Meet Kenny Soon We Hong, a guy who quit his job as a bank manager to pursue his childhood dream of becoming a farmer. He took a plunge in 2012 and left his job as a bank manager with a five-figure salary to live the simple life as a farmer despite his knowledge in agriculture is limited.
Kenny left his job at the age of 30 to become a farmer despite having zero knowledge in agriculture
Kenny had been working in the bank sector for eight years and decided to quit his job at the age of 30 years old.
Kenny said he had always wanted to buy a piece of land, build a small house and plant vegetables and fruits to supply his family. However, he knew that he had to earn money and get some experience in life in order to fulfill my childhood dream.
So, after graduated graduated, he then worked in a bank. Eventually, he was promoted to bank manager. But, he never forgot his dream to be a farmer. That was the point when he finally decided to quit his stable job to begin his journey in agriculture.
Kenny bought a piece of land and planted coconut trees. But, it was a disaster
Kenny said he began his journey by purchasing 2.8ha of land and planted coconut trees from a grant of 400 saplings given by the Agriculture Department. Unfortunately, it was not as what he had hoped. Due to lack of manpower and pest control issues, his coconut plantation failed terribly.
He is very fortunate to have a very supporting family where his wife who works as a government school teacher supported his dream and helped in term of financial along the way.
Now, he has over 2,000 banana trees, 150 goats, 200 chickens and ducks and various fruits and vegetables
Slowly, his farm in Muar has over 2,000 banana tress, 450 coconut trees, 150 goats, 200 chickens and ducks as well as variety of fruits and vegetables. All these took years to build.
He also planted various fruits and vegetables as in chili, sweet potatoes, jackfruit, mangoes, papaya, pineapple, guava and many more.
Kenny runs the farm together with the help from his father and two other workers. He also like to teach his kids about farming during free time. He employs an environmentally friendly approach on his farm where they make compost from excess food and animal feed. He went to nearby canteen to collect excess food, as well as use animal waste as fertiliser.
He wishes he can change people’s mindset that farming is not a low-class occupation
Although his lifestyle has completely changed, Kenny never once regretted his decision of leaving his stable job. He finds so much joy working as a farmer and he feels happier, healthier and satisfied with his life now as he can do something that he loves and spend more time with family. He wishes he can change people’s mindset that farming is not a low-class occupation.
Read also This Ipoh Girl Left A Steady Corporate Job To Be A Successful Baker in Melbourne
