Finance

How I Turned My Empty Pockets into a Million-Ringgit Business After Quitting My Corporate Job

2025-05-03

Author: Li

The Covid-19 pandemic was a battleground for many, and for one local engineer, it marked the beginning of an unexpected journey of transformation.

Meet Danny: From Engineer to Entrepreneur

Danny's tale starts with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Universiti Tenaga Nasional and a stable career as a design engineer at Sony. He later took on a role at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, where he excelled in sales for commercial HVAC systems. With over a decade of experience and a five-figure salary, Danny had it all—except for the sense of fulfillment.

The Leap of Faith

In 2020, amidst home renovations, Danny discovered smart home gadgets that inspired him to explore a new venture. Seeing a gap in the market for affordable smart solutions, he took a bold step to start a business with just RM10,000 and decided to resign from his corporate job to pursue his passion full-time.

Facing the Storm

Just two months into his new venture, Malaysia plunged into a second lockdown. Suddenly, Danny was jobless with zero income, and the weight of bills started to suffocate him. He tried various tactics like online sales and Zoom pitches, but it wasn’t enough to stay afloat.

A Game-Changing Phone Call

During this tumultuous time, a friend advised him to leverage his extensive experience in air conditioning. Inspired by this, Danny reached out to nearly 200 former clients and landed a meeting with a boutique hotel owner who saw potential.

The Turning Point

That initial contract blossomed into a three-year partnership and led to significant projects in office towers and luxury condos. Today, Danny’s company employs 10 people and made millions in revenue last year.

Embracing Growth and Challenges

Although Danny's company has grown, he still grapples with cash flow challenges due to late payments. Yet, with guidance from mentors, he’s learned to navigate these financial hurdles efficiently.

A Full-Circle Moment

In a twist of fate, Danny began contributing to the industry by conducting VRF training sessions for educators, sharing his real-world insights with others.

The Freedom of Entrepreneurship

Asked if he’d ever return to corporate life, Danny laughed it off, explaining that while his previous job offered stability, entrepreneurship grants him freedom and satisfaction. "You only live once, right? Don’t wait for the perfect moment; just dive in!" he urges.