A growing number of new entrepreneurs emerge from time to time, especially in Malaysia where the corporate world is highly competitive with new businesses coming up each day. Malaysia consists of a large Malay population and that certainly contributes to a big number of Malay entrepreneurs across various industries. Here at WargaBiz, we’ve gathered a list of 8 Bumiputra Entrepreneurs To Look Into.
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1. Datin Vivy Yusof
FashionValet (FV) certainly needs no introduction when it comes to local fashion as it is becoming such a popular name in Southeast Asia. The brainchild of Datin Vivy Yusof and her husband Dato’ Fadzarudin Shah Anuar, FV is now one of Southeast Asia’s leading fashion e-commerce platforms, with offices in Malaysia, Jakarta and Singapore. Following the success of the multi-million dollar company, she launched dUCk, a fashion company showcasing scarf collections. The law graduate has won several awards over the years and graced the covers of high-profile magazines. Not only is she one of Malaysia’s top bloggers with 250,000 monthly hits on her blog Proudduck, she has also been featured internationally by BBC, New York Times and Forbes.
2. Datuk Seri Hasmiza Othman (Dr Vida)
She may be known for her flamboyant and bubbly personality, but Dr Vida’s determination to succeed is truly an inspiration for many aspiring entrepreneurs. She is the founder of a health and cosmetic company called Vida Beauty which has now become an empire, due to the success of its well-known product, Qu Puteh. While she may be successful now, it was never easy for her. She endured a lot of challenges, including losing her father at a young age, and also her two children in a tragic fire. She has definitely proven to be an icon, not only for being an entrepreneur but also becoming a sponsor for some of the top-rated TV shows in the country.
3. Noor Neelofa
Being placed in a prestigious list of Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia in 2017, Neelofa is no stranger to publicity. She has been in the entertainment industry for 7 years as an actress, TV presenter, model and is now an entrepreneur. She is the proud founder of the very successful Naelofar Hijab, which reportedly raked in a staggering RM50 million in sales back in 2015, and is about to reach the RM200 million mark this year. Naelofar Hijab is a popular name in the modest clothing industry and made its mark by becoming one of the pioneer modest wear brands that come with chic designs along with an affordable price tag. It is currently one of the most successful clothing brands in Malaysia.
4. Dato’ Sri Aliff Syukri
Cosmetics millionaire Aliff Syukri became a father at a young age, which prompted him to find alternate ways to earn extra income. He is the founder of the successful health and cosmetic company, D’Herbs Healthy Sdn Bhd, proving that age is nothing but a number when it comes to striving for success. Starting a business was tough especially since he had zero knowledge on how to run a business, but it has become such a huge hit. He even launched his own fashion apparel label called ATL (Abang Terlajak Laris). He has also found fame outside of the corporate world, starring in his first film called Badang not too long ago.
5. Wak Doyok
The fashion icon is known for his dashing outfits but he is also commended for his business. He is the founder of fashion brand The Garment along with his two partners Fairuz Ramdan and Mal Zahari. Besides being a public figure in the local fashion industry, he also has businesses with products ranging from coffee to hair wax. Not long ago, he launched his own men’s clothing line called Megwak. Doyok is often seen at major fashion events in Malaysia.
6. Sazzy Falak
Sazzy Falak is mostly known for her work in the entertainment industry as an actress and TV host since young. She attributes her success to being forced to take on a mature role at a young age due to her parents’ divorce when she was a child. She is the founder of Street Fashion by Sazzy Falak, a women’s apparel label based here in KL. The collection, designed by Falak itself, plays with her love of songket, batik prints and traditional clothing designed with a touch of bohemian flair.
7. Dynas Mokhtar
Mokhtar made a name for herself when she made FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women List which elevated her status as an actress and supermodel in Malaysia. However, apart from that, she also has her own fashion business. She opened a fashion boutique a decade ago in partnership with actor/TV host Awal Ashaari but it was subsequently closed. She is now the proud owner of DNA By Dynas, which is a new collection comprising maternity and breastfeeding wear. Her first boutique called Dynas Nursing Attire was launched in 2012 at The Curve.
8. Aris Ramli (Caprice)
Known mostly for his rapping and singing in the local music scene, Caprice now has plenty more to add to his name. Apart from being a good role model to young kids by starting an anti-bullying campaign and blazing the trail to provide affordable education to students in the country, he is also a successful entrepreneur. He is the founder of Jihad in Education, UmrahLoka, SmartSurau, RAJIN app and Mengaji.com, breaking all stereotypes of religious appearances. Mengaji.com is a one-of-a-kind app that provides users access to various ustaz to improve their Quran reading techniques. It currently has over 120,000 users.
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