In the past 3 years, when the pandemic hit the whole world, many businesses fail and many went bankrupt. However, there were some success stories too. Following with the growth in Top Glove and other glove companies, and also the expansion in the healthline industry. We in Malaysia, have our own magical growth too. Which is none other than our “Sambal King” Khairul Aming.
With the name “Sambal Nyet”, Khairul Aming has indeed gotten very famous during this period of time. In 2023, he achieved 2.4 million sold and RM 33.5 million in sales. What an incredible amount am I right? In just merely 3 years he has succeeded past many companies in Malaysia by selling only Sambal.
About Khairul Aming
Undoubtedly, the name Khairul Aming, the esteemed internet sensation in the culinary realm and a prominent influencer, must have resonated with many of you. He has gained widespread recognition for his annual “30 Days 30 Recipes” video series, a tradition during the holy month of Ramadan, as well as for his renowned sambal brand, ‘Sambal Nyet.’
In this article, we will talk about :
- University Life
- Work Life
- What made him successful
- What makes him an entrepreneur
- Things we can learn from him
University Life of Khairul Aming :
Khairul Aming embarked on an enriching academic journey at Vanderbilt University, focusing his studies on engineering. It was during his tenure at the institution that he discovered his passion for video production. Taking a proactive approach, he invested in a camera and diligently honed his video-making expertise. Notably, Khairul Aming’s dedication and talent earned him the prestigious distinction of securing the first-place award for “International Travel Video Content.” Moreover, he assumed the role of president within the Malaysian student association at the university, demonstrating his commitment to fostering community and cultural exchange. Ultimately, Khairul Aming’s academic pursuit culminated in a remarkable achievement, as he graduated with honors, holding a degree in medical engineering.
Work Life
Commencing his professional journey at a remarkably youthful age of 23, Khairul Aming initially ventured into the challenging domain of the oil and gas sector. Nevertheless, he would go on to make a pivotal career shift, transitioning into the dynamic field of logistics. It was within this new arena that he experienced a significant evolution, gaining invaluable insights into the intricacies of business operations. During his tenure, Khairul Aming acquired a comprehensive understanding of crucial aspects such as international trade, encompassing both exporting and importing procedures. Moreover, he delved into the complexities of taxation, financial management, and the art of blending various types of oil—an impressive testament to his adaptability and eagerness to expand his expertise.
What made him successful
Armed with a wealth of knowledge, Khairul Aming was determined to explore avenues for generating supplementary income. Despite his extensive expertise, his initial forays into side businesses faced challenges and struggled to gain traction.
However, a pivotal turning point emerged when he embarked on a culinary journey, capturing his cooking endeavors on video and sharing them on his Facebook page, “Rasapop.” Gradually, Rasapop began to resonate with a growing audience, amassing an impressive following of over 500,000 within just a few years—a figure that has since surged to a remarkable 1.6 million followers. It was during this period that Khairul Aming conceived the concept of “Sambal King,” laying the foundation for what would eventually become the beloved “Sambal Nyet.”
Nonetheless, the inception of Sambal King encountered initial challenges in capturing the public’s attention. Ultimately, Khairul Aming faced the difficult decision of discontinuing the product, necessitating a fresh start from the ground up.
What makes him an entrepreneur
Khairul Aming embodies the qualities and attributes of an entrepreneur through several key factors:
- Innovative Vision: He demonstrated an innovative vision by identifying opportunities in various industries, such as the culinary and logistics sectors. This ability to recognize potential business avenues is a hallmark of entrepreneurship.
- Risk-Taking: Khairul was willing to take risks, transitioning from a stable career in oil and gas to explore new ventures. He also ventured into creating his own products, such as “Sambal King,” despite initial setbacks, showcasing his willingness to take calculated risks.
- Adaptability: An entrepreneur must be adaptable, and Khairul displayed this trait by pivoting and adjusting his business strategies when some ventures did not succeed. This adaptability is crucial in the ever-changing business landscape.
- Persistence: Despite facing initial challenges and failures, Khairul persevered and continued to pursue his entrepreneurial aspirations. This resilience is a key characteristic of successful entrepreneurs.
- Creativity: His creation of engaging cooking videos on “Rasapop” and the development of unique products like “Sambal Nyet” highlight his creative approach to business, a quality often seen in successful entrepreneurs.
- Community Engagement: Becoming the president of the Malaysian student association and the success of “Rasapop” reflect his ability to engage and build communities, an essential skill for entrepreneurs in networking and customer relations.
- Learning and Growth: Khairul’s journey demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. He expanded his knowledge base and skill set as he transitioned between industries and pursued various entrepreneurial ventures.
In summary, Khairul Aming’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through his ability to identify opportunities, take risks, adapt to change, persist in the face of challenges, and foster creativity and community engagement. These qualities collectively make him a noteworthy entrepreneur in his own right.
Things we can learn from him
To become a successful entrepreneur like Khairul Aming, there are several valuable lessons and takeaways that you can learn from his journey:
- Embrace Change and Adaptability: Be open to change and willing to adapt to different industries and opportunities. Khairul’s transition from engineering to logistics to culinary content creation showcases the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship.
- Persistence and Resilience: Entrepreneurship often involves facing challenges and setbacks. Khairul’s story teaches us that persistence and resilience are essential traits. Keep pushing forward even when things get tough.
- Identify Your Passion: Khairul found success when he combined his passion for cooking with video content creation. Identifying what you’re truly passionate about can lead to innovative and engaging business ideas.
- Community Building: Building and engaging with a community of followers or customers can be a powerful driver of success. Khairul’s role as the president of the Malaysian student association and the growth of his social media following demonstrate the value of community building.
- Continuous Learning: Entrepreneurship requires constant learning and growth. Khairul’s willingness to acquire new skills and knowledge as he moved through different industries is a valuable lesson. Stay curious and keep learning.
- Balancing Passion and Practicality: Khairul’s journey highlights the challenge of balancing passion projects with more financially viable ventures. It’s important to find a balance that allows you to pursue your passions while also ensuring business sustainability.
- Risk-Taking: Entrepreneurship often involves taking calculated risks. While not every venture may succeed, taking risks can lead to innovation and new opportunities.
- Innovation: Khairul’s creation of “Sambal King” demonstrates the power of innovation and experimentation. Don’t be afraid to try new things and think outside the box.
- Use Social Media Wisely: Khairul leveraged social media effectively to grow his audience and promote his content. Understanding how to use social media platforms to your advantage can be a valuable skill for modern entrepreneurs.
- Learn from Failures: Khairul faced challenges with some of his early ventures, but he didn’t let failure deter him. Instead, he learned from those experiences and used them as stepping stones to future success.
Incorporating these lessons into your entrepreneurial journey can help you navigate the challenges and uncertainties that come with starting and running a business, ultimately increasing your chances of success. One great example of Malaysia Entrepreneur is none other than the Robert Kuok.
