When Gisnervern Arikrishnan first sold cups of masala tea for RM1 at his small kiosk in Multimedia University (MMU) Cyberjaya, he never imagined that the same drink would one day travel across continents, land on European shelves and potentially be served in the skies on AirAsia flights.
In 2025, at just 31 years old, this MMU alumnus made global history by launching what is believed to be the world’s first halal, sterilised masala tea in a can. It is a Malaysian innovation that blends tradition, food science and perseverance.
This is the story of Leafhaus, a journey brewed in a campus corner, refined through relentless research and development, and now poised to carry Malaysian flavour to the world.
From RM1 Masala Tea Kiosk
Long before the export orders and media attention, the motivation was simple. Survival and education.
While pursuing his degree and later his MBA at MMU, Gisnervern opened a small masala tea kiosk on campus. He sold each cup for only RM1, using the profits to support his tuition and daily expenses.
As his academic workload increased, he hired students to help run the kiosk. Despite following the same recipe, the tea often tasted different. That inconsistency affected sales and, more importantly, the income he relied on.
That small problem became a turning point. He began thinking about how to preserve the exact flavour of his masala tea even when he was not there. The idea of a ready to drink canned version slowly took shape.
Two Years, Sixteen Formulas
Turning traditional masala tea into a shelf stable canned drink was far more difficult than expected.
Masala spices and milk can be unstable under high temperatures. One wrong tweak can ruin the taste or compromise safety. Between 2023 and 2025, Gisnervern tested sixteen different formulas during his research and development process.
He worked closely with a halal OEM to make sure the drink met strict halal and food safety standards. Many nights were spent adjusting ratios, running stability tests and starting over when the flavour did not meet expectations.
For Gisnervern, halal certification represented trust and inclusiveness. It meant his drink could be enjoyed by Malaysians of all backgrounds and eventually by consumers around the world.
The Birth of Leafhaus Masala Tea in a Can
In August 2025, Leafhaus officially launched its flagship product, a halal, sterilised masala tea in a can.
Each 248 millilitre can contains 7.4 grams of sugar per 100 millilitres and about 49 calories, reflecting his belief that healthier products should be accessible to everyone.
The launch exceeded expectations. In just two weeks, more than three thousand cans were sold through TikTok Shop and at MMU.
This early success came without influencers or paid marketing. It grew simply through curiosity and genuine appreciation for the drink.
Inspired by Datuk Rosyam Nor’s talk about turmeric’s health benefits, the company has also introduced canned Turmeric Milk. Another upcoming creation is Matcha Masala, a refreshing blend of green tea and traditional masala spices.
These drinks show that tradition can evolve without losing its roots.
From Cyberjaya to the World
The story took a surprising turn when a customer from Britain bought several cartons of Leafhaus drinks and placed them in a small convenience store in the United Kingdom. The cans sold out almost immediately, proving that the taste he perfected in Cyberjaya resonated far beyond Malaysian borders.
That single moment opened the gateway to international demand. Today, two full containers are being prepared for export to Europe, with active plans to expand into the Middle East and Canada. What began as a simple student kiosk has transformed into a Malaysian export product, carrying local heritage into global markets.
Inspired by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes and his belief that Malaysian dreams can fly, Gisnervern now hopes Malaysian flavours can soar just as far. Leafhaus is currently in discussions with AirAsia to feature Masala Tea and Turmeric Milk on selected flights and at Santan outlets. If the collaboration succeeds, passengers may soon be sipping Leafhaus drinks while cruising above the clouds.
For Gisnervern, this opportunity carries a deeper meaning. If AirAsia can carry Malaysian dreams across continents, then Leafhaus can carry Malaysian taste along that same journey.
At the same time, Leafhaus is in active discussions with BananaBro, one of Malaysia’s fastest growing banana leaf restaurant chains. The shared vision is to make Leafhaus drinks available at every BananaBro outlet nationwide, bringing these heritage flavours to the tables of everyday Malaysians.
Running a New Kind of Race
Despite his growing success, Gisnervern has never forgotten where it all began. His earliest customers were students, his first income came from a small kiosk on campus grounds and his entire journey was shaped by the need to survive while studying. Today, he is determined to pass that opportunity forward.
He plans to donate his original MMU tea kiosk to a financially struggling student. Leafhaus will supply the first batch of products, and the student will be allowed to keep all profits to support their education.
For Gisnervern, this is more than charity. It is his way of closing the circle, ensuring that the same lifeline that once carried him through hardship will now help someone else rise.
To further strengthen Leafhaus’ reach, he has also launched a year end campaign with a bold target to sell 10,000 cartons. He calls it the Heritage Run, a movement that celebrates Malaysia’s traditional drinks through modern convenience.
The campaign encourages affiliates, small sellers and students to participate. Every carton sold is part of a larger mission to bring Malaysian flavours into more households and more countries.
A Malaysian Story in Every Masala Tea Can
Gisnervern’s journey embodies values Malaysians quietly admire. Perseverance, humility, cultural pride and authenticity.
“When you receive criticisms, who are they to say you’re wrong? Stick with your instincts,” he says.
“Everyone learns from mistakes. It’s okay to fall, and just embrace every challenge.”
From a RM1 drink in Cyberjaya to shelves in Europe, and from a survival side hustle to talks with airlines and restaurant chains, Leafhaus proves that innovation does not always start in a laboratory.
Sometimes, it begins with a young person trying to pay for their education, a cup of tea and an idea that refuses to fade.
Today, that idea lives inside every can of Leafhaus.
It is not just a beverage. It is a Malaysian dream you can hold in your hand.
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