At 23, Jordan Puah had what many young engineers only dream of. A role at Tesla in the United States. A six-figure salary in ringgit terms.World-class mentors, cutting-edge projects, and a future that looked secure by every conventional measure.
Yet, he chose to walk away.
Not because Tesla failed him, but because something else kept calling.
From Malaysia to America, and Back Again
Jordan was born and raised in Malaysia, but his childhood took an early turn when his family moved to the United States when he was just 11. Life in California, with its warmth and openness, left a lasting impression on him.
Even after returning to Malaysia two years later, that experience quietly shaped how he viewed life, opportunity, and possibility.
Back home, Jordan continued his studies at an international school. By his own admission, he was once the student who could not sit still, talked too much, and struggled to focus.
That changed at 15.
Being placed at the front row by a teacher became a turning point. He made a personal promise to observe more, speak less, and push himself harder. The results followed. Jordan went from an average student to becoming top two in his cohort, scoring seven As in his IGCSEs.
Choosing the Harder Path in Education
Jordan initially joined Sunway University’s American Degree Transfer Programme, planning to complete part of his degree locally before heading to the US.
Then came an unexpected offer. A USD16,000 per year scholarship from Western Michigan University.
Accepting it meant starting from Year One again.
It felt like moving backwards. But Jordan knew that opportunities of this scale rarely come twice. He took the leap.
While studying in the US, he made another pivotal decision. He switched from Mechanical Engineering to Chemical Engineering. Not out of convenience, but honesty.
He realised he did not enjoy robots, mechanics, or coding. He wanted something different.
The change reshaped his academic journey, but because he switched early, his credits carried over smoothly. University life, he said, became one of the best periods of his life, filled with freedom, discovery, and growth.
The Tesla Chapter
Like most graduates, Jordan sent out countless job applications. Tesla was not even on his radar until curiosity led him to their careers page.
He applied without expectations.
Then came the reply.
What followed were three intense interview rounds, including one impromptu session after Tesla failed to notify him in advance. Senior engineers drilled into his resume, his thinking, and his problem-solving process.
Eventually, he got the offer.
At Tesla, Jordan was paid about USD 72,000 (approx. RM297,000) in yearly salary, a USD 15,000 (approx. RM61,900) sign-on bonus, USD 12,000 (approx. RM49.500) for relocation, plus a range of benefits.
But more than the pay, it was the people who shaped him.
His manager became his benchmark of leadership. Sharp, kind, and deeply invested in her team’s growth. His colleagues came from all over the world, brilliant and opinionated, debating ideas and sharing late-night jokes.
Tesla’s culture was built on one belief. Everything is possible if you are willing to try.
Loving the People, Hating the Work
Over time, something began to feel wrong.
Jordan realised he did not enjoy the work itself. Machines, robotics, troubleshooting, and constant pressure drained him. Watching his seniors constantly in meetings and handling emergencies at odd hours forced him to confront an uncomfortable truth.
He did not want that future.
He respected his seniors, but he knew that staying would eventually turn him into someone he never wanted to be.
The job offered prestige, but not fulfilment.
Where Food Entered the Picture
The clarity did not come overnight.
When Jordan was 15, he watched Jiro Dreams of Sushi. The documentary left a deep impression on him. It showed what it meant to dedicate a life to craft, discipline, and excellence.
That inspiration stayed with him.
While studying in the US, Jordan worked part-time at Sushi Zanmai. The pay was low. The hours were long. Yet he describes it as the happiest he had ever been at work.
Serving customers, seeing their smiles, and watching people enjoy good food gave him a sense of warmth and purpose he never felt working with machines.
To him, food is emotional. When people enjoy what he makes, his entire day feels brighter.
He also found inspiration in Malaysian F&B entrepreneurs like Ying Ying Teo of Dona Bakehouse and Claire Tan of Grumpy Bagels, founders who built brands driven by heart rather than hype.
Leaving Tesla Was Not the Hardest Part
Contrary to expectations, resigning from Tesla was not emotionally difficult.
“I could make the decision with a clear mind as I had a financially stable family, sufficient savings, and a father who had just invested in a restaurant and offered me a safe space to learn and grow,” he said.
However, my biggest fear was disappointing my dad. What if I loved F&B only as a part-time thing?”
Before resigning, Jordan took leave from Tesla and worked full-time at the restaurant. The experience confirmed what he already felt.
This was where he belonged.
His father set two conditions. Finish his degree. Work at Tesla for at least 1.5 years.
Jordan fulfilled both.
Then, he came home.
Building an F&B Business With Purpose
Today, Jordan works alongside his father at TeoChew Nang Cafeteria in Klang, handling marketing, operations, and research and development.
The equations and technical problems of Tesla have been replaced with recipes, customer insights, and culture-driven dining experiences.
He documents his journey online, sharing the realities of building an F&B business. Not the glamour, but the discipline, learning, and intention behind every plate served.
He no longer watches the clock anxiously. But the discipline Tesla taught him remains, now channelled into creating experiences that make people feel welcome.
When asked to compare the two chapters of his life, Jordan puts it simply.
“Tesla was a dream. But this feels like a purpose. Food makes people happy. And maybe that is all I ever wanted to do.”
Source: here
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