BYOB.
No, it doesn’t stand for Bring Your Own Booze. More appropriately to our topic, it’s a well-known acronym for Be Your Own Boss.
Who doesn’t want to live the fantasy of escaping the rat race, setting off on a passionate journey towards your dream job to eventually being financially independent?
From e-commerce sites to ride booking applications, we certainly do have to thank our fellow talented Malaysians for the technology they have brought upon us. Commemorating the #MalaysiaBoleh spirit, let’s take a look at five other Malaysians that are making international waves at the start-up scene, perhaps even Silicon Valley!
1. Goh Ai Ching (Co-founder of Piktochart)
Everyone knows content is king in today’s media-driven society, but what constitutes for good content? That was where Goh Ai Ching and fellow friend, Andrea Zaggia spotted a demand for – concise infographics. A web application for beginners without any designing experience to curate their very own visual tools, it’s no wonder Piktochart is currently enjoying brisk success with an impressive client base of 5 million (and counting!).
2. Tengku Syamil (CEO & Co-founder of Skolafund)
What’s more inspiring than starting out as an entrepreneur whilst being a full-time university student?
Initiating a social start-up enterprise to help the underprivileged and that’s exactly what Tengku Syamil brought to the table with Skolafund. A crowdfunding digital platform to collect funds for less fortunate and financially-tight students to sustain their higher education, it also provides an opportunity for corporate brands to commence their CSR initiatives by awarding scholarships to deserving undergraduates listed there.
3. Jessie Chong (Founder of Boozeat)
Everyone is surely familiar with online fashion marketplace platforms in this modern day and age – who doesn’t fancy the convenience of shopping from the comforts of their own home?
But how many can say the same when it comes to beverages, specifically alcoholic ones?
Recognising an unfulfilled demand while capitalising on the e-commerce boom, Jessie took a bold step forwards and never looked back since. Now whenever you have a party to cater to, you can thank Boozeat for making your life a heck lot easier!
4. Jazz Tan Yee Mei (Founder of YouthsToday)
Holding a steadfast belief in the power of youths and their infinite potential as future leaders, Jazz Tan established a social platform to connect corporate brands to tens of thousands of youths from Malaysian universities from student events to corporate sponsorship. Coming from a tough background in her childhood, she hopes the young would view YouthsToday as a positive environment for them to thrive in instead of succumbing to vice activities.
5. Sasha Tan (Founder of Favful)
The beauty industry is admittedly all about flash and glam – so much so that Sasha herself had difficulties sourcing suitable products for her skin back then given the lack of objective reviews and honest feedback.
Putting her frustrations into good use, she then decided to launch Favful, a beauty advisory platform to help consumers make sound cosmetic purchases. Not only can they exchange ratings and user tips on the website, but you’ll also be rewarded points for each submitted feedback. Collect enough of these and you’ll eventually save enough to redeem a beauty product of your choice so yay for freebies!