From Hospitality to Entrepreneurship: A Culinary Journey That Redefined Success

Food is more than just sustenance—it’s an experience. Having worked in the hospitality and aviation industries, I have always understood the importance of high-quality, authentic cuisine that caters to diverse palates. Little did I know that my journey from being a hotel waitress to becoming an entrepreneur in the ready-to-eat food industry would lead me to where I am today. 

A Humble Beginning: From Hotels to the Skies

Born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, I spent my early years working in the hospitality sector, gaining first-hand experience in food service and customer experience. As a student, I worked part-time as a waitress in renowned hotels such as Hotel Flamingo, Kelab Melawati, and Kelab Diraja Selangor. 

After finishing school, I transitioned into full-time roles at Hotel Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur for two years, followed by three years at Chinoz KLCC, a well-known Italian restaurant. 

In 2004, I joined Malaysia Airlines (MAS) as a Customer Service Officer, where I dedicated 13 years to ensuring top-tier service for passengers. It was here that I gained a profound understanding of the challenges faced by travelers, particularly in accessing familiar, Halal, and flavorful food. 

During my time at MAS, I also ventured into online business, selling women’s beauty products for about five years as a side business. However, after welcoming my sixth child, I made a  life-changing decision to leave my corporate job and fully focus on entrepreneurship. 

The Birth of Kasurysh: Award-Winning Ready-to-Eat Food 

As an avid traveler, I often found myself struggling to find Halal, spicy, and authentic Malaysian food while abroad. This challenge sparked the idea to create a brand that would offer ready-to-eat meals with the true flavors of Malaysia—food that is not only convenient but also satisfying. 

This led to the creation of Kasurysh, a brand dedicated to delivering traditional Malaysian flavors in convenient, ready-to-eat packaging. 

In recognition of our commitment to quality and authenticity, Kasurysh was awarded the prestigious ASEAN Food & Travel Award for Best Ready-to-Eat Food 2024 for our signature products: 

Dendeng Daging Kak Sury – Premium marinated beef, slow-cooked with traditional spices for a rich and flavorful experience. 

Sambal Kak Sury – Available in three unique varieties: Sambal Bilis, Sambal Bilis Petai, and Sambal Bilis Petai Tempoyak—each offering a perfect balance of spice and taste. 

Using modern retort technology, our products have a two-year shelf life without preservatives, making them ideal for busy professionals, travelers, students abroad, and anyone craving authentic Malaysian flavors anytime, anywhere. 

To complement our ready-to-eat offerings, my husband, Muhamad Fardlee Ramli, and I launched Nasi Lemak Lobster Nilai—a restaurant where locals can experience our signature flavors firsthand. 

Kasurysh Goes Global 

With growing demand, Kasurysh has successfully expanded beyond Malaysia. Our products are now available at Asean Mall in Pattani, Thailand, and can also be purchased online through Halal Street UK, catering to international consumers seeking high-quality Halal Malaysian cuisine.

In Malaysia, our products are widely accessible on various e-commerce platforms, including: 

• TikTok Shop
• Shopee 
• Lazada 
• Agrobazaar
• Desamall
• Our official website at kaksury.my
• Google Business 

This expansion is a significant milestone, allowing us to introduce Malaysia’s rich flavors to the world and make it easier for customers to enjoy authentic dishes regardless of location. 

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

The journey of an entrepreneur is never easy, but it is rewarding. I firmly believe that every challenge brings new opportunities, and the key to success is the courage to start.

For those who are just beginning their entrepreneurial journey, my advice is simple: 

• Understand your market
• Build a brand that stands out
• Embrace challenges as stepping stones

Success does not come to those who wait—it comes to those who take action. Seeing Kasurysh gain recognition and expand into international markets has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. My mission is not just to sell food, but to bring the taste of Malaysia to a global audience. 

If you’re looking for a taste of authentic Malaysian ready-to-eat meals, Kasurysh is your go-to brand. 

Kasurysh – Bringing Malaysia to the World!