Sometimes you come across some individuals who are just entrepreneurial in spirit and are willing to take the plunge into something that they’re passionate about. It’s even more difficult when one is a student studying full time at university, having to juggle studies, social life, and yet find the time to launch a business, and make it a success. 

Meet one of our alumni Venon Tian, who embraced the resilience required to be a successful entrepreneur and Chief Operating Officer of ZUS COFFEE. Like many of us, he felt the weight of parental and peer expectations pushing toward studying for a Law degree at HELP University. He took the plunge despite his true passion lying in the realm of entrepreneurship. But Venon’s story is not just about conformity; it’s about the resilience to follow his own path. Reflecting on his time at HELP University, he warmly recalls how the support of his lecturers helped him transition from Pre-Med to Law. These college years, though challenging academically, became the best days of his life.

While studying, Venon ventured into the world of e-commerce, selling laptop skins and stickers on eBay. The passion for entrepreneurship did not stop, leading him to start a laundry chain 2 years after being in corporate. Despite facing hurdles, he didn’t give up. Instead, he used the profits to create EPIZOD, an a laundry locker business in 2017.

Venon’s journey took another turn when he joined ZUS COFFEE, a move that would eventually make him its Chief Operating Officer. Navigating through the challenges of a global pandemic and two lockdowns, ZUS COFFEE not only survived but thrived, creating thousands of jobs and becoming a prominent coffee chain in Malaysia.

According to Venon, ZUS COFFEE’s success lies in putting people first. It’s not just about coffee; it’s about building a brand that resonates with the masses. As he says, “Go big or go home. When everyone is sleeping, we work harder.” It’s a testament to the dedication and hard work that has propelled ZUS COFFEE to the forefront of the Malaysian coffee scene.

But Venon is not content with just success; he sees it as a checkpoint in the business’ growth. The evolving landscape of home-brew cafés inspired him to focus on the mass consumer market, envisioning ZUS COFFEE to be the biggest in South East Asia.  

For Venon, he sees the coffee culture in Malaysia still in its infancy, and he dreams of transforming the local preference for flavoured coffee into a more refined palate. Beyond coffee, he plans to expand ZUS COFFEE into a holistic brand, venturing into different verticals that compliment each other. The goal is regional expansion and, eventually, international recognition.

In Venon’s eyes, your current academic pursuit doesn’t dictate your future. “It does not matter what you are studying right now,” he advises. “The journey toward a degree doesn’t have to define your career.” For aspiring entrepreneurs, Venon emphasises the importance of diversifying skills, understanding different perspectives, and debunking the myth that success requires a specific formula.

In the world of Venon Tian, being open to change, embracing diversity, and following your passions are the keys to creating a future beyond the confines of societal expectations and academic choices.