Tucked away on an industrial road in Subang Jaya lies KitaBina Maker Space (KitaBina), a workshop that thrums with the rhythmic whir of saws and the fragrant scent of freshly cut wood. Unlike the typical, sawdust-coated carpentry shop, KitaBina Maker Space hums with a different energy.
It’s a haven for passionate woodworkers, curious hobbyists, and anyone who craves the satisfaction of creating something tangible with their own hands.
KitaBina was founded last year by Jon Ming and his wife, Q-Pei, a couple who dared to trade the predictability of corporate life for the exhilarating world of woodworking.
Before that, they quit their jobs as financial auditors at PwC and started Modle.play, where they specialise in crafting indoor wooden playgrounds.
KitaBina caters to a different kind of builder. It’s a space that thrives on a blend of education, creativity, and a touch of friendly competition. Imagine weekend-long workshops culminating in a colossal, five-metre-tall sculpture crafted from scratch.
In essence, you could see KitaBina as a woodworking tuition of sorts.
Breaking the barriers
Jon explained that woodworking classes are not new, but they aren’t widespread either. This is because these classes can be expensive and time-consuming, which deters many potential hobbyists due to the high barrier to entry.
Hence, KitaBina is committed to breaking down these barriers that may keep people from exploring the world of woodworking.
Their “Pesta Bina” programme is a prime example.
Held once in three months, it’s an intensive yet affordable introduction to woodworking basics for RM80. Participants can choose from 10 different projects, each designed to teach essential skills within an hour.
This introductory class also breaks down the perception of woodworking as an expensive or intimidating hobby, Jon said.
“To learn woodworking in other places, a class typically starts at RM200 to RM500 per pax for a half-day or full-day session,” Jon claimed.
Many workshops also require participants to attend prerequisite training or adhere to rigid schedules. KitaBina breaks these barriers with its flexible and inclusive approach.
Customers can walk in any time during operating hours, pay for a day pass, and start working on their projects without needing prior lessons. This open-door policy is a breath of fresh air in the woodworking community.
Addressing the market gap
KitaBina isn’t just about making things; it’s about nurturing a love for woodworking from a young age.
They want a world where tinkering with tools and building something cool becomes a cherished part of a child’s development.
This is where they’ve identified a gap in woodworking education for children.
“There are plenty of art and craft activity providers for kids aged two to six, but not many focus on woodworking for this age group,” Jon noted.
So, KitaBina offers woodworking classes for toddlers up to teenagers.
KitaBina runs “Wood Play” sessions where toddlers and young kids get to learn about wood. They start with demos showing where wood comes from using timber logs and wood samples explaining how furniture is made. Then, they move on to making simple wooden toys or figurines, using glue and decorating them.
“We run trial sessions for seven to 12-year-olds. If they like it, we can slot them into our regular weekly one-and-a-half-hour Junior Woodworker class where they learn to build discipline and learn how to solve problems by building more and more complex stuff as they progress through the months/years. We also run school holiday programmes from four days to eight days long,” shared Jon.
For adults, their “Kemahiran Hidup” course goes beyond the basics. It delves deeper into furniture design, and the intricacies of timber selection, and even explores cutting-edge technologies like laser engraving and CNC cutting (which is automated and follows a set programme through computer numerical control).
Jon believes that these skills are universal and can be applied beyond woodworking projects.
The spirit of community is another cornerstone of the KitaBina experience.
Their “DIY/Woodworking” WhatsApp group is a vibrant hub where seasoned woodworkers share their expertise, collaborate on projects, and offer a helping hand (or a friendly tip) to anyone who needs it.
Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or a complete novice, this virtual space fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie.
Juggling the business
Like any other business, KitaBina’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges.
Their location, nestled at the end of a dead-end road, can be a hurdle for potential participants. On top of that, the sheer variety of classes offered can be overwhelming for some.
To address this, KitaBina is actively working on strengthening its online presence, making it easier for people to discover a programme that can spark their woodworking interest.
Financial hurdles are another challenge. The business is still finding its footing, relying on 90% of its revenue from Modle to stay afloat.
Running KitaBina together with their other business is no small feat for them. Despite the challenges, Jon manages to balance both businesses with the help of his dedicated teams.
“Modle has a team of nine, while KitaBina has a team of three, and we have a shared admin person.”
“On a daily basis, you can find me juggling between managing operations while communicating with clients and brainstorming new project ideas for both businesses. Sometimes we try to find synergies between both businesses to help and share each other’s customer base,” shared Jon.
Crafting the path ahead
Looking ahead, Jon has ambitious plans for KitaBina. He dreams of turning it into an academy or polytechnic school with DIY and vocational programmes running daily in every state of Malaysia.
The potential for franchising the KitaBina experience is also on the horizon, allowing others to bring this unique approach to their communities.
Jon’s other dream is to partner with a DIY-related hypermart chain like MR DIY. He envisions workshops within these stores where people can learn to use products and fix things on the spot. This innovative idea could revolutionise the DIY market and make woodworking skills even more accessible to the masses.
KitaBina is a place to learn a new skill, tap into your creativity, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals. Jon believes that it’s about helping people rediscover the joy of making things with their own hands.
They may be one of many woodworking spaces in town, but their focus on affordability, approachability, and community building sets them apart.
It’ll be fascinating to see how they navigate the challenges ahead and continue to carve their own niche in the ever-growing world of DIY workshops.
- Learn more about KitaBina Maker Space here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Featured Image Credit: KitaBina Maker Space
