Founder
Nasi Briyani Bajet Kasih Sayang
If you fail, it doesn't mean you've failed forever. Failing provides an expensive and invaluable experience that you simply cannot find anywhere else. You only truly learn and gain that insight when you face setbacks.
From Episode 6: People Tried to Sabotage My Business
Biography
Ahmad Iskandar is a Kuching-based entrepreneur and the founder of Nasi Briyani Bajet Kasih Sayang. His journey into the food industry was born out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic. While working as a cabin crew member for AirAsia, the global travel halt severely impacted his income, prompting him and his wife to start a small business to support their five children.
What began as a modest operation selling just 10 packs of rice from a roadside stall outside his mother-in-law's house eventually transformed into a local sensation. By combining his own briyani rice recipe with his wife's specialized Malay-style dishes, Iskandar successfully created a unique "hybrid" briyani that made a traditionally expensive meal affordable for everyone. At its peak, the business grew from selling 30 packs a day to over 300 packs, driven by viral social media attention and a commitment to "heart-led" service.
Iskandar’s story is one of remarkable resilience. Throughout his six years in business, he has overcome numerous challenges, ranging from intense local competition and staff management hurdles to more personal and unconventional obstacles. Today, he continues to balance his career as a cabin crew member with his role as a business leader, emphasizing the importance of family, hard work, and maintaining a positive mindset in the face of adversity.
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