the tools they need to streamline e-invoicing processes and enhance efficiency,” she explains.    By automating data extraction, validation, and entry into accounting systems, RPA reduces manual intervention and ensures greater accuracy in financial transactions. Moreover, RPA solutions offer scalability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for businesses of all sizes and industries.   The Economic Benefits of E-Invoicing and RPA Adoption   “The adoption of e-invoicing and RPA in Malaysia promises significant economic benefits for businesses and the economy as a whole.    “Improved cash flow management, enhanced compliance and transparency, and reduced environmental impact are just some of the advantages of embracing digital solutions. For example, e-invoicing accelerates payment cycles, reduces errors, and simplifies tax audits, leading to cost savings and operational efficiencies,” she affirmed.   Simultaneously, RPA automates repetitive and time-consuming tasks, freeing up human resources for more strategic activities.    “By leveraging these technologies, Malaysian enterprises can enhance their competitiveness, drive innovation, and contribute to sustainable economic growth. Moreover, adopting e-invoicing and RPA aligns with Malaysia’s vision of becoming a digital economy powerhouse in the region,” she added.     Looking Ahead: Ensuring Success in the Digital Age   When it comes to navigating a path to adopt e-invoicing, collaboration between government agencies, businesses, and technology providers will be crucial to a successful transition.   “Government initiatives aimed at promoting e-invoicing adoption, coupled with industry partnerships and innovation, will drive Malaysia’s digital transformation journey forward. Furthermore, continuous investment in technological infrastructure, skills development, and regulatory frameworks will be essential to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in the digital age,” she concluded.    By embracing change, Malaysia’s e-invoicing implementation marks a significant milestone in its journey towards digital transformation, which will allow the whole nation to enhance efficiency, improve competitiveness, and drive sustainable economic growth in the region.   With the right strategies, collaboration, and commitment, Malaysia can indeed close the gap and emerge as a digital frontrunner in the ASEAN community.