Brahim’s still going strong

Thank you Dato Sri’ Ibrahim for signing your latest Recipe Book and treating me for breakie last weekend

It was a privilege to have met the founder of Brahim’s, the man himself, Dato’ Seri Ibrahim, who turned his own product into a global phenomenon. I’m quite familiar with their product especially the paste as I’m not pretty fond of preparation when it comes to cooking and secondly, I’m a curry lover 😀

So after the launch of the first Brahim’s Recipe Book at Times Square Shopping Centre, I had a special interview with Dato’ Seri himself and his two daughters – Nur Fatin Ibrahim, Group Managing Director and Dr. Nur Azizah, Director, over breakfast at Tasek Brasserie.

According to Dato’ Sri, most of the revenue earned for Dewina Group (for Brahim’s product) is from the catering sector. Their core businesses are mainly catering and supplying to retailers in Malaysia and outside Malaysia. The catering business itself is interesting as Dewina Group accepted a huge gamble to buy over MAS catering back in the early 2000s and forked out RM 170 million for a 70% equity. Furthermore, MAS Catering had RM 240 accumulated losses and making a loss of RM40 a year.

Amazingly Brahim’s Holdings Bhd managed to wipeout the losses in a span of two years. However, the company suffered a huge setback after the mishaps of the Malaysia Airlines in the past two years. I do salute Dato Sri’ for not giving up and always looking for opportunities especially outside Malaysia.

You will be surprised that one of the company’s first foreign customer is from Brunei where for a few years they were contracted to supply their products to the Brunei military. Interesting indeed. Now his business has flourished in Japan after all the diligent hard work and research. Apparently there is a demand for halal food even in Japan and now the company has good relations with Japan in providing halal meal. Dato Sri’ is already looking ahead as far as the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and in midst of doing the ground works to capitalize on this opportunity.

So to the entrepreneurs out there (even me), never give up with your business journey. There are plenty of opportunities out there even in a tough economic environment. I truly admire Dato Sri’s drive and he’s still pretty active even in his 70s. A sharp character and humble too. Thank you once again for your time during the short interview. Thank you also to Aunty Jackie for setting up the meeting and nice gesture during our flight back on Royal Brunei 😀

Now you can enjoy Brahim’s different range of products especially the ready-to-eat-meals (MREs). I’m already impressed with the sauces from Brahim’s and with the new addition, the packed rice will be a hit in Brunei. Also the MREs have good nutritional value and no added MSG, preservatives or even artificial colourings. So I’m amazed Brahim’s is able to come up with such an innovative perishable product.

You can visit your nearest supermarket such as Hua Ho and buy Brahim’s product there.

Dato Sri’ speaking to her daughter over breakfast

It was pleasure to have breakfast with them. Thank you once again