Background of Dato Calvin Chan
- Dato Calvin Chan is the founder of Black Whale, a popular bubble tea brand in Malaysia, and the CEO of Leagoo Malaysia, a mobile brand company with over 100 outlets in the country.
- He started his entrepreneurial journey from humble beginnings, initially running a mobile phone kiosk with just two glass cabinets.
- His background includes experience in international trading, having traveled extensively for business, particularly in regions like China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.
Transition from Mobile to Bubble Tea
- The shift to the bubble tea business was not initially planned; Chan aimed to create a casual café for friends and business discussions.
- The rapid growth of customer interest in his bubble tea offerings led him to expand beyond a single shop to a franchise model.
- Black Whale has grown significantly, with 37 outlets in Malaysia and plans for further expansion into shopping malls.
Business Philosophy and Growth Strategy
- Chan emphasizes the importance of passion and continuous learning in entrepreneurship, stating that understanding market trends is crucial for success.
- His approach includes maintaining a young and enthusiastic team, which has helped innovate and improve product quality.
- Chan aims to cater to a wide demographic, focusing on affordability and value for students and young consumers, while also ensuring product quality.
Challenges in the Bubble Tea Market
- The bubble tea industry has faced saturation and a decline in popularity, yet Black Whale continues to thrive due to its commitment to quality and customer experience.
- Chan acknowledges the competitive landscape dominated by established brands but focuses on providing unique features and healthier options in their product line, such as yogurt-based drinks.
- He believes that the market remains viable for brands that can adapt and innovate, despite the challenges presented by larger competitors.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Dato Chan advises young entrepreneurs to be patient and passionate about their ventures, highlighting the importance of building relationships and trust within the business community.
- He suggests that prospective business owners should not rush into flashy setups but instead focus on providing real value and service to their customers.
- Continuous engagement with the market and learning from failures are crucial elements in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape successfully.
