15 yrs of witnessing telco inefficiencies drove this duo to bootstrap RM100K to modernise it

[This is a sponsored article with Bournshell.]

In the fast-evolving world of business communication, staying connected is crucial. The rise of remote and hybrid work models requires a solution that supports flexible and cost-effective communication.

For many companies, the traditional telephone system is outdated and cumbersome. 

To tackle this, Melissa Tham and Dominic Leow invested RM100,000 to launch Bournshell, aiming to revolutionise Malaysia’s telephony industry.

The end of landlines?

After decades of working in telecommunications, Melissa and Dominic witnessed a notable shift. Traditional phone systems were becoming outdated.

The UK’s move to shut down traditional lines highlighted this shift, emphasising the need for modern solutions like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). 

Did you know: The old-fashioned phone system was mainly used for landlines. It uses physical wires and switches to connect calls. Meanwhile, VoIP is a modern way to make phone calls over the internet. Instead of using physical wires, it uses the internet to transmit calls, making it cheaper and more flexible.

“We saw a significant gap in how telephony systems [in Malaysia] were still relying on outdated technology,” said Dominic. “Our goal is to create a solution that modernises communication while addressing key challenges faced by businesses.”

Better and cheaper calls

Bournshell offers a telephony solution that enables employees to connect virtually to their office landline phones from their personal mobile devices. 

This system is particularly beneficial for companies with remote or geographically dispersed teams. With Bournshell, employees don’t need to share their personal phone numbers or worry about costly interstate or international call fees.

Think of it as having multiple extensions of your office phone system, accessible from anywhere.

For example, an employee in Selangor can call a colleague in Johor or Australia without extra charges, as they’re all under the same company extension line.  

But what’s wrong with just using WhatsApp?

“The benefit is that employees don’t have to give out their personal phone numbers, which gives them more privacy,” Melissa explained. 

“Another benefit is that when workers are working remotely, even from different locations or states, they can call their office and the charges are totally free, it’s like connecting all nationwide calls under the same roof.”

Connecting businesses, no matter the industry or size

Since launching in late 2017, Bournshell has grown to over 1,000 subscribers, including startups, SMEs, and multinational companies. The co-founders believe that Bournshell has made a notable impact on their clients’ communication systems.

They were able to back this up with case study results from their subscribers, with one being an offshore shipping company.

Bournshell helped a vessel that was in the middle of the ocean, where there was no mobile signal but high-speed satellite broadband internet.

They set up the ship’s telephony to work over the internet so the crew could make calls easily across different countries. The service delivered a high performance with 99.8% uptime, and reduced telecommunication costs.

Of course, not every company needs that level of sophistication. For a multi-chain retail business, Bournshell cut out their phone rental fees and offered flat-rate calls nationwide, saving them 52% on phone bills.

Additionally, when Bournshell updates their clients’ telephony systems, they don’t just swap out old tech, they make sure nothing goes to waste. 

By following the 5Rs of waste management—Reduce, Recycle, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recontribute—they cut down on hardware use, recycle e-waste, donate reusable items to NGOs, and turn repurposed materials into cash donations for charity.

Connecting Malaysia, then the world

Bournshell’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) has recognised them as a Business Digitalisation Supporting Partner. 

This backing will boost Bournshell’s digital solutions and support SMEs in adopting modern communication systems, strengthening the company’s reputation and mission.

Looking ahead, the Johor and Selangor-based company plans to expand to Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, and eventually into APAC regions by the end of 2024. Their vision includes integrating AI with cloud telephony and enhancing unified communication.

Melissa said, “We’re committed to driving digital transformation and supporting businesses towards a more connected and efficient future.”

This is beneficial to the growth of Malaysian companies as well, as having a scaleable infrastructure can enable businesses to expand more easily when tapping into global markets.

To showcase this dedication, Bournshell offers prospective customers a free trial for their telephony system, as they believe this can build trust and traction amongst their clients. 

They’ve also set a low barrier to entry for startups and SMEs, where they can get their business started for RM38 per month, which provides one business line for two users.

With a solid foundation and a clear vision, it seems that Bournshell is set to lead the way in modernising telephony systems, making communication simpler and more effective for businesses globally.

Featured Image Credit: Bournshell