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July 2, 2015

Evy, Donat Kentang

1. Introduce yourself and briefly describe your background.

This business was born from the owner who wants to have her own business and hope this business can be a new place for people who do want to work for others.

2. Why did you decide to go into this business? How long has it been established?

We’re in into business world for being better to share our time between work and family.

3. Describe your range of products and services. What is your top offering?

The product that we sell is potato donut with sugar topping with various fruit flavours. Our product is unboring to see because buyers can see how to make donut on the spot. We promote our product by putting advertisements on tabloid, website, media social, and exhibition.

4. Who are your clients / customers? Why do they select you over others?

All of the ages are love our donut. Beside we have an unique topping, potato donut is an healthy snacks. And they buy our donut because our donut is delicious, unique, cheap, but healthy.

5. Provide an overview of your franchise. Highlight its special features and benefits.

The uniqueness of our product is how we concept the place to sell our donut. Usually, donut is sell on the store, but we try to modify it in to a form of booth. The benefit of our product is, the donut that we made are made of pure blended potato, and potato is one of healthiest foods for us.

6. Can you describe the profile of your typical franchisee? How do you choose them?

Type for our franchisees:
• people who have sufficient funds to pay the franchise fee
• people who is optimist
• people who are diligent and not give up easily

7. Have you turned down prospective franchisees? What are some of the reasons?

Yes we have. There are some reasons:
• the location they choose isn’t strategic
• have no enough money to pay

8. What kind of support, assistance and advice will you be providing to your franchisees?

The assistance we do : training, promoting, and supplying.
The motivation we share : we motivate our franchisees for having more outlets to gain more profit.

9. What is the anticipated duration between start-up and profitability for your franchisees?

Our profit anticipate : we motivate our franchisees with they will get back their capital (+- 3 months)

10. What are the future plans for your business (range of offerings, geographical reach, franchise system etc)?

Our future plan for our product is we have so many franchisees in Indonesia and Malaysia that are loyal and have a good relation with us by follow the international event or exhibition. We search a master stage for Malaysia ( 1 franchisees, for 1 stage) ex : Johor, KL, Johor Baru, etc.

11. Words of wisdom for all aspiring franchisees

Success has been seen in front of us, so don’t hesitate to join and become our franchisees, because every good and honest business that we do is always be blessed by God.

12. Please give your contact details so that your target prospective franchisees will know how to reach you.

Contact person : +6281807800808, +6285101244412, +6281297110059,
Pin bb : 2AFAA232
www.donatkentangpdo.com

Filed Under: FIM2015, Participant Interviews

July 2, 2015

Lim Choon Wei, Charisma

1. Introduce yourself and briefly describe your background.

Formula 1 Official Lounge jewellery show reducedI am Lim Choon Wei, 46. I am a Graduate Gemologist and Jewellery Designer from GIA in 1992. After working for a few years with some reputable jewellers in the city as jewellery designer and sales managers.

2. Why did you decide to go into this business? How long has it been established?

Most of the jewellers at that time are selling imported mass produced jewellery, I felt there was a need for specialized designed jewellery shop in the market. In addition to use the skill I have learned. In 1999 I started my own company 4C Jewellery.

3. Describe your range of products and services. What is your top offering?

Green Quartz & Diamonds Bangle ReduceWe establish ourselves as designer`s jewellery shop. We design and make our jewellery,100% made locally. Customers can select their favourite colour loose stones from our inventory. And we customize it for them. Jewellery appraisal and gem stones identification (to tell genuine or fake), is also part of our service. Price of jewellery making is depending on the customer budget(from RM3,000 to any size of stones and diamonds that customers are looking for.

4. Who are your clients / customers? Why do they select you over others?

Our customers are the rich and famous in the city. All our jewellery are one of a kind as they are made from fine quality gemstones, diamonds and workmanship.

5. Provide an overview of your franchise. Highlight its special features and benefits.

Our franchise models is to provide more affordable and fine quality designer pieces to the customer.

6. Can you describe the profile of your typical franchisee? How do you choose them?

Shop exterial  reducedWe are looking for people who are passionate about good design jewellery especially those who are working as a jewellery designer. Through our franchising program, financial and manufacturing assistance will be provided.

7. Have you turned down prospective franchisees? What are some of the reasons?

No, because we are still looking for prospective franchisee.

8. What kind of support, assistance and advice will you be providing to your franchisees?

We will provide everything to make sure the shop is running professionally that will include any kind of gemstone/diamond sourcing,custom design service to the franchisee if the franchisee is not a trained jewellery designer, product knowledge training and online stock sharing system.

9. What is the anticipated duration between start-up and profitability for your franchisees?

Within a year, depending on the location of the store.

10. What are the future plans for your business (range of offerings, geographical reach, franchise system etc)?

We are planning to set up our franchise outlet in major cities of peninsular Malaysia.

11. Words of wisdom for all aspiring franchisees

Creating jewellery pieces that make people talk. We believe the new generation of people buying jewellery pieces not only for the value but for the unique design that meet their lifestyle.

12. Please give your contact details so that your target prospective franchisees will know how to reach you.

charisma_m_logowww.charismadesignerjewellery.blogspot.com
charisma.jewellery@gmail.com
phone no: +603-20720002

Filed Under: FIM2015, Participant Interviews

July 2, 2015

Jeffrey Leong, I Love Yoo!

1. Introduce yourself and briefly describe your background.

I Love Yoo OutletJeffrey Leong, co-founder of the brand I Love Yoo! and with over 15 years experience in the F&B industry.

2. Why did you decide to go into this business? How long has it been established?

Our products are mostly available in morning/night markets, so we decided to bring these comfort food into the mall scenes to allow everyone to enjoy them at any time during mall operation hours. We have been established since 2007.

3. Describe your range of products and services. What is your top offering?

Set_CWe offer freshly made fried items like Yoo Cakoi, Fried Buns, Butterfly Bun & Mix Bun, Sesame Balls, Porridge, Soya Bean & Toufu Fa and Coffee. Our top offering is our Yoo Cakoi.

4. Who are your clients / customers? Why do they select you over others?

Anyone and everyone who likes our products. Our products are freshly made at the outlet.

5. Provide an overview of your franchise. Highlight its special features and benefits.

Affordable franchise fee RM40K for 5 years. Training provided, recipes and ingredients supplied from central kitchen, SOP and operation manual provided, franchisees do not have to go through these hassles of starting a new business.

6. Can you describe the profile of your typical franchisee? How do you choose them?

Dedicated and genuine franchisee keen to start an F&B business. Our BOD chooses based on their proposal.

7. Have you turned down prospective franchisees? What are some of the reasons?

We have. Location proposed not good and was rejected.

8. What kind of support, assistance and advice will you be providing to your franchisees?

Training provided, recipes and ingredients supplied from central kitchen, SOP and operation manual provided. Advice and consultation on set-up and operations of outlet.

9. What is the anticipated duration between start-up and profitability for your franchisees?

This depend on location and its sales.

10. What are the future plans for your business (range of offerings, geographical reach, franchise system etc)?

We plan to add more local comfort street food to our menus and also open more outlets throughout Malaysia and overseas.

11. Words of wisdom for all aspiring franchisees

Be passionate and dedicated to serving customers with good quality comfort food. Do not cut corners just because of wanting to make money and affect the quality of the food served.

12. Please give your contact details so that your target prospective franchisees will know how to reach you.

ILoveYooLogowww.iloveyoo.com.my, Office no. 03-79827693

Filed Under: FIM2015, Participant Interviews

July 2, 2015

Elvina Ooi and Kelly Tang, Paddington House of Pancakes

1. Introduce yourself and briefly describe your background.

photo1reducedPaddington House of Pancakes (PHOP) was founded by Elvina Ooi, and Kelly Tang. Both used to work as Equity Analysts with foreign stock broking and asset management companies before venturing into F&B. Both founder and co founder are qualified Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA).

2. Why did you decide to go into this business? How long has it been established?

PHOP was founded in 2004 when we (the founders) decided to start something on our own due to the volatile nature of the financial services industry. Before establishing PHOP, we ventured into a small neighbourhood cafe called Elly’s table in 2002 as a testing ground to confirm if F&B was something we were capable of as both of us do not have any F&B background and experience. Elly’s table served a small menu of pancakes, cakes, sandwiches & great coffee. It was when we hear customers calling the cafe the pancake place (although the cafe only serve very limited pancake items) that the idea of starting a full fledged pancake house was born. We see potential in pancake houses in Asia as there were none in Asia. Pancakes are simple everyday comfort food and who doesn’t like pancakes?

3. Describe your range of products and services. What is your top offering?

poster-theamericandreamreducedPHOP loves pancakes and waffles more than anything. When we started PHOP, we had very low expectations on diners’ acceptance of a pancake house that served hot savoury pancake meals. We just did it out of passion and our love for pancakes. Started in 2004, PHOP is the first specialty pancake restaurant in the region that serves over 100 types of pancakes from all over the world and our own specialty range. All our products are handmade and freshly made upon orders. PHOP is a full service restaurant serving hearty pancake meals. Our menu offering is extensive and is capable of satisfying diners of all ages and tastes. Our food can be savored at any time of the day, ranging from breakfast, brunch, lunch, tea, dinner and supper.

4. Who are your clients / customers? Why do they select you over others?

Most of our patrons are families and young working professionals. We take pride in serving only wholesome and healthy food. Our main competitive advantage is our unique menu, our vast offering and our passion of serving only perfectly flipped pancakes. We strive to create a ‘WOW factor’ in every meal we serve.

5. Provide an overview of your franchise. Highlight its special features and benefits.

PHOP offers a full business format franchise. We are a registered franchisor with the Malaysian government since 2012. Franchisees have the choice of a shop or a kiosk franchise. We understand that business environment, competitive landscape and culture differ from country to country. Hence, relative to other franchises, we consider our franchise to be flexible. All franchisees are only required to purchase two items from us – our proprietary pancake premix and our pancake syrup. The rest will be sourced locally with our guidance and approval.

6. Can you describe the profile of your typical franchisee? How do you choose them?

Young (below 35), passionate, committed, energetic and full of drive to succeed. Must have the never give up attitude. Financially, they must have sufficient liquid funds to sustain at least 6 months working capital. We prefer franchisees who are open and are willing and good followers. No F&B experience is required but franchisees must love pancakes as much as we do.

7. Have you turned down prospective franchisees? What are some of the reasons?

Yes. Age, character, personality that does not match our requirement. Others due to weak financial standing and weak commitment.

8. What kind of support, assistance and advice will you be providing to your franchisees?

Everything from pre-set up, set up, to opening & running the outlet. We provide support and guidance in all areas of operations, financial management and HR. This is a full business format franchise and we do not keep any secrets from our franchisees. In fact, our knowledge transfer is so complete that franchisees can even open & manage any restaurants if they want to.

9. What is the anticipated duration between start-up and profitability for your franchisees?

6 months to 9 months to be profitable. We expect investment payback of not more than 24 months if franchisees follow our advice and recommendation diligently.

10. What are the future plans for your business (range of offerings, geographical reach, franchise system etc)?

Currently we have franchisees in Malaysia, Singapore. Brunei and Macau. We intend to expand our business internationally to China, Japan, Korea, India, the Middle East and South Africa. Eventually we hope to have a presence in Europe and US.

11. Words of wisdom for all aspiring franchisees

Believe in yourself. Remember that life is like pancakes. It all depends on how you flip it!

12. Please give your contact details so that your target prospective franchisees will know how to reach you.

PHOP_LogoModified_FA_BW_croppedwww.paddingtonpancakes.com, email : franchise@paddingtonpancakes.com

Filed Under: FIM2015, Participant Interviews

July 2, 2015

Dato Kenny Yee, House Of Leather

1. Introduce yourself and briefly describe your background.

Photo reducedMy name is Dato Kenny Yee. A Malaysian businessman who ventured into Indonesia in 1990’s. Founder of PT Winn Appliance in Indonesia which engaged in manufacturing and retailing of household gas appliances under its established brand “Winn Gas” in Indonesia market. In 2012, Dato Kenny Yee bought over the entire 100% stake in H.O.L Chain Store (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd which operate House of Leather, Kaufmann and Country Hide concept stores. Since then, he has upgraded the concept store design to enhance the customer’s shopping experience and expanded the business rapidly beyond Klang Valley.

2. Why did you decide to go into this business? How long has it been established?

House of Leather was established in 1996 with almost 2 decades of history. Dato decided to venture in House of Leather retailing business as he is able to value add into this business based on his manufacturing and retailing background for the past 20 over years in Indonesia. Further, House of Leather has substantial followers with more than 90,000 privilege card members which provide valuable marketing database.

3. Describe your range of products and services. What is your top offering?

_MG_1266 reducedOur products ranges from varieties of office bags to casual bags and travelling bags and luggage. We also sell small items accessories such as wallets and belts to complement our main products. Our products cater for both women and men. We carry established brands such as Bugatti, Kaufmann, Country Hide, Carlton, Bruno Manfred, La Pagayo etc. We provide after sales services and a large range of our product comes with warranty. We do not have a fixed top offering products as the design of the products change rapidly and we have more than 1,000 models. Generally, for those looking for formal office attire accessories and bags, our Kaufmann and Bugatti leather range of products are very popular. Those who prefer outdoor casual bags, most of them will look for Country Hide’s leather range of products. As for luggage, our Bruno Manfred and Carlton luggage offer varieties of design and functions.

4. Who are your clients / customers? Why do they select you over others?

Our customers are mainly from middle and higher middle segment. I guess House of Leather is one of the few bags retailers that has been around in the market for about 20 years. In fact we are one of the pioneer and hence, we provide proven reliability and assurance of our products to our customers.

5. Provide an overview of your franchise. Highlight its special features and benefits.

We have just recently embark on franchise business for House of Leather concept store. One of our special features is that we don’t charge royalty as we believe in win-win partnership. Franchisee will obviously benefited from our huge database of privilege card memberships for marketing purposes and its long established brand name of almost 2 decades in the market.

6. Can you describe the profile of your typical franchisee? How do you choose them?

_MG_1269 reducedWe would prefer owner operate franchisee. We do not prefer typical investor who are not hands on. We will screen them through interview for their past experience and their track record of financial standing. We are looking for quality franchisee and not quantity. We would prefer to have say 10 franchisee running 50 franchise stores (5 franchise stores each) as compared to having 50 franchisee running 50 franchise stores (one franchise store each). Hence, we are looking at franchisee who has the potential or quality of running a chain of franchise stores in the long term.

7. Have you turned down prospective franchisees? What are some of the reasons?

We have many enquiries and parties who are interested and hence, we have to turn down some of them. One of the common reason for turning down is that they stay too far away from the location they choose to operate as we want an assurance that they will manage the store personally especially their maiden store. We also turn down if we find that the potential candidate does not possess the necessary charisma to run this business. Retailing business requires an extrovert type of person and willing to spend their weekend to manage the store as weekend is the golden hours for retailers.

8. What kind of support, assistance and advice will you be providing to your franchisees?

We will provide training, pre and post commencement of franchise business. We will also provide on-going visual marketing display, marketing and promotion assistance and advice our franchisee on unique selling points of our new range of products from time to time.

9. What is the anticipated duration between start-up and profitability for your franchisees?

Generally, we are targeting ROI (Return of Investment) of 2 to 3 years depending on location.

10. What are the future plans for your business (range of offerings, geographical reach, franchise system etc)?

Geographically, we are targeting South East Asia market. Having said that, we may explore other regions as well as currently we do have enquiries from Middle East market and Eastern Europe countries.

We intend to expand our range of offerings and will be launching Kaufmann, The Apprentice Series soon to cater for young executives market. As for the franchise system, we will upgrade from time to time where necessary.

11. Words of wisdom for all aspiring franchisees

The fashion retailing franchise business demands immediate and proactive reaction, a consistent determination and drive, essential qualities to tie all these qualities together. Being successful at the early stage of business does not mean the journey has ended- in fact, it has just begun. They should always wary about accepting the fact that they are successful. On the contrary, they must think that they still need improvement and it is this attitude that has translated into providing the best shopping experience to their customers.

12. Please give your contact details so that your target prospective franchisees will know how to reach you.

HOUSE-OF-LEATHER LOGO reducedWebsite address: www.houseofleather.com.my
Tel: 603 6280 2898
Contact Person: Puan Wan Nor (wannor@house-of-leather.com) and Miss Daris Cheah (daris@house-of-leather.com)

Filed Under: FIM2015, Participant Interviews

July 2, 2015

Suzette Harris, Seaventures Dive Rig

1. Introduce yourself and briefly describe your background.

_JBP6801reducedMy name is Suzette Harris and I am the owner and MD for Seaventures Dive Rig, the only converted rig that is now used as a diving platform in Mabul , Sabah.

2. Why did you decide to go into this business? How long has it been established?

The idea of recycling the Rig to be used for something else was from my father in law Tan Sri Harris Mohd Salleh who thought a decommissioned rig still had a lot of potential. It was refurbished and towed to Mabul in 1997 where it sits till today.

3. Can you describe your services (and products etc)? What is your top offering?

We are a diving resort offering a complete diving holiday trips to Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai . From airport transfers to room and board and daily boat diving trips. We also offer a full range of diving training from the Discover Scuba to becoming an instructor.

4. Who are your clients / customers? Why do they select you over others?

Rig1_S_ResreducedWe have varied customers from all over, the large number from China, a good number of local tourists, then followed by UK and Australia, Thailand, Europe. We are a unique facility and being the one and only dive Rig in the world offering a different kind of experience and that gives us an advantage .

5. How has technology, such as computers and the Internet, impacted on how you serve or conduct business?

Technology and the Internet has a major impact on our business, it is the platform with which we market ourselves. It’s how the world sees us, and it’s how we communicate with our market and business is transacted.

6. Do you plan to expand (range of offerings, service areas, geographical reach etc.)? If yes, how? If no, why not?

I hope to turn Seaventures into a PADI Career Development Dive Center in the near future, so we can dedicate the business to professional development beyond regular instructor training. Thus offering vocational orientated continuing education training to prepare individuals for dive industry careers and provide job placement services within the industry.

7. What are the biggest issues (serving your clients, running your business etc)?

To maintain the Rig in good condition as maintenance is the major expense hence making us not price competitive in the region that is fast becoming a backpackers haven. We have much higher overheads like a boat versus huts. Human resources is another challenge, in particular, to find good skilled workers who are willing to work on a confined remote location. Many prefer to work on the islands versus being limited by the confined space.

8. What do you wish you’d done differently?

I don’t know, there isn’t anything I can think off at the moment. I have done the best that I could and there aren’t any regrets, each was part of a learning curve .

9. What are you glad you did?

I am glad I chose to focus on diverting the operation from fun diving to offering more focused and specialized diving. Our location being set in the sea makes it perfect for any diving training. The ease of adding gear and jumping into the sea were key points in helping us head into the training ground.

10. Where do you see yourself and your business in a year’s time?

I would like the business to grow, market segment to be larger and name more established as a serious diving resort not only offering more technical and specialized diving but as a serious training center .

11. Words of wisdom

Not to give up and always be willing to learn and adapt to changes in the market. To do the right thing always and maintain standards. In time it always pays off. I can’t think of any more quotes to give except to say that we’re always learning and always growing.

12. Please give your contact details so that your target audience will know how to reach you.

seaventureslogoconvertedwww.seaventuresdive.com .
Tel +60(88) 251669

Filed Under: MIDE2015, Participant Interviews

June 29, 2015

Nor’ Azlan Mohd Zain and Noriza Abdul, ED Scuba

1. Introduce yourself and briefly describe your background.

We, Nor’Azlan Mohd Zain and Noriza Abdul, are the owners of ED Scuba. ED Scuba is the city based scuba diving training center and scuba shop that fulfill the busy schedules of the urban people lifestyles. ED Scuba provides training for people to do Try Out Scuba or any Certifications from the Open Water to the Instructors level. ED Scuba also have a full range of scuba gears with affordable prices. We do not only sell the scuba gears, we do educate the buyer on the functionality and quality of each products sold in our shops and will try to match their budget.

2. Why did you decide to go into this business? How long has it been established?

ED Scuba was started for the love of the ocean. Malaysia has great and beautiful oceans, precinct waters and more than 300 species of marine life (one of the most marine life creatures in the world). We hope to encourage divers from all over the world to come and experience Malaysia’s marine life. ED Scuba is established in 2008

3. Can you describe your services (and products etc)? What is your top offering?

Services offered:
Try Out Scuba for Non-Divers
Scuba Rangers program (8-12 years old)
Open Water, Specialities to Dive Professional Certification and Instructors Training Courses
Respond Right/First Aid Programs
Ecological & Volunteerism Program & Events
Selling and rental of Dive Equipments
Diving Trips & Events

Top Offering:
Ecological & Volunteerism Program & Events
Scuba Rangers and Open Water Certifications

4. Who are your clients / customers? Why do they select you over others?

From individuals to corporate clients from all over the world. Selection maybe due to the standard of services offered.

5. How has technology, such as computers and the Internet, impacted on how you serve or conduct business?

It does help, in line with the current technology of teaching via online offered by dive agencies, also when we are to promote our services and events and to stay in touch with our clients/prospects.

6. Do you plan to expand (range of offerings, service areas, geographical reach etc.)? If yes, how? If no, why not?

Yes, probably being a distributor to new dive equipment range and have our own dive centre/resort at one of the island

7. What are the biggest issues (serving your clients, running your business etc)?

Price war in terms of open water course, cost of going to the island keep on increasing, affecting the bottom line.
Good and loyal staff and dive professionals
Challenge in convincing the parents to let their young to participate in scuba rangers program

8. What do you wish you’d done differently?

Placing greater priority to ecological & volunteerism programs and the development of young divers from the age of 8 and also dive events and trips

9. What are you glad you did?

Since our establishment as a dive center, we have created a dive site in Pulau Redang, Terengganu where it was once a bare, clear sandy bottom. We deployed several artificial reefs and created a diverse and healthy environment for corals to grow and house number of marine life. We carry out monitoring, under water clean up and research on the deployed area to increase their bio-diversity. This is done by more than 100 divers (Volunteers) in our annual event “MERDEKA CONSERVATION DIVE”.

10. Where do you see yourself and your business in a year’s time?

We see that we would be the top dive center that not only teach and recruit new scuba divers but QUALITY scuba divers who have good buoyancy and help to preserve the underwater beauty for the next generation.

11. Words of wisdom

ED Scuba… Your ECOLOGICAL Buddy

12. Please give your contact details so that your target audience will know how to reach you.

ED Scuba
(Owned by Eminent Diverse Management & Services)
No 21, Jalan AU3/27
Ampang/Ulu Klang
54200 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel : +60193843389
Whatsapp : +60104039600
Email: noriza.abdul@gmail.com
Instagram : edscubamalaysia

Filed Under: MIDE2015, Participant Interviews

June 26, 2015

Tan Peck Sim, Scuba Symphony

1. Introduce yourself and briefly describe your background.

IMG_1269My name is Tan Peck Sim. I was from family business and a BSAC instructor, my husband CG Sim, he is a professional musician who is still playing with MPO (Malaysia Philharmonic Orchestra), therefore we called our shop Scuba Symphony.

2. Why did you decide to go into this business? How long has it been established?

I met my husband during the dive trip that he organised more than 10 years ago, after we got married, we wanted to do something together, he was a PADI freelance instructor and I was a BSAC instructor, this is the only thing that we don’t have to start from ZERO!

3. Can you describe your services (and products etc)? What is your top offering?

ARMSWe offer A-Z service as possible as we could. But we specialised in underwater imaging, we hold the distributorship and dealership of many well known brands of the underwater world, we also manufactured ourselves for certain items. eg:

Seacam, Subal, Aquatica, ULCS, Recsea, Kelden, UN, 10bar, FIX, etc

4. Who are your clients / customers? Why do they select you over others?

My customers are from everywhere in the world, from local to foreigner, beginner to professional, we emphasize and emphasize on service and product quality. We are happy if we see customers come back with good shots!
Service should be the first thing they select us over than others. Customers called us in wee hour for emergency.

5. How has technology, such as computers and the Internet, impacted on how you serve or conduct business?

It is definately very helpful and convenient but in certain thing we still need the human touch!!

6. Do you plan to expand (range of offerings, service areas, geographical reach etc.)? If yes, how? If no, why not?

We do have a shopping cart, social media, advertising.

7. What are the biggest issues (serving your clients, running your business etc)?

The biggest issues to new customers is they always look for bargain, when comes to anything about underwater, you pay what you get for! cheap thing don’t last. The biggest issues to old customers is there is no issue, they are experienced and they always look for the experienced!

8. What do you wish you’d done differently?

Nope. We were aggressive but slower now, because of family. We have our boy, and we do not want to miss out his childhood for business. Money don’t buy time.

9. What are you glad you did?

We were the first one in Malaysia specialised in the underwater imaging service and product and we always try to offer the best products to our customers.

10. Where do you see yourself and your business in a year’s time?

I still don’t see much different than what i can make (due to time spend with family), unless we get the “right” partner , but we are definitely improving on the web sales.

11. Words of wisdom

A good seller will sell you what you need and not what they have.

12. Please give your contact details so that your target audience will know how to reach you.

logo_final_WEBwww.scubasymphony.com
info@scubasymphony.com
+60377107197
whatapps: 0122510512

Filed Under: MIDE2015, Participant Interviews

June 22, 2015

Raja Aris Dzulkifli, Flyboard Malaysia

1. Introduce yourself and briefly describe your background.

Raja Aris DzulkifliMy name is Raja Aris Dzulkifli, the founder of Flyboard Malaysia. Did a degree in Aeronautical Engineering (Bath University UK, grad 1993) and worked in Aviation Industry for 8 years. Went into Event Management from 2001 and now doing event consultations for corporations. Been involved in the Jetski industry for the past 10 years, hence a Race director for local race competitions.

2. Why did you decide to go into this business? How long has it been established?

Flyboard was designed by Frankie Zapata, a French Jetski Racer. Hence the first circle of people who were aware about his invention and product were those from the Jetski industry. Initially bought one set for personal use. Went into experience biz after realising that there is a market in Malaysia for people wanting to ‘learn to flyboard’. Hence Flyboard Malaysia was established in early 2014, with a watersports facility now operating at Marina Putrajaya.

3. Can you describe your services (and products etc)? What is your top offering?

FlyboardMain product is of course the Flyboard experience. Customers can choose various packages to suit their needs, ranging from simple discovery to multiple sessions (regular lessons to learn more advance skills, techniques and stunts). We also have the Hoverboard experience which is the next level up. We also provide sales and maintenance of the Flyboard equipment. Currently we are the sole distributor of Flyboard in Malaysia. Besides that we also offer other watersport activities like Stand-Up Paddling (SUP), kayaking/canoeing at Lake Putrajaya.

4. Who are your clients / customers? Why do they select you over others?

Our main advertising platform is the social media so we get all walks of life coming to experience the Flyboard. We also tie up with a couple of ‘experience portals’ and are able to get international customers as well, some as far as Norway, Germany, Australia, New Zealand & UK. About 30% of the customers are foreigners, either expats or tourists. We also get a steady influx of Singaporeans from time to time as well as Flyboard is banned in Singapore!
As mentioned above, we are currently the sole operator for Flyboard experience in the whole of Malaysia.

5. How has technology, such as computers and the Internet, impacted on how you serve or conduct business?

Social Media is the best and most powerful tool for us to promote our services. We upload pics of every session conducted on our FB page and get our customers to ‘like’ and ‘tag’ their photos. Hence their group of friends will be able to see their experience photos or videos on their walls and the whole thing just gets viral. Customers also post pics on their instagram and hashtag #flyboardmalaysia.

6. Do you plan to expand? If yes, how? If no, why not?

We would like to expand the business to other major cities or location outside Klang Valley so that more people can experience the thrill of Flyboarding. Of course finding a suitable biz partner is an ongoing process. What’s important for us is to ensure the same consistency of the experience (instructors and crew are vital) so that no matter which outlet/branch each customer goes to, they will have the same experience and delivery from us. The initial plan is to help outstation partners setup the biz with technical and operational support from us. Their upmost priority and role is to find a suitable marketable location that is economically sustainable.

7. What are the biggest issues (serving your clients, running your business etc)?

Flyboard is a very much a one-on-one personalised experience. An instructor is always needed for every session. its very different from other rental biz where you can just go on your own. Hence the Price is much higher that an average watersport activity, because you need an instructor and a jetski (to power the flyboard). Globally, it is categorised and extreme sports hence the premium price. To manage this, we always encourage pre-booking of slots (customers call hotline and select date/time) and try to minimise walk-ins. We operate on weekends 9am-7pm but we only open on weekdays if there is group bookings. The cost of equipment are not cheap hence new operators will need a considerable amount of capital to start. A set of flyboard and jetski will already cost approx RM100k!

8. What do you wish you’d done differently?

Wished i had started this business much earlier because its so joyful to meet customers and to see their excitement after learning to fly. Our satisfaction comes from being able to teach them and them being able to do exactly what we want them to do above water!

9. What are you glad you did?

That i actually started this business. Wasn’t sure at the beginning if there is a demand for it but yes its slowly picking up.

10. Where do you see yourself and your business in a year’s time?

My hope is that we will have a couple of operational centers outside Klang Valley offering the same services. These establishments could be owned by biz partners, with me providing training support for the crew and also aftersales etc.

11. Words of wisdom

What makes an experience even greater?
The ability to provide the same consistent delivery
At Flyboard Malaysia, our utmost commitment is to ensure that all our customers walk away with the same experiences, every single time.

12. Please give your contact details so that your target audience will know how to reach you.

PrintRaja Aris Dzulkifli, Chief Flying Officer, Flyboard Malaysia Sdn Bhd.

mobile: 012-2966122

Marina Putrajaya
No.1, Jalan P5/5
Presint 5
62200 Putrajaya
Booking Hotline- +6012.2871120
www.facebook.com/flyboardmy

Filed Under: MIDE2015, Participant Interviews

June 22, 2015

Wilson Asada, Oxbold Sports Sdn Bhd

1. Introduce yourself and briefly describe your background.

wilsonMy name is Wilson Asada. I am the Sales & Marketing Director and co-founder of Oxbold Sports Sdn Bhd. We are the extreme sports provided in Malaysia, providing Water, Aerial & Land extreme sports activities, and equipment supplier.

2. Why did you decide to go into this business? How long has it been established?

It’s something different and non-conventional. Adrenaline rush is fun and keep you young! (well apparently it worked for us!)

3. Can you describe your services (and products etc)? What is your top offering?

Windsurfing LessonOur range of services covers almost everything under the sky!
Water Sports: Windsurfing, Stand Up Paddling, Kiteboarding, Water Rafting
Land Sports: Rock Climbing, Car Drifting, 4WD Adventure
Flying: One Day Pilot, Paragliding, Paramotor

Top offer is water sports.

4. Who are your clients / customers? Why do they select you over others?

Mainly working professionals, young adults, students, tourists (small percentage).
There is not much service providers in Malaysia, but we have been doing this for years and people know us.

5. How has technology, such as computers and the Internet, impacted on how you serve or conduct business?

SEO and social media marketing helped a lot. People can talk about it, share the services and experiences.

6. Do you plan to expand? If yes, how? If no, why not?

We already covered almost whole Malaysia anyway.

7. What are the biggest issues (serving your clients, running your business etc)?

Customer not paying before the deadlines. Last minute booking. No-show.

8. What do you wish you’d done differently?

Nothing.

9. What are you glad you did?

Everything.

10. Where do you see yourself and your business in a year’s time?

Involving more people, resorts/hotels to go into extreme sports.

11. Words of wisdom

Life is awesome. Play it. Enjoy it!

12. Please give your contact details so that your target audience will know how to reach you.

Oxbold Logowww.oxbold.com
+6019-6638336
info@oxbold.com

Filed Under: MIDE2015, Participant Interviews

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