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ASBhive – Our Story

ASBhive began its journey from humble origins, driven by a deep-seated commitment to empower dreamers to challenge norms, disrupt industries, and enact meaningful change. Rooted in a steadfast belief in the transformative potential of innovative thinking and entrepreneurial problem-solving, ASBhive emerged as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs.

It all started with a single spark of innovation and a resolute pledge to ignite the minds of future business leaders. ASBhive quickly evolved into a bustling entrepreneurship hub, serving as a nexus for students, entrepreneurs, corporations, investors, governments, enablers, incubators, and universities.

Managed by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) at the Asia School of Business, ASBhive stands as a cornerstone of Malaysia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering thought leadership, cutting-edge infrastructure, and comprehensive services to drive innovation locally and globally.

At the heart of ASBhive lies its state-of-the-art co-working space, meticulously designed to foster collaboration among students, faculty, professionals, and industry leaders. This dynamic workspace features public lounges, dedicated offices, private meeting rooms, a maker lab, and versatile event spaces, creating an environment that nurtures creativity, facilitates networking, and encourages the exchange of knowledge.

ASBhive is more than just a physical space; it is a testament to the power of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community. Join us on our journey as we continue to inspire, empower, and catalyze the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.

ASBhive - A hub of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Activities

Our Vision

To be the premier destination for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators, empowering them to turn their ideas into reality and shape a better future for generations to come

Our Mission

To catalyze a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration by providing aspiring student entrepreneurs and start-up founders with the resources, support, and guidance they need to succeed. We design various comprehensive programs, initiatives, and events together with ecosystem players to inspire, educate, and empower individuals to pursue their passions and make a positive impact on the world.

Our Team

Get acquainted with the talented individuals of ASBhive, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center. Explore the diverse personalities, skills, and passions that come together to create a dynamic and collaborative team. Discover the faces behind the innovation, dedication, and creativity driving our shared mission. Join us on a journey to and connect with the people who bring our vision to life.

Joe Cherian

Deputy CEO, Asia School of Business

Professor Cherian is Practice Professor of Finance at the Asia School of Business (in collaboration with MIT Sloan) and at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management at the SC Johnson College of Business, Cornell University (Visiting). He was most recently a Practice Professor of Finance and the Founding Director of the former Centre for Asset Management Research & Investments (CAMRI) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Business School. Prior to NUS, Joe was Managing Director, Global Head and CIO of the Quantitative Strategies Group at Credit Suisse in New York where he had direct responsibility for over US$67 billion in client assets managed to a quantitative discipline. While at Credit Suisse, he served on the Global Executive Committee, as well as various senior management, investments, and risk committees of the Asset Management division. He joined the financial industry in New York after an academic career in the US, including as an Associate Professor of Finance at Boston University. He was formerly an Executive-in-Residence and a two-term member of the Johnson Graduate School of Management's Dean’s Advisory Council at Cornell University and is now an Emeritus Member of the Dean’s Council.

Joe currently serves as an Advisor to Xen Capital, a boutique digital wealth and alternatives asset manager in Singapore, Singapore Exchange (SGX), Asia Asset Management in Hong Kong, as well as on the Mercer-CFA Institute Global Pensions Index's Advisory Board in Australia. He has had appointments at Singapore's Central Provident Fund (CPF) Advisory Panel and the National Research Foundation's Early-Stage Venture Fund Evaluation Panel. He was an Independent Non-Executive Director of Bursa Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, a Scientific Advisor to Nipun Capital, a boutique hedge fund based in San Francisco, a consultant to Fullerton Fund Management, a Temasek subsidiary in Singapore, and on the Journal of Alternative Investments' Editorial Board in the US. Joe holds a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from MIT, and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Finance from Cornell University.

Siti Najaa

Assistant Director, IEC

Meet Dr. Siti Najaa Zulkifli, the visionary behind innovation at Asia School of Business! Armed with a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Queensland, she's not just a scientist – she's a catalyst for change. Starting as an Academic Associate in 2018, she swiftly climbed the ranks to become the Head of Academic Associates before transitioning to her current role at the helm of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center. As a forward-thinking leader, Siti Najaa excels in dynamic environments, consistently delivering impactful results. In her capacity as Assistant Director, she assumes a pivotal role in fostering innovation and promoting entrepreneurship within the ASB community. Through a series of initiatives at ASBhive, she actively shapes the entrepreneurial landscape, utilizing her toolkit of leadership finesse, strategic acumen, and a collaborative flair with industry stakeholders. Rumor has it, that she possesses a secret superpower – the ability to turn any challenge into an opportunity.

Shibu Vadaketh

Technology Fellow, IEC

SHIBU VADAKETH is accomplished in executive-level management, entrepreneurship and government relations; with 20+ years of working experience in the United States combined with several years of work experience in Asia, Australia and Europe. A self-starter with over 30+ years of senior-level experience in strategic planning, P&L responsibility, mergers and acquisitions, business and technology audit, operations, program management, industry 4.0 and business analysis; 10 years of profitable management of a hardware (HW) and software (SW) consulting firm combined with 25+ years of experience in the software development arena; and over 10 years of working with government, government agencies, chambers of commerce - local and abroad - and presenting high impact projects for the country to the Prime Minister’s economic council. Shibu is currently a Technology Fellow at Asia School of Business in Collaboration with MIT Sloan, where he is working to set an ecosystem for entrepreneurship; a pre-incubator program from ideation to MVP; an accelerator program positioned as a launch pad for ASEAN for pre-series A. Series A funding; a series of Masterclasses and an entrepreneurship inspirational series, among other things.

Redza Shahid

Manager, IEC

Redza is a dedicated marketer, impact advocate, and startup enthusiast, boasting a successful venture track record. Co-founding Grub Cycle, Pasar Grub, and Oililin, he achieved global recognition and represented Malaysia at the Alipay-NUS Enterprise Social Innovation Challenge in Singapore and pitching at St. James's Palace, UK. As a global ambassador, Redza forged meaningful connections across continents, participating in prestigious programs in Europe and Asian countries. His role in fostering collaborations and initiatives extends to the 'Buy For Impact' campaign and the presidency of CSED. Currently, Redza focuses on supporting entrepreneurs' growth through ASBhive, welcoming connections for impactful collaborations!

Abdul Haris

Executive, IEC

Hello internet people, Haris here.

Embark on a journey of innovation and exploration with someone who sees the world through the whimsical lenses of white and yellow – because who needs rose-tinted glasses anyway? As a dynamic maestro, I've mastered the art of pushing boundaries, all while adhering to a strict 2000-word limit daily; after all, brevity is the soul of wit, especially in the world of food discussions.

Beyond the serious business of extended reality, entrepreneurship, and economics, I navigate life with a commitment to doing things 'my way' – it's a little bit like Frank Sinatra but with fewer musical interludes. And if you catch me humming old tunes, from Sinatra to The Beatles, you'll know I'm in my creative zone. So, let's connect, laugh, and innovate together because, in this fast-paced world, a little humor goes a long way.