You order from Grabfood, and upon delivery, you discover a missing item. Instinctively, you take a photo and send a complaint to Grab. But what if you find an extra dish you didn’t order instead? Do we rush to report this lucky oversight with the same urgency? This everyday dilemma mirrors a more significant ethical difficulty faced in business, particularly deregulation and regulation.

In Malaysia, a country wrestling with rising living costs and a crowded market of startups and graduates, businesses are in a relentless battle for survival. A common strategy for staying afloat? Offering discounts. It is a win-win: businesses attract customers while consumers save money.

However, regulatory bodies often impose “no discount” rules in professions such as law, architecture, engineering, and surveying, where ethical standards are paramount. For these professionals and businesses, navigating these regulations is like walking a tightrope between ethical practice and economic survival.

Business owners, especially those struggling to make ends meet, might see these regulations as an undue burden. To them, discounts aren’t just a strategy; they’re a lifeline to keep their businesses viable, pay their staff, and cover overheads, captured succinctly in the mantra: “Earn less, sustain more.” But this is where deregulation’s ethical and economic complexities come into sharp focus.

Advocates for deregulation argue that allowing businesses to compete on price drives innovation and lowers consumer costs in the long run.

Yet, this viewpoint must include a crucial downside: the potential for larger companies to use deep discounts to edge out smaller competitors, reducing market diversity and potentially leading to lower quality and ethical standards as businesses cut corners to stay competitive.

This brings us to the case of Malaysia’s deregulation efforts, such as the Financial Sector Master Plan (2001-2010) and the Financial Sector Blueprint (2011-2020). These initiatives aimed to enhance efficiency in the financial sector but also raised concerns about the stability and competitiveness of local institutions. A parallel can be drawn with the US Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, which, while lowering fares and boosting competition, also led to industry upheaval, bankruptcies, and safety concerns.

However, a notable success story is the liberalisation of Malaysia’s airline industry, which dramatically transformed air travel in the country. This deregulation ushered in the era of low-cost carriers, changing the market landscape entirely. The concept of “Now Everyone Can Fly” transitioned from a mere slogan to a tangible reality, making air travel more accessible and spurring growth in tourism and related sectors.

Deregulation, then, can be akin to unleashing a pack of wild dogs – it can overwhelm and outmanoeuvre the smaller players. The challenge lies in balancing effective regulation and overregulation, ensuring policies address real issues without stifling economic vitality.

Indeed, reforms in various sectors, such as the liberalisation of Malaysia’s oil and gas industries and the simplification of retail licensing, have highlighted the nuanced impacts of deregulation. Growth and innovation must be weighed against the need for consumer protection and fair market practices.

Targeted regulation, tailored to different sectors with stricter controls in areas impacting essential services, health, or safety, is crucial.

Navigating this complex terrain requires a nuanced approach that fosters healthy competition while protecting public interest and ensuring economic stability.

A profound truth dawned on me as I admired a stunning sunset in Kuala Kedah recently. This realisation, emerging amidst the serenity of nature, was both a revelation and a reflection of life’s true essence. I had recently embarked on a road trip to the northern states of Malaysia, which provided me with a rare respite from the daily grind. 

At the heart of this realisation were the poignant stories from hospice care volunteers who shared the account of a successful businessman in the twilight of his life battling cancer. His once ambitious eyes, now dimmed by the progression of illness, revealed a different kind of longing – not for his professional achievements but for moments missed with loved ones. In his final days, his heart ached not for the empire he built but for the simple joy of being a father, wishing his children happiness and strength in a future he would miss. 

This narrative echoes the sentiments of figures like Steve Jobs, whose final words, “Oh wow, Oh wow, Oh wow,” reflected a sense of awe possibly rooted in the realisation of life’s true richness – relationships and love. Likewise, Leo Tolstoy, the esteemed author of ‘War and Peace,’ sought tranquillity in a simpler, more spiritual life, moving away from the fame and success that once defined him. Mother Teresa’s dedication to love and compassion over material wealth remains a timeless testament to the irreplaceable value of human connection and empathy. 

These reflections during my trip highlighted the stark dichotomy often observed in today’s society: the relentless pursuit of wealth, where money is idolised, contrasted with those labelled ‘lazy’ for their apparent lack of interest in material gains. But is this so-called indifference truly laziness, a conscious choice for a life rich in non-materialistic values? 

Reflecting on this, I’ve understood that while ambition is commendable, it should not overshadow personal health and relationships. Society often equates success with material gain, creating immense pressure to achieve wealth as a symbol of status and accomplishment. True wealth appears not solely in financial success but also in the bonds of love and care we establish. 

The tragic cases of public figures like American fashion designer Kate Spade, Hong Kong singer and actor Leslie Cheung, and South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun serve as stark reminders that material possessions and outward success are no guarantees of internal peace and happiness. 

The danger of equating wealth with love and happiness becomes apparent when we observe genuine connections that flourish outside material wealth. Friendships based on shared values, family bonds strengthened by time and understanding, and acts of kindness within communities exemplify love and happiness that money cannot buy. 

As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember that the pursuit of material wealth should not overshadow the quest for authentic joy and fulfilling experiences. I urge readers to prioritise what truly enriches the soul – the love, happiness, and connections in life’s simplest moments. 

Let’s reevaluate our priorities, cherish the non-materialistic treasures in life, and find balance in a world that often tips towards materialism and selfishness.

I will share more about my trip to the North another time, but for today, I just want to ramble about life’s true wealth.

A stunning spectacle. Photo by Moments Glass House Sdn Bhd

JOHOR BAHRU – At the forefront of Malaysia’s evolving wedding hall industry stands Diva Tan, a 38-year-old dynamic female entrepreneur determined to revolutionise the sector.

Diva’s vision is to create a network of 50 wedding halls across Malaysia within five years before expanding into neighbouring countries like Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand through a franchise system.

This approach allows individual investors to leverage the company’s brand and resources while retaining ownership of their halls, facilitating swift expansion with reduced capital costs. In addition, her company directly manages selected halls to ensure consistent quality and brand integrity.

Guests enjoying the grand atmosphere of the wedding. Photo by Moments Glass House Sdn Bhd

Diva’s story is one of grit and innovation, embodying the quintessence of the entrepreneurial spirit. Her aspirations emerged during her teens when she juggled studies with part-time jobs, demonstrating remarkable resilience and ambition. She pursued mass communications, aiming to break into the world of showbiz. However, weighing nearly 100kg at that time posed substantial challenges in an industry focused on appearance.

Diva (centre) is seen here with Namewee (left) and Jack Neo. Photo by Moments Glass House Sdn Bhd

Unfazed, Diva expanded her skill set, exploring financial planning and insurance, gaining invaluable experience that would later enrich her entrepreneurial endeavours. Her inaugural venture as a wedding planner, modestly priced at RM888, marked a turning point. Collaborating with a friend who was an avid karaoke singer and delving into videography, she discovered a talent for capturing and editing event footage. She later enrolled in a professional video production course. This move enhanced her event planning business and led to her success as an emcee and music video director, working with local celebrities like Namewee and Singapore’s comedian and filmmaker Jack Neo.

A blissful setting. Photo by Moments Glass House Sdn Bhd

As the brains behind Moment Glasshouse in Permas City, Diva recognised an underserved market niche: clients from condominiums or gated communities struggling to host significant events. Moment Glasshouse offered a solution, providing affordable elegance in décor without the high costs and restrictive catering policies often imposed by hotels. The premise also offered ample parking space.

The services provide elegance and affordability. Photo by Moments Glass House Sdn Bhd

Buoyed by Moment Glasshouse’s success, Diva established Diva World Management Sdn Bhd, rapidly expanding to Taman Mount Austin and Pulai, both in Johor Bahru.

“Currently, we manage seven halls across three locations, offering clients affordable elegance and flexibility in décor and catering. This is particularly appealing for Malay and Indian weddings. This innovative model, already popular in Taiwan and China, combines competitive prices ranging from RM10,000 to RM25,000 with diverse decor options,” Diva explains.

The Mount Austin halls commenced operations last May, followed by the Pulai halls in October.

Radiant Joy: A beaming bride with her bridesmaids. Photo by Moments Glass House Sdn Bhd. Photo by Moments Glass House Sdn Bhd

Diva is inviting investors to join this venture and to be part of a transformative industry.

Her journey is a testament to overcoming adversity and breaking barriers. Her enterprise serves as both a business and a statement in the wedding industry, embodying affordability, flexibility, and elegance for the Malay and Indian communities.

From September 7 – 24, Heritouch Gallery will host “Painting Dreams Alive”, the first-ever art exhibition that will showcase the talents of eight young Malaysian artists with special needs — Eunice, Leong Kai Qing, Zingirlbell, Isaac Foong, Looi Yoke Hui, Ken Looi, Esmond Yong and Owen.

Veron Tang, an avid art collector and a member of the event organising committee, said most children who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulty articulating their thoughts.

“Art can help these special children express emotions that they can’t easily articulate. Besides ASD, there’s also an artist who has Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD), one has congenital hearing impairment, one has Down Syndrome, and one is a cancer survivor,” Tang said.

“Their parents — like all parents — are worried about their childrens’ ability to earn a living and that is why Heritouch hopes to raise funds to set up an art learning centre that could provide free art education for kids with disabilities who need teachers to nurture their talents to reach their full potential, and the gallery can be a platform for them to sell their works.

“The exhibition will feature 70 pieces of art, comprising paintings and sculptures, which we hope to sell to raise funds for starting an art school for special children. Half of the sales proceeds from the exhibition will go to the artists, and half will go toward the setting up of the art centre,” she added.

Another event organising committee member and art enthusiast Teh Wuan Xin, highlighted the story of Esmond Yong, and why the artist had sculpted Harambe holding a delicate flower.

In case you didn’t know the story of Harambe, the tragedy unfolded when a three-year-old boy climbed into the gorillas’ enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo in the United States on May 28, 2016. The other gorillas stepped away but Harambe reached out to the boy. Fearing for the boy’s safety, a zookeeper shot and killed Harambe as he wasn’t sure whether the 17-year-old Western lowland gorilla was going to harm the little boy.

Esmond, who saw the video recording of the incident, was deeply saddened as he felt that Harambe was just trying to save the little boy. And so he did a clay figure of Harambe in memory of the “Gentle Giant” and named his sculpture, “Mourning Harambe”.

Heritouch Gallery

Address: Concourse Floor, One World Hotel,

First Avenue, Bandar Utama,

47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Call +6012-8596968

to schedule an appointment

Sept 7 (Thursday) to Sept 24 (Sunday)

(11am to 1pm) (2pm to 4pm) and (4pm to 6pm)