Joon Yik Ooi  is the founder of Wakalu, a financial wellness platform that gives employees access to their earned wages and greater financial flexibility to tackle emergencies. Working with companies, earned wage access (EWA) is proven to decrease employee turnover, enhance retention, and increase business savings.

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👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

We provide a platform for working employees to access and withdraw the salary they’ve already earned on a daily basis. This helps provide some cashflow flexibility to those that are struggling to get by, while empowering companies to be more conscious and caring about their employees well-being.

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🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

Despite the nature of Wakalu’s business, I didn’t come from a Finance or HR background. My passion for starting Wakalu came from a personal experience, where I heard from colleagues and friends who were struggling financially and needed more cash flow during the month. I’ve learned as much about myself as I have the industry, but I think that’s the beauty of entrepreneurship.

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🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Hearing how Wakalu helps people through emergencies and financially difficult times has to be the most fulfilling highlight of this journey. Everyone’s story is different, and every little bit of help goes a long way.

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🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

I’m most excited for Malaysian startups! Relative to other SEA countries, I feel Malaysian startups have always gone under the radar.

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In the time since I started Wakalu, I have had the privilege to hear about many exciting Malaysian startups – across various industries such as renewable energies, fintech, automation, crypto and AI — so I’d love to see some of them come into the spotlight.

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💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

Be patient – it’s a marathon not a sprint; and be focused on each individual customer.

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🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

Football – Games, tactics, transfers, and all things Manchester United.

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show?

Christopher Nolan movies, Peaky Blinders & Billions.

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Anything chocolate.