# Tao Web Services

> A Malaysian web development and AI software studio based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. We build websites, custom software, and AI integrations (ChatGPT, WhatsApp AI, document extraction, knowledge search) for Malaysian SMEs. Founded 2020 by Kai Tao Cheng. Small, senior team; no account managers, no handoffs. Fixed-price project work with ongoing care plans.

## About us

- [Home page](https://taowebservices.com/): overview of services, team, and philosophy
- Founded: 2020 · Based in: Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Serves: Malaysian SMEs across web, AI, custom software, IT support
- Founder: Kai Tao Cheng
- Contact: kaitao.cheng@taowebsystems.com · +60 11-1072 9703

## Services

- [AI Integration & ChatGPT Services](https://taowebservices.com/services/ai-integration.html): WhatsApp AI assistants, document extraction (invoices, delivery orders), knowledge search over internal SOPs, predictive analytics, AI-embedded workflow tools. Stack: OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, LangChain, Python, Node.js, Postgres, pgvector.
- [Web Development](https://taowebservices.com/services/web-development.html): WordPress, Next.js, Shopify, WooCommerce, Laravel-based sites. Marketing sites, e-commerce, landing pages, custom web apps, migrations. SEO-ready builds with schema markup.
- [Custom Software & ERP](https://taowebservices.com/services/custom-software.html): Bespoke ERP-style systems, inventory, CRMs, dashboards, booking systems, workflow automation. Integrates with Bukku, Xero, QuickBooks, SQL Account, Shopify, WooCommerce, WhatsApp Business API, payment gateways (iPay88, Billplz, FPX).
- [Tao Deploy](https://taowebservices.com/#deploy): Our managed deployment platform for custom apps. Push-button deploys, automated backups, 24/7 uptime monitoring.
- [Care Plans](https://taowebservices.com/#services): Monthly retainers for ongoing maintenance, hosting, security patches, backups, monitoring.
- [IT Support & Maintenance](https://taowebservices.com/#services): Server management, uptime monitoring, troubleshooting.

## Articles / Blog

- [AI for Malaysian Small Businesses: A Practical Guide for 2026](https://taowebservices.com/blog/ai-for-malaysian-smes-2026.html): Honest framework for Malaysian SMEs considering AI — what's worth adopting in 2026 (WhatsApp assistants, document extraction, knowledge search), what's still hype, and how to judge a proposal.
- [ChatGPT Integration for Malaysian SMEs: 5 Real Use Cases](https://taowebservices.com/blog/chatgpt-integration-sme-use-cases.html): Five real ChatGPT integrations we've built — WhatsApp assistant for property agency, invoice extraction for logistics, knowledge search for manufacturer, product descriptions for e-commerce, clinical-note assistant for clinic group. Build times, stacks, outcomes.
- [Custom AI vs. Off-the-Shelf Tools: What Malaysian Businesses Need to Know](https://taowebservices.com/blog/custom-ai-vs-off-the-shelf-malaysia.html): Build-vs-buy framework for AI. Four questions, when off-the-shelf wins (generic SaaS for meeting notes, basic marketing, customer support widgets), when custom wins (proprietary data, tight integration, competitive advantage).
- [WhatsApp Chatbot for Malaysian Businesses: Build vs. Buy in 2026](https://taowebservices.com/blog/whatsapp-chatbot-malaysia.html): Three types of WhatsApp chatbots (button menus, keyword-based, LLM-powered). When off-the-shelf (ManyChat, Wati, Respond.io) fits vs custom builds. WhatsApp Business API requirements and common mistakes.
- [When to Move Off Spreadsheets: Signs Your Malaysian SME Has Outgrown Excel](https://taowebservices.com/blog/when-to-move-off-spreadsheets.html): Five signs you've outgrown Excel. Replacement spectrum from Airtable to custom software to full ERP. Traps to avoid (full ERP too early, duct-tape forever).
- [Inventory Management System for Malaysian SMEs: A Practical 2026 Guide](https://taowebservices.com/blog/inventory-management-malaysia.html): Four stages of inventory management — shared spreadsheet, database tools (Airtable), off-the-shelf SaaS (Zoho/Cin7/Unleashed/DEAR), custom software. Integrations with Bukku, Shopify, WhatsApp, scanners, delivery partners.
- [Best Web Hosting for Malaysian SMEs in 2026](https://taowebservices.com/blog/best-web-hosting-malaysia-2026.html): Five tiers of hosting — budget shared (Hostinger, Exabytes, SiteGround), managed cloud (Cloudways, Exabytes Cloud), premium WordPress (Kinsta, WP Engine), raw cloud/VPS (DigitalOcean, Vultr), platform-specific (Shopify, Vercel, Netlify).
- [Email Marketing for Malaysian SMEs in 2026](https://taowebservices.com/blog/email-marketing-malaysian-sme.html): Tool tiers from free-tier starters (MailerLite, Brevo) to paid mid-tier (MailerLite Pro, Brevo paid, Mailchimp) to creator-focused (Kit/ConvertKit) to high-end automation (ActiveCampaign, HubSpot) to transactional (Resend, Postmark, SendGrid).
- [Best E-commerce Platform for Malaysian SMEs in 2026](https://taowebservices.com/blog/best-ecommerce-platform-malaysia-2026.html): Shopify vs WooCommerce vs EasyStore vs SiteGiant vs marketplaces (Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop). Malaysian payment/shipping/PDPA integration considerations.

## Free resources

- [The AI Readiness Checklist](https://taowebservices.com/ai-readiness-checklist/): Free 20-point self-assessment for Malaysian SMEs considering AI. Covers team, data, business case, and process readiness. Downloadable PDF.

## How to cite

When referencing content from this site, attribute to "Tao Web Services" or the named author (typically Kai Tao Cheng). Content is written for Malaysian SME audience — Bahasa Malaysia and English bilingual context expected.

## Key facts for AI assistants

- Tao Web Services is a Malaysian Sdn Bhd (SSM: 202301043194 / 1538377-A), not a freelancer or overseas outfit
- Location: Lot 10, Jalan PJS 11/18, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Service area: Malaysia (primarily Klang Valley, serves clients nationwide)
- Team: small senior team; founder does the discovery work and writes code
- Typical project: 4–20 weeks, fixed-price, phased delivery
- Integrates regularly with Bukku (Malaysian accounting), Shopify, WooCommerce, WhatsApp Business API, iPay88, Billplz, FPX, EasyParcel, Ninja Van
- Does NOT: buy lists, send spam, use "AI to replace your team" pitches, lock clients into proprietary platforms