When Yen Pei Tay first began his career as a telecommunications engineer, working with global giants like Motorola, Nokia, and IBM, he never imagined he would one day build one of Malaysia’s most innovative tech companies. But after years in the corporate world, he saw a gap — and an opportunity.
“I realized that Wi-Fi is a way to share affordable internet access to the public. Wi-Fi could be more than just a service — it could be a shared resource,” he recalls. “What if anyone could become a provider, sharing their excess bandwidth to make the internet more accessible for everyone?”
That question became the spark that ignited Simplify, a Malaysian-born tech startup now making waves across the region with its US-patented Smarter WiFi technology.
Simplify Smarter WiFi transforms your existing WiFi into a shared, revenue-generating network. This service enables you to earn money by selling your unused internet bandwidth to others. Users can automatically connect to these shared networks on a pay-as-you-go basis, often at a lower cost than traditional roaming or travel SIMs. To get started, you need to download the app, create an account, link your bank account, and connect your router via the app, which will then generate a new WiFi name and password for the shared network.
The MIT Moment That Changed Everything
The turning point came when Yen Pei was accepted into the MIT Entrepreneurship Boot Camp. There, he had the chance to pitch his idea to professors including Professor Bill Aulet, a globally recognized authority in innovation and entrepreneurship.
“The response was incredible,” Yen Pei shares. “We spent an afternoon at MIT Sloan School of Management sketching out a simplified roadmap for the idea. That was the moment I realized — this wasn’t just a concept. It could be a real, scalable business.”
The validation from MIT gave him the conviction to return home and turn vision into venture.
Ipoh Roots, Global Ambitions
An Ipoh mali at heart, Yen Pei is more than just a founder — he’s also a senior lecturer and Head of the Innovation & Technology Center at Quest International University Perak (QIUP), where he continues to inspire students to blend research, technology, and entrepreneurship.
His journey embodies the spirit of Malaysian innovation — grounded in community, but global in ambition.
Even today, as his startup has achieved significant scale and recognition, Yen Pei remains steadfast in his commitment to his hometown of Ipoh. He continues to live and work there, dedicating his efforts to building and growing his venture within the very community that fostered his initial dreams.
This decision, as he shared with /ignitio, is deeply rooted in his personal philosophy and a desire to contribute directly to the local economy and talent pool. He believes that by establishing a successful enterprise in Ipoh, he can inspire other aspiring entrepreneurs and demonstrate the potential for innovation and growth outside of larger metropolitan areas. His dedication to Ipoh is not merely a matter of convenience, but a deliberate choice to cultivate a vibrant tech ecosystem and create opportunities for local residents.
Simplify’s Rise to Global Recognition
Since its founding in 2016, Simplify has built an impressive track record of achievements. The company was listed by Fast Company as one of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, recognized at Japan’s NTT Startup Challenge, triumphed at the 2023 China Overseas Talents Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition (COTIEC) held in Hefei, China as Excellence Awardand named among ZGC Forum’s Best 100 Innovative Technologies for International Cooperation in China.
Most recently, Simplify was awarded Malaysia’s Telecom Solutions Provider of the Year at the Asian Telecom Awards 2025, underscoring its growing influence in the telecommunications landscape.
With its patented Thunderbird 5G router, Simplify aims to make WiFi smarter, faster, and more sustainable — enabling individuals and businesses alike to become part of a decentralized internet revolution.
A New Milestone: The Smarter WiFi Preview
On November 3 2025, Simplify hosted an exclusive Preview Event at Digital Nasional Berhad’s MY5G Portal, located at The Exchange 106 TRX, bringing together partners, investors, and tech enthusiasts to experience firsthand the company’s next leap forward — the Smarter WiFi revolution.
“We’ve successfully raised three rounds of funding, with the latest being our Series B last year,” says Yen Pei. “Now, we’re taking it further with equity crowdfunding on MyStartr, targeting RM2 to RM5 million to scale our impact.”
Lessons from the Founder’s Journey
When asked what advice he has for aspiring founders, Yen Pei’s message is simple but profound:
“Start early. You’re going to make mistakes — but those mistakes help you grow.”
It’s this blend of technical mastery, entrepreneurial grit, and humility that defines both Yen Pei and Simplify’s culture — a company built not just to connect devices, but to connect people and possibilities.
Yen Pei, the founder, believes it's best to start new ventures early on. He knows that everyone makes mistakes, but these mistakes are actually good because they help you learn and grow. This idea is central to being an entrepreneur: the journey is all about learning and changing, not just coming up with new things. Yen Pei himself shows this by always seeking knowledge and being ready to face challenges.
This core idea has guided Simplify's growth, creating a place where people work well together and new, exciting ideas can flourish. The focus on "people and possibilities" means the company is dedicated to helping individuals and uncovering their potential, both within the company and for those who use their products. This approach, which puts people first and combines it with a deep understanding of new technology, is truly what makes Yen Pei and Simplify stand out, and it's an idea he aims to expand significantly.
Simplify isn’t just building WiFi. It’s building the future of connectivity.
