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“It was now or never”: This M’sian quit her stable corporate job to make candles full time

We’ve seen some innovative people do wondrous things with candles. From hyperrealistic ones imitating food like nasi lemak and fried chicken to ones carrying scents of tom yum and Tiger Balm, there’s a lot of room for creativity with candles. 

One candle business that might appear unassuming at first is Lemondrop Farm. Indeed, it seems to offer your run-of-the-mill candles, but there’s a layer of thoughtfulness behind this homegrown candle brand that makes it stand out. 

To me, it all comes down to storytelling. Lemondrop Farm does a good job of painting a narrative for each of its scents, such as its Tea series which is inspired by Chagee’s famous White Peach Oolong Tea. 

Even the packaging contains some easter eggs that helps to solidify the brand’s voice. 

As such, it comes as no surprise that the business was founded by someone with experience in the marketing world. 

A jack of all trades

The woman behind Lemondrop Farm is Chem Li San.

Born and bred in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Li San has lived multiple lives, starting off her career in finance before moving to marketing. 

An entrepreneurial-spirited woman, she also did a patisserie course with Le Cordon Bleu and ran her own cake business for two and a half years. 

However, she ended up shutting it down due to developing an egg allergy. With that unfortunate incident, she went back into the corporate world. 

In the post-pandemic days of 2022, though, she decided to brave the entrepreneurial world again. 

“I needed an outlet for my interest in pairing flavours and scents together,” Li San explained. “I started making candles for fun on my own, and to justify the cost, I started selling at markets.”

With sales looking encouraging from markets, she decided to take the scary leap to do it full time in August 2024.

A can-do attitude

Starting out with Lemondrop Farm, the idea was to branch out into other products that create joy and laughter for people. After all, the name is inspired by the saying “when life gives you lemons…” 

“But instead of making lemonade, here we make Lemondrop sweets,” Li San shared. “I wanted to create a brand that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering high quality products at an accessible price. Hence our tongue-in-cheek candle names and labels.”

Creating her candles, Li San starts by thinking of a feeling she wants to evoke, from cosiness and warmth to powerful and seductive. 

From there, she identifies what olfactory notes are heavily linked to those feelings, and then stacks on the appropriate scents. 

“I tend to try to add many notes in order to create a more complex scent, but sometimes, just two scents  can make up something I’m happy with and that people are happy with,” she mused. “If that’s the case, I leave it at that and try not to overcomplicate things.”

If Li San’s lucky, she can create the scent she envisions in just two to three tries. If not, it can take up to 20 tries to get the right balance of scents. 

Fanning the flame

But despite her hard work, there’s no doubt that the candle market is very, very competitive. The barriers to entry are very low and people can dive in (and drop out) quickly. 

“To me it’s about trying to have a unique angle and to connect with people on a deeper level,” Li san shared. “My interest is in reaching people who appreciate the humour and aesthetic I appreciate.”

“As long as Lemondrop Farm stays relevant to the customer persona it’s made for, I feel it will have a competitive edge.”

To remain relevant, the founder aims to expand her product range to include room sprays and diffusers, as well as grow the wholesale part of the business. She also hopes to engage the community through candle classes.

In the long run, the founder hopes to open a retail space so that people can come and experience the brand in the flesh. 

“I’m manifesting a Lemondrop Farm shop in Taman Rasa Sayang or Taman Paramount in 2027,” she shared. 

Quitting corporate for entrepreneurship

Although it sounds like an easy decision to start a business, things aren’t always so clear cut. She had been working for reputable banks, so giving up that stable income must have involved a lot of thought. 

“I wouldn’t say that I am always confident—there are good days and bad days still, and there were good days and bad days even before I quit, doubting whether it was the right decision,” she said. 

“But ultimately, I felt like it was now or never, I got promoted at work to a level that I felt if I gave the business a shot and it failed, I would be comfortable coming back to the corporate world if need be.”

Every day can be a challenge, though. Even if you’ve prepared for it, looking at a depleting runway is always scary. However, Li San understands that you have to serve the time, keep your head down, and trust the process. 

“It’s a lot of juggling between logic and emotions, and it’s a different winner every day, or every hour even,” she said. 

For others who might be aspiring to quit their jobs and try out entrepreneurship, just be prepared to fail, and fail again. 

“Have a good support group around you,” Li San advised. “Make friends with people doing the same thing as you, the pie is big enough for everyone and these are the people who will understand your struggles the most.” 

• Learn more about Lemondrop Farm here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: Inside the exclusive programme for startups by Grab Malaysia, GXBank leaders & Endeavor Malaysia

Featured Image Credit: Lemondrop Farm

U Mobile & SDEC are teaming up to boost 5G technology adoption in Sarawak, here’s how

The world we live in today is highly digitalised. For one, you’re likely reading this either on your laptop or your phone. 

However, even though Malaysia has made many great strides when it comes to technological advancements, there’s still a digital divide that exists in our country. 

To narrow this divide, U Mobile and Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC) have decided to team up, working together to empower Sarawak’s SMEs with cutting-edge 5G technologies. 

The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on January 17 to mark this collaboration. 

Their partnership will not only enhance enterprise digitalisation in the state, but also allow them to explore solutions such as small cell technology to further narrow the digital divide by providing connectivity to underserved areas. 

Wholly owned by the Government of Sarawak, SDEC operates under the Ministry of Finance and New Economy’s purview. That means it’s mandated to spearhead Sarawak’s digital economy initiatives and transform Sarawak into a “Digital Economy Powerhouse.” 

Incorporated in January 2018 and operationalised in July 2020, its main objectives are to revolutionise Sarawak’s economy and industries as well as to spur socio-economic growth and advancement. 

This partnership with U Mobile is one of many ways that the organisation is accomplishing its mission. 

What it entails 

With this partnership, U Mobile will work with SDEC on initiatives that accelerate digital transformation for SMEs in Sarawak, further closing the gap for those in underserved areas.

To drive the adoption of 5G technologies and solutions in Sarawak’s SMEs, the two organisations will carry out initiatives such as providing 5G network connectivity, educational programmes, devices, and innovative use case solutions. 

This will all help local businesses enhance their competitiveness in the digital economy.

Additionally, following the success of a small cell proof of concept in providing coverage to a longhouse in Long Lawen, Sarawak, U Mobile and SDEC aim to explore similar solutions to provide connectivity to rural and underserved areas.

Beyond their MoU, both organisations are also currently collaborating on the Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication 600 (SMART600) project. 

Through this project, U Mobile’s 4G coverage will be made available to serve rural communities in Sarawak through Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) technology. 

These efforts highlight U Mobile’s ongoing commitment to improving digital connectivity and access for Sarawakians.

According to the blueprint 

The partnership aligns to the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, which envisions a robust digital economy fostering an inclusive and green digital society by 2030. 

It also complements U Mobile’s drive to narrow the digital divide in the nation and enable Malaysia to become a technology-enabled high income nation. 

“As Malaysia’s future second 5G network provider, U Mobile is committed to play a critical role in realising Malaysia’s goals of being a digitally enabled high income nation,” said Alex Tan, Chief Sales Officer of U Mobile.

“By collaborating with SDEC, we aim to empower Sarawak’s communities and businesses with cutting-edge 5G technology and digital solutions, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey towards a digitally connected future.”

Dato Ir. Ts. Sudarnoto Osman, CEO of SDEC, shared: “As Malaysia progresses in its digital journey, fostering industry collaboration including exploring potential 5G use-cases with U Mobile is essential to ensuring Sarawak remains at the forefront of technological advancements.”

“Our focus remains on empowering the people and businesses of Sarawak with access to cutting-edge digital solutions, driving sustainable growth and innovation.” 

• Learn more about U Mobile here.
• Learn more about Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation here.

Also Read: Inside the exclusive programme for startups by Grab Malaysia, GXBank leaders & Endeavor Malaysia

Featured Image Credit: U Mobile & Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation Berhad (SDEC)

4 highlights of MRANTI’s I-Nation 2024 that show why you definitely shouldn’t miss this year’s

I’ve got to give it to MRANTI—their I-Nation Global Summit 2024 was probably one of the best I-Nations (or E-Nations, before MRANTI was established) I’ve been to.

Granted, I didn’t attend every single one in history, but if 2024’s was any indication of the event’s quality moving forward, sign me up for future ones right now.

Over the course of three days, various key dialogues were held. From the experience, here are four reasons why I think future iterations of the event will be worth your time.

Actually interesting expert lineups

First of all, who’s talking always matters. Different experts, different insights, and I-Nation 2024 brought together knowledgeable speakers in their respective fields to have impactful dialogues.

Names we saw included Prof. Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram, Research Advisor at Khazanah Institute, Jack Melcher-Claësson, Head of Accelerate at Epicenter Stockholm, MRANTI’s CEO Datuk Wira Dr. Hj. Rais Hussin Hj. Mohamed Ariff, and many more.

One person I was personally anticipating listening to, though, was Tony Fernandes. Everything I’ve previously known about AirAsia, I’ve learnt online, so it was intriguing to hear what the man himself could share.

And share, he did—very charismatically—what AirAsia’s biggest assets for business growth have been, which we covered in a separate article here.

For 2025’s I-Nation, I would like to hear from even more exciting names that we don’t often see gracing the stages of business and industry events.

A big-picture focus

A core theme of I-Nation 2024 was bridging local and global markets, which is crucial as Malaysia continues to develop.

We still have big challenges when it comes to things like food security and healthcare transformation, and that’s where having global leaders share their strategies really helps.

I-Nation brought such experts together and allowed for the first step to deeper collaboration and powerful action—open discussions.

For example, there was the National Technology Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) Global Sandbox Forum which saw speakers from around the world share their sandbox success stories. 

They talked about the importance of having an interconnected innovation ecosystem, the need for governments to be agile when it comes to policies, and the value of cross-collaboration amongst stakeholders and ecosystem players.

Hopefully, stakeholders in the audience were taking notes from the forum and other satellite events at I-Nation 2024 like the Ecosystem Builders’ Summit (EBS), Supercharger Finale 2024, and HealthTech Innovation Connect.

Bold, realistic discussions

I think it says something about a talk-heavy event when you actually want to lock in for a bulk of the conversations, even if the industries don’t involve you.

The key dialogues were well-curated in terms of topics that actually mattered, and many speakers tactfully shared opinions that would push the envelope for their sectors.

Not too much jargon was thrown around—the priority was to let the public know what’s going on and what’s being done, or needs to be done, to improve things.

One example that stuck with me was during the discussion of “Malaysia’s Efforts in Advancing Sustainable Agriculture and Robust Food Systems.”

Some insights boldly shared included acknowledging that Malaysia is not yet self-sufficient for various crops, and despite a lot of our pride in our agritech, the industry still has not gone through massive innovation.

Subsidies to strengthen food security are also likely not in the right place, and we need economic reform to tackle monopolies and cartels.

I-Nation’s panels gave us a realistic look at how Malaysia is doing (good or bad) in several sectors, and it was refreshing to witness instead of the “walking-on-eggshells” conversations that I feel some business events tend to lean towards.

They’re walking the talk

At the end of the day, though, hours upon hours of talks mean nothing if there’s nothing to show for them later on.

Thankfully, that’s not the case with MRANTI and I-Nation.  

CEO Dr. Hj. Rais Hussin said that what they’re aiming to do is to create a report of sorts after every I-Nation to follow up on what has been done since the discussions, and it will be shared so that stakeholders can be accountable.

It’s a great move to take I-Nation and MRANTI’s efforts to the next level and shows that they’re serious about making a tangible impact to transform Malaysia for the better.

I’m all for that, and you should be, too.

• Read more about MRANTI here.

Also Read: Critical convos with a focus on impact: How MRANTI is bridging local & global markets

Featured Image Credit: MRANTI

Tupperwares exist, so why is this expat designing her own silicone containers in S’pore?

You probably have at least one Tupperware or container sitting at home. 

So, why is this Singaporean startup trying to reinvent the wheel with their own container?

Behind the brand 

Sometimes it takes an outsider to notice problems, and that’s what Julia Chia Ciaciek has done. 

Originally from Germany, she is the CEO and co-founder of kūpaa. 

Before moving to Singapore, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. In 2021, she made the bold decision to pursue a Master’s in Management & Sustainability at Singapore Management University. 

“I was drawn to Singapore’s unique blend of cultures, its role as a global innovation hub, and its commitment to sustainability and progress,” she explained. 

Having worked at various startups and tech companies, why did she end up trading a stable career for entrepreneurship? 

“The turning point came when I was laid off from my previous job, leaving me with no more excuses or safety nets to fall back on,” Julia told Vulcan Post. “In that moment, I realised it was time to fully commit, and dedicate my undivided attention and focus to building kūpaa.”

Resolving a real issue 

While living in Singapore in 2021, Julia couldn’t help but notice the excessive amounts of single-use plastic used for food takeaway. 

During a family Christmas dinner where Julia and her Singaporean co-founder (and now husband) went out to pick up takeaway food. They were struck by the sheer volume of single-use plastic containers and packaging for the food, sauce, utensils, and carrier. 

“It wasn’t just an abstract observation—it felt personal and frustrating,” she said. 

“My husband and I often struggled with the same issue when trying to enjoy our favourite local dishes like Laksa, Yong Tau Foo, or Mee Siam,” she elaborated. “Finding a way to take these dishes home in a healthy, sustainable, and convenient way felt nearly impossible.”

This made them wonder: Why is there still so much single-use plastic being used? Why aren’t there better options available? 

From there, they began deep diving into the single-use plastic issue. The environmental consequences were devastating, but what was even more shocking were the health risks associated with plastic dependency. 

“Motivated by a cleaner earth and healthier living, we decided to tackle the problem head-on and co-founded kūpaa in 2022,” Julia said. 

The idea was straightforward: To design a takeaway solution that is not only culturally relevant so it’ll actually be used and not tucked away in the back of a cabinet but also healthy, inclusive, and aesthetically pleasing.

Basically, to make something people would proudly use every day.

With that agenda, the duo committed to R&D in 2022. They spent the year on experimentation, learning, and refining. By 2023, they took the big step into mass production. 

Designing the perfect container

The design process for kūpaa’s Duet was an intense and meticulous journey, Julia said. 

“My co-founder, in particular, quit his day job to dedicate countless hours—day and night—refining the design to ensure it addressed as many customer pain points as possible and also offered certain aesthetics,” she said. 

To understand pain points faced by users, they turned to an unexpected source: customer reviews on ecommerce platforms for existing takeaway solutions. 

By resourcefully analysing what customers liked and didn’t like, they were able to come up with a design that they believe hits all the marks. 

This iterative process of their design spanned over 1.5 years. With neither co-founder having formal experience in product design, it was an experience that required immense patience and persistence.

After extensive research, the two chose premium food-grade silicone as the primary material as silicone offered a unique combination of benefits that other materials couldn’t match. 

Not only is it safe for hot and oily foods, it’s flexible and collapsible, microwave-safe, lightweight, and durable. 

Julia assured that their silicone is certified to meet both the LFGB standard (Lebensmittel-, Bedarfsgegenstände- und Futtermittelgesetzbuch)—the highest certification for food-safe silicone—and the Singapore Food Authority (SFA) standards. 

But kūpaa’s product definitely isn’t the only silicone container available on the market. Yet, Julia believes the container stands out for a myriad of reasons.

“What sets kūpaa apart from the many options available today, including other silicone-based products, comes down to a combination of quality, intentional design, aesthetic appeal, and long-term vision,” Julia said. 

Catering to local lifestyles

You’d think that it would be counterintuitive to ask people to buy yet another container in an effort to be more environmentally conscious, though.

To that concern, Julia shared that kūpaa’s primary goal is to reduce reliance on single-use disposables—not to promote unnecessary consumption. 

“We’ve always been clear and transparent about this: if someone already owns reusable containers that they actively use, there’s no need for them to purchase a kūpaa Duet,” Julia said. 

“Our focus isn’t on selling more products, but on encouraging mindful choices and offering a reliable solution for those who truly need it.”

However, the reality is that many people don’t use their existing reusables because they simply do not fit into their lifestyle. 

Additionally, as she mentioned, some reusable containers are made from plastics that may pose health concerns, especially when exposed to hot foods. 

“In such cases, it’s not just about sustainability—health and safety takes centre stage, ensuring that the products we use daily are safe, reliable, and truly fit for purpose,” she said. 

Reaching the masses

kūpaa was officially launched in July 2023. 1.5 years in, the reception and interest have been “incredibly encouraging and continue to grow steadily,” Julia said. 

She believes that people were drawn to the kūpaa Duet for its aesthetic appeal as well as the practical and thoughtful design. 

Julia admitted that a huge challenge the team has faced has been getting the word out about their brand and product. 

“We knew we had a great product that people genuinely love, and there was definitely a certain level of product-market fit,” she said. “However, figuring out how to grow our reach, build awareness, and create momentum proved to be an entirely different challenge.”

Primarily targeting working individuals, the team has found a level of success focusing on a mix of organic social media content, targeted ads, and TikTok live streams. These channels allow them to showcase the product in action, share their brand story, and build genuine connections with their audience.

Thankfully, word-of-mouth has played a significant role in their growth. “People who have tried the Duet genuinely love our solution and often gift it to their family, friends, and colleagues,” Julia shared. 

Scaling thoughtfully 

Currently, the team is focusing on perfecting their core product, the kūpaa Bowl & Carrier Duet, and offering it in a variety of colors. 

Rather than rapidly expanding the product range, they believe in refining and optimising their flagship product. 

That said, they do plan to expand their product range thoughtfully, ensuring that every new addition aligns with kūpaa’s mission of sustainability, innovation, and mindful living.

In the long term, she hopes to see kūpaa become a globally recognised lifestyle accessory brand that combines functionality, sustainability, and style.

“We want our products to not only solve everyday problems but also become a statement of mindful living and an essential part of people’s daily routines worldwide,” she concluded. 

• Learn more about kūpaa here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about startups here.

Also Read: 5 reasons Tokyo makes an ideal launchpad for M’sian & S’porean startups to scale globally

Featured Image Credit: kūpaa

Poly grads’ median monthly income hits S$2,900 in 2024, but full-time employment numbers fall

In 2024, fresh out of polytechnic and brimming with ambition, I threw myself into the job hunt. 

After applying to jobs a countless number of times, it wasn’t until a year later that I finally landed a position. It looks like I wasn’t the only one facing challenges last year, though.

Fewer polytechnic graduates in Singapore secured employment in 2024, according to the latest Graduate Employment Survey (GES) released on Jan 13, 2025.

However, more of them received higher pay, with humanities graduates commanding the highest salaries across the different courses.

Worrying unemployment rate

According to the survey, 87.5% of polytechnic graduates in the workforce found permanent, freelance, or part-time jobs within six months of graduation or after completing full-time national service.

This marks the first time the figure has slid below 90% since 2020, amid COVID-19 disruptions to the job market. 

Only 54.6% of the graduates secured full-time permanent jobs in 2024, compared with almost 60% in 2023 and 59% in 2022. 

5.9% were freelancing and 27% were in part‐time or temporary employment. As in previous years, about half of the latter indicated that they were pursuing or preparing to begin further studies.

Worryingly, the unemployment rate of fresh polytechnic graduates sharply rose from 7.3% in 2023 to 12.5% in 2024—a figure comparable to the 12.6% recorded in 2020 during the height of the pandemic.

This underscores a challenging labour market for fresh graduates despite Singapore’s 4% economic growth in 2024, a marked improvement from 1.2% in 2023.

But higher salaries

There is some good news, though.

Despite the decline in job placements, salaries have been rising for those employed.

The median gross monthly salary for graduates in full-time permanent jobs was S$2,900—a S$100 increase from last year.

Humanities and social sciences graduates led the way with a median salary of S$3,038, followed by health sciences and information and digital technologies graduates, both earning S$3,000.

Meanwhile, arts and sciences grads rounded up the bottom, producing graduates with a median salary of S$2,625 and S$2,600 respectively.

Equipping students with necessary skills

Despite the declining employment rates, Dr Maliki Osman, Second Minister of Education, responded to the survey results with optimism. 

In a Facebook post on Jan 13, he shared that the GES survey showcases graduates’ “resilience and adaptability in an ever-changing world.”

“It’s encouraging to note that our graduates are commanding higher salaries across various sectors.”

On the other hand, Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal and Chief Executive of Singapore Polytechnic, acknowledged the evolving landscape, stating that the institution is actively working to equip students with the skills and adaptability needed to navigate the job market. 

“This includes strengthening industry partnerships to provide real-world experience, integrating AI (artificial intelligence) literacy into our curriculum, and enhancing career guidance and support services,” he added on behalf of the Polytechnic Graduate Employment Survey committee.

• Read other articles we’ve written about Singaporean startups here.

Also Read: Singapore salary data: 200+ non-executive roles that pay S$10,000 per month or more

Feature Image Credit: NYP via Facebook

Your next Grab ride could be in a BYD: Tech giants team up to roll out 50,000 EVs in SEA

Grab is teaming up with Chinese automaker BYD to roll out up to 50,000 BYD electric vehicles (EVs) to its driver-partners across Southeast Asia.

This collaboration aims to drive the adoption of green vehicles while addressing the hurdles of high upfront costs that have hampered EV growth in the region, said both companies in a press release.

But what does this mean for Grab users and drivers? Let’s dive into the details.

Paving the way for green rides

Southeast Asia has long struggled with the transition to EVs due to financial and infrastructural barriers. By introducing a large fleet of BYD EVs, Grab hopes to make sustainable transportation more accessible to its driver-partners and passengers. 

While the company has already launched EV-specific e-hailing services in markets like Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand, there’s no word yet on when this will expand to other countries, including Malaysia.

Grab’s lineup of BYD vehicles includes popular models like the Atto 3, Seal, and M6. Notably, the collaboration also features the luxurious Denza D9—a seven-seater electric MPV that could redefine premium ride-hailing in the region. For Malaysia, this might mean elevating the existing Grab Premium or Exec services, but details remain under wraps.

What’s in it for Grab drivers?

Grab’s driver-partners can rent these BYD EVs from fleet partners or finance them through Grab’s car ownership scheme. 

To sweeten the deal, extended warranties for high-voltage batteries are included, addressing one of the major concerns drivers might have about EV reliability.

In countries like Singapore and Thailand, passengers can already opt for an “Eco-friendly Ride” at no extra cost. 

This feature ensures green vehicles are prioritised, providing an added incentive for drivers to switch to EVs while reducing the region’s carbon footprint.

A marriage of technology and transportation

This partnership isn’t just about putting more EVs on the road. Grab and BYD are also integrating technology to enhance the driver and passenger experience.

BYD vehicles will come equipped with Grab’s driver app directly integrated into the vehicle’s head unit. Drivers can access job notifications, navigation, and chats on a larger screen, eliminating the need to switch between their phones and other devices. 

This intuitive setup not only streamlines operations but also improves safety on the road.

Telemetry data from BYD vehicles will feed directly into the Grab platform, providing insights into driving patterns and external conditions. 

For instance, weather and traffic data collected through wiper signals and travel speeds can help Grab guide drivers to high-demand areas, ensuring efficient resource allocation during peak hours. This data-sharing initiative could also result in more accurate estimated arrival times (ETAs) for passengers.

-//-

As someone who has long rooted for sustainable innovation, it’s good to see Grab and BYD taking such a significant step toward mainstreaming EVs in the region. 

However, the success of this initiative hinges on infrastructure support, such as accessible charging stations and affordable financing options for drivers.

That said, by addressing the key barriers to EV adoption and leveraging cutting-edge technology, it looks like Grab is not just reshaping its fleet but also paving the way for a greener, smarter future.

• Learn more about Grab here and BYD here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: Inside the exclusive programme for startups by Grab Malaysia, GXBank leaders & Endeavor Malaysia

Featured Image Credit: Grab

This S’porean never intended to sell the arcade machines he made, now it’s his side hustle

For Poh Keng Jin (KJ), nostalgia is more than a feeling—it is a craft. 

Having spent plenty of his childhood days battling it out on Street Fighter at arcades, he sought to recreate those sentimental memories by building his own retro gaming machines. 

KJ’s journey started when a friend introduced him to the Raspberry Pi, a credit-card-sized, budget-friendly computer that could be used to run retro games. 

Since then, he has created a range of machines, including digital pinball tables, and turned his passion into a side hustle with RetroCade, offering workshops for Singaporeans eager to build their own retro machines.

Selling wasn’t his intention

Initially, KJ did not intend to sell the machines he had built. His first creation, a clunky prototype he constructed in late 2015, was more of a personal project than a product.

With a background in 3D design, KJ could easily visualise his creations and draw up the blueprints for his gaming machines, but the real challenge laid in mastering the electronics. 

I was totally clueless about the wiring for the controls. [For my] first machine, I actually bought a full controller, dismantled and transferred the joysticks, buttons and everything else into my machine. From then on, I was able to figure out what’s what.

Poh Keng Jin, founder of RetroCade

It wasn’t until a year later that KJ dismantled the first machine and built a “sleeker second version,” as he shared in an interview with AsiaOne. 

In 2016, he brought his machine to several game conventions to showcase the game that he had developed for it. It was there that he realised he could turn his hobby into a side hustle, when attendees began asking if they were for sale.

Passing on his skills

As KJ built more machines, he streamlined his designs to make them easier to construct.

He then realised that with the right kit and hands-on guidance, anyone could build their own game machines, leading him to start offering workshops through RetroCade. 

KJ hosted his first workshop at Chye Seng Huat Hardware Coffee Bar, promoting it through flyers at the café and posts on various social media platforms. 

Sign-ups filled up quickly, but as the workshop was held in an external location, he had to take extra care to conduct thorough checks, ensuring no arcade machine parts were left behind.

The arcade machine has so many parts. I had to triple check everything to make sure that I didn’t miss out on any detail. Thankfully it went without a hitch.

Poh Keng Jin, founder of RetroCade

KJ now hosts his workshops in a cosy two-storey HDB unit in Woodlands. Prices for different machines are as follows: S$500 for single-player machines, S$900 for two-player tabletop machines, and S$750 for jukeboxes.

Participants will receive all the necessary tools, including hand drills and screws, along with pre-cut wooden panels to assemble the gaming console.

They are also provided with an instruction booklet which offers step-by-step guidance on every aspect, including wiring the Raspberry Pi processor to physical controls like joysticks and buttons.

When asked about the initial costs of launching these workshops, KJ explained that it didn’t require a substantial upfront investment. When he first began, he didn’t purchase parts until someone placed an order.

“But as I got a more steady stream of workshops, I started to stock a few sets so that the lead time will not be so long,” he added.

Apart from retro arcade machine workshops, RetroCade also offers sessions where you can design your own neon signs. “The neon signs are something I have always wanted to have for myself,” he shared. 

“You can see the pattern here—the things I made are actually what I wanted for myself.” 

Just a fun side hustle for now

KJ’s retro machines have gained attention at local gaming conventions like GameStart, as well as international ones such as BitSummit and Gamescom.

He has even collaborated with Uniqlo for a Marvel-themed launch in 2019, placing custom-made machines at Orchard Central and VivoCity. 

Despite seeing growth, KJ does not intend to turn RetroCade into a full-fledged business. He finds that the demand is not big enough for him to start doing it full time just yet, and enjoys the fact that he is doing it for fun. 

It’s something I started on a whim for fun, and hope to continue to have fun with it.

Poh Keng Jin, founder of RetroCade

With no concrete plans ahead, KJ aims to keep building retro machines and hosting workshops. 

He shared that he is especially keen on conducting more school workshops, having already worked with primary schools, secondary schools, ITEs, and polytechnics. 

For now though, KJ’s goal is to create at least one new retro design each year. “If one day the demand is strong enough, I may make it an actual business.”

• Learn more about RetroCade here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Singaporean startups here.

Also Read: This S’porean started a bakeshop while working in PwC, now it’s grown to 3 outlets in a year

Featured Image Credit: RetroCade

Greener roads, safer walks: These 10 S’pore areas will be pedestrian-friendly streets by 2026

Singapore is taking a significant step towards becoming a more pedestrian-friendly city. By 2026, 10 key areas across the island will be transformed into “Friendly Streets,” a move announced by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on January 14. 

This initiative will see construction starting in the first half of 2025, focusing on making streets safer, greener, and more inclusive for pedestrians and cyclists alike. 

Here’s why this will be important for Singapore’s commuters.

What are Friendly Streets?

Singaporeans have long relied on public transport, walking, and cycling as primary modes of commuting. With the island’s robust MRT network and bus services, many find it convenient to ditch cars altogether. 

However, the current road infrastructure often prioritises vehicles, making it challenging for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate certain areas. 

The Friendly Streets initiative aims to revamp selected high-traffic areas to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists over vehicles. 

These streets will feature barrier-free crossings, raised zebra crossings, and green-coloured road surfaces to encourage drivers to slow down. The project also includes road humps and extended green man crossing times to make commuting safer for seniors and children.

Based on the LTA website, locations were chosen based on high pedestrian flow and proximity to essential amenities such as markets, MRT stations, and schools. The 10 estates selected are:

Each estate will receive tailored features to address its own needs, ensuring a localised approach to enhancing urban mobility.

Why it matters

The Friendly Streets initiative isn’t entirely new. It began in 2023 with pilot projects in five towns: Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Batok West, Tampines, Toa Payoh, and West Coast. 

With the exception of Tampines, the pilots in all the towns have been completed.

According to the LTA, these pilots have been well received, with nine out of ten residents reporting improved walking and cycling experiences.

The Friendly Streets initiative is part of a larger effort by the LTA to make Singapore less vehicle-centric. By redesigning roads to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists, the city-state is taking tangible steps towards a car-lite future.

As someone who frequently uses public transport, I’ve noticed a growing appreciation for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. It’s heartening to see Singapore actively investing in solutions that promote sustainability and inclusivity. 

While there’s still work to be done, the future looks promising. With more streets becoming pedestrian-friendly, Singaporeans can look forward to safer, greener, and more enjoyable commutes. 

Let’s hope that this initiative will also inspire more cities to rethink their approach to urban mobility. After all, a walkable city is a liveable city.

Also Read: Inside the exclusive programme for startups by Grab Malaysia, GXBank leaders & Endeavor Malaysia

Featured Image Credit: Land Transport Authority

VP Eats Out: We tried Oversea Group’s 2025 CNY menu at its new palace-themed restaurant

As we welcome 2025, we’ll also be greeting a new Chinese zodiac very soon: the snake.

Based on the Chinese zodiac, the snake is associated with wisdom, charm, and elegance—the latter two of which can be used to describe Oversea Group’s Chinese New Year 2025 spread.

In conjunction with the opening of its newest outlet called Oversea Palace Seafood, the Vulcan Post team was invited to a preview of this seasonal feast.

I wasn’t sure what to expect as CNY meals in my family are kept quite humble. My mum would typically prepare homey fish maw soup, bamboo shoots soup, steamed fish, and poon choi.

But walking into Oversea Palace Seafood with its palace-themed ambience, I had a feeling this feast would be a grand affair. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint.

It’s not a Malaysian CNY without yee sang

As local customs dictate, a Malaysian CNY feast typically starts with the popular yee sang to reign in a prosperous year. 

At Oversea Restaurant this year, its Yee Sang with Abalone and Korean Snow Pear is a more elevated version of what I’m used to. 

Featuring ingredients like colourful shredded vegetables, pickled ginger, pomelo, and the two star ingredients, each ingredient carries a special meaning. For example, cucumber symbolises many happy returns and the crispy pok chui crackers symbolise gold bars.

Abalone, on the other hand, carries the same significance as salmon in your usual yee sang. It’s called “baoyu” in Mandarin, which is a homonym for abundance.

Korean Snow Pear isn’t part of a traditional lou sang toss, but it added a subtle sweetness and refreshing taste to the overall dish. 

After many “Huat ah!” and other well wishes, the real feast began.

Fun fact: There are various types of Yee Sang available for takeaway and dine in, with prices starting from RM78++ for half portion and RM98++ for full portion.

Classic dishes with refined flavours

In true CNY fashion, Oversea Restaurant carefully curated each dish to reign in a new year of prosperity. After all, is it really a culturally significant dish if there’s no symbolism to it?

The Golden Fish Maw Kampung Chicken Soup, a staple in my home, had a rich broth. We’re not sure how long it was boiled for but the flavours can attest that it’s certainly more than a couple of hours.

Symbolically, chickens are served whole during the festivities as it represents family unity and togetherness. But we’ll turn a blind eye to Oversea Restaurant’s half chicken as one pot of this was more than generous for our table of nine.

The Hong Kong-Style Claypot Waxed Meat Rice (or better known as lap mei fan) is an equally common sight during the festive season. 

Topped with Chinese waxed pork sausages, liver sausages, and duck sausages, the dish has a distinctive aroma and strong taste. If you like lap cheong, you’ll surely enjoy this.

It’s said that this Cantonese dish is carried over from pre-refrigeration days, back when ancient Chinese citizens preserved meat for winter. As spring and CNY approaches, they’d celebrate by feasting on this claypot delicacy.

The final main course is one that perhaps best represents the festive season with its complex yet harmonious flavours thanks to layers upon layers of ingredients. 

Oversea Restaurant’s Prosperity Treasure Pot was loaded with different elements, as what you’d expect a classic poon choi to be. 

You have the tender scallop, chewy sea cucumber and fish maw, fragrant chicken, large abalones and prawns, and more. All of them have their own unique taste that combines together to create an umami medley on your tongue.

Fun fact: The Hong Kong Style Claypot Waxed Meat Rice and Prosperity Treasure Pot are also available for takeaway and delivery with prices starting from RM68++.

Desserts consisted of Fortune Nian Gao (another classic dish) and Chilled Yuzu Longan with Nata de Coco, giving a sweet and refreshing end to the overall night.

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If you’re looking for CNY snacks, Oversea Group is also offering jars of treats to bring home:

• Pineapple ball (20 pieces for RM33.90 nett)
• Oriental muffins (25 pieces for RM39.80 nett)
• Egg rolls (15 pieces for RM28.80 nett)
• Pineapple Yogurt Cookies (21 pieces for RM33.90 nett)

Under the Oversea Group, there are six Oversea Restaurant outlets: Imbi, Sri Petaling, 1Utama, Genting, Ipoh, and Menara Lien Hoe in PJ.

Each of these outlets has different variations in their CNY 2025 offerings, but the dishes mentioned are festive highlights. This seasonal menu is available from now until Chap Goh Mei (February 12, 2025). Tables can be reserved by contacting the respective outlets here. 

• Learn more about Oversea Group here.
• Read other articles on Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: 5 insider insights from Cradle’s PLUGIN conference that M’sian entrepreneurs should know

Featured Image Credit: Oversea Group

15 restaurants in Klang Valley offering Muslim-friendly CNY feasts at varying budgets

As the lunar new year approaches, it’s time to prepare for one of the most cherished traditions of the Chinese calendar: the reunion dinner. 

This event, often regarded as the pinnacle of Chinese New Year celebrations, brings families together over a feast that symbolises prosperity, unity, and good fortune. But multicultural families may struggle to find the ideal spot to celebrate with loved ones who don’t consume pork.

Fear not, as we’ve done the homework for you. For the welcoming of the Year of the Snake, we’ve put together a list of Muslim-friendly restaurants that will leave you and your loved ones satisfied.

Disclaimer: For more discerning diners who prefer to dine at JAKIM halal-certified restaurants, it’s best to call up your restaurant of choice to enquire about their status directly.

1. Tao 

Over at the Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur, Tao Chinese Cuisine offers not one, but seven thoughtfully curated menus, catering to every preference. From the vegetarian-friendly Longevity Set to the lavish Fortune Set, there’s something for everyone.

The highlight here is the Kirin-style Roasted London Duck, complemented by Mandarin Orange for a citrusy twist. Equally noteworthy are the Steamed Giant River Prawns with Sea Urchin and Shredded Ginger, and the healthier Waxed Meat Rice made with Canadian Wild Rice.

You can also complete your celebration with one of their five luxurious Yee Sang choices, perfect for tossing to good fortune. Some of the options include Yee Sang with Lobster Meat, Abalone & Mixed Fruits, Yee Sang with Soft-shell Crab & Salmon Skin and Yee Sang with Salmon & Shredded Korean Crystal Pear. These can be ordered in half portions or full portions to suit your group size.

When: From now until February 12, 2025

Sets:

Reservations: 016-202 4623 / email at fb.lead@ickualalumpur.com.my

2. Jibby Chow

Jibby Chow never disappoints when it comes to curating extravagant meals. Their Abundance Set and Grand Fortune Set are designed to pamper your taste buds. Starting with yee sang—the quintessential toss-to-prosperity dish—diners can opt for the standard salmon or level up with roasted duck, river lobster, or geoduck (additional charges apply).

The Abundance Set offers highlights like double-boiled happiness chicken soup with scallops and Chinese herbs, wok hei crab meat fried rice with black truffle sauce, and crispy tiger prawn with Lisboa sauce. Desserts include chilled mango and pomelo with vanilla ice cream, a sweet note to end the indulgence.

For those going all out, the Grand Fortune Set includes signature dishes like hybrid dragon grouper with emperor soy sauce and foie gras fried rice with prawn. As if that’s not enough, there’s also an indulgent durian pancake dessert.

Sets:

Reservations: 

• Bangsar Village II: 03-2201 8551 / 010-201 7466
• Elmina Lakeside Mall: 03-8309 2395 / 011-2610 7970

3. Amber Chinese Muslim Restaurant 

Amber caters to everyone, offering five different set menus ranging from RM699 to RM1,699 for 10 pax. The menus include a variety of crowd-pleasers such as roasted lamb, tiger prawns, and jellyfish yee sang. Higher-tier sets step it up with kampung chicken and grouper fish.

To dine here, two days’ advance booking is required.

Sets:

Reservations: 03-2181 4410 / 03-2202 8839

4. Ruyi & Lyn 

Nestled in Bangsar Shopping Centre, Ruyi & Lyn offers a dining experience as extravagant as its 22,000 sq ft venue. With prices starting at RM178 (per pax) to RM3,388 (10 pax), there’s a set for every party size.

Signature dishes like braised 5-head abalone with sea cucumber and their Instagram-worthy soft shell crab yee sang make this menu a must-try. And for dessert, they have double-layered milk curd paired with Japanese mochi—a perfect blend of modern and traditional sweetness.

Sets: 

You can find the full menu for all the sets here.

Reservations: 03-2083 0288

5. Homst 

Homst’s five Chinese New Year sets, priced between RM729 and RM1,050 for 10 pax, bring halal Chinese cuisine to the forefront. Signature dishes include clay pot lamb with BBQ sauce and steamed grouper with lemon sauce. Vegetarian, salmon, and jellyfish yee sang ensure every diner is catered for.

Established in 2002, Homst Restaurant is often said to be one of the pioneers of Chinese Muslim cuisine in KL. With nine outlets, it’s an ideal choice for families seeking consistent quality and cosy atmospheres.

Sets:

Reservations: 

• Homst Setia Alam: 012-570 0615
• Homst Kg Baru: 012-570 0784
• Homst Kajang: 012-570 0319
• Homst TTDI: 012-570 0342
• Homst Shah Alam: 012-570 0261
• Homst Cyberjaya: 012-5700 152
• Homst Bangi: 012-570 0475
• Homst Putrajaya: 012-570 0248
• Homst Wangsa Maju: 014-205 8929

6. Mohammad Chow 

Mohammad Chow is a family-founded gem in Damansara that has been serving delightful comfort food since 2013. Over the years, it has gained loyal fans, made appearances on TV, and been nominated for several foodie awards.

So, it’s no surprise Mohammad Chow has become a go-to for families and groups looking to enjoy classic Chinese dishes with a Muslim-friendly twist.

This Chinese New Year, Mohammad Chow is turning up the festive vibes with their Prosperity Set, crafted for a joyful celebration with loved ones.

Here are some mouthwatering dishes on the menu that you might not want to miss: Crab Meat Soup as an appetiser, for mains, you can indulge in a choice of fish, crispy and juicy Golden Roasted Chicken, a festive favourite. Add some zest to your meal with the Squid Grill ala Thai and savour the luxurious Golden Sea Prawn.

Sets:

Reservations: 03-7731 6383 / 010-701 5221

7. Chopsticks Asia Restaurant

Located in TTDI, Chopsticks Asia is a modern halal Chinese restaurant known for its fuss-free dining experience. This spot has become a favourite among locals, thanks to its friendly staff, speedy service, and delicious Chinese dishes served in generous portions. Perfect for celebrating Chinese New Year with loved ones, Chopsticks Asia is offering two special set menus this year.

Both sets come with a vegetarian yee sang, a light and refreshing starter to kick off the festivities. The star dishes in these menus include the Chopstick’s Prosperity Platter, a delightful medley of flavours; Nyonya Steamed Grouper, which is tender and fragrant; the crowd-pleasing Butter Floss Squid, and the indulgent Spicy Creamy Butter Crab with Fried Mantou, ideal for soaking up every bit of the flavourful sauce.

Sets:

You can find the full menu for both sets here. 

Reservations: 019-777 9635

8. Muhibbah Seafood Restaurant 

If there’s one thing no traditional Chinese meal can go without, it’s seafood—and Muhibbah Seafood Restaurant delivers just that, with extra flair. 

Known for its fresh seafood and large, comfortable seating arrangements, this spot is made for family dinners or catching up with friends. The spacious setup, complete with big round tables, sets the tone for a memorable Chinese New Year reunion.

Muhibbah’s menu brings together traditional Chinese flavours with a hint of Thai influence, offering a delicious twist on classics. 

Some highlights from their festive set menus include the Yee Sang with Salmon, a must-have for tossing good fortune, Deep-Fried Fish Miang Style, and the flavourful Spicy Szechuan Lamb. You’ll also find other delightful dishes like Salted Egg Yolk Long Beans and the aromatic Kam Heong Chili Cockles to round out the feast.

Sets:

You can find the full menu for all the sets here. 

Reservations: 011-1140 3153 / 018-396 2090 / 016-201 2969

9. Abah Seafood & Grill Restaurant

Known for its Muslim-friendly live seafood and versatile event space, Abah Seafood & Grill Restaurant in PJ is a go-to for gatherings with family and friends.

This year, Abah Seafood is serving two delightful CNY sets priced at RM988 and RM1,388, both designed for a table of 10. Both sets kick off with a festive Salmon and Jellyfish Yee Sang, a fresh and flavourful way to welcome good fortune. 

The menu highlights don’t stop there—expect mouthwatering dishes like Nyonya-Style Fried Jenahak Fish, Chili Crab with Mantou, and the comforting Seafood Bisque with Crab Meat and Mushroom. For dessert, enjoy a dual combination of Lotus Nut Chinese Pancake and Chilled Mochi.

Sets:

You can find the full menu for both sets here. 

Reservations: 014-924 4486

10. Mohd Chan 

If you’re craving Cantonese cuisine this festive season, Mohd Chan is the spot to satisfy your taste buds. With over 10 outlets across Klang Valley, this well-known restaurant chain has built a reputation for its delicious Cantonese-style dishes that cater to Muslims. 

For this Chinese New Year, Mohd Chan presents three delightful set menus to bring joy and prosperity to your celebrations. These sets feature Cantonese staples, focusing on seafood and poultry dishes. Highlights include comforting homecooked-style flavours that reflect the restaurant’s dedication to authenticity and quality.

Sets:

You can find the full menu for all the sets here. 

Reservations: 03-7887 0600

11. Shang Palace

Nestled within Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Shang Palace is synonymous with elegance and stellar Chinese cuisine. Their Chinese New Year set menus are no exception, offering eight- and nine-course feasts aptly named Great Prosperity and Immense Wealth.

The star of the show? Their Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Chinese Herbs is a heartwarming dish that balances tradition and taste. Equally impressive is the Steamed Soon Hock Fish, a classic symbol of abundance. Not only that, the Braised Abalone with Sea Moss and Dried Seafood brings a luxurious touch to the table.

For a sweet finale, the Pan-Fried Nian Gao offers a delightful twist on the traditional sticky rice cake. And for those with larger reunions, Shang Palace simplifies things with à la carte and dim sum menus from January 29 to 31.

When: From now until February 12, 2025

Sets:

You can find the full menu for all the sets here.

Reservations: 03-2032 2388 / dining.kl@shangri-la.com 

12. Sunway Resort Hotel

For a more theatrical affair, head to Sunway Resort Hotel. At the Grand Ballroom, the evening starts with a toss of Norwegian Salmon Yee Sang and moves into an extravagant eight-course menu featuring Sea Moss Abalone En Croute and Steamed Whole Mangrove Jack Snapper.

Over at the Sunset Terrace, a curated menu includes highlights like Typhoon Shelter Tiger Prawns and Stuffed Whole Chicken with Sea Cucumber and Fish Maw. Adding to the atmosphere are live performances, calligraphy sessions, and a visit from the God of Wealth.

Sets:

You can find the full menu for all the sets here.

Reservations: Website / 03-7495 2009 / 019-381 5568 (WhatsApp)

13. Jade Pavilion

Jade Pavilion at Pavilion Hotel Kuala Lumpur promises an opulent celebration with its Fortune and Prosperity set menus. Seasonal staples like Braised Premium Dried Seafood Pot and Steamed Wild-Caught Soon Hock Fish make an appearance, but the real showstopper is the Slow Oven Roasted Duck with Black Summer Truffle Sauce.

Yee sang lovers will appreciate the variety, including the Salmon Yee Sang with Octopus and Organic Heirloom Cherry Tomato. For an extra dose of prosperity, opt for the Salmon Yee Sang with 16-Head Abalone and Alaskan Scallop.

When: From now until February 28, 2025

Sets:

You can find the full menu for both sets here. 

Reservations: Website 

14. Sichuan Kitchen

For those who crave spice, the Sichuan Kitchen at Four Points by Sheraton Kuala Lumpur is the place to be. With three menu options ranging from the Exclusive Private Dining Room Set to the Prosperity Hot Pot Set, diners can expect dishes like Sichuan Fragrant Spicy Stir-Fried Crab and Chinese Yam with Blueberry Sauce.

When: From now until February 12, 2025

Sets:

Reservations: Website / 03-2706 9099

15. Element Kuala Lumpur

Element Kuala Lumpur keeps things simple yet sophisticated with two nine-course menus: Auspicious Set and Prosperous Set. 

Featuring healthier options like Yee Sang with Fresh Fruits and classic dishes like Steamed Fish (choose between Grouper or Red Snapper), these menus cater to a diverse audience.

Those who are interested will need to make a reservation three days in advance, with a minimum of three tables that can accommodate 10 pax each.

When: From now until February 12, 2025

Sets:

You can find the full menu for both sets here.

Reservations: 03-2771 3382 / email at dl-kulelsales@marriott.com

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Whether you’re drawn to the luxurious offerings, the health-conscious creations, or the fiery delights, there’s no shortage of Muslim-friendly options this Chinese New Year. 

As we toss our yee sang high and embrace the festive spirit, one thing’s for certain: a great meal is the perfect way to welcome the year ahead.

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

Also Read: Inside the exclusive programme for startups by Grab Malaysia, GXBank leaders & Endeavor Malaysia

Featured Image Credit: Tao Chinese Cuisine / Jibby Chow / Sichuan Kitchen

Former foodpanda Malaysia CEO’s juice brand secures US$1 million in seed funding

A new Malaysian juice contender, Being Juice, has raised US$1 million in a seed funding round led by multi-stage venture capital firms 500 Global and BEENEXT. 

Being Juice was founded by Sayantan Das, who was previously the CEO of foodpanda’s operations in Malaysia and Brunei. He left his post in November 2023. 

“Being Juice’s seed funding round is a huge milestone for us, especially since it has connected us to investors who believe in what we’re building,” Sayantan shared in a press release.

The juice startup was launched in April 2024, offering smoothies made from 100% real fruits and vegetables. 

In less than a year, Being Juice has already established its presence in the Klang Valley with six outlets at the time of writing. Many are located in high-traffic malls such as NU Sentral and Atria Damansara. 

It currently offers over 16 unique flavour combinations, designed to “celebrate the vibrant Southeast Asian palate without compromise.” 

Rapid expansion plans

The fresh funds will go towards accelerating the brand’s local and regional expansion plans, with 30 new stores expected to open across Malaysia in 2025. 

It already has plans to debut its first overseas outlet in the Philippines this month.

Besides expanding its market presence, Being Juice is also in the process of developing its own mobile app. 

“Currently under continuous improvement, the app aims to offer a seamless user experience, with the goal of fostering a loyal community across markets,” a press release stated. 

As part of its ongoing growth, Being Juice is working on refreshing its look and feel to further elevate the brand. 

Juicing things up 

With homegrown beverage chains such as Tealive and ZUS Coffee finding major success locally and abroad, Being Juice might just be the next big thing that will spice up Malaysia’s drinks scene. 

That said, juice has always been quite an accessible product in Malaysia. From well-established global players such as Boost Juice to local brands like Juice Works, businesses of this nature have already been around for a long time. 

With that in mind, we’re excited to see how Being Juice plans to tackle the industry with its natural offerings, especially with its VC backing. 

• Learn more about Being Juice here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: 5 insider insights from Cradle’s PLUGIN conference that M’sian entrepreneurs should know

Featured Image Credit: Being Juice

Survival of the fittest: Meta & Microsoft to lay off underperforming staff to “raise the bar”

It looks like 2025 is set to be another tough year for big tech.

According to recent reports, Meta plans to cut its workforce by 5%, while Microsoft is preparing to lay off a small percentage of its employees.

Both tech giants have expressed intentions to retrench their lowest performing employees. Though it’s unclear how many Singapore-based staff are impacted for both of these companies, here’s what we know so far:

Moving “low performers” out of Meta

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg informed employees of the decision to “move out low performers faster” through an internal memo posted on the company’s internal Workplace forum on Tuesday (January 14).

As Meta positions itself for “an intense year,” it is “raising the bar on performance” through performance-based eliminations. This will affect 5% of its staff, which accounts for roughly around 3,600 jobs.

This is going to be an intense year, and I want to make sure we have the best people on our teams. I’ve decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low performers faster.

Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta

US-based employees affected by the cuts will be notified by February 10, with those outside of the US notified at a later date. Zuckerberg added that the company would “provide generous severance,” following past practices in previous layoff rounds. 

Responding to a media enquiry by Vulcan Post, a spokesperson shared that the impacted roles would be backfilled in 2025. However, they have declined to comment further. 

The cuts represent Meta’s largest layoffs since it eliminated 21,000 jobs, or nearly a quarter of its workforce, between 2022 and 2023. 

Hiring freezes at Microsoft 

Last Wednesday (January 8), Microsoft confirmed to CNBC that it would cut a small percentage of jobs across departments based on performance. The job cuts will affect less than 1% of employees.

Vulcan Post also reached out to the tech company for comment, where a spokesperson shared that they are unable to share specific locations of impact. However, they clarified that Microsoft “typically backfills roles” when employees leave due to performance reasons. 

At Microsoft, we focus on high-performance talent. We are always working on helping people learn and grow. When people are not performing, we take the appropriate action.

Microsoft’s spokesperson

That said, according to recent reports, Microsoft also announced a hiring freeze for its consulting arm in the US, as part of a broader effort by the company to reduce costs. 

Consulting executive Derek Danois notified employees in an internal memo that the division will hold off on hiring new employees and back-filling roles, emphasising that careful management of costs is of utmost importance. 

The memo also instructed employees not to expense travel for any internal meetings and to use remote sessions instead. 

In early 2023, Microsoft laid off 10,000 employees, primarily those in its engineering department, as the company grappled with a broader shift in the market and economy. 

In January 2024, it laid off 1,900 jobs from its gaming unit after acquiring American video game holding company Activision Blizzard. 

• Read other articles we’ve written about tech giants here.

Also Read: From Lazada to Amazon: Here is a list of companies laying off in 2024, including in S’pore

Feature Image Credit: Adobe Stock

M’sia’s latest digital bank by YTL-Sea wants to stand out by having a ChatGPT-styled chatbot

If you’ve ever wondered if banking could be as easy as sending a text, then you might be interested in Ryt Bank and its ChatGPT-like chatbot—Ryt AI.

A joint venture between YTL Digital Capital Sdn Bhd (YTL) and Sea Limited (Sea), Ryt Bank aims to redefine banking in Malaysia by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its platform. It is the latest digital bank to secure a digital banking licence from The Ministry of Finance.

Based on the latest press release, Ryt AI is a personalised and AI-powered private banker designed to simplify banking services, deliver tailored financial insights, and manage advanced savings strategies. 

One example of Ryt AI in action is its advanced fund transfer feature. Users can initiate and complete fund transfers by simply sending a prompt to Ryt AI, similar to how you would use ChatGPT.

In a video shared with the press release, it’s shared that Ryt AI is able to extract key information from photos, such as screenshots. It will then send a text to double confirm the information before proceeding with the funds transfer. If there are any incorrect details, users are able to make amendments as well.

Ryt Bank also teased other ways Ryt AI can be used in near future, including:

• Creating a save “pocket” (which we deduce is a savings account)
• Managing transfer limits
• Setting monthly or annual savings goals (e.g. to save RM10,000 in a year)
• Scanning QR codes from albums and transfer
• Setting a recurring transfer
• Viewing spending insights
• A balance prediction for the end of the year

The idea is that this would help save the time taken to log into your banking account and perform all these tasks. “This streamlined approach [also] ensures accessibility for a diverse range of users, supporting multiple languages to meet their needs,” stated Melvin Ooi, Ryt Bank’s CEO.

“By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to provide an unequalled customer experience, we will deliver financial services that are meaningful and inclusive while helping customers achieve their financial goals.” 

AI integration is cool, but is there anything we should be concerned about? 

This question is one that we’re sure a good handful of Malaysians are asking. After all, banking is a private affair and adding artificial intelligence into the mix might scare some more sceptical users off, particularly if you like handling finances the traditional way.

To address the sceptics, Ryt Bank assures that it places security and transparency at its core. 

The digital bank and its AI feature will come with advanced encryption, multi-layer security, biometric face-matching verification, real-time fraud monitoring, and PIDM protection up to RM250,000 for each depositor. 

“Ryt Bank’s services also come with no hidden fees, reflecting the bank’s commitment to honesty and trustworthiness,” the press release noted.

However, there is still the concern of how user data will be collected, stored, and used. What happens if there was a breach of sensitive information, what are the repercussions? 

AI algorithms could also perpetuate biases if the training data isn’t large enough, which has the potential of leading to discrimination in other financial services such as loan approvals and credit scoring.

Lastly, there’s the argument that banking should have some form of human touch. As a user, I’m more inclined to trust an actual professional to perform financial services, especially if it’s dealing with large sums of money and other concerns.

While Ryt Bank has reassured that customers will be supported by 24/7 assistance, I’m curious as to how fast they’ll get back with more serious, time-sensitive issues.

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As one of five consortiums that got a digital banking licence from Bank Negara Malaysia, Ryt Bank plays a role in the country’s ambition of meeting the banking needs of the population. According to PwC, about 15% of the local adult population remained underserved and underbanked in 2023.

Ryt Bank received the Ministry of Finance’s approval to commence operations from December 20, 2024. To ensure a smooth rollout, the digital bank will be launched in phases to the public.

With YTL and Sea having global track records in their respective fields, Ryt Bank is set to become a Malaysian banking force. 

For context, YTL has 70 years of corporate experience in industries like utilities, construction, and hospitality. On the other hand, Sea is a major global consumer internet company behind Garena, SeaMoney, and Shopee.

• Learn more about Ryt Bank here.
• Read other articles on Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: 5 insider insights from Cradle’s PLUGIN conference that M’sian entrepreneurs should know

Featured Image Credit: Ryt Bank

Is complementary medicine actually legit? We busted 7 myths about the field in M’sia.

[Written in partnership with RENN Asia Wellness, but the editorial team had full control over the content.]

As a kid, I was familiar with natural and complementary medicines, particularly Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). If I pulled a muscle or had a persistent cramp, off to the TCM master’s house we would go. 

However, growing up in this digital age, I’ve come across a lot of dubious and misleading information surrounding “alternative” medicine. Pseudoscience, if you will. 

Things like celebrities’ “magic stickers” that send out “positive vibrations” or cancer-curing crystal water, or something else just as farcical. 

Unfortunately, these sorts of practices have become associated with other complementary medicine practices that are much more evidence-based. 

That’s why institutions such as RENN Asia Wellness have emphasised the importance of educating people on the reality of complementary medicine. 

Visiting the centre for the first time, I also had a healthy dose of scepticism. Thankfully, the team there was open and willing to address these doubts. 

Here are some misconceptions about the field that were debunked during my visit. 

Misconception 1: Complementary medicine is not regulated 

You might think that anyone can just start a practice and call it “complementary medicine.” 

But there are actually many regulatory bodies that ensure complementary medicine providers are following specific laws and regulations. 

The several regulations surrounding RENN Asia Wellness’ practice would include:

• The Traditional and Complementary Medicine (T&CM) Act 775
• Allied Health Professionals Act 2016 774 
• Food Act 1983
• Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984

“Of all the regulations above, T&CM Act would be the main governing act for RENN Asia Wellness to follow,” said Jonathan Chew, the founder of RENN Asia. 

That said, the T&CM Act is still fairly new in Malaysia, and the government has not fully enforced the entire regulation. It is currently in Phase 3.

Misconception 2: Practitioners are just quacks with no qualifications 

But just because there are regulations doesn’t mean the practices actually work, though. 

“One of the major misconceptions in Malaysia is that natural medicine is often suspected to be quackery, especially if it is touted as a ‘miracle cure’ by high-pressure salesmen with pure commercial interests,” Jonathan himself admitted. 

The founder believes that certain MLM and direct-selling companies have been marketing their products using hard sales techniques, claiming that their products would do wonders. 

This has spoilt the market and good name of natural medicine for many decades. 

“Of course, there are responsible direct-selling and MLM companies doing good work in educating people about traditional and complementary medicine too, but the delinquent few have created the misconceptions till this day,” he pointed out. 

To quell these misconceptions, RENN Asia Wellness focuses on evidence-based practices and professionalism. Jonathan also believes that their results will speak for themselves. 

Adding to that, RENN Asia ensures that all health practitioners are qualified academically and also hold active membership status with their respective governing professional bodies. 

For those recognised practice areas, each health professional will have a registration number from the relevant council within the Ministry of Health. This will ensure that the health practitioners themselves are qualified in their area. 

Misconception 3: Natural medicine lacks scientific backing 

The belief that natural medicine lacks scientific backing is outdated and oversimplified. 

“At RENN Asia Wellness, the modalities we employ are firmly rooted in evidence-based practices, blending modern research with time-tested wisdom,” Jonathan claimed. “Far from being pseudoscientific, natural medicine complements conventional approaches and plays a vital role in holistic healthcare.”

He explained that many modalities, such as nutritional therapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and physiotherapy, are supported by robust clinical research. 

For example, acupuncture is validated for pain management (JAMA Internal Medicine, 2012), and omega-3 supplementation is proven to reduce inflammation (Circulation, 2019). 

“Natural medicine complements conventional care, addressing root causes and improving patient outcomes. It is not pseudoscience but a scientifically validated, integral part of holistic healthcare,” he argued. 

Misconception 4: Natural medicine is only for specific and minor ailments 

To me, as legit as some natural or complementary medicine may be, a serious illness is still only treatable by conventional or “Western” medicine. 

While it is true that conventional medicine is scientifically backed to address illnesses, Jonathan pointed out that holistic medicine addresses a wide range of health issues by focusing on root causes and treating the individual as a whole. 

He elaborated, “It uses a multisystem approach, recognising the body’s interconnectedness, and emphasises prevention and optimisation of health.”

Specifically, it involves evidence-based therapies such as nutritional interventions, and herbal medicine. 

Jonathan also argues that oftentimes, conventional drug medication usually does not solve or cure certain health disorders at their root. Rather, they tend to control or to manage symptoms, for example, cholesterol/sugar/high blood pressure. 

In natural medicine, however, the doctrine is to address root causes, working towards a permanent solution for the client. 

“At RENN Asia Wellness, our main focus is providing root-cause solutions rather than just symptomatic relief,” the founder reiterated. 

But of course, symptomatic relief is still highly valuable in improving one’s quality of life. 

Misconception 5: Complementary medicine is only good for older folks as youngsters don’t need it

Many practices in complementary medicine may seem like they’re designed for the older folk to remain “young.” However, that doesn’t mean that younger individuals cannot benefit from it. 

In fact, waiting for the health disorder to worsen and manifest is a conquest that RENN Asia Wellness is fighting against. 

“Prevention is better than cure; this age-old wisdom statement is becoming more real in modern society, where common chronic health disorders are no longer a privilege of the elderly but also the younger generations,” Jonathan reminded. 

Misconception 6: It’s only for the wealthy

Of course, it does seem like a good idea to get a head start on our health. The fact remains, though, that many of us may not have the money set aside for it. 

In their effort to offer health sustainability, RENN Asia recognises that price is a huge factor. 

To that end, Jonathan shared that RENN Asia strives to keep pricing competitive within the average range of the market, making it highly accessible to a wide range of clients while maintaining operational profitability. 

“One of the advantages of complementary medicine is that the practice does not need to invest in high-tech equipment that will cost millions of dollars, which in return will be borne by the consumer,” he added.  

Misconception 7: Complementary medicine goes against one another, as well as conventional medicine 

“This is entirely a myth,” Jonathan said to the above. “The word ‘complementary’ means to complement any existing treatment.”

He shared that each medical modality—such as TCM or physiotherapy—has its own merits and demerits. Claiming which is superior isn’t helpful. 

“True health comes from a holistic blend of natural, traditional, and conventional medicine,” he said. “By combining the best of each of these, only then can we provide the best care for every individual in society.” 

With these misconceptions quelled, hopefully more will consider complementary medicine as a way to improve their wellbeing. 

• Learn more about RENN Asia Wellness here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: Inside the exclusive programme for startups by Grab Malaysia, GXBank leaders & Endeavor Malaysia

Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post / RENN Asia Wellness via Islamic Tourism Month 2024

SaladStop! Group started out as a family biz, now it’s grown to 75 outlets in S’pore & beyond

When Adrien Desbaillets co-founded SaladStop! together with his father in 2009, the duo pretty much seized a pivotal opportunity in Singapore’s F&B landscape.

Conversations around health and wellness were gaining traction at that time, but there was just one problem: Singaporeans simply did not have many choices.

“Options for healthy meals were few and far between—not just in hawker centres but across the city-state,” recalled Adrien.

Having grown in a “vegetarian vegan” household themselves, the duo decided to fill the gap by creating a healthy fast food chain—and today, their business has expanded to 75 outlets worldwide.

Here’s what it took to grow the family-run business into a global enterprise.

Timing is everything

They say timing is everything—and the same holds true for starting a business.

Back in 2009, at the tail end of the financial crisis, conditions were ripe for entrepreneurship: rent were affordable, manpower was accessible, and the overall costs of running a business were generally lower.

When we first started [SaladStop!], we definitely saw a momentum in terms of the macroeconomic environment in Singapore.

I think things were sort of starting to look up again [after the financial crisis]. We felt that it was the right time to take on that segment of the market.

Adrien Desbaillets, co-founder of SaladStop! Group

As to how they’ve successfully expanded their presence globally, Adrien shared that they built SaladStop!’s concept “very much around a scalable model” right off the bat.

“We were very clear from the start that it had to be something that not only would get us to at least 10 to 15 stores in Singapore but would also be exportable—we went in with that mindset.”

Working “in the trenches”

But having a well-thought-out business plan doesn’t mean the journey is without its challenges.

Though the business took off within the first few months of its launch, with the profits being re-invested to build more stores, operational challenges became more pronounced as they expanded.

Within a year, SaladStop! had five outlets, but maintaining consistency in processes and quality across all locations proved to be a significant hurdle. In fact, on one occasion, their salad dressings even varied in taste and appearance across their outlets despite using the same recipes.

We were growing so quickly that for the most part, we were running a business and building the SOPs at the same time.

The team that we had was very junior, and for us, a lot of time [was spent] putting out fires—a lot of it was just kind of in the trenches and working through it.

Adrien Desbaillets, co-founder of SaladStop! Group

As a result, the business doubled down on its efforts to refine processes, investing in central kitchens as it scaled. “Things finally started falling into place as we pushed towards 10 locations,” he added.

Finding the right partner

Two years after the brand’s launch, Adrien’s sister Katherine joined the family business, followed by her husband Frantz Braha a few years later. Together, they’ve played a pivotal role in driving the business’s expansion across various markets.

December 2014 was when SaladStop! first launched beyond Singapore, entering a market that Adrien noted many wouldn’t typically consider: the Philippines.

A lot of people would have assumed it would have been better to launch in more mature markets like Hong Kong or Australia.

But for us, it was a matter of finding the right partner—a strong operator who understands the city that they operate in and would be able to effectively execute our brand and systems on the ground.

Adrien Desbaillets, co-founder of SaladStop! Group

And that’s precisely what led to their growth in the country.

Adrien explained that, 10 years ago, the country had virtually no healthy food options. “At least Singapore had some options, but in the Philippines, there was literally nothing,” he shared.

“Our partner saw a huge opportunity in the market, and for us, we were fortunate enough to collaborate with a larger player who took a chance on SaladStop!.”

Today, the Philippines stands as one of SaladStop!’s largest markets, boasting over 20 outlets nationwide. The brand is also present in other key markets, including Indonesia, Thailand, and South Korea.

Adrien hopes to expand similarly in other Southeast Asian markets. “We believe that there’s an opportunity for [healthy food] in every market—it’s just about getting the timing right and finding the right partner.”

Building a multi-brand portfolio

By 2018, SaladStop! had established a presence in about eight markets. As they grew, Adrien and his family identified further opportunities within the healthy eating space, particularly in secondary cities and underserved areas of Southeast Asian capital cities.

To capitalise on them, they launched two new concepts: Heybo, which offers warm grain and rice bowls infused with local flavours, and Wooshi, a DIY maki roll brand.

“These brands are designed to expand beyond SaladStop!’s reach,” Adrien shared in a 2022 interview with CNA.

SaladStop! works well in places like Jakarta, Bali, and Ho Chi Minh City, but in cities like Surabaya and Medan, for example, it’s more challenging.

Our goal is to go deeper into these markets, and for that, we need different brands.

Adrien Desbaillets, co-founder of SaladStop! Group

“We see huge opportunities outside of Singapore”

Looking ahead, Adrien anticipates significant growth emerging from new markets—and while he still expects some continued growth in Singapore, he believes it will be at a “much slower pace” compared to other regions.

For us, 2025 will very much be centred around launching in new cities and expanding our footprint. We see huge opportunities outside [of Singapore] that we’re yet to tackle, so that’s the primary focus for us.

Adrien Desbaillets, co-founder of SaladStop! Group

He is also confident that Heybo will become the company’s major growth driver. “We’ve seen demand in cooler climates like Hong Kong, Japan, and Korea, where warm meals are key—Heybo fills that gap.”

“You might see some offshoots or virtual brands in areas where we see little pockets of opportunities, but our core focus still remains on our three brands.”

• Find out more about SaladStop! here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Singaporean startups here.

Also Read: Spotting a gap in Malay cuisine, this S’porean family started a restaurant serving halal wine

Featured Image Credit: SaladStop!

This serial F&B entrepreneur closed down all his other ventures to focus on this SS2 cafe

Sometimes, big things come in small packages, and that might be the case with Calibrate Small Space, a coffee shop nestled in a cosy half-lot location in SS2. 

Founded in early 2024, the man behind Calibrate is Tan Jia Yuan, a trained professional chef who graduated from William Angliss, Institute of TAFE in Melbourne.

The motivation to start Calibrate is multifaceted. It started out when the half-shop lot itself became available to rent. Noticing this opportunity, Jia Yuan initially wanted to transform it into a mini restaurant.

“While looking for funds, I unexpectedly bumped into a friend (Zhu En) who wanted to have a coffee space and decided to invest in me/this venture, and another close friend of mine (Carmen) who believed in my entrepreneurship journey,” he shared with Vulcan Post. 

With their support, Calibrate got its start. 

Serving the community 

The name ‘Calibrate’ comes from a nickname Jia Yuan has been given—Calibrate King. 

“That came about from a few coffee friends when I was able to calibrate whatever coffee beans thrown to me to its optimal flavour,” he explained. 

At the same time, ‘Calibrate’ also refers to the cafe’s ambition to offer a moment for individuals to calibrate themselves mentally, physically, or even emotionally. 

With its small footprint, Calibrate is both a convenient spot to get your morning fix to go as well as an intimate hideout for a quick pit stop. 

“I used to study in Melbourne and really like the cafe scene there,” Jia Yuan shared. “The taste of the coffee is gentler and more balanced. Hence, the development of the house blend came about where I combined Melbourne flavour/vibes with Malaysian taste.”

Beans are sourced from Letscoopi Roaster, a local roaster who has helped Calibrate curate its house blend. 

The bestseller at Calibrate is something called ‘Magic,’ a crowd favourite in Melbourne. Specifically, it’s a double ristretto that is topped with steamed milk, served in a five-ounce cup. 

Calibrate also collaborates with online bakers, asking bakers to bring samples that will be tested for the weekend. 

“Those that sell well and have good feedback will remain, otherwise we will change them out,” Jia Yuan explained. “We welcome any baker that aligns with the cafe’s concept. For now we usually sell non-chilled baked goods, so they must be fast-moving products.”

Failure is the mother of success

Prior to founding Calibrate, though, Jia Yuan actually has had quite a robust portfolio of past ventures. 

“But they’re all closed down now due to certain circumstances,” he added. 

For one, there’s D’ Little Chef, Jia Yuan’s personal chef brand, which he has plans to revive.

Then there was Espresso Attic, the very first cafe that he opened back in Nilai as a joint venture with a couple of friends. 

Then there’s his involvement with Proof Sky Lounge and The Forum KL, located in Signature Hotel, Sri Hartamas. “I was part of the opening team and helped to curate the menu as well as design the kitchen layout,” he elaborated. 

Fēst in Jaya One (which relocated to Damansara Perdana, then TTDI) was a cafe that Jia Yuan opened with childhood friends back, offering coffee, signature waffles, and sandwiches.

To complement Fest, they also opened Grain in Damansara, serving modernised Malaysian food. Unfortunately, this closed down during the MCO.

And finally, there was Just Brew, a pop-up coffee bar in a Japanese cafe. 

“I closed them all and started fresh with Calibrate,” Jia Yuan shared. “It was due to a few factors such as location, partnership, and financial projections that led to the closure decisions.”

While this trail of shuttered business may deter some, Jia Yuan was able to learn a lot from his journey. For one, he realised he needed a focal point for future ventures. With Calibrate, he decided to just focus on beverages and serving the community.

Other lessons he learnt were that regulars were key to the business, cash flow is critical, and being hands-on is paramount.

“I measure Calibrate’s success differently from past businesses—sticking through the core belief in myself that I am able to serve good products with affordable prices and being able to have regulars from the previous business ventures here at Calibrate,” he said. 

Calibrating the future

Looking into the future, Jia Yuan aims continue sustaining his crowd while working towards creating more merchandise for a stronger brand presence. 

“Currently, there are no plans to expand Calibrate to other locations, but there are plans to include other collaboration offerings if the space gets extended in the future,” he said.

For others who may want to venture into the F&B space, Jia Yuan has some advice. Specifically, he has a list of questions he wants you to ask yourself: 

• What is the purpose of opening a cafe in the first place?
• What else can you offer to the crowd among all these cafes that have been booming?
• Have you got the right manpower to kickstart the place?
• Do you have emergency funds to sustain the business for six to 12 months if things didn’t go as planned?
• Have you thought through and discussed thoroughly with your business partner(s) on the potential risks and communicated expectations and emotions?
• Are you willing to get your hands dirty for long hours with no break/holidays and make sacrifices?

Your answers to these questions may very well tell you all you need to know. That said, Jia Yuan also advised, “Always have a clear goal of what you want to do and not be swayed by hearsay of others.”

In essence, properly calibrate yourself first with these questions, and the resulting cup of coffee is sure to be good one.

• Learn more about Calibrate Small Space here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about F&B businesses here.

Also Read: Critical convos with a focus on impact: How MRANTI is bridging local & global markets

Featured Image Credit: Calibrate Small Space

How this S’porean couple went from baking jelly cheesecakes at home to bringing in millions

Candie Tan, 50, had always been passionate about baking, but it wasn’t until 2007 that she started baking at home, experimenting with cheesecake recipes in her free time and posting them on her blog. 

She often tried out new recipes and infused her bakes with unique ingredients, which quickly caught the attention of her friends and family.

Her jelly cheesecakes, in particular, became an instant hit. Dubbed the original jelly heart, they featured four layers: a base made out of digestive biscuits, followed by a cream cheese layer, hand-carved heart-shaped fruits, and a jelly topping. 

As demand for her offerings grew, Candie saw this as an opportunity to turn her passion into a side hustle, launching The JellyHearts—a bakery that specialises in this signature dessert. 

While balancing her 9-to-5 job, Candie fulfilled her cheesecake orders in the evenings after work and during the weekends, baking them from the kitchen of her five-room HDB flat. 

She also roped in her husband, Darren Loh, 49, to help out with deliveries. At the time, he worked as a futures trader, and his schedule allowed him to juggle deliveries for The JellyHearts while trading in the US market hours, which typically began after 9:30PM.

Now, the couple runs the venture full time, with 14 outlets across Singapore. Here’s how they got there. 

They invested S$50,000 to open their first outlet

Starting The JellyHearts was not all smooth sailing. When the duo invested S$50,000 to open their first bakery outlet in 2011—a sum Candie revealed came from her earnings as a home baker—the brand struggled to build buzz and gain awareness.

With jelly cheesecakes being a new concept in Singapore at that time, she shared that most people were hesitant to try their offerings, unsure of what to expect.

Their first outlet was also tucked away in the quiet, almost deserted E! Hub at Pasir Ris, which added to the challenge. 

With minimal footfall, the duo had to go from door to door to promote their business, even personally reaching out to corporate clients in hopes that their business would pick up. 

As The JellyHearts’ offerings are made with fresh ingredients, Candie and Darren faced another hurdle on the operational front: they couldn’t mass produce their cakes in advance.

As a result, the couple had to invest into equipment that could speed up and streamline their manufacturing processes, which were previously done by hand. 

“For example, we invested a five-figure sum [into a customised] machine that pressed biscuit crusts more efficiently,” they shared in an interview with Dollars and Sense. 

“From taking four employees about five hours to make 80 biscuit layers, we reduced it to one employee taking 30 minutes to make the same 80 biscuit layers.”

Soon after, the duo also invested in automating their cheese production and assembly processes. This allowed them to mix their cream cheese and dispense cheesecake layers evenly, improving productivity and product consistency.

They generated a revenue of S$3.3 million in 2024

The business’s first major breakthrough was when the Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) placed an order for 600 cakes for their school carnival, which significantly boosted brand awareness. 

More people started to take notice [of our brand], and with the growing demand, we were able to open our second outlet at One Raffles Place, where the business really took off.

Candie Tan, founder of The JellyHearts

To accelerate their growth, The JellyHearts also began offering franchising opportunities. Candie explained that this strategy allowed them to collaborate with other business owners who “bring fresh ideas,” while also helping to alleviate some of the “operational burdens” they faced.

The JellyHearts has since sold more than 1.5 million cakes and now employs more than 60 employees in Singapore, generating a revenue of S$3.3 million in 2024.

They’ve also expanded their product catalogue to offer a wide range of cheesecake flavours and designs, including gluten-free, jelly-only cakes. 

However, with multiple outlets across Singapore, effectively managing both operations and manpower is no easy feat. 

To ensure consistency, The JellyHearts opened a central kitchen in 2020, where all their offerings are produced. “These products are then distributed to our outlets, ensuring that the quality of our cakes remains uniform across all locations,” added Candie.

They’re opening their first full-fledged café soon

Looking forward, Candie shared that the F&B landscape in Singapore is only becoming more competitive with the entry of global brands, adding to the challenges of inflation, rising raw material costs, and rentals. 

Despite these obstacles, she remains resolute. “We just need to continue doing what we do best,” she said.

That said, Candie added that she still sees opportunities for growth, particularly in Singapore’s café scene.

To capitalise on this, the brand hopes to debut its first full-fledged café, Brunch & Co by The JellyHearts, at Tengah Plantation Plaza by Wednesday (15 January), though the exact opening date is yet to be confirmed.

Its menu will feature a mix of their signature cakes, artisanal coffee and tea, as well as a range of “Western classics,” including pasta and steak.

While two of their existing 14 outlets operate as bakery-cum-café concepts with limited dine-in spaces, Candie shared that the new venture aims to go beyond that by “offering a community-driven space” for Singaporeans. 

I believe there’s a real need for cosy, community-driven cafes in neighbourhoods. It’s about offering an alternative to the typical restaurants or food courts—somewhere people can enjoy a more relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, with quality food and coffee, without the hustle and bustle of a busy mall or dining complex.

Candie Tan, founder of The JellyHearts

If the venture proves successful, Candie shared that TheJellyHearts plans to open more locations across Singapore. 

Beyond the local café scene, The JellyHearts also has plans to expand its franchise network to open more outlets, including in international markets for greater exposure. 

• Learn more about The JellyHearts here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Singaporean Startups here.

Also Read: A gamble that paid off: Cloversoft’s founders on 10 yrs of growth & the future of the brand

Feature Image Credit: The JellyHearts

PepsiCo’s equity-free accelerator offers up to US$120k in grants, here’s how M’sians can join

PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator (GHAC) programme is back for its third year in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, and it’s calling on sustainability-focused startups from Malaysia and beyond to join the journey. 

Claiming to be the only pilot-oriented accelerator in APAC’s food and beverage sector, GHAC is here to empower entrepreneurs to tackle pressing challenges like climate change, sustainable agriculture, and circular economy. 

If you’ve got a game-changing idea, this might just be your moment.

What is the GHAC programme?

GHAC isn’t your average accelerator. It’s an equity-free initiative designed to identify and nurture startups that are doing incredible things for the environment and our global food systems. 

The equity-free nature of the programme ensures that entrepreneurs retain full ownership and control of their businesses while receiving the support they need to scale.

Over the past two years, GHAC has proven its worth, launching 15 pilots across seven APAC markets—including Malaysia. These aren’t just experiments; they’re real-world collaborations driving meaningful change.

PepsiCo’s VP Supply Chain A/NZ and Chief Sustainability Officer Ashley Brown said, “PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator Program is dedicated to empowering startups with the tools, resources, and mentorship required to drive meaningful change and scale innovations across our food systems.”

This year, GHAC continues its mission by focusing on solutions that address the circular economy, renewable energy, and sustainable farming practices—all critical areas for a sustainable future.

Who should apply and how?

If you’re a startup with a solution that could revolutionise any of these areas—circular economy, climate action, or sustainable agriculture—you’re exactly who GHAC is looking for. Whether you’re working on renewable energy tech, zero-waste packaging, or innovative farming practices, this programme is your chance to shine.

Here are the criteria for startups applying to the programme:

• Pre-revenue of up to US$7 million (RM31.5 million) in sales in the last financial year.
• Have business operations in one of the participating APAC region markets (China, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor, Fiji, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pacific Islands, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Vietnam).
• Be willing to work with PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator mentors and attend Accelerator events throughout the April to September programme.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Applications are now open, and you can visit the official PepsiCo Greenhouse Accelerator website to apply by March 13, 2025.

Why should Malaysian startups care?

Malaysia’s startup ecosystem has been buzzing with innovation, particularly in the sustainability sector. GHAC presents a golden opportunity for local entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas on a global stage while receiving unmatched support. 

Each of the 10 programme finalists will receive a US$20,000 (RM90,045) grant, along with mentorship from PepsiCo’s top executives and industry experts. The winner walks away with an additional US$100,000 (RM450,225) and the chance to pilot their solution directly with PepsiCo.

Still not convinced? Just ask Alterno, the 2024 winner. This startup developed a groundbreaking sand battery technology for renewable energy storage, providing a lower-emission alternative to traditional snack drying methods. 

Their innovation not only helped PepsiCo reduce costs and emissions but also demonstrated how a small idea can have a massive impact.

Learn from the best through mentorship and collaboration

What sets GHAC apart is its hands-on approach. Startups aren’t left to fend for themselves; they’re paired with PepsiCo’s seasoned experts and collaborators like GC Ventures and Circulate Capital. 

These mentors provide tailored feedback, help refine solutions, and open doors to a robust network of industry leaders. This mentorship is invaluable for startups navigating the complexities of scaling sustainable solutions. 

Brown added, “Applicants benefit not only from mentorship with seasoned professionals but also from direct collaboration with PepsiCo, a global industry leader that drives the programme and acts as the end user of their innovations.”

It’s like having a backstage pass to the inner workings of one of the world’s biggest F&B companies.

Malaysia has no shortage of innovative thinkers, and GHAC is the perfect platform to bring those ideas to life.  As sustainability becomes increasingly important to consumers, investors, and businesses alike, programmes like this are vital for staying ahead of the curve. 

So, why wait? Start your application today and take the first step towards driving impactful change.

• Learn more about PepsiCo’s Greenhouse Accelerator programme here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: Inside the exclusive programme for startups by Grab Malaysia, GXBank leaders & Endeavor Malaysia

Featured Image Credit: PepsiCo Greenhouse

How severe rain disrupted Singapore last weekend, from flight delays to cancelled events

Did the weather keep you home this weekend? 

Heavy rainfall from January 10 to 12 affected plans for many Singaporeans, disrupting personal activities and business operations across the city-state.

Here’s a breakdown of what happened amid the downpour:

More than 50 flights were delayed or rescheduled

The severe weather has disrupted air travel, with over 50 Singapore Airlines flights being delayed or rescheduled between January 11 and 12, The Straits Times reported.

With Changi recording the highest rainfall at 255.2 mm over January 10 and 11, surpassing Singapore’s average January rainfall of 222.4 mm, some flights that were supposed to land at Singapore’s Changi and Seletar airports were also diverted to neighbouring airfields due to the heavy rain. 

Recreational activities were similarly impacted—Aloha Sea Sports Centre at East Coast Park, which offers classes for sailing, windsurfing, and stand-up paddling, reported 10 cancelled bookings over the weekend. 

At least two golfing events on Jan 11—one at Changi Golf Club and one at the Singapore Island Country Club—were also disrupted according to online notices.

Four Singapore Rugby Union (SRU) National League matches on the same day were postponed, another two relocated, and weekend training for hundreds of Junior Rugby Clubs Singapore players was cancelled.

Woe plagued businesses, too, like fishmonger Lian Huat Seafood, which lamented delays to some of its deliveries in a Facebook post on Jan 10.

JuzFish ArtQuatics, a goldfish farm in Sungei Tengah, also closed shop from Jan 10, anticipating low footfall, the owner said to The Straits Times, who gave his name only as Mr Yap.

The prospect of consecutive days of rain is worrying as rainwater is slightly acidic and can harm his crop of some 100 exotic and tropical fish, he said on Jan 11.

If the rain persists for more days, he will have to change the water and lay out a plastic sheet to cover the fish, said Mr Yap.

Damage to infrastructure

Water seepage from the heavy rain caused lift malfunctions at multiple locations. 

Residents of Block 454 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4 had to rely on a single working lift after two lifts were damaged from the heavy rain on January 10.

The following day, the Ang Mo Kio Town Council announced the temporary closure of lifts at Block 547 Serangoon North Avenue 3 due to water ingress.

Flooding occurred along Jalan Seaview on the evening of January 10, as heavy rain coincided with a high tide of 2.8 m, temporarily overwhelming the nearby canal and roadside drains.

“PUB’s Quick Response Teams were deployed to flood-risk locations, including to Jalan Seaview to assist residents. They helped to pump water from flooded roads and distributed flood protection devices to residents,” said PUB.

What’s causing the rain and how to keep safe

The monsoon surge, marked by a sudden spike in wind speeds, is driving cold air southward in the South China Sea, leading to the unseasonably wet weather. 

According to the National Environment Agency, temperatures in some areas could drop to 22°C, and the rainy weather is expected to persist until January 13.

A prevailing north-east monsoon and record rainfall contributed to at least three flash floods in the final months of 2024, with the latest occurring on the evening of December 29. Areas such as Dunearn Road, Bukit Timah Road near King Albert Park, and Balmoral Road were affected.

On January 2, the Meteorological Service Singapore issued a La Nina watch, signaling the possibility of more rain in the coming months due to the climate phenomenon.

To keep safe in a flood, PUB, as part of its “Get Flood-wise in a Flash” campaign launched on Nov 20, 2024, posted on Facebook on January 9, advising the public to:

• Follow PUB flood alerts
• Learn how to be flood-ready
• Avoid flooded areas
• Share PUB flood updates
• Help others where possible

• Read our articles about Singaporean startups here.

Also Read: Spotting a gap in Malay cuisine, this S’porean family started a restaurant serving halal wine

Feature Image Credit: Alamy

Used by pro chefs like M’sia’s World Pastry Champions, Debic Cream Cheese is officially here

Professional chefs, bakers, and food service professionals in Malaysia now have a new, premium ingredient to add to their repertoire of staples: Debic Cream Cheese. 

Debic, a global leader in dairy solutions for professional chefs, has finally introduced its Debic Cream Cheese to the Malaysian market. 

Part of FrieslandCampina Professional, Debic understands the importance of dairy in the success of chefs and bakers. With that, Debic prioritises supporting professional pastry chefs with quality products that also offer convenience. 

The Debic brand first got its start in 1920, when a young milk collector by the name of Jean Debije began his career. He became so passionate about dairy products that he started his own business: Laiterie Debije, the foundation of Debic. 

From there, the business went through continual growth and revolutions. 

In 1972, they had a breakthrough innovation with the world’s first whipping cream in a spray can—something that we can now easily find in stores everywhere. This marks the brand’s dedication to innovation and convenience. 

Over the past 100 years, Debic has evolved from its origins as a milk collection company into a global brand trusted by chefs and bakers. 

During its Malaysian launch of the Debic Cream Cheese, we got to witness just how its cream cheese could be incorporated into world-class products through collaborative demonstrations from five notable bakeries.

Designed for the pros 

This included Chef Otto Tay & Chef Loi Ming Ai from Voilà Patisserie, Chef Ann Lee from Être Patisserie, Chef Kingsley Kwoh from Champignons Patisserie, Chef Jer Yenn Soo & Chef Venessa Tan from JY Food Lab, and Chef Arieni from Gula Cakery. 

If you love pastries, you would recognise many of the above names.  

Chef Otto Tay and Chef Loi Ming Ai, for one, are internationally recognised pastry chefs from Malaysia, having won the prestigious Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie (Pastry World Cup) in 2019. 

Meanwhile, Chef Ann Lee is the founder of Être Patisserie, which originated in Ipoh but has expanded to Kuala Lumpur last year. 

Chef Kingsley Kwoh, co-founder of Champignons Patisserie, boasts over 10 years of experience at Mandarin Oriental in Kuala Lumpur and Macau. 

Chef Jer Yenn Soo and Chef Venessa Tan co-founded JY Food Lab in 2016. The duo has experience in prestigious fine dining restaurants in France. 

And last but not least, Chef Arieni is the founder of Gula Cakery, a well-known bakery in Malaysia. 

These are the kinds of clientele that Debic and its newly launched Cream Cheese is designed for. 

Developing the local scene

Clearly, as showcased by the star-studded lineup at the Debic Cream Cheese launch, Malaysia’s patisserie scene has grown leaps and bounds over the years. These world-class chefs have been putting us on the world map for quality innovative bakes. 

It makes sense why a company like Debic would be launching more products here, supporting Malaysia’s growing patisserie scene. 

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

Also Read: Inside the exclusive programme for startups by Grab Malaysia, GXBank leaders & Endeavor Malaysia

Not your typical tourism agency: This S’porean biz helps football fans catch live matches

Mirza Salim, founder and director of Matchday Affairs, is not your average 42-year-old Singaporean.

From the young age of 10, he grew up ill for most of his life. He was diagnosed with brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM)—a rare condition where the blood vessels are tangled, creating irregular connections between the arteries and veins in the brain—at just 19 years old.

“I always thought I was normal; I learnt from a young age that I have to work harder than others—to work harder because of the illness that had handicapped me a little,” he added.

Hence, when he recovered from his fifth brain surgery, Mirza, a hardcore fan of the English football team Liverpool, became set to realise his dream of watching his favourite team play live.

Eventually, he flew with his wife to Anfield Stadium in Liverpool, England, in December 2016 to watch a match between Liverpool (his favourite team) and Manchester City to celebrate his recovery.

“And Liverpool won,” shared Mirza in an interview with The Straits Times in 2024.

The birth of Matchday Affairs

But thousands have not had the one-in-a-million opportunity to catch their favourite football team play live at their home stadium—leading Mirza’s wife to encourage him to start a football travel agency.

“My wife had a eureka moment, and it just went off from there,” he explained.

Before starting Matchday Affairs, Mirza worked in engineering as a draftsperson for 11 years before entering the hospitality industry in 2016, where he joined Quins Travel and Tours—a travel agency that focuses on organising Muslim-friendly trips.

During his three-year stint at Quins, Mirza shared that he gained industry know-how while observing and working for his in-laws, who own the agency. From customer management to booking flights and accommodations, he described his experience as his “apprenticeship programme.”

During this period, Mirza also organised his first tour to Anfield in 2017, allowing him to learn more about the football tourism industry firsthand. “It was different then. We just whack only with our first trip.”

Soon after, Mirza decided to venture out and launch Matchday Affairs as a full-fledged business in 2019. As for his starting capital, he started the business completely bootstrapped and claimed to have started the business with S$0.

I was in a unique position and lucky enough to start football tours under my in-laws’ travel agency. It was where I was able to get the feasibility and the proof of concept which led to the birth of Matchday Affairs in 2019. 

Mirza Salim, founder and director of Matchday Affairs

Solving the problems that football fans face

To watch a live football game, you’d need tickets—that alone is a challenge to many fans and the “most challenging and tricky” hurdle to Mirza.

Anyone can purchase tickets for in-person matches, especially from third-party websites. However, there is also a high possibility that these sellers might not be authorised, and fans risk receiving fake tickets or, worse, getting ghosted by them.

Matchday Affairs aims to eliminate fans’ concerns regarding ticketing. The company also handles the tedious logistics planning, allowing fans to focus on enjoying their matches.

However, establishing their ticketing network was no easy game. Mirza described the business’s early days as “scary and challenging” as they grappled with the uncertainty of their ticketing partner’s ability to deliver.

The company also had difficulty marketing its products to its desired audiences, spurring Mirza to enrol himself in courses to upskill and make a trip to the United Kingdom as a “dry run” for their proposed itinerary—all of which he said cost him approximately S$3,000 in total.

This became a worthy investment, allowing Matchday Affairs to grow its following and diversify its tours, curating the itineraries for four football teams: Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea.

The company has also established relationships with partnering companies to acquire match tickets and has developed a “stringent process” to verify and qualify them.

According to Mirza, its tour packages are priced around S$4,000-S$6,000 per person, and prices differ depending on the stage of the football season. He explained that the prices are determined based on several costs, including flights, accommodation, and stadium tours.

Keeping prices low in the travel industry is an ongoing challenge. As such, the company targets fans who “have disposable income,” particularly retirees in their 50s and 60s who have received their retirement funds.

While Mirza has chosen not to disclose the size of their profit margins, he stated that it’s “not bad.”

Since their first tour, Matchday Affairs has organised more than 50 tour groups, averaging 14 to 20 people each. He prefers to keep his tour groups of a similar size, although he has had groups of between 30 and 50 people.

Moving forward, Matchday Affairs aims to become Asia’s number-one football tourism agency. It also plans to expand to neighbouring markets, such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia, as they have larger fanbases of the English Premier League.

As for Mirza, he hopes that sharing his story can inspire others to pursue their dreams and ambitions, even when things aren’t always the easiest.

Never give up when life isn’t always smooth sailing. Always count your blessings. Be kind.

Mirza Salim, founder and director of Matchday Affairs

• Learn more about Matchday Affairs here.
• Read other stories we have written on Singaporean startups here.

Also Read: After being laid off from Meta, this S’porean invested 6 figures to start an adult diaper biz

Featured Image Credit: Matchday Affairs

KL Wellness City’s int’l hospital is set to launch in 2026, here’s what we know so far

Have you ever dreamt of a place where wellness isn’t just a buzzword but a way of life? Well, that seems to be exactly what KL Wellness City is striving for.

According to its website, KL Wellness City seeks to be the first township in Southeast Asia to cultivate a lifestyle fully integrated with healthcare. This is done by setting up a wide array of healthcare facilities and services, such as a fitness-based central park and wellness-centric serviced apartments.

But the main star of the healthcare hub is its international tertiary hospital called the Kuala Lumpur International Hospital (KLIH).

And as of January 2025, it’s now 40% completed and on track for its grand opening in Q3 2026, said Dato’ Dr Colin Lee, Managing Director of KL Wellness City, at a recent press conference. 

Here’s what we know so far about the new healthcare hub.

Did you know: Tertiary healthcare refers to specialised and advanced management, rehabilitation, and emerging therapies for complex medical conditions.

Source: Anglian Care

Aiming to meet global healthcare demands

Officially kickstarted in May last year, the first development phase of KL City Wellness is focused on KLIH and The Nobel Healthcare Park.

According to The Edge, with a gross development value of RM900 million for the first phase, KLIH and The Nobel Healthcare Park aims to be a cornerstone of healthcare innovation and community living.

“We are proud and pleased to announce that the construction of the hospital has already surpassed the 40% stage,” shared Dato’ Dr Lee. “This hospital is not just a key anchor for our township; it’s an iconic element that will redefine healthcare in Malaysia.”

When completed, KLIH will feature 25 operating theatres and 624 beds, with the capacity to expand to 1,000 beds. This approach highlights the hospital’s goal of catering to growing healthcare demands. 

As a tertiary hospital, it is also set to incorporate advanced technology like artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance its operations and become a “smart hospital.”

He also added that a major announcement about the procurement of these medical technologies is expected later this year.

The Nobel Healthcare Park, on the other hand, will house 379 medical suites for practitioners, 41 business suites for healthcare companies, and 512 wellness suites for short-term stays, The Edge reported.

Establishing Malaysia’s vision as a medical tourism hub

YB Teresa Kok Suh Sim, Member of Parliament (MP) for Seputeh, was also present at the recent press conference and stated, “KL Wellness City’s dedication to integrating world-class healthcare facilities with community living aligns seamlessly with our nation’s vision to establish Malaysia as a global hub for wellness and medical tourism.”

“We are inspired by their progress and eagerly anticipate the positive impact this initiative will
bring to our country.”

To further incentivise the sale of units at The Nobel Healthcare Park, KL Wellness City has been offering property buyers with complimentary AirAsia flight e-vouchers valued at RM15,000 since October 10, 2024.

During this campaign’s launch, Dato’ Dr Lee shared that this is one of the ways KL Wellness City intends to show their appreciation to purchasers. “Our goal is not only to reward their investments but also to enhance their quality of life by offering them the opportunity to travel and create lasting memories.”

This campaign was initially due to end on January 10, 2025, but it’s now been extended by three months due to overwhelming demand.

He also revealed that 35 to 40 buyers have already qualified for the tickets and there are many more in the pipeline. “By the end of the campaign, we hope to see even more units taken up,” he said.  

• You can learn more about KL Wellness City here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: Inside the exclusive programme for startups by Grab Malaysia, GXBank leaders & Endeavor Malaysia

Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post

A gamble that paid off: Cloversoft’s founders on 10 yrs of growth & the future of the brand

Cloversoft Singapore

I was convinced this RM450 smartwatch from China wouldn’t work well, did it prove me wrong?

Fine, I’ll admit it. I like to judge books by their covers. 

When I was first pitched Kospet, a smartwatch brand from China, I was immediately hesitant. The rugged look might be for some, but not me. 

But sporting an affordable price point of RM450, I thought it was worth checking out. And so, the brand sent over their Kospet Tank M3 Ultra to try. 

After over two weeks with it, has my mind changed?

The visuals 

Again, I must say that I’m not a big fan of the aesthetic. For ladies who prefer a more feminine look, Kospet’s rugged watches do come off a little too bulky. 

Out of the lot, though, the Tank M3 Ultra stood out to me the most. With a squarish face that is reminiscent of an Apple Watch, it looks the sleekest to me. 

Featuring black silicon bands and some metallic orange navigation buttons, the watch isn’t actually ugly, in case that’s what I’ve been making it sound like. For those fashionistas out there, I will say that it does complement sporty and casual looks. 

However, it does stick out like a sore thumb if you’re dressing up for a nice function or dinner. Due to the size of the watch face, I have gotten quite a number of comments about how off it looks. 

Perhaps a more delicate band would be useful, but Kospet only really has more masculine options available. Most of the watch faces also lean manly, but there are more minimalistic and custom designs you can pick out. 

But enough on the looks. Let’s get to the actual performance of the Kospet Tank M3 Ultra. 

The performance 

On my first day of using the watch, I was admittedly ready to pass it off as some cheap watch that did the bare minimum (I’m sorry, Kospet, but I must be honest). 

The reason for this was simple. I decided to update the watch, and instead of shutting down or showing a loading screen, the watch stayed on, and ended up glitching out. 

This was when I began thinking that I was right and that the watch wouldn’t actually be a worthwhile purchase, no matter how inexpensive. 

But when the watch finished updating, all the glitches cleared up, and I haven’t had any similar problems since—I had judged too soon. 

As an iPhone user, I’m pleased to say that the Kospet can link with Apple Health, which is great as I do refer to it for my step count, as well as need it to earn my WeWard points (an app that rewards you for walking). 

The watch has a ridiculously thorough list of activities, 170+ to be exact. This ranges from your typical walking to more obscure activities like… house chores? 

I also toggled on auto-recognition that detects when you’re working out, though it’s more limited, kicks in rather late, and does require confirmation from the user. 

The sleep tracking functions work decently, too, though there was one night that my watch must’ve been a bit off and thus didn’t actually track my sleep. I do wish that the watch could’ve somehow alerted me about that. 

My favourite part of the Tank M3 Ultra, though, has to be the battery life. 

This beast lasts a good week of light to average usage. I even went on an activity-packed trip where I hiked, sailed, and surfed with the watch on, and even used it for my morning alarm. 

And no, I didn’t have to charge it once during the three-day trip, and then some. Which was great, because I didn’t bring the charger in the first place. 

And yes, I did sail in the sea with this watch on, with salt water splashing around. The watch is IP69K, making it dive-proof, so I felt completely safe bringing it along on more extreme activities. 

Its stainless steel unibody build and Corning® Gorilla® glass screen also made me feel at ease—goodness knows my clumsy self has knocked the watch against a wall or two. 

The verdict 

To summarise, I was wrong. 

The Kospet Tank M3 Ultra was actually way, way, way more functional than I initially expected. Aside from what I mentioned, it can do a lot of your usual smartwatch things, too, like detect your heart rate, stress levels, and blood pressure. 

To support your wellness, it also reminds you to stand up after periods of inactivity, and you can use the app to track any fitness goals. On the topic of the app, I do find it quite simplistic, which I actually appreciate. 

There’s no question that this watch is chock-full of great features. But again, I must come back to the visual appeal, which is honestly the main barrier for me. 

With that in mind, I hope that Kospet will launch some more feminine designs down the road, widening its target demographic. 

• Learn more about Kospet here.
• Read other VP Verdicts we’ve written here.

VP Verdict is a series where we personally try and test out products, services, fads, and apps. Want to suggest something else for us to try? Leave a comment here or send the suggestion to our Facebook page

Also Read: Malaysia’s semiconductor industry is ramping up, here are the companies that are hiring now

Oversea Group debuts palace-themed seafood spot in Damansara, teases upcoming F&B hub in KL

Walking into the new Oversea Palace Seafood restaurant in Menara Lien Hoe, it felt like we were truly transported into a Chinese palace, complete with ornate murals and a “courtyard.” 

The location is now officially open, making it Oversea Group’s seventh outlet in the Klang Valley. The restaurant also has outlets in Ipoh and Genting Highlands. 

Although it focuses on seafood offerings with fresh catch on display for diners to pick, the new Chinese restaurant does also offer pork dishes. 

We were there to enjoy the restaurant’s Chinese New Year offerings. Sitting next to a faux peach tree, we enjoyed delicious dishes such as the Yee Sang, Prosperity Treasure Pot, and Hong Kong-style Claypot Waxed Meat Rice. 

A favourite of ours was the Golden Fish Maw Kampung Chicken Soup. Rich and umami, this soup was perfectly appetising. 

All Chinese New Year offerings will be available from now till Chap Goh Mei (February 12, 2025) at all Oversea Restaurant outlets—Imbi, Sri Petaling, 1Utama, Genting, Ipoh, and Oversea Palace Seafood. 

Beyond the seasonal menu, we also learnt that Oversea Group has a lineup of new openings for 2025. 

Oversea, over the decades

For those who haven’t had the pleasure of trying Oversea Restaurant, they are a homegrown company known for offering high quality Chinese fare. 

A listed company, the business got its start in 1977 when founder Yu Soo Chye and partners started the first Restoran Oversea in Jalan Imbi. 

Throughout the years, the group has received many awards and recognitions such as “Asia’s Finest Restaurants,” “Greatest Table in Kuala Lumpur,” and “Winner of World Gold Kitchen Cooking Grand Competition.” 

Their portfolio of businesses now encompasses Oversea Restaurant, Oversea Seafood, Oversea Palace Seafood, EMP KL, as well as Oversea Mooncake. 

But they aren’t stopping there. 

On an expansion spree 

During our dinner, Brenda Lee, the assistant general manager for Oversea Group, shared some updates on the group’s ambitions. 

To begin, the group has two locations in particular in the pipeline. There’ll be one outlet opening in Hartamas soon, catering to more of the Mont Kiara crowd. 

On a grander scale, the Group also intends to launch an exciting project in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. 

“We have a lifestyle and entertainment hub that is opening in Jalan Tun Razak, it’s called The Arch KL,” she announced. 

This will be a grand F&B dining experience right across from TRX, Brenda explained. 

Nowadays, community hubs seem to be quite the rage. It’s almost become a new kind of “mall” where unique F&B experiences are key. 

Just look at places such as REXKL, APW Bangsar, and Semua House, among other up-and-coming venues. 

With Oversea being such a beloved F&B group already, we can’t wait to see what their very own The Arch will bring to the local food scene.  

• Learn more about Oversea Group here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about F&B businesses here.

Also Read: Inside the exclusive programme for startups by Grab Malaysia, GXBank leaders & Endeavor Malaysia

Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post / Oversea Group

I tried booking flights directly from airlines, but here’s why Skyscanner won me over

[This is a sponsored article with Skyscanner.]

I recently came across a Skyscanner survey on the top travel trends for 2025, and suddenly, it hit me—I hadn’t made any travel plans for the year yet.

The survey contained a list of best-value destinations for 2025, and one particular location immediately stood out to me: Hobart, Tasmania.

I’ve always dreamt of visiting Tasmania and seeing the Southern Lights, which has been high on my bucket list.

They’re expected to peak in July 2025, and with flight prices down 14% compared to last year according to the survey, it felt like the perfect opportunity, so why not go for it?

Travel planning can be a test of patience

Like any budget-conscious traveller, I wanted to compare the best prices for visiting Tasmania.

The prime months to witness the Southern Lights are during winter, between May and September. However, since the aurora is expected to peak in July, I decided to narrow my search down to the months of June and July.

At first, I tried booking my flight directly through airline websites, but I encountered challenges particularly when trying to identify the best prices and flight options. 

More often than not, I had to manually select dates on the websites and compare prices across them, which was painfully tedious.

Even when airlines did offer price comparisons, they just weren’t comprehensive enough to be truly helpful.

Navigating these platforms was far from smooth, and their clunky interfaces made the whole process feel like a hassle.

A seamless experience from search to purchase

That’s when I checked out the Skyscanner mobile app.

Skyscanner compares flight deals and offers from more than 1,200 airlines and travel providers. Since I wasn’t sure when to depart and wanted to select the most affordable dates, I simply filled in my departure city and destination. 

The platform then generated a list of flights for each month, conveniently sorted from the most affordable to the priciest options. 

The search results showed that traveling from June 10 to June 18 was the most affordable option, so I decided to secure my booking right away. If you’re looking to make the most of your leave days, the app also lets you filter flights for long weekends or weekend getaways.

On desktop, the Skyscanner platform has a “Cheapest Month” tool that displays the starting prices for flights each month, allowing you to easily identify the most budget friendly times to travel to your destination.

Once you’ve chosen your preferred month, the platform can also generate a handy colour-coded calendar, making it easy to spot the best travel dates at a glance. Green dots indicate the most affordable dates, followed by yellow for moderately priced ones. Red dots mark the priciest options.

Another convenient feature I noticed on the Skyscanner app is that it provides additional information about flight options, including layover durations for connecting flights. Some of the airline websites I visited didn’t offer this information, so I had to manually calculate the waiting times myself, which added to the hassle.

The Skyscanner app even covers the finer details, like the layout of the plane, availability of power outlets, and in-flight entertainment. 

Overall, using the Skyscanner app was seamless from search to purchase. After finding the best flight option, the app redirected me to the relevant partner websites—in this case, Scoot and Jetstar—to finalise my booking. 

It made trip planning more transparent, quicker, and hassle-free, without needing to check multiple flight providers.

More useful tools to simplify vacation preparations

Beyond the easy search process that helped me secure the best deal for my trip, the platform also offers a range of other tools which can be useful in simplifying vacation preparations.

For instance, the Skyscanner app lets you create a Saved list to track the destinations you’re interested in and automatically receive price alerts whenever the airfare changes, so you are always updated on any price drops. 

Simply log in to your Skyscanner account and tap the heart icon next to the flight you’re eyeing to set up the alerts. You can even create separate Saved lists for all the different trips you’re planning.

Not sure where to travel? Just use the Everywhere Search tool and you’ll be shown the most affordable destinations for your preferred travel period or for all time.

Plus, if you need additional inspiration, the platform has recently launched an AI search feature on its app. You can ask the Savvy Search function for inspiration, and it’ll provide you with a curated list of travel recommendations and flight prices. 

In addition to flights, Skyscanner lets you book accommodation based on your preferences, with filters for hotel stars, ratings, or prices. You can also compare car rental prices from thousands of providers to find the best deals for your next trip.

Maximise your travel budget with Skyscanner

If you’re looking to book your vacation for 2025, make sure to check out Skyscanner’s 2025 Travel Trends survey too.

In addition to Hobart, Tasmania, the survey revealed the best value destinations for 2025, with other locations that have seen price drops of as much as 41% as compared to last year.

The survey also unpacks other travel trends, including the top trending destinations for Singaporeans next year. 

You can explore these insights and start planning your next trip by checking out the Skyscanner website here or by downloading the app here for Android, and here for iOS.

• Read other articles we’ve written about Singaporean startups here.

Also Read: YouTrip was my travel companion for my Vietnam trip – does it still offer best rates in 2023?

Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post

“Don’t build to exit”: Reformer Pilates pioneer The Flow Studio on scaling & bagging funds

It’s not every day a non-tech business closes institutional funding, much less a yoga studio. 

Yet, that’s something homegrown yoga and Pilates brand The Flow Studio has done, having raised an undisclosed amount of funding from Bintang Capital Partners just recently. 

And there’s a compelling reason why. 

Behind the flow 

The woman who started The Flow Studio is Tiffany Yow. 

Hailing from Malaysia, Tiffany was stationed in Melbourne for some years. In her past life, she was an investment banker, a field which had been populated with… well, people who weren’t like her. 

“It was quite a stressful environment. At the time, I was probably the only female in my team. I was also probably the only Asian in my team,” she told Vulcan Post. 

To unwind, she attempted going for various workout classes, but none of them stuck. In fact, she even dreaded going to them.  

It was finally in Reformer Pilates that she found resonance.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always been an active person,” Tiffany prefaced. “All throughout school, I was in gymnastics. I was in cheerleading, I was in ice skating, I was in running. So, I sat down and I thought about it, and I realised it was actually the environment.” 

In hindsight, she realised she disliked commercial gyms. They were oftentimes crowded and unpleasant with no personal touch or inviting ambience. 

But beyond the environment, it was also about the workout itself. After a high-stress job, Tiffany just didn’t have it in her to go for another high-intensity and high-energy workout.

“With Reformer Pilates, it’s low impact, it’s safe on your joints, but at the same time, after a month or two of going consistently, I was seeing results in my body,” she pointed out. 

When visiting family in KL, though, Tiffany realised that good classes were not readily available in Malaysia. No one really knew about the Reformer equipment, and those who offered it were doing it at an exorbitant price. The timing, too, was more catered towards those with more flexible schedules, such as retirees or stay-at-home parents. 

There was also a stigma that it was meant for those recovering from injury or have mobility issues. 

“A majority of our population are healthy, so why aren’t we programming the sessions to healthy bodies?” she wondered. 

Young and fit individuals opted for spin or HIIT classes because they could actually feel something. 

But Reformer Pilates could also offer that, with the right programming. This ambition was what led to the “Sweat, Burn, Shake” core principle at The Flow Studio. 

“Long story short, I noticed this gap in the market in KL of making Pilates fun, enjoyable, and accessible to everyone,” Tiffany concluded. “I wanted people our age to be doing this exercise. It’s not rehab, it’s prehab.” 

Believing in this mission, Tiffany quit her Melbourne job, built her signature method of programming classes, signed a lease in Bangsar, and opened The Flow Studio in August 2018. 

Educating clients and instructors

But what really sets the brand apart from the countless other studios around town? 

To Tiffany, it all boils down to education. 

All of The Flow Studio’s instructors are internationally certified. But more than that, they also undergo a rigorous internal training programme—even if they have been teaching elsewhere for decades. 

This course involves in-person lectures, class attendance, class observation, assessments, and ongoing mentoring. They’re also equipped to handle classes with students that have injuries or pregnancies. 

“As soon as your name is on our schedule, our students know that they’ll get a good quality class no matter whose class they attend,” Tiffany said. 

The studio has started offering their own Reformer Pilates Teacher Training Programme. 

“We were seeing a lot of instructors who had certifications, but when they came in to do the interview, we realised a lot of them are actually not ready to teach,” Tiffany said. 

Essentially, these instructors could memorise the text and repertoire memorisation, but that doesn’t actually translate into a good class. 

Leveraging their years of expertise, the team has combined the best bits of different training ideologies to create their own comprehensive programme. 

Tiffany pointed out that it’s started to get competitive in the Pilates training space too. There are people offering one-week or two-week training comprising all Pilates apparatus.

Meanwhile, The Flow Studio offers a two-week full-time programme on just the Reformer apparatus. From foundations of anatomy to learning about posture, The Flow Studio’s programme seeks to delve beneath the surface. 

Plus, it’s more affordable compared to all the licensed US-based training offered by other schools, since theirs is locally created. 

At the same time, there’s also education on the client front, explaining why quality classes are important, rather than just going for the most affordable classes at studios where instructors might not have the proper qualifications. 

Funding is easy, other values are hard

Starting out, Tiffany never thought about growing too big. 

Yet, even through the pandemic, the business was able to keep themselves in the green by renting out Reformers to people’s houses and doing online classes. 

With a solid business model, it made sense why investors and interested business partners were lining up to inquire about the business. 

But Tiffany knew she didn’t want to just partner up with anyone. 

“To me, money or capital is the cheapest thing,” she said. “It’s not very difficult to raise capital or get someone to invest in your business if your business is profitable, and it has a decent, good track record. What is difficult to find are partners that are also able to contribute, not just monetarily,” she said. 

It was through a friend that really believed in the business that she became connected with Bintang Capital Partners’ Johan Rozali-Wathooth. 

Through an informal conversation between the two, it became clear that The Flow Studio was a business worth investing in, especially from an impact standpoint. 

“Compared to a lot of businesses, we are female-led, and we also provide a lot of employment opportunities for women after having children. We employ single mothers and sponsor certifications,” she said.  

And on an environmental perspective, they have a low carbon footprint as Reformer equipment doesn’t require electricity. They’re also making a social impact as they are promoting mental health and physical wellbeing. 

Moreover, there was alignment. Instead of pushing them to scale rapidly, Bintang understood the sustainable approach that The Flow Studio wanted to take. 

Bringing this impact abroad

With this support from Bintang, The Flow Studio is readier than ever to bring their impact abroad. 

The Flow Studio is actually already in Singapore. In fact, they have three outlets —a great feat, considering that the fitness and Pilates market in the island is more mature and thus competitive compared to Malaysia. 

While that has presented challenges, Tiffany shared that their educational approach has remained effective in Singapore.

Leveraging this experience, Tiffany now wants to bring it to other countries where Reformer Pilates is still not as accessible yet. 

On top of that, they aim to extend HRD Corp-claimable programmes to target more corporate clients. 

Not building to exit

When asking the founder for business advice, there was just one thing that she shared—-don’t build to exit. 

“I know that’s a bit of a controversial thing to say in today’s world,” she said. 

Instead of building to get high valuation, she always wanted to create something sustainable to serve the community for years to come. 

“You have to be acutely aware that growing a business and running a business takes everything. You think that doing your passion, everything is very fun, it’s glamorous, and you’ll be doing something you love every day of your life. But it’s a lot tougher than working a full-time job,” she shared. 

“It’s very easy to start, but where does it go from there?”

She also thinks it’s vital for entrepreneurs to really integrate themselves into the business. 

From cleaning the rooms and manning the front desk to marketing and programming of classes, Tiffany has done it all. “I firmly believe that if you want to start a business, you also need to start from the bottom.”

Understanding each part of the business has allowed Tiffany to be equipped to bring her business to the next stage—not to exit, but to last. 

• Learn more about The Flow Studio here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Also Read: Inside the exclusive programme for startups by Grab Malaysia, GXBank leaders & Endeavor Malaysia

Featured Image Credit: The Flow Studio

Oriental Kopi will IPO on January 23, to raise RM183.96 million at 44 sen/share

If the snaking lines outside of various Oriental Kopi outlets are of any indication, the F&B chain has been consistently in high demand.

And that should be good news for investors, as Oriental Kopi’s listing on Bursa’s ACE Market has been scheduled for January 23.

It has set its initial public offering (IPO) price at 44 sen per share, and aims to raise RM183.96 million through the IPO.

According to The Edge, the company intends to use its IPO proceeds as follows:

• RM75.78 million will be used for working capital
• RM53.68 million will go to setting up a new head office, central kitchen, and warehouse
• RM36.4 million will be for the expansion of cafes within Malaysia
• The rest has been allocated for marketing activities in foreign countries, expansion of its brands of packaged food, and to defray listing expenses

Under the IPO, the company has set aside 60 million new shares for the public and 20 million shares for eligible persons, The Edge reported. 

Oriental Kopi will also sell 88.1 million new shares to select investors and 250 million shares to Bumiputera investors, both through private placement. 

Rapid growth that hasn’t gone unnoticed

Founded by Datuk Calvin Chan, his brother-in-law, Sean Koay Song Leng, and sister, Callie Chan Yen Min, the company has grown to 19 cafes across Malaysia and one in Singapore in four years.

It’s famous for its signature egg tarts (which are recognised by The Malaysia Book of Records for having the thickest crust), coffee, nasi lemak, and polo buns, to name a few menu items.

At the time of writing, 13 of the 19 cafes owned by the company in Malaysia have been certified halal, with the rest in the process of being certified.

According to The Star, all its packaged food products have been halal-certified, and are mostly sold in-store or through distribution channels such as supermarkets and ecommerce platforms.

The Edge reports that Oriental Kopi more than doubled its net profit to RM43.13 million in the financial year ended September 30, 2024.

Beyond these accolades and efforts, still not much can be publicly found about the company’s founding story. 

We hope that someday, there’ll be more opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to learn from Oriental Kopi’s founders’ business playbook.

• Learn more about Oriental Kopi here.
• Learn more about Bursa’s markets here.

Also Read: Inside the exclusive programme for startups by Grab Malaysia, GXBank leaders & Endeavor Malaysia

Featured Image Credit: Bernama / The Exchange TRX

This chef has been revamping Sandakan’s F&B scene to help keep young people in the aging town

Food is more than just physical nourishment. Beyond being a necessity, it’s a tangible form of culture and history. 

This is something that Linn Yong believes in passionately. Born in KL, she grew up in JB and commuted to and from Singapore daily from 9 to 20 years old. 

During her studies, Linn worked in the F&B industry, taking on roles from banquet waiter to Starbucks barista to cover the high living cost as a Malaysian studying in Singapore. 

It was when she got to travel and try new cuisines that she began thinking about food on a deeper level, intrigued by the history behind certain foods and cuisines. 

Why is Thai food Thai food? What are the subtle nuances between northern and southern Indian food, and how did those differences come about? How on earth did Chicken Tikka Masala become England’s national dish?

“In industrial design methodology there’s a saying—form follows function,” Linn pointed out. “It explains that things are designed the way they are to solve a problem.” 

By diving into each cuisine’s origins, she began to see how food does the same thing. It exists to do more than satiate. “Or god-forbid, for a fleeting snapshot on social media,” she said. 

Linn determined, “It’s an expression of our culture, heritage and identity. Nowadays a dining experience in a reputable restaurant run by celebrity chefs can even stand as bragging rights or go as far as being a gluttonous weapon of choice acting as a political soft power tool.”

This understanding and principle are apparent in her restaurants, one of which is San Da Gen Kopitiam.

Journeying into Sandakan’s F&B scene

As you may have picked up on, Linn actually has a background in Industrial Design, having worked in an MNC furniture company as a designer and merchandiser in Singapore for a few years. 

In 2008, she moved to Sandakan, where her husband Anton Ngui is from, to manage the old family heritage hotel. Called Nak Hotel, its heyday had been defined by patronage from lucrative timber tycoons and foreign delegates of colonial times. 

By 2016, they had revived the hotel to its former glory, offering it up as an affordable budget hotel with a stylish oriental twist. Their own Balin Rooftop Bar was also doing well. 

However, the ground floor space had been vacant ever since the previous tenant ended their contract. 

“We just couldn’t find any suitable takers because at that point, Sandakan town was on a steady population and economic decline as people moved upwards to spanking new townships by big developers,” she explained. 

The population was aging too, as young people who left to further their studies generally did not wish to return.  

That’s why she wanted to create a brand where they could bring in a breath of fresh air to the town, attracting young people and visitors alike while keeping it relevant and comfortable for the original demographic of old kopitiams. 

“We also wanted to encourage other businesses to explore the untapped potential of the unique old world charm Sandakan could offer,” Linn shared. 

With the blessing of her late father-in-law David Ngui and the rest of the family board, Linn, her husband, and their friend Teo Chee Kim decided to plough ahead with San Da Gen.

Three big spoons

San Da Gen translates to three big spoons or mouthfuls, anglicised to sound like Sandakan in Hakka, the most commonly spoken dialect in the area.

The eatery serves up classic Malaysian breakfast dishes like nasi lemak and kaya toast, as well as innovative homages to nostalgic flavours like dried shrimp sambal tossed noodles, paired with a chicken chop coated with Hup Seng Cream Crackers. 

Pastries are also a strong suit of theirs. In fact, San Da Gen is a proud purveyor of UFO or Cow Pad Tarts that originated in the 60s to 70s in Sandakan.

“I wouldn’t be exaggerating to say that 10 years ago, you could only order UFO tart from one or two very, very old bakeries, even though it’s a pastry item that was unique to Sandakan,” Linn said.  

But thanks to San Da Gen Kopitiam, everyone from home bakers to coffee shops in KL now make and sell them. 

“We can’t say we single handedly revived the nostalgic pastry, but I certainly believe we have contributed to its rise in popularity,” Linn said. 

They also offer unique special treats like white rabbit ice potong sandwiched between a soft sweet bread roll, topped with crushed peanuts. 

“I wasn’t one of those lucky ones with an aunty or grandma to trawl recipes from,” Linn shared. “A lot of it was research from books or online, then trial and error.”

This is reflective of their mission statement from the get go—tribute to the old and inspiring the new. 

Underscoring that ambition is the kopitiam’s status as a community centre of sorts. It hosts workshops, talks, tourist info, and even culinary classes. 

“Because for us, beyond getting your kopi fix, the Malaysian kopitiam culture serves as a hub for the hottest town gossip, animated pre-election debates, and a space to connect people of all races and income groups,” Linn said. 

“Though we may not have spelt these values of our business out explicitly, over the years we’ve developed a very loyal customer base who supports us because they understand and support the vision too. One that is of a valiant attempt to revive our dying township…. be it one Cowpad Poop Tart at a time.”

Balancing numerous brands

Today, Linn juggles San Da Gen with Balin Rooftop Garden Bar & Bistro and their newer Limau and Linen brand. 

“Forget about it, you won’t find that balance,” she said when asked about how she balances her roles. “Literally impossible to find a balance between all the roles I play at work or even at home.”

While there are days she feels incapacitated by guilt over her outlets, Linn has learnt that having a good support system such as diligent department heads and even long-time loyal customers sometimes really helps. 

“I think it starts with accepting you can’t be everywhere all at once and understand that though you can control most of the perimeters through good management structure, it does take some time and luck to put the right team of people in place to bring brands to life,” Linn shared.

Becoming a local stalwart

Over the years, Linn and her husband have managed to really establish their F&B brands as staples in the scene. Linn does consider themselves to be pioneers in town, having sustained Balin Roof Garden Bar & Bistro for around 16 years, while San Da Gen Kopitiam is in its ninth year. 

However, challenges are still abound. For one, there’s a newly opened franchised modern Nanyang-style kopitiam right opposite of San Da Gen now. 

“Naturally the team is extremely nervous about the threats ahead, but I am quietly confident in our product,” Linn said. “Maybe it’s not such a bad thing that they are bringing the crowds back into town too.”

This year, the company plans to implement some big changes, such as sourcing ingredients locally and operational shifts. She’s even toying with the idea of starting a small farm to grow some typically imported items. 

“KL, JB, and SG all have a special place in my heart, I still go there to look for inspiration,” Linn shared. “But Sabah and its untapped potential is what really excites me as an entrepreneur. 16 years later, I feel like it’s only the beginning for us all as a team.”

“San Da Gen Kopitiam in particular has seen some high highs and low lows, but let’s just say for now it is enough to keep us three spoons fully well fed and happy to keep going.”

• Learn more about San Da Gen Kopitiam here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about F&B businesses here.

Also Read: 5 reasons Tokyo makes an ideal launchpad for M’sian & S’porean startups to scale globally

Featured Image Credit: San Da Gen Kopitiam

To popularise vegetarian food, these bros expanded their restaurant from JB to Bangsar

In August 2024, a new two-storey restaurant popped up in the affluent address of Bangsar. 

This is Roots, a restaurant that refuses to let its vegetarian menu limit its offerings. 

The brand actually hails from Johor, founded by brothers Ian, Sean, and Chee Seng—each of whom boast a different background and skillset. 

A trio of brothers 

A biomedical engineer by education, Ian spent the majority of his career working as a marketeer. 

Sean’s experience with F&B extends a little deeper, having worked in the industry since he was 18. 

Two years into his career there, Sean decided to pursue a vocational baking course. Upon completion, he worked at a German artisan bakery shop in Jurong West and joined notable bakery brands such as Simply Bread and Swissbake, and even hotels such as St. Regis and One Farrer Hotel.

He also travelled to countries such as Taiwan, Japan, and Germany to deepen and broaden his industry knowledge, ranging from technical skills to merchandising know-how.    

Meanwhile, Chee Seng graduated as an IT analyst in NUS back in 2011. The youngest of the three, he handles HR matters and accounting. 

Before founding Roots, though, the three brothers had experience with another business, vburg Cafe & Bakery, which was founded in 2016. 

The business is still alive today, but unfortunately, only the bakery aspect is maintained, as the cafe was closed down during the pandemic. 

Not ones to give up, the three brothers joined hands with Chef Wilson Haw and founded The Roots Bistro brand in May 2022, with their first outlet in Mount Austin, Johor. 

Reducing the stigma around vegetarian food

You might be wondering at this point—why vegetarian food?

Well, the three siblings have actually been vegetarian since birth. 

“We often find that the landscape of vegetarian and vegan foods in Malaysia lack the ability to change the stigma over vegetarian foods,” the brothers explained. 

With that mission in mind, the brothers have been trying to push the boundaries and introduce various cuisines in a vegetarian format since vburg Cafe. 

This way, they aim to reach vegetarians and also non-vegetarians, a demographic they hope to change the minds (but not necessarily lifestyles) of. 

Having received positive feedback in Johor, they decided to expand to KL. The founders chose the Bangsar location for its diversity of customers that comprise different backgrounds. 

“The response in KL is quite high due to its high population density,” they shared. “The vegetarian and vegan community is also much larger compared to Johor Bahru.”

Even though JB does receive a good crowd coming in from Singapore, they share that their targetable demographic is still bigger in KL. 

With that, there’s also increased competition. “Hence, we have to keep up the pace to innovate more cuisines that aren’t just creative but also taste great to attract more non-vegetarians to enjoy the foods,” they determined. 

The Johor outlet has ceased operations since October 31, 2024, though, due to the lease ending. 

But don’t worry, they plan to reopen in the second quarter of 2025.

Pushing the boundaries of vegetarian food

At Roots, typical vegetarian food isn’t the goal. Rather, they’re always on the hunt to create unique dishes from various cuisines that can be “veganised” to accommodate the growing community of plant-based eaters. 

Leveraging their nine years of bakery experience with vburg, Roots creates their own sourdough, using their levain that has been cultured for nine years. 

This sourdough is also used in their pizzas, which offer a variety of vegetarian toppings. 

“We are aiming to launch vegan pizza with nice vegan cheeses in coming months,” they added. 

According to the founders, their Orh-luak/Orh-jian (oyster omelette) is well-received by meat-eaters too despite coming without the oysters. For some who don’t mind processed meat, they enjoy the restaurant’s Trio-plant based meat with Ginger Sesame Oil Basmathi Rice.

There are also fusion dishes such like Nasi Lemak Risotto and Sambal Petai Sourdough Pizza, which they admit can be very polarising. 

“These dishes are good to let some adventurous diners explore unique combinations,” they said. 

With plants, for plants

Aside from serving plant-based foods, which in itself involves lower carbon footprints, the business is also actively trying to be environmentally conscious. 

“As much as we can, we try to reduce the use of processed meat. Even the processed meat we used are locally-made instead of other international big brand,” they said. 

By “meat,” they are of course referring to “mock” meat. 

“We are also trying to practise using clean-labelled products if available, such as the jackfruit mushroom patty,” they said, referring to Nanka, a homegrown brand.

Currently, the Roots team is also working with local farmers to use their fresh lion’s mane mushroom instead.  

They’re also planning to launch a “Bring Your Own Container” programme, having noticed that more and more walk-in customers opt for takeaway.

Growing from the roots 

Although the three brothers have managed to steadily grow their F&B brands over the years, a challenge they continue to face is consistency in quality and standards. 

“This often boils down to the streamline of SOP and training of staff,” they shared.  

Aside from reopening their Johor Bahru branch, they plan to return to KL and expand their footprint there. 

“We are planning Roots to encompass various countries and cultures of vegan and vegetarian cuisines to deliver a full range of meatless experiences,” they shared about the business’ future. 

The brothers also reveal that they’re aiming to open in Singapore as well as other parts of Southeast Asia in the next three to five years.

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

Also Read: Meet 5 M’sian founders who made it & are now helping to grow the next gen of startups

Featured Image Credit: Roots