Entrepreneur thanks MEDC Minister for visit

11 April 2024

By Nabalu News Journalist

MEMBAKUT: Eddie Koh, a 38-year-old furniture maker from Membakut, possesses an exceptional blend of intelligence and creativity when it comes to the art of furniture design. His expertise lies particularly in crafting and designing cabinets, a skill that he has honed over the years. With a company named D’Six, Eddie not only produces his own unique cabinet designs but also caters to customers' specific requests.

One of Eddie's strengths lies in his meticulous approach to his work. Before embarking on any project, he personally visits his customers' homes to measure the available space. This attention to detail ensures that the cabinets he creates are not only visually appealing but also optimised to make the most of the available space.

He also provides valuable advice to his customers regarding the stability of their space when it comes to furniture placement, taking into consideration factors such as termites and dampness.

"I advise them on the appropriate materials to use for their furniture to protect against damage caused by the environment," he explained.

Eddie's journey in the furniture business began in 2017, and ever since, he has dedicated himself wholeheartedly to his craft. Even during his school days, he actively assisted his family in their furniture business, focusing on refining his skills and developing new designs. Over the years, Eddie has managed to stay in the industry by continuously adapting to evolving design trends and customer preferences.

To further improve his business, Eddie decided to seek financial assistance from TEKUN in 2021. He secured a loan of RM10,000, which he utilized to invest in his company's growth.

Recognizing the value of such financial support, Eddie repeated this process in 2022, securing a loan of RM15,000, and once again in 2023, this time for RM20,000. He proudly shares that he has successfully paid off the first loan, while the second loan is nearing completion. As for the third loan, Eddie plans to commence its repayment soon.

TEKUN SME Corp, also known as TEKUN Nasional, is an agency under the Ministry of Entrepreneurial and Cooperative Development in Malaysia, with the objective of providing simple and quick financing facilities to bumiputras to start and expand their businesses.

Eddie's dedication and passion have earned him a loyal customer base over the years. With thousands of satisfied customers, his business continues to thrive, thanks to the constant demand for his expertise and unique designs. Eddie's commitment to delivering exceptional craftsmanship and personalized service has undoubtedly played a significant role in the consistent success of his business.

Datuk Ewon Benedick, the Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperative (MEDC), recently paid a friendly visit to his factory, leaving him pleasantly surprised and greatly encouraged.

"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Minister Datuk Ewon for taking the time to visit us. I feel immensely honoured and motivated by his presence. It's not every day that a Minister goes out of their way to visit, so this gesture truly stands out," he expressed with gratitude.

When asked about his advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, he emphasised the importance of thorough product knowledge and understanding before venturing into a business. He believes that entrepreneurs should equip themselves with a deep understanding of their products, enabling them to make informed decisions and provide exceptional value to their customers.

He stressed the significance of resilience and tenacity, urging budding entrepreneurs not to give up at the slightest sign of trouble. He believes that challenges are inevitable in any business journey but with determination and perseverance, entrepreneurs can overcome obstacles and achieve success.

The visit from Minister Datuk Ewon served as a remarkable boost for him, reaffirming the value of his work and inspiring him to continue his entrepreneurial journey. His advice to fellow entrepreneurs reflects his own experiences and the lessons he has learned along the way.