1. Introduce yourself and briefly describe your background.
My 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?
Main 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.
Raja 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