Apa Cerita?

Hosted by Asyraf Khalid dan Ishraq Kamarudin

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

Cerita kisah individu-individu yang berjaya dan menarik bersama @asyrafkhalid dan @ishraqkamarudin

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 20262 hr 2 min

"The Godfather of Malaysian Music" | Apa Cerita? Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar | Episode 78

From a music student in Boston to one of the key figures who helped shape Malaysian pop culture for more than three decades.In this episode of Apa Cerita?, we sit down with Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar, the man behind some of Malaysia’s most influential artists, media platforms, television networks, and entertainment brands.From discovering talents such as Too Phat, OAG, Poetic Ammo, and Innuendo, to launching television channels, radio stations, and streaming platforms that became part of everyday Malaysian life.In this episode, Datuk Izham shares:• How his passion for music led him to study at Berklee College of Music• The challenges of pursuing a creative career when most people were choosing safer paths• The birth of Positive Tone and how it transformed Malaysia’s music industry• The stories behind discovering and developing some of the country’s most iconic artistsApa Cerita? also explores his journey in building Malaysia’s media ecosystem:• The creation of 8TV and its impact on local television• The launch of Hot FM, Fly FM, and other media platforms that shaped a generation• Building Tonton before streaming became mainstream• His experience leading Disney+ content and creative strategy across Southeast AsiaAnd perhaps most importantly:• What it was like bringing Southeast Asian stories onto the global stage• The challenges of being a visionary often ahead of the market• His views on the future of Malaysia’s creative industry• What he is building next through Komet ProductionsThis is not just a story about music or media.It is a story about creativity, innovation, and the courage to challenge conventional thinking, and how one individual can leave a lasting impact on an entire generation.If you grew up listening to Malaysian music, watching local television, or following the evolution of digital entertainment, chances are Datuk Izham played a role in shaping that experience.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro3:19 The Berklee Kid20:30 "Positive Tone" The Label That Changed Everything38:01 "Media Prima" Building The Ecosystem1:10:00 "Prime Works & Pulang - The Personal Film1:30:27 Disney+ & The World Stage1:34:14 Komet & What's Next1:45:43 Hard and Interesting Questions1:58:07 Outro🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications — new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6PM. #NakUbahMember📩 For collaboration inquiries:+6012 999 9011#ApaCeritaPodcast #DatukIzhamOmar #MalaysianMedia #EntertainmentIndustry #Leadership #Creativity #nakubahmember ———————————————————————————————————————————Edited and Produced by Lofty Media and StudiosLofty Media and Studios / loftymediaandstudios Other platforms: instagram, @apaceritatv / apaceritatv tiktok, @apaceritamy / apaceritamy instagram, asyrafkhalid / asyrafkhalid tiktok, @tunasyrafkhalid / tunasyrafkhalid instagram, @ishraqkamarudin / ishraqkamarudin tiktok, @ishraqkamarudin / ishraqkamarudin twitter, @ishraqkamarudin / ishraqkamarudin

May 20, 20261 hr 51 min

"Dari 600 Botol Sebulan ke 3 Juta Botol Sebulan" | Apa Cerita? Boss A | Episode 77

From a Master’s graduate in Aeronautical Engineering in the UK to the founder of one of Malaysia’s biggest fragrance brands.In this episode of Apa Cerita?, we sit down with Boss A, founder of SugarBomb, to uncover the real story behind building a fragrance empire now recognised across the country.In this episode, Boss A shares:• His early life and upbringing that shaped who he is today• Why he chose Aeronautical Engineering despite the industry being relatively small in Malaysia• The experience of facing rejection after rejection upon graduating• The reality of the working world that many graduates never expect• The jobs he worked before the birth of SugarBombApa Cerita? also explores the early journey of building SugarBomb:• How the idea for SugarBomb first started in 2017• The moment when not even a single bottle was sold in the first month• The major decision to focus on the reseller model• The journey from a small home operation to a large-scale factoryAnd most importantly, the side rarely talked about:• The “Identity Crisis” of going from a Master’s graduate to a perfume entrepreneur• How to stay hungry even after success and money begin to come in• Advice for young people currently going through the hardest phase of their livesThis is not just a story about business. It is a story about rejection, confidence, survival, and the courage to carve your own path when every other door seems closed.If you’re struggling to find direction in life, work, or trying to build something from nothing, this episode is for you.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro5:11 Childhood & Upbringing41:16 Before SugarBomb1:03:11 The Rise of SugarBomb1:35:08 Hard and Interesting Questions1:48:24 Outro🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications for new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6PM. #NakUbahMember📩 For collaboration inquiries:+6012 999 9011#ApaCeritaPodcast #SugarBomb #Entrepreneurship #Business #Inspiration #NakUbahMember

May 13, 20261 hr 50 min

#ApaCeritaBookClub : How to Win Friends and Influence People | Episode 2

Welcome to another episode of the Apa Cerita Book Club! 📚In this episode, we dive into one of the most iconic books on communication, relationships, and human psychology "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.First published in 1936, this timeless classic has influenced millions of people worldwide in the art of communication, leadership, and building meaningful relationships. The boys reflect on how the lessons from this book still apply in today’s world from business and networking to friendships and everyday conversations.🔥 In This Episode:🤝 Building Genuine Relationships: Why people respond better to sincerity than manipulation.🗣️ The Art of Communication: How listening can be more powerful than speaking.😊 Making People Feel Important: Small gestures that create lasting impressions.🧠 Understanding Human Nature: Why criticism rarely works and appreciation matters more.⚡ Influence Without Force: How great leaders persuade people without controlling them.💬 Handling Disagreements: Learning how to disagree without creating enemies.🌟 Becoming More Likable: Simple habits that naturally attract people towards you.📈 Leadership & Influence: How strong communication can open doors in both career and life.“Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn and most fools do.”⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro05:12: Book Author09:44 Part One: Fundamental Techniques in Handling People30:37 Part Two: Six Ways to Make People Like You49:30 Part Three: How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking1:19:05 Part Four: Be a Leader1:43:58 Outro🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe & turn on notifications for new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6PM. #nakubahmember📩 For collaboration inquiries:+6012 999 9011———————————————Selamat datang ke episod terbaru Apa Cerita Book Club! 📚Dalam episod kali ini, kami menyelami salah satu buku paling ikonik tentang komunikasi, hubungan manusia, dan seni mempengaruhi orang lain "How to Win Friends and Influence People" oleh Dale Carnegie.Diterbitkan pada tahun 1936, buku klasik ini telah mempengaruhi jutaan manusia di seluruh dunia dalam seni komunikasi, kepimpinan, dan membina hubungan yang bermakna. Kami berkongsi bagaimana pengajaran daripada buku ini masih sangat relevan dalam dunia hari ini daripada perniagaan dan networking hinggalah kepada persahabatan dan perbualan harian.🔥 Dalam Episod Ini:🤝 Membina Hubungan Yang Tulus: Kenapa keikhlasan lebih berkesan daripada manipulasi.🗣️ Seni Komunikasi: Bagaimana mendengar boleh menjadi lebih kuat daripada bercakap.😊 Membuat Orang Rasa Dihargai: Perkara kecil yang memberi impak besar.🧠 Memahami Sifat Manusia: Kenapa kritikan jarang berhasil dan penghargaan lebih bermakna.⚡ Mempengaruhi Tanpa Memaksa: Cara pemimpin hebat mempengaruhi orang lain secara semula jadi.💬 Mengendalikan Perbezaan Pendapat: Belajar untuk tidak bersetuju tanpa mencipta permusuhan.🌟 Menjadi Individu Yang Disenangi: Tabiat mudah yang membuat orang lebih tertarik dengan anda.📈 Kepimpinan & Pengaruh: Bagaimana komunikasi yang baik membuka lebih banyak peluang dalam hidup.“Any fool can criticize, complain, and condemn and most fools do.”⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro05:12: Book Author09:44 Part One: Fundamental Techniques in Handling People30:37 Part Two: Six Ways to Make People Like You49:30 Part Three: How to Win People to Your Way of Thinking1:19:05 Part Four: Be a Leader1:43:58 Outro🎧 Jangan lupa subscribe & aktifkan notifikasi untuk episod baharu setiap hari Rabu jam 6PM. #nakubahmember📩 Untuk pertanyaan kolaborasi:+6012 999 9011Edited & Produced by Lofty Media and StudiosOther Platforms:Instagram: @apaceritatvTikTok: @apaceritamyInstagram: @asyrafkhalidTikTok: @tunasyrafkhalidInstagram / TikTok / X: @ishraqkamarudin

May 5, 202659 min

"Dah tahu bahaya... Kenapa Hantar?" | Apa Cerita? MB Selangor Amirudin Shari | Episode 76

From growing up in Pontian, Johor.. to leading Selangor as Menteri Besar, the journey of Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari reflects the evolution of a leader shaped by experience, principles, and responsibility.In this episode of Apa Cerita? Podcast, we explore his background, early journey, and the defining moments that have shaped his leadership today.Key topics discussed include:• His early life in Pontian and the values formed during his upbringing• His initial involvement in debate and the beginnings of his interest in politics• Experiences during the Reformasi era at a young age• The defining moment of PRU12 in 2008 and its impact on Selangor’s political landscape• The challenges, pressures, and sacrifices throughout his leadership journeyThe episode also addresses current issues and his personal perspectives:• His involvement in an international humanitarian mission (GSF 2.0) and the reasoning behind the decision• His response to public criticism and perception• His views on responsibility as a leader within a broader contextAs Menteri Besar who has led Selangor through a period of significant economic growth, he also shares candid reflections on:• Areas that remain unfinished during his tenure• His priorities and aspirations moving forward⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro02:36 Childhood & Upbringing15:08 The Before Being A Politician33:33 Flotilla Project42:32 Hard and Interesting Questions54:32 Outro🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications — new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6PM.📩 For collaboration inquiries:+6012 999 9011 // apacerita@meranun.com#ApaCeritaPodcast #Selangor #Leadership #MalaysianPolitics #nakubahmember

April 15, 20262 hr 12 min

Najib Asaddok make RM4.2 Million a month? | Apa Cerita? Najib Asaddok | Episode 75

From an 11-year-old boy selling peanuts in Pontian, to a man who has helped over 70,000 entrepreneurs generate millions in sales.In this episode of Apa Cerita?, we sit down with Najib Asaddok, widely known as the “Marketing Rocket” to uncover the real story behind his success.This isn’t your typical success story.This is the journey of a young boy who lost his father at an early age was forced to step up as the “man of the house” and carried responsibilities far beyond his years.In this episode, Najib shares:💔 how losing his father at 11 shaped his life and mindset🥜 selling peanuts as a child to support his family🎓 why he chose not to pursue a career in engineering despite graduating from UTM📉 the harsh reality of starting in sales with zero experience🚀 how he built Momentum Internet from the ground up🧠 the pressure, burnout, and unseen struggles behind successWe also dive into the questions most people don’t ask:– why many entrepreneurs still fail even after joining business programs– the most common mistakes that hold people back– how to sell effectively using “The Rocket Way”– honest advice for the next generation striving to succeedThis is more than just a podcast.It’s a story about responsibility, sacrifice, resilience and what it truly takes to rise when life starts against you.If you’re building a business, feeling stuck, or searching for direction this episode is for you.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro2:28 Childhood & Upbringing24:48 The Detour of Life57:11 The Rise and Reality Checks1:33:47 Hard and Interesting Questions2:07:41 Outro🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications for new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6PM. #NakUbahMember#ApaCeritaPodcast #NajibAsaddok #Entrepreneurship #Business #Motivation #Marketing📩 For collaboration inquiries:+6012 999 9011

April 2, 20261 hr 17 min

#ApaCeritaBookClub : Think & Grow Rich | Episode 1

Welcome to the very first episode of the Apa Cerita Book Club! In this special. Take a deep dive into one of the most influential self-help books ever written "Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill"Published in 1937, this classic has spent nearly 90 years helping entrepreneurs and leaders shape their mindsets. The boys reflect on how the lessons from this book mirror the real-life success stories they’ve encountered on the podcast, proving that while times change, the principles of success remain the same.Inside This Episode:🔥 Burning Desire: Why having a "nice to have" isn't enough. We discuss the necessity of an obsession that can topple any obstacle.🎓 Specialized Knowledge: You don't need to know everything—you just need to be an expert in your niche and know who to call for the rest.🗺️ Organized Planning: Turning dreams into blueprints. We break down the importance of writing down your goals with specific deadlines.⚡ Quick Decisions: Why the most successful people make decisions fast and change them slowly.💪 Persistence: The "Champion Mindset." We share personal stories about facing temporary defeat and why most people fail simply because they quit too soon.🧠 The Subconscious Mind: How to "feed your mind" through affirmations, zikir, and surrounding yourself with the right "Mastermind" group."A smart man learns from his own mistakes, but a wise man learns from the mistakes of others."⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Intro8:17 Chapter One: Desire15:56 Chapter Two: Specialized Knowledge26:38 Chapter Three: Organized Planning38:56 Chapter Four: Decision43:57 Chapter Five: Persisten50:48 Chapter Six: Mastermind1:01:54 Chapter Seven: Subconscious Mind1:09:03 Chapter Eight: Fear1:13:56 Outro 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6PM. #nakubahmember 📩 For collaboration inquiries:+6012 999 9011

March 18, 20261 hr 29 min

"I ran one of the BIGGEST INSURANCE FIRMS during COVID" | Apa Cerita? Wan Saifulrizal | Episode 73

In this episode of Apa Cerita?, we sit down with Wan Saifulrizal Wan Ismail. While many know him as the former CEO of Prudential BSN Takaful—one of Malaysia’s largest takaful operators—we wanted to go deeper.Who was the boy at KTJ before the boardroom? How does an Actuary handle the weight of a national crisis? And what is the "lonely side" of leadership that no one talks about?From his upbringing and his time at Bank Negara to leading a giant corporation through a global pandemic, Encik Wan shares raw insights on career, identity, and why he might be happier today than ever before.You’ll hear:▶️The KTJ Days: Growing up in the 80s and the fear of first-time independence.▶️The Actuarial Mindset: Studying in London and the "culture shock" that reshaped his perspective.▶️Pressure at Bank Negara: Dealing with imposter syndrome as a young professional.▶️Leading through Crisis: The heavy decisions made during 2021 that kept him awake at night.▶️Life After the CEO Office: The "loneliest" part of the job and finding out who "Wan Saifulrizal" is today.Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. New conversations drop every Wednesday at 6PM! #nakubahmember For collaboration inquiries, contact us at:+6012 999 9011Or;apacerita@meranun.com——————————————

March 18, 202658 min

"My biggest regret... listing MOLPay on the Nasdaq..."| Apa Cerita? Ganesh Kumar Bangah | Episode 74

In this episode of Apa Cerita?, we sit down with Ganesh Kumar Bangah founder of MOL Global (MOL Pay) and one of Malaysia’s most influential tech entrepreneurs.This is the real story behind the success.How he started his journey at just 20 years old, taking a bold leap into the dotcom world, long before startups were mainstream and how he built MOLPay into a regional powerhouse in digital payments, eventually becoming Southeast Asia’s first internet company to be listed on NASDAQ in 2014.In this episode, you’ll discover:🎮 The Birth of MOL Points: How a passion for online gaming turned into a massive payment platform.🎓 The Dropout Dilemma: Why he walked away from his engineering degree at UTM—and why he doesn't regret it.📉 The NASDAQ Rollercoaster: Dealing with an IPO that saw him make $80 million and lose $30 million in a single day.💡 Lessons in Arrogance: Why he chose the NASDAQ over the Bursa, and what he would do differently today.This isn’t just a story about business. It’s a story about vision, resilience, timing, and the courage to build something before the world is ready for it.If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or someone trying to build something meaningfu, this episode is for you.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Trailer2:22 Childhood & Upbringing17:35 Prime Young Adulthood30:10 Reality Checks45:21 Hard & Interesting Questions🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications new episodes drop every Wednesday at 6PM. #nakubahmember 📩 For collaboration inquiries:+6012 999 9011———————————————Dalam episod Apa Cerita? kali ini, kami bersama Ganesh Kumar Bangah pengasas MOL Global (MOL Pay) dan antara usahawan teknologi paling berpengaruh di Malaysia.Ini adalah kisah sebenar di sebalik kejayaan.Daripada memulakan perjalanan seawal usia 20 tahun, mengambil risiko besar dalam era dotcom jauh sebelum dunia startup menjadi arus perdana sehingga membina MOLPay sebagai sebuah platform pembayaran digital yang berkembang ke seluruh rantau, dan seterusnya menjadi antara syarikat internet pertama Asia Tenggara yang disenaraikan di NASDAQ pada tahun 2014.Dalam episod ini, anda akan pelajari:🎮 Kelahiran MOL PointsBagaimana minat terhadap dunia gaming bertukar menjadi sebuah ekosistem pembayaran digital yang besar.🎓 Dilema Berhenti BelajarMengapa beliau memilih untuk meninggalkan pengajian kejuruteraan di UTM dan kenapa beliau tidak pernah menyesal.📉 Rollercoaster NASDAQPengalaman melalui naik turun yang ekstrem memperoleh $80 juta dan kehilangan $30 juta dalam satu hari.💡 Pengajaran Tentang EgoMengapa beliau memilih NASDAQ berbanding Bursa Malaysia dan apa yang beliau akan lakukan secara berbeza hari ini.Ini bukan sekadar kisah tentang bisnes.Ini adalah kisah tentang visi, ketahanan, masa yang tepat dan keberanian untuk membina sesuatu sebelum dunia benar-benar bersedia.Jika anda seorang usahawan, pencipta kandungan, atau sedang berusaha membina sesuatu yang bermakna episod ini untuk anda.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 Trailer2:22 Childhood & Upbringing17:35 Prime Young Adulthood30:10 Reality Checks45:21 Hard & Interesting Questions🎧 Jangan lupa subscribe dan aktifkan notifikasi episod baharu setiap hari Rabu, jam 6 petang. #NakUbahMember📩 Untuk pertanyaan kolaborasi:+6012 999 9011#ApaCeritaPodcast #Inspiration #Entrepreneurship #SuccessStoriesEdited and Produced by Lofty Media and StudiosLofty Media and Studios / loftymediaandstudios Other platforms: instagram, @apaceritatv / apaceritatv tiktok, @apaceritamy / apaceritamy instagram, asyrafkhalid / asyrafkhalid tiktok, @tunasyrafkhalid / tunasyrafkhalid instagram, @ishraqkamarudin / ishraqkamarudin tiktok, @ishraqkamarudin / ishraqkamarudin twitter, @ishraqkamarudin / ishraqkamarudin

February 11, 20261 hr 30 min

From Sleeping on the FLOOR to Becoming a MILLIONAIRE | Apa Cerita? Boss James | Episode 72

From growing up in a small workshop in Kapar… to almost losing his family business… and then unexpectedly becoming one of Malaysia’s biggest social media figures.In this episode of Apa Cerita?, we sit down with Boss James — and go deeper than the viral “Angry Boss” character you see online.This is the real story behind the content.You’ll hear:▶ how his childhood shaped his work ethic and mindset▶ why he walked away from a RM10,000 salary to help his struggling family▶ what it really felt like after burning more than RM100,000 on marketing with almost no results▶ the dark years when the business was close to shutting down▶ and how one risky decision to start posting content changed everythingWe also dive into the uncomfortable side of fame:– accusations, online attacks and public assumptions– criticism about “gimmick content” and influencer culture– how he protects his team when rumours start spreadingThis is not just a success story.It’s a story about pressure, responsibility, ego, family, and learning how to rebuild when everything you planned… fails.If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career, business, or life — this episode is for you.Don’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. New conversations drop every Wednesday at 6PM! #nakubahmember For collaboration inquiries, contact us at:+6012 999 9011Or;apacerita@meranun.com——————————————-

January 28, 20261 hr 59 min

"I was a janitor before I started AirAsia..." | Apa Cerita? Datuk Kamarudin Meranun | Episode 71

Join us for another inspiring episode of Apa Cerita? Podcast, in this episode of Apa Cerita?, we sit down with the mastermind behind the financial architecture of AirAsia, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun. From his early days in Kampung Baru to cleaning floors as a janitor in Michigan, Datuk Kamarudin’s journey is a masterclass in grit, "I CAN" mentality, and the audacity to choose the hardest path. If you value depth over noise and real stories over surface-level success, this episode is for you.00:00 Intro05:29 Segment 1: The Making of a Genius (Early Years)34:12 Segment 2: The Pre-AirAsia Masterclass1:01:07 Segment 3: The Architecture of AirAsia1:27:56 Segment 4: The Corporate Finance Masterclass & Partnership1:56:05 OutroDon’t forget to subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. New conversations drop every Wednesday at 6PM! #nakubahmember For collaboration inquiries, contact us at:+6012 999 9011Or;apacerita@meranun.com——————————————-Sertai kami untuk satu lagi episod inspirasi Apa Cerita? Podcast, dalam episod Apa Cerita?,bersama kita menyelami kehidupan seorang insan di sebalik seni bina kewangan AirAsia, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun. Dari hari-hari awalnya di Kampung Baru hingga membersihkan lantai sebagai janitor di Michigan, perjalanan hidup beliau adalah bukti kuasa mentaliti "SAYA BOLEH", dan keberanian untuk memilih jalan yang paling sukar. Jika anda mencari cerita yang jujur, mendalam, dan penuh makna serta bukan sekadar kisah kejayaan di permukaan, episod ini adalah untuk anda.00:00 Intro05:29 Segment 1: The Making of a Genius (Early Years)34:12 Segment 2: The Pre-AirAsia Masterclass1:01:07 Segment 3: The Architecture of AirAsia1:27:56 Segment 4: The Corporate Finance Masterclass & Partnership1:56:05 OutroJangan lupa untuk subscribe dan aktifkan notifikasi supaya anda tidak terlepas sebarang episod. Perbualan baharu akan hadir setiap Rabu, jam 6 petang! #NakUbahMember Untuk pertanyaan penajaan, hubungi kami di:+6012 999 9011Atau;apacerita@meranun.com——————————————-#ApaCeritaPodcast #Inspiration #Entrepreneurship #SuccessStoriesEdited and Produced by Lofty Media and StudiosLofty Media and Studios / loftymediaandstudios Other platforms: instagram, @apaceritatv / apaceritatv tiktok, @apaceritamy / apaceritamy instagram, asyrafkhalid / asyrafkhalid tiktok, @tunasyrafkhalid / tunasyrafkhalid instagram, @ishraqkamarudin / ishraqkamarudin tiktok, @ishraqkamarudin / ishraqkamarudin twitter, @ishraqkamarudin / ishraqkamarudin