Malaysian technology companies need more than capital to expand beyond the domestic market. Governance, market access, infrastructure and scalable systems are among the key factors needed to support regional growth.
These were among the key takeaways from the “Built to Scale: From Malaysia Innovation to Regional Growth” fireside chat held during the Malaysia Private Capital Forum on 3 September 2026.
Moderated by Nizam Mohamad Reza, COO VentureTECH Sdn. Bhd., the session brought together three prominent Malaysian technology founders, starting with Azarol Faizi bin Zakaria Ansari, founder and CEO of Bateriku (M) Sdn Bhd, followed by Khairul Effendy bin Dato’ Ahmad Dhman Huri, founder and managing director of Nexagate Sdn Bhd, and Ts. Noor Mohd Helmi bin Nong Hadzmi, founder and group CEO of IX Telecom Sdn Bhd.
Bateriku wants to offer more than roadside assistance
For Bateriku, a connected automotive ecosystem is at the heart of its ambition to expand beyond Malaysia.Azarol said Bateriku initially identified an opportunity in a fragmented roadside assistance market, particularly around the need for services that can provide customers with greater certainty and predictability when they need assistance.
Today, Bateriku has built an extensive nationwide network comprising gig workers, trained technicians, entrepreneurs and physical touchpoints. Its services have also expanded beyond on-demand battery replacement and roadside assistance.The company's long-term vision includes vehicle maintenance and repair services, an automotive parts marketplace and other services related to vehicle ownership.
One of Bateriku's key plans, as shared by Azarol, is an aggressive expansion into Indonesia, followed by opportunities in Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. However, the model used to build Bateriku's infrastructure in Malaysia may not be suitable for every market. As a result, the company sees an asset-light model, supported by its existing digital ecosystem, as a more viable approach to scaling across the region.
Nexagate: AI is changing the cybersecurity landscape, for better and worse
Khairul said Nexagate's focus has evolved in response to the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, particularly within the cybersecurity industry.
The company provides cybersecurity solutions for critical sectors including banks, telecommunications companies and government agencies. According to Khairul, AI is making it easier for attackers to identify vulnerabilities in systems and exploit them. This means conventional cybersecurity services alone may no longer be sufficient, as businesses increasingly require more comprehensive solutions for cyber defence and protection.
To address this changing landscape, Nexagate has developed its own cybersecurity platform and currently serves customers across seven countries, with security operations centres in Malaysia and overseas.
IX Telecom aims to become a global technology company
IX Telecom, meanwhile, already operates on a global scale, providing telecommunications connectivity services across more than 200 countries and territories.
The company's challenge now is to strengthen its position as a regional and global technology player, particularly in ASEAN, by acting as a bridge for service providers looking to enter markets where local regulatory and telecommunications landscapes can be complex. As part of its efforts to diversify its operations, IX Telecom is also developing its own infrastructure while exploring opportunities in the enterprise and consumer markets.
Helmi said his ambition is for IX Telecom to be seen not simply as a Malaysian company with global operations, but as a global technology company built in Malaysia.
Takeaways for companies looking to scale
Across the ideas, comments and experiences shared by the three speakers, one common theme emerged: capital can accelerate growth, but it cannot be a shortcut to building a strong business foundation.
For Malaysian companies looking to expand, the challenge is therefore not simply finding funding. They also need to build the systems, governance, talent, infrastructure and market access required to operate successfully beyond Malaysia.
