He Once Ran His Own Company As CEO, Now This Malaysian is Working As A Delivery Rider

Not every career journey follows a straight line. Some people climb the corporate ladder, while others build their own companies, only to later find themselves starting over from scratch.

That's the reality for one Malaysian man who was once the chief executive officer (CEO) of his own company but now works as a delivery rider.

His company once made profits of up to RM6 million

Speaking to Harian Metro, Indera Aria Wee Jeeny, 40, said he founded a company that provided a platform for ordering and delivering food.

According to Indera, the company was founded in 2019 and grew exponentially, eventually employing 3,000 active riders across Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah while generating profits of up to RM6 million.

On top of that, the company was also a strategic partner under the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC).

Image Credit: NST

Everything seemed to be going well for Indera until the company began suffering losses several years later.

Indera claimed it all started after an individual allegedly sold the company's Internet Protocol (IP) address to a competitor for personal gain. Things began to go downhill from there, and by January 2021, profits had dropped to just RM40,000 to RM80,000.

In a desperate attempt to keep the business afloat, Indera said he sold his personal assets to ensure his employees continued receiving their salaries. Eventually, however, the company collapsed, leaving him with insufficient funds to support his family.

Had to start over from the bottom

The father of two said starting over was not something that came easily to him. He shared that he faced severe financial difficulties following the company's collapse and even had to search for loose change just to buy food. He also recalled having to walk long distances because he had no means of transportation.

However, his biggest struggle was seeing people who were once close to him distance themselves.

"At that time, I began to realise that many of those who were once close to me started keeping their distance. Maybe they were afraid that I'd ask them to lend me money."

"I admit I was upset and disappointed because I had helped them when I was doing well. It got to a point where I questioned what I had done to deserve such treatment," he said.

Words from a former employee inspired him to keep going

Indera said he had considered giving up on rebuilding his life. However, a conversation he once had with a former employee who worked as a food delivery rider inspired him to persevere.

"He only earned RM20 from delivering food, but he was so happy because he could afford to buy food for his child. Those words inspired me and made me realise that I needed to rebuild myself so that I could help more people."

Image Credit: NST

Today, Indera works independently as a food delivery rider. He also offers a personal shopping service, charging between RM5 and RM10 to purchase items on behalf of others.

While completing deliveries, he often stops to help people in need whom he encounters along the way.

Whether it's helping someone replace a car battery or change a tyre, Indera said it gives him great satisfaction to assist others without expecting anything in return.

"Almost every night while working, I come across people who need help. Once, I met a family who hadn't eaten in two weeks. I felt sorry for them and tried to help as much as I could."

"It gives me satisfaction knowing that I've done everything I can to help those in need. I never ask for any rewards, I only hope they will pray for me," he shared.

Despite everything that has happened, Indera said he views the experience as a life lesson rather than the end of his journey.

He also shared that he remains determined to rise again as an entrepreneur and create job opportunities for others.

Featured Image Credit: NST