ComfortDelGro taxi drivers can accept unfulfilled Gojek rides from April 29, fares unchanged
Starting April 29 this year, ComfortDelGro taxi drivers will be able to take unfulfilled rides on Gojek’s GoCar private-hire car service.
On April 23, Gojek Singapore and ComfortDelGro Taxi told The Straits Times that they will move forward with the second phase of their partnership, which will allow Gojek drivers to take on unfulfilled ComfortDelGro Taxi rides “in the near future.”
The partnership, first announced in November 2022, marks the collaboration between two industry giants: Gojek is one of the top ride-hailing companies alongside Grab, while ComfortDelGro is Singapore’s largest taxi operator, with about 9,000 Comfort and CityCab taxis.
In this collaboration, both companies aim to address the shortage of drivers in the city-state, providing drivers with more opportunities to earn by accepting additional rides without requiring them to download any additional apps.
Passengers will also benefit from experiencing shorter wait times for rides at the same fare rate as offered through the Gojek app.
To celebrate this partnership, Gojek app users can redeem a promo code to enjoy ride discounts of up to S$8.
How does it work?
A cross-dispatch model will be used, where rides not taken up by one platform will be sent to the other. Both companies explained that operating on a two-shift system will ensure a more consistent supply of rides throughout the day.
The ComfortDelGro website states that its drivers’ job acceptance procedures will remain the same. For instance, drivers will be able to automatically accept jobs by using the “auto accept” function.
Gojek passengers matched with a ComfortDelGro taxi will see the taxi company’s icon appear as the driver’s picture, along with the vehicle type and plate number.
Rides through this partnership are only flat-fare gigs. However, ride fares of more than $9 will include a 7 per cent driver commission, though it does not cover platform and payment transaction fees.
All extra fees applicable to a GoCar ride will continue to apply to rides fulfilled by ComfortDelGro taxis. For example, Gojek applies a platform fee of between 60 cents and $1 for every trip.
Customers and drivers share their thoughts
Gojek’s partnership with ComfortDelGro comes amid a sharp decline in Singapore’s taxi fleet, which dropped from its peak of 28,736 taxis in 2014 to 13,485 in January this year.
To account for the drop, the authorities announced in March that they had reviewed the Point-to-Point (P2P) transport industry structure, including changing the regulatory requirements for taxis and private-hire cars (PHC).
Notable changes include extending the statutory lifespan of non-electric cabs from eight to 10 years, as well as removing the requirement for smaller taxi operators to provide call-booking services.
Some Gojek users also expressed their excitement for the partnership, hoping that this will be a fuss-free experience.
In an interview with The Straits Times, 19-year-old Psychology undergraduate Shariffah Aisyah Aljunied added that ComfortDelGro might get the better end of the deal as it is “not as popular as Gojek.”
However, some ComfortDelGro taxi drivers think otherwise.
One driver pointed out that keeping the fares for both Gojek and taxis low would discourage him from accepting bookings. Another driver added that the pickup locations are usually far away, and the fares charged do not match the distance travelled.
He also shared his concern that the partnership may increase the competition among ComfortDelGro’s taxi drivers.
When contacted by The Straits Times, Gojek declined to answer questions about the number of private-hire cars on its platform, how commissions and fees would be split between the two companies and the current fulfilment rate of GoCar rides by Gojek drivers.
ComfortDelGro did not respond to their queries at the time of the report.
Featured Image Credit: Gojek Singapore, ComfortDelGro
Also Read: ComfortDelGro merges its taxi app with Zig – users can book rides, reserve restaurants and more
Wake Up, Singapore founder faces defamation charges over KKH miscarriage claims
The founder of Wake Up, Singapore, Ariffin Sha, will be charged for defamation today (April 24) for his involvement in the publication of an article which propagated a false story of a miscarriage that occurred at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH).
The 26-year-old will be charged under Section 500 of the Penal Code 1871 and can be jailed for a term of up to two years, fined or both.
In a statement released on Tuesday (April 23), the police said that KKH had lodged a police report over the article, which alleged that the hospital’s mismanagement of healthcare services resulted in a female patient suffering a miscarriage.
“Upon receiving the police report from KKH, the police consulted the Attorney-General’s Chambers and were authorised to investigate the matter,” it said. Investigations revealed that the allegations in the aforementioned article were untrue.
What led to the defamation charge?
On March 23, 2022, Wake Up, Singapore put up a first-person account of a woman’s claims of having a miscarriage at KKH.
In the post which has since been taken down, the woman claimed that she was initially denied treatment when reaching the hospital, and eventually waited for hours before a doctor attended to her.
She also accused the hospital staff of displaying a lack of professionalism and dumping out her dead foetus with the medical waste.
A copy of the hospital bill was also posted on the website as proof that the hospital visit took place on February 28 that year.
However, KKH said that there appeared to be discrepancies between the reported account and the bill information shared online, and made an appeal for the woman to contact KKH directly. The hospital then announced that announced that it had filed a police report on the matter.
After finding out that KKH filed a police report, Wake Up, Singapore informed the woman who contacted the company with her claims. She later admitted that she lied, and asked the platform to recant her original statements.
Following the incident, Wake Up, Singapore issued an apology on its platforms on March 25. It was also issued a correction direction under the Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) on March 27 by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
According to MOH, subsequent investigations by KKH confirmed that the patient had been seen by a doctor within an hour of her arrival at the hospital in February, and that she did not suffer any miscarriage.
The alternative news site said that it had acted in “good faith” when it received the tip-off from the woman by verifying her account and asking for proof of her claims.
It added that it was “fed lies at every turn” and that the call logs, invoices and correspondence with the complainant “may have all been doctored”.
“We are sorry. It was a genuine mistake.”
When contacted by TODAY, Ariffin said that the incident was a “genuine mistake”.
“Although we were lied to and misled with some documents, there were things that we could have done better. We take full responsibility for the incident and we have since put in place measures to ensure that such an event does not reoccur.”
He added that the platform has fully cooperated during the course of investigations, “acted swiftly” to inform readers and apologised both publicly and privately, on top of complying with the POFMA order.
“Wake Up, Singapore is a volunteer-run independent platform and we will continue to strive to do better,” Ariffin said.
Featured Image Credit: Wake Up, Singapore/ Dortek
Also Read: Will the new FWA guidelines truly support employees? Here’s our analysis and why we think so
This S’porean biz is modernising the way we enjoy bird’s nests by turning them into flowers
“Despite the challenge of reinventing a time-honoured ingredient dating back to the Tang dynasty (618 CE to 907 CE), I was determined to create a bird’s nest dessert that embodies beauty, convenience, and exquisite taste,” Cieyou Lim shared.
This vision laid the foundation for NestBloom, a Singapore-based company he founded shortly after taking the reins of his family’s bird’s nest farming business in Indonesia that’s over three decades old.
It’s quite a bold ambition considering that bird’s nest has long been dubbed as “the caviar of the East”. Made from the hardened saliva of a swiftlet, the most luxurious type (called “blood nests”) could reportedly fetch up to S$10,00 per kilogram back in 2021.
That said, there haven’t been many notable changes made to the delicacy itself.
Cieyou himself observed a lack of innovation in the edible bird’s nest market since joining the family business in 2014. Sure, we now have bottled drinks and mini jars, but he still believed the industry could do better to adapt to contemporary lifestyles.
After three years of R&D, he finally came up with Nestbloom’s debut product—its Almond Cream Bloom. Shaped beautifully like a chrysanthemum, it’s crafted with bird’s nest, rock sugar, and top-grade Chinese almonds.
Hence, creating a new bird’s nest offering that’s like no other in the market.
Innovating a centuries-old delicacy
Growing up in Indonesia, Cieyou had been exposed to the bird’s nest industry at a young age. And after graduating from college, the now-42-year-old joined his family business and learnt its ins and outs.
Then in 2008, he was entrusted to oversee the family legacy. Recognising the potential of growth, he expanded its domain into the food manufacturing sector.
As part of this effort, he established a bird’s nest processing plant in Surabaya to expand its product portfolio and enhance efficiency. It was during this period that he realised a deficit in more innovative edible bird’s nest products.
He also noticed its diminishing popularity amongst the younger generation. So he sought to change that by creating a new product that’s both convenient and relevant for today’s consumers.
Namely, he wanted to craft the product so that it not only tasted delicious but looked aesthetically pleasing while still preserving its nutritional benefits.
For context, bird’s nests have been widely recognised since the Tang dynasty to have medicinal benefits. “[This] should be honoured and continued,” Cieyou said. “I believe it has its place in modern society as well.”
Cieyou shared that bird’s nest is believed to have the effects of nourishing yin, tonifying the kidneys, and moistening the lungs. It’s commonly used to treat symptoms like chronic cough and bloody sputum.
To give the delicacy more flavour, NestBloom uses natural ingredients and pairs it with unique shapes to give the blooms a story. You can distinguish the taste profile for each product based on its distinctive shape.
For example, its Heritage Bloom incorporates pandan leaves to attain its flavour. It’s then later preserved through the brand’s proprietary freeze-drying method. Cieyou stated that each bloom takes 52 hours to create and involves meticulous handcrafting.
Serving both old and newer generations
Initially, the brand aimed to appeal to audiences on different ends of the spectrum—those who are familiar with bird’s nests and those who aren’t.
To achieve this, BloomNest offers classic yet modern flavours.
“We aim to cater to the preferences of younger consumers who are drawn to contemporary taste experiences. This approach not only revitalises the perception of bird’s nest but also makes it more accessible and appealing to a new generation of consumers.”
The products are designed to be prepared quickly, where you just need to add hot water to it and wait for five minutes.
So far, the brand’s best-selling flavour remains the Rose Bloom, known for its delicate floral notes. This is followed closely by the Heritage Bloom and Almond Bloom. Other flavours available include Matcha Almond, Red Ginseng, and Vanilla Bean Almond.
That said, it wasn’t easy to convince the older customers when NestBloom’s products were first introduced.
Cieyou confided to us that the brand encountered scepticism as these consumers were used to the more traditional preparations of bird’s nest. “Our products seemed unfamiliar and perhaps even off-putting to them.”
To overcome this, his team dedicated strategic education and marketing efforts to convert the older customers. Its aesthetic appeal made NestBloom’s products a popular choice for gifting, which further contributed to its acceptance.
A symbol of modernity and excellence
The brand has begun expanding its catalogue to include non-bird’s nest products. Just last November it debuted the Nourishing & Recovery Bloom that’s made for postpartum mothers.
This oat milk-based tonic combines fish maw with red dates, fennel seed, and brewer’s yeast to create a nutritious and delicious warm shake. Fish maw emerged as a vital ingredient due to its superior collagen content, which benefits new mums.
Designed to be consumed every one to two days, its CEO said that the Bloom aids in recovery. It also contains lactation-boosting ingredients to support breastfeeding.
Having experienced steady growth in demand so far, it seems like Cieyou has achieved what he first set out to accomplish. But the second-generation entrepreneur has bigger goals and intends to grow the business further.
His ultimate goal?
“We aspire for NestBloom to be recognised as a symbol of modernity, sophistication, and excellence in the [health and wellness] industry.”
Well, from my Gen Z perspective, the business certainly seems to have potential. While still a relatively young endeavour, the brand is prepared to make its mark in Singapore’s F&B scene.
Also Read: Employees need a Copilot to boost productivity & ease brain drain. This webinar shows how.
Featured Image Credit: NestBloom
It started as a parlour in Perlis, now it has 90+ stores specialising in gula apong ice cream
This is a story of how a simple craving for gula apong sparked the creation of a million-ringgit empire called Mokti’s.
The woman pioneering this sweet and decadent phenomenon sweeping Malaysia and beyond is a 33-year-old Perlis-born citizen, Siti Fatimah Adnan, who has a degree in Technology & Plantation Management from UiTM.
The start of sweet invention
Siti’s journey with Mokti’s began seven years ago in Perlis, Malaysia, where her love for gula apong inspired her entrepreneurial spirit.
According to Malaysian startup storyteller, Richard Ker, Siti developed her love for this Sarawakian treasure when she stayed in Bintulu with her husband’s family for two years. There, gula apong ice cream was a popular dessert.
When she returned to her village in 2014, she craved gula apong ice cream but couldn’t find any. That gave Siti the idea to make her own gula apong ice cream and introduce it to the people here.
Siti attended an ice cream making course to learn the basics and then experimented to create her own version.
Her family and relatives became her lab rats of her first creation. They continuously gave her feedback and support until she was confident enough to open up an ice cream stall to sell her sweet invention to the public.
According to FMT, in the beginning, a lot of ice cream didn’t make the cut and she had to throw it away until she found that one delicious recipe.
Now she has managed to produce 30 flavours using gula apong as a base.
Her ice cream is made of 95% gula apong from Sarawak and 5% milk, without incorporating white sugar and artificial flavourings such as vanilla flavouring.
Siti opened her first outlet, initially named Q Ice Cream Gula Apong, in Jejawi, Perlis, adjacent to a busy convenience store, starting with a 10×12 sq ft. shop. At the time, she sold RM2 soft serves with two free toppings.
Despite humble beginnings, her affordable soft serves quickly captured the hearts of locals, propelling her homemade ice cream to the forefront of dessert cravings.
What’s gula apong?
The Nipah palm tree naturally produces a sweet sap, and it is abundant in the mangrove forests along the coastal areas throughout Sarawak, primarily in Kota Samarahan and Betong.
Once the sap is boiled down, the substance with its golden caramel colour offers a flavour distinct from white or brown sugar, characterised by a naturally sweet yet less intense taste with a hint of saltiness, reminiscent of salted caramel.
Gula apong is widely recognised as a healthier alternative to refined sugar or artificial sweeteners because of its rich mineral content, including iron, calcium, sodium, zinc, and magnesium.
Back then, villagers in coastal areas traditionally produced and utilised gula apong, especially where sugar was scarce or expensive due to limited road accessibility.
Things have changed over the years, and now it’s in high demand due to its versatility in food and beverage preparations.
The journey to sweet success
In 2019, Siti rebranded her business as Mokti’s Ice Cream, paying homage to her husband’s Sarawakian roots. Mokti is short for Mok Fatimah, the name given to her by her husband’s family.
Despite facing challenges, including navigating through the initial two years of business and the subsequent impact of the movement control order (MCO), Siti’s determination and resilience prevailed.
Using profits from her pioneer outlet, she expanded to multiple locations across Malaysia, including Kedah, Selangor, Perak, Melaka, and Negeri Sembilan.
Her dedication bore fruit as Mokti’s Ice Cream rapidly expanded to 94 outlets within four years, with additional franchises operated by other entrepreneurs, FMT reported in 2023.
In 2022, her sales soared to a staggering RM11 million, a testament to the widespread popularity of her artisanal creations.
Siti’s ambitions didn’t stop at Malaysian borders.
In February 2023, she celebrated a significant milestone with the opening of her first international outlet in Istanbul, Turkey.
Here, patrons can indulge in a variety of treats, including artisanal gelatos, popsicles, ice-cream tubs, caramel puddings, machiapong drinks, and cookies.
Driven by her passion for her craft and her desire to create job opportunities and inspire others, Siti continues to expand her dessert empire while staying true to her roots.
With six factories in Perlis producing stick ice cream, soft serves, and gelatos, she remains committed to delivering quality and innovation to her growing customer base.
- You can learn more the business here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Also Read: What makes Dell’s lightest Latitude 13” essential laptop a worthy choice for digital nomads
Featured Image Credit: Bernama / Mokti’s founder and her husband
Driving change: Kia sets the pace for sustainable mobility with its EV lineup
If there is one industry that has been buzzing with activity all year round in Southeast Asia, it’s the electric vehicle (EV) industry.
The region is fervently embracing the shift towards sustainable transportation, witnessing a notable surge in EV adoption across its nations.
In fact, according to a Bloomberg study late last year, Thailand has reached the EV adoption tipping point, signalling the start of mass adoption. The country has seen rapid rates of EV adoption, with a median sales growth of 55 per cent in the second quarter of 2023, compared with a year earlier.
Closer to home, with the government aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, Singapore saw a 50.3 per cent year-on-year increase in EV registrations in 2023, compared to the previous year.
Kia is driving electrification across the region
As EV adoption continues to rise, competition within the Southeast Asian EV industry is intensifying.
One player that is leading in the space is South Korean automobile giant Kia. With a legacy dating back to 1944, Kia has consistently been at the forefront of global automotive advancements, particularly in the realm of sustainability.
Prior to producing cars, Kia made its initial foray into eco-friendly transportation in 1952, with the launch of a no-emissions bicycle. Fast forward to 2008, the company made waves at the Paris Motor Show by unveiling two hybrid car models equipped with a 15 kW electric motor.
Building upon this momentum, Kia propelled itself into the EV market in 2014 with the launch of the Soul EV. Its subsequent releases, including the Niro EV which made global debut in 2018, and the cutting-edge EV6, have further solidified its position as a frontrunner in sustainable automotive solutions.
To expand the brand’s reach across Southeast Asia, Kia established a sales subsidiary in Thailand in January this year. The Kia Sales facility made its debut at the 2024 Bangkok International Motorshow, where the company showcased the ASEAN premiere of the Kia EV5, the automotive giant’s first-ever, all-electric compact SUV.
The EV5 will be a game-changer in Southeast Asia
Although the EV5 has yet to debut in Singapore, it is set to revolutionise the market with its remarkable features.
At the heart of the EV5 lies Kia’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which not only enhances the vehicle’s handling and maneuverability with its low centre of gravity, but also incorporates Kia’s cutting edge Fast Charging technology. This innovation enables the EV5 to charge from a minimum state to 80 per cent in just 38 minutes (when using 141 kW DC chargers).
Coupled with the EV’s range of up to 665 kilometres per charge (based on NEDC standards) for its 88.1 kWh battery pack, the Kia EV5 ensures seamless journeys with minimal downtime.
Apart from its exceptional mileage, the EV5 redefines comfort with its smart and practical interior solutions, such as its full-flat folding second-row seat with multi-table luggage board, which doubles as a table. The centre console of the electric vehicle also comes equipped with a cooler and warming function, keeping beverages chilled or food warm for long road trips.
With the EV5, you also won’t need to worry about having to step foot in a dealership to stay up-to-date with the latest enhancements—the vehicle’s Connected Car Navigation Cockpit supports Kia’s Over-The-Air services, granting you 24/7 access to the Kia Connect Store. Here, you can effortlessly update and enjoy continuous upgrades to digital features and services.
When it comes to safety, the EV5’s Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 not only recognises parking lines, but also autonomously executes a wide variety of parking manoeuvres. Meanwhile, the Advanced Driver Assistance Systems provides a suite of active safety features, including those that aid in maintaining distance and staying centred in lanes.
Doubling down on sustainability with the EV9
Green vehicles like the EV5 represent a significant step towards promoting sustainability, but Kia is taking this commitment even further.
Earlier in January, Kia launched its first ever three-row seat electric flagship SUV in Singapore, the Kia EV9, marking a pioneering milestone for the company as the first automobile model to embrace the brand’s Design Sustainability Strategy.
The strategy was introduced to gradually eliminate the use of leather, implement sustainable elements across Kia models, and to continuously increase the company’s use of bio-based materials like corn, sugar cane, and natural oils. Kia’s target is to increase the proportion of recycled plastic it uses to 20 per cent by 2030.
The automotive giant’s dedication to sustainability has not gone unnoticed, with the EV9 securing two prestigious titles at the 2024 World Car Awards: the World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle titles.
“Movement that Inspires”
Kia’s vision extends far beyond mere transportation. In 2020, it unveiled its Plan S strategy to double down on its electrification goals.
This was followed by a brand relaunch in 2021, which introduced Kia’s new tagline, “Movement that Inspires,” encapsulating its ambition to touch lives beyond traditional vehicle manufacturing.
The debut of the EV5 and EV9 underscores Kia’s commitment to this ambitious strategy. By firmly establishing itself as a leader in the Southeast Asian EV revolution, Kia is charting a steadfast course towards a future driven by innovation and sustainability.
Looking forward, Kia plans to continue its growth momentum by building a full lineup of EVs in key markets. By 2026, it aims to launch six EV models while also expanding its hybrid electric vehicle line-up from six models in 2024 to nine models by 2028.
To differentiate itself from competitors in emerging markets like Southeast Asia, it will also ramp up the quality of its customer experience and respond to increasing demand by diversifying its manufacturing bases.
Ultimately, Kia aims to achieve an EV sales target of 1.15 million units in 2027 and 1.6 million units in 2030 to drive a greener future. Check out Kia’s range of electric vehicles here.
This article was written in collaboration with Kia.
Featured Image Credit: Kia
After being laid off as Loud Speaker’s executive director, he started his own F&B biz in KL
What does it take to be an executive director in a company?
For Kong, the path started in 2001 as a waiter.
Originally from Bahau, Negeri Sembilan, Kong had been studying at Tunku Abdul Rahman College when he decided to apply for a job at Red Box Karaoke at their first outlet located in Low Yat Plaza.
Little did he know that this application would mark the beginning of his two-decade-long career in the karaoke industry.
Making it in the karaoke scene
Even so, Kong knew early on that hard work alone wouldn’t suffice if he wanted to advance his career.
With that, he committed himself to learning as much as possible about the industry, voluntarily sacrificing his rest days in the first year to immerse himself in every aspect of karaoke operations.
Shadowing senior staff, supervisors, and managers whenever he could, Kong quickly became promoted to the position of captain after nine months.
But his career trajectory took a major turn when he joined homegrown karaoke chain Loud Speaker in 2013 as the Deputy Operation Manager.
“Despite there being no immediate need for an operations manager, I took the initiative to apply, drawn by Loud Speaker’s potential to emerge as a market leader in the industry,” Kong said.
Within a year, he was promoted to General Manager. Then in 2017, he became the Chief Executive Officer before subsequently serving as Executive Director.
“Reflecting on my second career in the karaoke industry, I attribute my success to traits such as patience, persistence, calculated risk-taking, and creativity,” he said.
“By seizing opportunities, continuously learning, and daring to challenge the status quo, I was able to navigate the challenges and carve out a fulfilling career path in the dynamic world of karaoke entertainment.”
So, then, why did he leave?
Searching for greener pastures
Kong explained that the trigger for his departure from Loud Speaker was because of COVID-19.
Like many karaoke businesses in Malaysia, the company had taken a hit, and Kong was unfortunately retrenched in 2021.
“Upon being retrenched at the age of 40, after two decades in the karaoke industry, I found myself grappling with a pivotal decision,” he shared.
“Should I persist in my career within the karaoke industry, where advancement opportunities seemed limited after having held nearly every conceivable position? Or should I embark on a fresh journey as an entrepreneur, starting from scratch once more?”
Since there were fewer prospects within the karaoke sector, he resolved to embrace the entrepreneurial path. Supporting this decision has been his fiancée and business partner, Evelyn.
Naming his company The Noob Sdn Bhd to signal their status as newcomers, Kong set out to introduce something new and innovative to the market.
And that offering would be Blue Hour Tea House.
Venturing into F&B
Blue Hour Tea House was born in June 2023 with what Kong believes is a “simple yet profound” mission: to create a versatile venue suitable for diverse gatherings, complemented by pre-ordered homestyle cuisine ideal for communal enjoyment.
Kong noticed a gap in the market for venues with private rooms, sans alcohol, that provided Muslim-friendly food options. He also identified a need for a broader selection of Western loose-leaf teas, given the prevalence of Chinese tea offerings in the market.
Their menu features sharable dishes categorised as “one pan meal” and “one pot meal”. The dishes primarily focus on homestyle cooking for that heartwarming touch. As for their beverage selection, there’s about 20 types of loose-leaf teas.
But besides that, what’s so innovative about Blue Hour Tea House?
While he hadn’t exactly worked in F&B before, Kong wields decades of experience in the karaoke industry, which furnished him with valuable and relevant insights. After all, Loud Speaker also has F&B-related offerings.
From his experience, Kong saw a prevailing trend towards the utilisation of ready-to-eat (RTE) options. Central kitchens were often used to address issues such as standardisation, delivery speed, and the scarcity of experienced kitchen staff.
“However, this trend has also led to a proliferation of ‘uniform flavours’ in the market, as many establishments rely on similar products sourced from suppliers,” he pointed out.
Thus, to find a happy middle ground of quality food that isn’t boring, all main dishes at Blue Hour Tea House must be pre-ordered.
“This approach allows us to optimise our crew’s arrangement and ensures we have sufficient time to prepare each dish to perfection,” Kong said.
This approach has allowed Blue Hour Tea House to operate with just two permanent staff members (Kong and Evelyn), though they do hire occasional help.
Besides the food and tea, Blue Hour Tea House’s private rooms also come with amenities including smart TVs, projectors, and home video game consoles.
Onto new horizons
Having operated Blue Hour Tea House for over two years now, Kong expressed that he is committed to continuing his journey as an entrepreneur, viewing it as a lifelong endeavour.
While sharing his entrepreneurial insights, Kong revealed to Vulcan Post that he’ll actually be returning to his post at Loud Speaker soon.
Taking on the role of Executive Director once more, the 43-year-old aims to maintain a healthy balance between his 9-to-5 with his business. He shared that his commitment to Blue Hour Tea House will remain the same.
Joined by Evelyn, the dynamic duo is focused on enhancing their F&B offerings while improving the facilities in each private room.
The ultimate vision is to have an established F&B outlet with a modest setup cost and streamlined day-to-day operations requiring minimal manpower. With their approach, they aim to demonstrate that the F&B business can indeed offer a healthy work-life balance for all.
- Learn more about Blue Hour Tea House here.
- Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.
Also Read: Why M’sians need to join this 2-day event in PJ that’ll boost your understanding of IPs
Featured Image Credit: Blue Hour Tea House
