If you are a keyboard enthusiast and looking to level up your PC setup with customised keyboards or are planning to get a whole new setup, don’t sleep on The KapCo. 

Thomas Chan of The KapCo started his journey from corporate realms.

As a graduate with a degree in construction and a master’s degree in International Real Estate, he established his foothold in esteemed organisations like CBRE, Shimizu Corporation, and JLL Property Services.

Amidst his career and personal milestones like marriage and fatherhood, he sensed the need for a change and set his sights on the burgeoning ecommerce landscape.

In 2019, Thomas dove headfirst into the ecommerce wave, initially exploring the world of dropshipping. 

However, the tumultuous waters of online retailing demanded adaptability. Faced with the challenge of keeping his business afloat, Thomas and his team seized the opportunity to pivot towards branding—a decision that would redefine their trajectory.

Birth of The KapCo

The genesis of The KapCo was not scripted in a boardroom but emerged from a collective vision to create something exceptional.

“In July 2021, our ex-company allowed each sales team to come up with a brand to launch. We then had a brainstorming session that ultimately led to mechanical keyboards,” Thomas shared.

Inspired by his team’s ingenuity and fueled by a newfound passion for mechanical keyboards, he embarked on a quest to carve a niche in the competitive market.

Armed with a team of young and talented individuals boasting expertise in design, illustration, 3D modeling, photography, and marketing, The KapCo set out with a goal to revolutionise the mechanical keyboard experience. 

Their journey began with reselling plain-coloured keycaps, gradually evolving into designing bespoke keycaps that found enthusiasts worldwide. 

They have a variety of keycap sets such as spring tea keycaps, teddy bear keycaps and skull and roses keycaps. The price ranges from RM236.99 to RM377.99.

Additionally, they have designed keycap sets in partnership with a number of brands, including Ainbell, Creative Universe, Gateron, and Mocankeys.

They also have their own collections, which are The KapCo Artist, The KapCo Colorway, and The KapCo Original starting from RM141.99.

For its Artist Collection, The KapCo worked with international artists such as Ilustrata, Elora, Onitatu99, and others.

Through initiatives like The KapCo Artist Collection, they aim to infuse their products with creativity, authenticity, and a touch of exclusivity.

Defining his vision

Central to The KapCo’s ethos is a commitment to guiding keyboard enthusiasts through various levels of engagement, from novices to seasoned experts. 

By meticulously segmenting their target audience and crafting tailored experiences, The KapCo aspires to cultivate a vibrant community of keyboard enthusiasts.

Thomas and his team divide keyboard users into several levels:

• Level 0 – Non-mechanical keyboard users
• Level 1 – Those who have only heard about big brands such as Razer and Steelseries
• Level 2 – People who have delved deeper into the rabbit hole and started looking for customisation for their mechanical keyboards
• Level 3 – Enthusiast-level individuals who seek out unique and rare collectible keyboards

“For The KapCo, we envision ourselves helping people transition from Level 0 to Level 1, and from Level 1 to Level 2. As for Level 3, that’s our aim—to let our fans be the next ‘Kap’ enthusiast!” he told Vulcan Post.

Navigating challenges and embracing growth

Like any entrepreneurial endeavour, The KapCo’s journey has been punctuated by challenges and triumphs. 

From mastering the intricacies of product quality to navigating the dynamics of the global supply chain, Thomas and his team have persevered through sheer dedication and integrity.

As they gear up for the launch of their KapCo-branded keyboard later this year, they also anticipate collaborations with renowned brands like Peanuts, Nik Bental, and Ripndip.

With an eye on expanding their presence in offline retail spaces and securing bulk orders from international markets, Thomas envisions a trajectory of exponential growth for the brand.

In particular, they’re looking to expand their global footprint in China, Canada, and the US, believing that this will bring in more international collaborations and partnerships.

They are also aiming to collaborate with iconic IPs like Star Wars and Marvel to reach new heights of innovation and influence. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of ecommerce, Thomas Chan wants The KapCo to stand as a beacon of creativity in turning dreams into reality for its dedicated community of keyboard enthusiasts.

• You can also learn more about The KapCo here.

Featured Image Credit: Thomas Chan, founder of The KapCo

Ever wondered what to do with the old clothes pile that you have been hoarding? Well, this duo has been recycling used clothes to create unique and stunning bags for the past four years.

Abdul Muhaimin Abdul Hadi, 29, and Muhammad Harrith Hasmadi, 27 are the masterminds behind Hashadi, a local designer brand making waves by transforming used clothes into unique and stunning handbags and bags for women.

According to FMT, the brand name Hashadi is a portmanteau of their fathers’ names.

Hashadi’s journey began amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. With job opportunities scarce, Abdul Muhaimin (Min), armed with a degree in Fashion Design, and Harrith, pursuing a degree in Teaching English as a Second Language, saw an opportunity to repurpose old clothes. 

What started as a way to earn pocket money and hone their skills became a thriving business.

“In early 2020, when the pandemic hit, we had time on our hands. Harrith suggested turning his old clothes into tote bags. Skeptical at first, I agreed to give it a try,” Min recalled.

Thus, Hashadi was born, with an Instagram account showcasing their creations.

After posting pictures of their first creation, tote bags, they received a lot of positive feedback from their friends and family who encouraged them to produce more bags.

Sewing their way through challenges

Their journey wasn’t without challenges. Neither had prior business experience, but they learnt on the fly, from time management to customer service.

“Each bag took hours to make, but positive feedback kept us going,” the co-founders added.

They also noted that many things have changed since they first launched their product.

“We used to create bags that are different for each design in every collection which surely takes us much time and effort,” they said.

Now they are focusing more on creating commercial bags whereby the design is standardised for each collection to optimise time and cost. However, these designs still stand out with the use of different fabrics.

In the early days, they also struggled to be consistent in creating products as they lived far away from each other.

“It’s hard for us to discuss and communicate about the business. But with technology nowadays, we can Facetime or video call, which helps us in many ways where we can have a meeting virtually anytime convenient for both parties,” they said.

From wedding remnants to fashion statements

Initially sourcing materials from friends, family, and thrift stores, Hashadi now collaborates with a bridal boutique in Penang, utilising fabric remnants to create one-of-a-kind bags.

“All the remnants from making wedding dresses vary from lace, satin, and songket. Normally, each fabric remnant can make up for only one bag. However, depending on the size of the remnant, we would produce more than one bag upon request,” they said.

They shared that the average time spent for each bag could vary from two to seven hours from start to finish depending on the size and complexity of the design.

“Usually, we release at least one collection per month offering six to 12 bags with different colours and designs depending on the materials that we have at the moment.”

Hashadi now also offers a variety of collections including elegant clutches, crossbody bags, shoulder bags, and envelope purses all made from old fabric including denim and lace.

Thus far, their designs, inspired by social media and Malaysian culture, resonate with a diverse customer base.

“We’re proud to incorporate traditional fabrics like songket, batik, and saree into our designs. It’s our way of celebrating Malaysian heritage,” they explained.

However, they can only produce limited quantities at the moment as they are still a two-man show, with no immediate plans of expanding.

On their way to making it

Despite geographical challenges—with Min managing operations while Harrith pursues a full-time career—Hashadi continues to thrive.

Collaborations with local designers and appearances at pop-up events have expanded their reach.

One of their proudest moments was selling their first collaborative bags offline at a pop-up booth in The Godown Art Centre, Kuala Lumpur, on July 2023.

One thing led to another, and on December 2023, Hashadi once again joined a pop-up booth at Karnival Merakyatkan Seni Akademi Seni Budaya Dan Warisan Kebangsaan at Sports Arena, Kuala Lumpur.

“It was special to see our creations resonate with customers,” they recalled.

Reflecting on their journey which started four years ago, they emphasised the importance of persistence.

“Starting a business is one thing, but maintaining relevance is another. It takes effort and patience,” the co-founders said.

Their dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Hashadi’s appearance on national television was a milestone moment, showcasing their journey to a wider audience.

As they continue to turn old clothes into fashion statements, Min and Harrith dream of scaling up Hashadi into a full-time venture, catering to both men and women.

• You can learn more about their business here.
• Read other articles we’ve written about Malaysian startups here.

Featured Image Credit: Hashadi

Au Ai Leen, a 38-year-old entrepreneur, has brought a piece of Johor to Klang Valley foodies through an almost 50-year-old legacy of flavour and tradition.

Redefining her family’s original beef noodle soup, Tangkak Beef Noodle House director Ai Leen and her husband decided to cater to the halal market in 2023 while maintaining their deep-rooted connection to Tangkak’s culinary heritage.

At the heart of Tangkak Beef Noodle House lies a story that spans generations. It originated from humble beginnings in 1976, when Ai Leen’s father, Au Ah Kuang, established a small food stall named Restaurant Kuang Fei near a bus stop in Tangkak, Johor.

Ah Kuang, a trailblazer in Malaysia’s beef noodle scene, had introduced a secret family recipe—Hainanese beef noodle soup with a flavourful broth passed down through generations.

Today, his legacy lives on through Tangkak Beef Noodle House, where authenticity and innovation intersect to create a dining experience that can be enjoyed from all walks of life.

Catering to the halal community

While inspired by the original Kuang Fei recipe, Tangkak Beef Noodle House has carved its own path, focusing on a distinct halal variant to cater to Malaysia’s diverse culinary landscape. Do note that the brand also owns two older stores in Kuchai Lama and Puchong, but those are non-halal at the time of writing.

Ai Leen and her husband opened their first halal outlet in Tropicana Gardens Mall last year, followed by their second one in Berjaya Times Square recently.

“Since obtaining our halal certificate at our Tropicana Gardens Mall outlet, we have witnessed a 30% increase in sales, driven by the trust and confidence of Muslim customers,” she told Vulcan Post.

She added that they also have plans for expansion in key locations like Central i-City Shah Alam, where there is a concentration of Malay-Muslims.

The commitment to halal certification is central to their mission, a meticulous journey that underscores their dedication to quality and inclusivity.

From stringent sourcing practices to maintaining a hygienic environment, Tangkak Beef Noodle House ensures that every aspect of its operation adheres to JAKIM’s rigorous standards.

Quality over quantity

Their ambition extends beyond culinary boundaries.

“Our ambitious goal is to establish 50 outlets within five years. We are aiming to open six to eight outlets in 2024. Currently, we are focusing on opening stores in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor malls.”

“However, achieving this target hinges on managing cash flow and attracting talented individuals in the food and beverage industry,” Ai Leen said.

But amidst their projected rapid rise to prominence, there’s one thing Tangkak Beef Noodle House wants to make clear—they’re not chasing franchising opportunities.

Instead, they’re doubling down on their commitment to quality control.

“We’ve witnessed the downfall of many F&B brands due to rapid expansion fueled by short-term gains. We prioritise controlled growth.”

“We embrace the ‘company-owned, company-operated’ (COCO) model, prioritising quality over quantity,” said the entrepreneur.

By directly managing each outlet, Tangkak Beef Noodle House can maintain hyper control over processes, ingredients, and recipes.

An extensive menu

For their iconic beef noodles, they offer various cuts of meat, along with other dishes like the Angus Beef Don and for the non-beef eaters, items like Fish Noodles.

If you are heading to this place in a big group, you can opt for their value sets which start from RM75, which includes their halal version of traditional beef noodle soup and drinks.

“We plan to expand our menu to cater to different preferences, including children’s options. We are committed to continuously innovating our menu to cater to diverse palates,” Ai Leen said.

She also hinted at introducing mutton noodles in the future as part of their new additions.

As Tangkak Beef Noodle House continues to innovate and expand its menu offerings, one thing remains constant—its commitment to tradition.

With each bowl of noodles served, they invite customers to savour not just a meal, but a piece of Malaysia’s culinary heritage.

• You can learn more about Tangkak Beef Noodle House here.

Featured Image Credit: Au Ai Leen (right) and her dad, Au Ah Kuang (left) / Tangkak Beef Noodle House