Day: February 13, 2025

This S’porean opened Joji’s Diner that went viral in 6 mths, now has a 24-hr sandwich shop too

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but some people take this saying to a whole new level.

For George Tang, his love for the meal started with McDonald’s all-day breakfast, but there was just one teeny tiny problem: it’s only served up to 11am.

“Actually… I want to eat breakfast anytime, any day,” he joked. This drove him to start not one but two all-day breakfast spots in Singapore: Breakfast Club and Joji’s Diner, with the latter going viral during the COVID-19 pandemic.

And he takes the term “all-day” very seriously, with both eateries operating 24/7.

Here’s the story of how the 25-year-old monetised his love for all-day breakfast in Singapore.

His first F&B business was a “gamble”

George’s first stint in F&B was Breakfast Club, which served, you guessed it, all-day breakfast and rostis—a Swiss dish consisting of grated potato pressed flat (like a pancake) and fried in oil. He launched the business in 2020 and operated it from a food stall at a kopitiam located at Kovan.

(Upon further research, Breakfast Club has rebranded to Star Western, serving “old school hawker-style Western dishes.”)

However, opening his stall just right before the circuit breaker was a huge gamble. George explained that S$20,000 was invested into the business, and that amount was his mother’s life savings—which meant that the business “had to work.”

“Despite it being a bad period (referring to the COVID-19 pandemic), I saw an opportunity, and I foresaw that it could potentially become a hit,” explained George—and it did. With few places offering rosti back then, Breakfast Club quickly drew in customers with its offerings.

But George was still hungry for more. He wanted to serve food beyond what a typical kopitiam stall offers, aiming for bigger servings and an authentic American diner experience.

With a clear vision, George took a leap of faith, taking a loan and investing his life savings to open Joji’s Diner in 2021, which he claimed totalled S$120,000.

“The first pot of gold“

Given that social distancing restrictions were still in place at that time, one might believe that Joji’s Diner’s chances of success would be slim—but the reality was quite the opposite.

Half a year after opening their doors at Serangoon, the diner achieved overnight virality after they were featured in a local news publication, Mothership, leading to an overwhelming response from the public.

As this was his first restaurant, George had to learn how to manage customers’ expectations and the business operations on a bigger scale. However, in hindsight, these challenges were “just part and parcel” of entrepreneurship.

“Being new to the business, there are always some things that we won’t know until it’s brought up during the process; hence, managing [and addressing] some of the needs, requests, and expectations have to be learnt from experience.”

While Singapore is no stranger to all-day F&B spots, one might wonder if the footfall is guaranteed.

It sounds simple in theory: the longer the operating hours, the higher the potential for customers to come in and patronise your business. However, according to George, reality paints a different picture.

“The footfall during the wee hours fluctuates a lot,” he stated, adding that the business has incurred losses in sales on certain days. Despite this, he continues to stand by the 24-hour concept, reiterating that it provides convenience to his patrons.

“Also, many American diners in the US are actually 24 hours. I just find it fascinating how you can get breakfast no matter how late it is,” added George.

The diner’s popularity allowed it to open its second outlet at Telok Ayer in 2022 to target white-collared workers in the Central Business District (CBD) as well as the weekend crowd. However, the outlet has since closed due to the lack of footfall in the area.

“I think one of the main reasons was because right after the pandemic, a big part of the CBD population was working from home,” explained George, although he did not let this setback deter him from growing his business.

Opening a new sandwich parlour

This time, George has expanded Joji’s Diner by launching a sandwich parlour located right next to the business itself last September, to which Vulcan Post received an exclusive invite to taste some of its signatures. Long story short, our stomachs were left extremely happy and full.

When asked what spurred him to open a sandwich joint, George explained that he enjoyed having American sandwiches and wanted to challenge himself to replicate them in Singapore.

“I decided to open a sandwich joint because I feel that I can really express my creativity. Anything between two pieces of bread is considered a sandwich! The possibilities are endless,” he said with a laugh.

While George remains tight-lipped about his plans for the diner and sandwich parlour, he expressed his commitment to growing the business and, in turn, growing as an individual and entrepreneur.

Not only Joji’s Diner but I myself have grown a lot. Being in the business taught me a lot of things that I’ll always be grateful for.

I’m not sure about milestones but I’m sure that my journey just started.

George Tang, founder of Joji’s Diner

• Learn more about Joji’s Diner and Joji’s Sandwich Parlour here.
• Read more stories we have written on Singaporean businesses here.

Also Read: He quit the corporate life to start a S’pore snack brand selling ancient superfoods

Featured Image Credit: Joji’s Diner

Ramadan buffets with early bird deals: 17 luxury hotels in the Klang Valley for iftar in 2025

If you’re looking to get a headstart on your Ramadan plans, then an early bird deal is hard to beat.

To help you lock down a pick that suits you, we’ve curated a list of 4- and 5-star hotels in the Klang Valley that have an average Google review of 4.1 or higher. Here are their dinner buffets and early bird deals being offered.

1. InterContinental Kuala Lumpur

A returning name for Vulcan Post, InterContinental Kuala Lumpur is offering two dinner buffets at Serena Brasserie.

The Santai-Santai Iftar Dinner Buffet will be running from March 4 to March 27. The Santai-Santai Iftar Raya Buffet, meanwhile, will be a two-day event, spanning April 10 to April 11.

Regardless of which you go for, these two buffets will be more or less the same, with the only difference being the date.

Our colleague who went for the media preview of InterContinental’s dinner buffet found it to be a pleasant surprise, with the chefs adding a refined flair to traditional and classic dishes. You can read about her experience here.

• Early bird offer: 25% off until March 3, 2025

• Standard prices:

  • RM288 nett per adult
  • RM178 nett per child (ages 6 – 12)
  • Free for children aged five and below

• Time: 6:30PM – 10:30PM

• Menu highlights:

  • Rendang Minang Smoked Barbecue Beef Ribs
  • Xinjiang Whole Lamb with Bukhari Biryani Rice 
  • Gulai Assam Rong-style Claypot Roasted Duck

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 16-202 4623
  • fnb.admin@ickualalumpur.com.my

2. The Westin Kuala Lumpur

Jom Balik Kampung is The Westin KL’s contender in the Ramadan buffet scene this year. Though the main attraction will be “traditional favourites,” Western, Chinese, and Indian dishes will also be available for some variety. 

From our experiences with previous buffets at The Westin KL, you’ll definitely be walking away at the end of the night stuffed full of delicious food inspired by the chefs’ own upbringing.

The buffet will be up from March 4 to March 28, 2025.

• Early bird offer: RM155 nett per adult until February 28, 2025

• Standard prices:

  • RM198 nett per adult
  • RM99 nett per child (ages 7 – 12)
  • RM155 nett per senior citizen

• Time: 6:00PM – 10:00PM

• Menu highlights:

  • Nasi Biryani Utara
  • Acar Jelatah
  • Salmon Bakar Kuala Perlis
  • Rendang Ayam Kampung Hijau

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 12-305 1715 (WhatsApp)
  • westindining@westin.com

3. Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park

Hotel Indigo Kuala Lumpur on the Park will be hosting their Selera Kampung Buffet at Wok Star, one of their restaurants. 

Located on the sixth floor, the buffet will be available daily from March 6 to March 28, 2025.

If you’d like to know more about what you can expect from Hotel Indigo, you can read about our time with them last year here.

• Early bird offer: RM148 nett per person until March 5, 2025

• Standard prices:

  • RM168 nett per person

• Time: 6:30PM – n/a

• Menu highlights:

  • Roasted Kambing Golek
  • Murtabak
  • Ayam Percik
  • Nasi Dulang

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 12-388 4509
  • reservation.kulpk@ihg.com.

4. Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur, Chinatown

Bringing together two cultures, Four Points will be hosting their Chinese Muslim Ramadhan Buffet at Quan’s Kitchen.

With a particular focus on street food, this event will have an early start, lasting from February 28 to March 30, 2025.

• Early bird offer:

  • RM128+ per adult until February 27, 2025

• Standard prices:

  • RM168+ per adult
  • RM84+ per child (ages 5 – 12)
  • RM84+ per senior citizen (ages 60 and above)

• Time: 7:00PM – 10:30PM

• Menu highlights:

  • Chinese-style lamb skewers, fried meat and seafood chuan-chuan skewers
  • Roasted Lamb with Xinjiang Marination

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 12-507 3327 (WhatsApp)

5. MiCasa All Suite Hotel

Icip-Icip Desa will be another returning name for visitors to spend their evening feasting this year. A showcase of “Malaysia’s culinary heritage,” doors will open from March 7 to March 23, 2025.

Our previous experiences here had us lauding the homey-ness of the food, which incited a sense of nostalgia even in those of us who didn’t have these dishes growing up.

• Early bird offer:

  • RM109 nett per adult until February 28, 2025

• Standard prices:

  • RM139 nett per adult
  • RM95 nett per child (ages 5 – 12)

• Time: 6:30PM – 10:00PM

• Menu highlights:

  • Kerabu Kerisik Kulit Timun
  • Nasi Ambeng
  • Asam Pedas Tetel
  • Itik Salai Masak Lemak Cili Api

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 17-219 6126
  • fnbkul@micasahotel.com

6. Sunway Putra Hotel

The Santapan Nusantara Putra will feature over 100 dishes from both Malaysia and Indonesia, as per Sunway Putra themselves.

To be held at Kopi Haus from March 1 to March 27, 2025, the event will also feature a lucky draw between March 1 to March 23, 2025. Prizes include an “exclusive stay” and dining vouchers, though only those paying for six adults in a single receipt will be eligible for entry.

• Early bird offer:

  • RM135 nett per adult until February 25, 2025

• Standard prices:

  • RM159 nett per person
  • RM99 nett per child (ages 6 – 12)
  • Free for children aged 5 and below

• Time: 7:00PM – 10:00PM

• Menu highlights:

  • Gulai Daging Kawah
  • Daging Sapi Taliwang
  • Tongseng Kambing

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 19-305 2372
  • spkl.ch@sunwayhotels.com

7. Element Kuala Lumpur

Seeking to evoke the atmosphere of a bazaar, the aptly named Mai Bazar Element will be held from March 1 to March 28, 2025.

What’s not like a bazaar, however, will be how high up guests will find themselves. The event is set to take place at TRACE Restaurant & Bar, situated on the 40th floor of the hotel. Certainly quite the change of pace for a dining experience.

Also of note is that Marriott Bonvoy members and certain banks’ credit card holders will also be eligible for a 20% discount.

• Early bird offer:

  • RM148 nett per adult until March 9, 2025

• Standard prices:

  • RM198 nett per adult

• Time: 6:30PM – 10:00PM

• Menu highlights:

  • Murtabak Penang
  • Sup Merah Lamb Shank
  • Assam Pedas Claypot
  • Braised Beef Short Ribs with Kerutuk Gravy

• Reservation:

  • Web page

8. The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

St. Regis’ Malam Warisan Melayu will also be making a return for 2025. The event draws inspiration from the Perahu Kolek, a traditional boat used in the past to gather spices and ingredients.

Intended to be a celebration of Malaysia’s heritage, guests will be treated to dishes from all 14 states.

The buffet will run from March 7 to March 30, 2025.

• Early bird offer:

  • RM255 nett per adult from March 7 to March 10, 2025

• Standard prices:

  • RM298 nett per adult
  • RM138 nett per child

• Time: 6:30PM to 10:00PM

• Menu highlights:

  • Kedah Beef Brisket “Gulai” with Bamboo Shoots
  • Perak Signature Smoked Short Ribs “Rendang Tok” with “Manjakani”
  • Terengganu Flower Crab “Asam Pedas” with Banana Blossom
  • Selangor Lamb Spare Ribs “Gulai” with Turkey Berries

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 3-2727 1111
  • stregis.kualalumpur@stregis.com

9. Courtyard by Marriott Setia Alam

If you were lucky enough to know of Courtyard’s Citarasa Iftar – Sajian Nostalgia Abadi in January, an RM119 offer on seats for adults would’ve been available. No worries, though, because their February offer is still up for grabs. 

Running from March 1 to March 20, 2025, the buffet will feature live cooking stations to emulate the bazaar experience.

Chinese, Western, and Indonesian dishes will also be served as well.

• Early bird offer:

  • RM129 nett per adult until February 28, 2025

• Standard prices:

  • RM159 nett per adult
  • 50% off for children aged 6 to 12 and senior citizens (according to month booked)

• Time: 6:30PM – 10:00PM

• Menu highlights:

  • Kerabu Sotong Bunga Kantan Thai
  • Rendang Kacang Bersama Hati and Pedal
  • Butter Popcorn Chicken with Curry Leaf & Bird Eye Chili

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 3-5021 9899
  • +60 12-560 9077 (WhatsApp)
  • Fivewells.SetiaAlam@courtyard.com

10. One World Hotel Petaling Jaya

For those hoping to indulge in One World Hotel’s Sajian 14 Negeri, you’re gonna have to act fast because their promotion ends on February 15, 2025.

The event will be held at the Cinnammon Coffee House, running from March 2 to March 30, 2025.

In addition to a daily menu, a rotating main menu will also be available, featuring one dish from every state.

• Early bird offer (until February 15, 2025):

  • RM178 nett per adult
  • RM126 nett per senior citizen (ages 60 and above)
  • RM89 nett per child (ages 6 to 12)

• Standard prices:

  • RM238 nett per adult
  • RM168 nett per senior citizen (ages 60 and above)
  • RM119 nett per child (ages 6 to 12)

• Time: 6:30PM – 10:30PM

• Menu highlights:

  • Rendang Belanga Ayam Kampung
  • Nasi Briyani & Dalca Tulang Kambing
  • Asam Tempoyak Keladi Daun Kesum Pahang (Menu 1 exclusive)
  • Sayur Midin Turnis Belacan Sarawak (Menu 1 exclusive)

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 3-7681 1157
  • +60 16-210 9521 (WhatsApp)

11. PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur

PARKROYAL COLLECTION will be offering multiple dining options for those looking to break fast with them this year.

The first, Nostalgia Ramadan, will be available daily throughout the entire month of Ramadan, running from February 28 to March 31, 2025.

The second is called Koleksi Iftar, only being available on selected dates. This includes March 7, 8, 14, 15, and 21, 2025. The event will be held at the hotel’s ballroom and will feature lower prices than that of Nostalgia Ramadan. The menus will also be different, with Koleksi Iftar’s menu available here.

• Early bird offer:

  • RM169 per adult on first come, first served basis (Nostalgia Ramadan)
  • RM148 per adult on first come, first served basis (Koleksi Iftar)

• Standard prices (Nostalgia Ramadan):

  • RM248 per adult
  • RM124 per child (ages 6 to 11)

• Standard prices (Koleksi Iftar):

  • RM218 per adult
  • RM109 per child (ages 6 to 11)

• Time: 6:30PM – 10:30PM

• Menu highlights (Nostalgia Ramadan):

  • Rendang Kambing Golek
  • Pesamah Daging Rusa
  • Rendang Itik Serati
  • Ayam Kampung Berlado Hijau

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 10-229 7156 (WhatsApp)
  • dining.prckul@panpacific.com

12. EQ Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Another to offer guests dinners in different flavours, EQ Hotel will also be hosting two distinct buffets this year. Citarasa Nipah will be available first, running from March 2 to March 30, 2025. This will be a more traditional restaurant affair, taking place at Nipah Restaurant.

A day later, the EQ Bazaar Ramadan Buffet will commence at Level 1 of the hotel. This event intends to emulate the neighbourhood Raya pop-up market experience, minus the parking headaches and the heat. The runtime will be from March 3 to March 28, 2025, with prices lower than that of Citarasa Nipah.

• Early bird offer:

  • RM198+ per adult, redeemable only on March 2, 3, 4, 5, 29, and 30, 2025 (Citarasa Nipah)
  • RM158+ per adult, redeemable only from March 3 to 5, 2025 (EQ Bazaar)

• Standard prices (Citarasa Nipah):

  • RM238+ per adult
  • RM119+ per child (ages 6 – 12)

• Standard prices (EQ Bazaar)

  • RM178+ per adult
  • RM89+ per child (ages 6 – 12)

• Time: 6:30PM – 10:30PM

• Complete menus:

  • Citarasa Nipah
  • EQ Bazaar

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 3-2789 7839
  • +60 12-583 5319 (WhatsApp)
  • dineateqkl@kul.equatorial.com

13. Le Méridien Petaling Jaya

Returning for another year, the Jamuan Bazaar will be held at Le Méridien Petaling Jaya’s Pasar Baru and the Grand Ballroom simultaneously. 

Serving as the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, Pasar Baru’s doors will open from March 3 to March 28, 2025.

The Grand Bazaar will follow suit seven days later, opening from March 10 to March 28, 2025.

• Early bird offer:

  • RM148 per adult at Pasar Baru until March 10, 2025
  • RM98 per adult at the Grand Ballroom until March 10, 2025

• Standard prices:

  • RM198 per adult at Pasar Baru
  • RM128 per adult at the Grand Ballroom

• Time: n/a

• Menu highlights:

  • Kambing Bakar
  • Ikan Bakar
  • Ayam Golek

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 10-216 3810 (WhatsApp)

14. VE Hotel & Residence

Located in Bangsar South, VE Hotel’s Citarasa Sedunia 2025 will be held at The Straits Estate.

On the menu will be over 100 items and eight live cooking stations. Short video previews for the event can be found on Instagram where they’ve been tagged.

Diners will be able to enjoy their selection from March 5 to March 28, 2025.

• Early bird offer:

  • RM118+ per adult until March 4, 2025
  • RM59+ per child (ages 6 – 12) until March 4, 2025

• Standard prices:

  • RM168+ per adult
  • RM84+ per child (ages 6 – 12)
  • RM108+ per senior citizen

• Time: 6:30PM – 10:00PM

• Menu highlights:

  • Fresh Sushi Bar
  • Cheese Wheel Pasta
  • Roasted Whole Lamb
  • Grilled Seafood Station

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 3-2246 2888
  • dine@vehotel.com 

15. Hotel Royal Kuala Lumpur

Hotel Royal Kuala Lumpur has dubbed their buffet the Pesona Rasa Ramadan.

Hosted at Makan2 Coffee House, a special appearance will also be made by Jer’s Band.

Visitors will be welcome from March 6 to March 26, 2025.

• Early bird offer:

  • RM 98 nett per adult until February 28, 2025

• Standard prices:

  • RM118 nett per adult
  • RM68 nett per child (ages 5 – 12)
  • RM68 nett per senior citizen (ages 60 and above)

• Time: 7:00PM – 9:30PM

• Menu highlights:

  • Kambing Golek
  • Nasi Minyak
  • Satay

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 16-520 0579 (WhatsApp)
  • fb.coordinator@hotelroyalkl.com
  • nazli.jusoh@hotelroyalkl.com

16. Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

With a theme of “palace food,” Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur will be hosting their Ramadan buffet at their very own JPteres.

Named The Grand Artistry of Royal Delicacies, diners will be welcome from March 3 to March 30, 2025. Unlike the other entries on this list, however, their special deal won’t be for early birds. Instead, it’ll be for specific dates, namely the first five and last three days of the event. 

For a more detailed look at what’ll be on the menu, you can take a look at their Instagram post here.

• Special offer:

  • RM198 nett per adult between March 3 – 7, 2025, and March 28 – 30, 2025

• Standard prices:

  • RM248 nett (indoor) / RM228 nett (outdoor) per adult
  • RM124 per child

• Time: 6:30PM – 10:30PM

• Menu highlights:

  • Iga Bakar Bali
  • Thalaserry Chenmeen Curry
  • Udang Galah Sambal Lado
  • Daging Pesamah Diraja Perak

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 12-621 9869 (WhatsApp)
  • restaurant.kuagh@hyatt.com

17. Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Lastly, from March 7 to March 28, 2025, will be Eastin Hotel’s Icip-Icip Kampungku Buffet Dinner. 

Available daily, a live band performing “modern instrumental music” will also be present at the event to add to the dinner’s atmosphere.

A video preview of selected menu items is visible on their Instagram here.

• Early bird offer:

  • RM158 nett per adult until March 6, 2025

• Standard prices:

  • RM198 nett per adult
  • RM99 nett per child

• Time: 6:30PM – 10:30PM

• Menu highlights:

  • Kambing Panggang stuffed with Biryani Rice
  • Soup Gear Box Berempah
  • Ayam Penyet Cabai Hijau

• Reservation contact:

  • +60 3-7665 1111  
  • +60 16-262 2070 (WhatsApp)
  • swez.brasserie@eastin.com

The early bird gets the worm

Ramadan is one of the few times of the year where meals become more than just a daily necessity. They turn into mediums for reflection and community.

While it is very easy to go a little overboard at buffets, we can’t blame you, having done that several times ourselves at a number of these hotels’ buffets.

Just remember to leave some space for dessert.

• Read other articles we’ve written about F&B businesses here.

Also Read: CARiNG’s CNY video reminds us what “home” really means, and it’s not about a place

Featured Image Credit: Le Méridien Petaling Jaya / EQ Hotel Kuala Lumpur / The Westin Kuala Lumpur

This M’sian bootcamp promises students a full-fledged tech job in 3 mths, or your money back

Despite having a stable job, Deric Yee saw an opportunity to build something transformative—an opportunity that was too powerful to ignore. 

While studying in the UK, Deric had immersed himself in the startup ecosystem, working closely with ambitious founders and witnessing the impact of innovative ideas. This experience showed him that technology wasn’t just a part of the future—it was the engine driving the present.

“The biggest nine companies in the S&P500 were tech giants, and nearly 80% of remote jobs were in the tech sector,” he pointed out. “This revealed a massive, untapped demand for tech talent.” 

Yet, the pool for job-ready candidates was lacking. Even degree graduates would seek Deric’s help as a self-taught coder, eager for guidance on acing coding interviews. 

“This realisation was confirmed when I began securing software projects worth over RM100,000. In the process of hiring developers, I was taken aback by the subpar standards prevalent among many candidates,” Deric shared. 

A pivotal moment came when he hired and trained an individual at a salary of RM4,500. Remarkably, he soon secured a remote position in Singapore with a salary of S$4,500. 

This highlighted another pressing issue to Deric: brain drain. It became clear to him that the best-case scenario was to build a startup that would not only make money but also reshape lives. 

“And the worst-case scenario was still a win, because I’d be equipped to secure a top remote tech job,” he shared. 

With that, Deric launched Sigma School with a dual promise: best case, you build a startup and make a significant impact (and profit). Worst case, you’re fully equipped to land a rewarding remote job.

Fixing a “broken” system

Sigma School essentially exists as a juxtaposition of the traditional educational system, seeking to address all the pain points found there to create industry-ready talents. 

Deric believes that one of the most glaring issues with conventional education is its outdated curriculum. By the time students graduate, the skills they’ve acquired are often no longer in demand. 

Sigma School tackles this problem by offering a curriculum focused on industry-relevant and sought-after skills such as AI, blockchain, and full-stack development.

Another issue, Deric believes, lies in the disconnect between academic learning and real-world application. Believing that traditional universities often emphasise theoretical knowledge, Sigma School prioritises hands-on, practical learning. 

This is achieved through real-world projects and case studies, so students can graduate with a portfolio that demonstrates their ability to deliver value to employers. 

Another problem is high costs. A typical degree programme takes three years to complete and can cost tens of thousands of dollars. 

“We believe this system is unsustainable,” Deric said. “Our three-month bootcamp offers an affordable, efficient alternative that guarantees results: if you don’t land a job within six months of graduating, we refund your tuition.”

In fact, Deric personally oversees career support initiatives, including resume building, mock interviews, and connecting graduates with their network of 30+ hiring partners across Malaysia, Singapore, and Australia. 

Sigma School charges RM20K for its online bootcamp, though the founder shared that they usually give RM5,000 off on festive seasons.

To complement their programme, there’s TryJobier.com, Sigma School’s automated job search platform. There’s also Codeo.ai, a mobile app previously featured on Vulcan Post, that allows students to practise daily and master new skills on the go. 

Real value for money

As mentioned, conventional education systems can be expensive. What about other bootcamps? 

Well, Deric argues that Sigma School is one of the most value-for-money coding bootcamps in the world, complete with flexible payment options and a money back guarantee if students do not get a job after graduation. 

He reminded, “Our mission isn’t just to teach coding—it’s to ensure that every graduate lands a high-paying job within six months of completing the course.”

For students who struggle with the fast-paced environment, Sigma School provides robust support systems, including one-on-one mentorship and daily office hours. 

They even facilitate mentorship opportunities with talents at tech giants like Microsoft and Grab. 

“These mentorship programmes are designed not just to transfer technical knowledge but also to build confidence in our students by connecting them with experienced professionals who have walked similar paths,” Deric said. 

Sigma School’s success stories are truly inspiring, especially when it involves those who transitioned from entirely unrelated fields. For example, one student was a former NHS doctor that now thrives as a developer. One was a B40 gig worker turned full-stack developer. 

“At Sigma School , our job placement success rate speaks for itself—every single graduate who completed our programme and wanted to pivot into tech has landed a job, some even before graduation,” Deric said. 

Future-proofing students

One big challenge Sigma School faces, though, is the same one traditional schools do: the rapidly evolving tech landscape, especially with the rise of AI. 

“Many people now mistakenly believe that AI can write all the code, eliminating the need for human engineers,” Deric said. “This misconception creates a dual challenge: educating potential students on the enduring value of skilled software engineers and ensuring our curriculum stays ahead of industry demands.”

The founder believes that while AI accelerates certain tasks, the gap between engineers who leverage AI tools and those who don’t have never been wider. Thus, companies still desperately need talented developers to build, innovate, and solve complex problems. 

To address this, Sigma School is refining existing programmes and actively building AI agents and integrating AI training into their courses. 

“Even as AI transforms industries, one thing remains clear: this is the perfect time to enter tech. Companies still need builders, and we’re here to create them,” Deric emphasised. 

Regardless of any challenges, the founder remains steadfast and confident in his vision for Sigma School—to be a global leader in democratising tech education. 

“We want to break into new markets, particularly in Southeast Asia, and create pathways for individuals from all walks of life to access transformative skills,” he said. 

A key part of this vision involves collaborating with government agencies and NGOs to bring tech education to underserved communities, Deric elaborated.

Working with them could bring scholarships, subsidised programmes, or even free bootcamps. 

“Education shouldn’t be a privilege; it should be a right,” Deric said. “And at Sigma School, we’re committed to making that vision a reality, one student at a time.”

• Learn more about Sigma School here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: Bigger is always better for displays, but size isn’t the only reason we like these 98″ TCL TVs

Featured Image Credit: Sigma School