airasia Allstars see big opportunities in franchising with Santan

Photo Caption: Captain Azrul Hakim and Captain Fredrick Jeremy with rehired airasia Allstars at Santan PKNS Shah Alam.

The start of the new decade has proven to be challenging in many ways for all, especially to those in the travel-related industry. While the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted businesses across the world, including AirAsia as an airline, it has also accelerated the airline group’s digital transformation and opened up new opportunities for its non-airline businesses, such as its F&B venture Santan to thrive.

Despite the pandemic, Santan has successfully steered through and expanded with a second outlet in Sunway Pyramid, and three franchises at SOGO Kuala Lumpur, 163 Retail Park Mont Kiara and AEON Mall Shah Alam, along with a string of other franchises to open before the end of 2020.

Indeed, amid every crisis, lies great opportunity and this is exactly what drives airasia Allstars: Captain Lee Chin Hooi, Captain Fredrick Jeremy, Captain Azrul Hakim, Captain Mohamed Shafiran and Captain Syamim Shahabuddin to start the engines of their new career in the F&B industry and take-off with the Santan franchise.

Ready for take-off

“The challenging times brought on by the pandemic made me reevaluate my long term goals and plans. We all have to start somewhere and opening a Santan franchise checked all the boxes for me to venture into the F&B industry,” said Captain Fredrick Jeremy, who is also a type-rated instructor for the A320 aircraft.

In addition to the same concern, Captain Lee Chin Hooi, Captain Mohamed Shafiran and Captain Syamim Shahabuddin said they chose franchising with Santan to create additional streams of income for their family, especially the latter two who are piloting for the long-haul AirAsia X and are currently on furlough until international border restrictions are lifted.

Venturing into an entirely different industry is no easy feat, but all of them agreed that Santan provided immense support and guidance, from finding the right location to sourcing employees for those with zero experience in the F&B business.

“I’m well and beyond impressed with what Santan has to offer to aspiring franchisees with no prior experience like me, and their support has given me the courage to embark on this new adventure,” said Captain Lee Chin Hooi who will be opening his Santan franchise at IOI City Mall in December.

Arm doors and cross-check

When one door closes, another opens. While it can be intimidating to enter the F&B industry in the current climate, seasoned entrepreneur Captain Azrul Hakim says seizing the opportunity is the hallmark of any successful business. His first venture into the franchising business was in 2018 with a popular brand of bubble tea. Realising the potential of franchising with Santan, Captain Azrul is set to open two Santan franchises at PKNS Shah Alam (partnered with Captain Fredrick Jeremy) and AEON Shah Alam this month.

“Research is also a vital part of starting a business, such as having solid discussions and observations with industry players as well as cross-checking with your family and friends. After all, they are your potential customers. We did a comparison with other franchise businesses in the same category and we found that Santan suits us the best mainly due to their support,” said Captain Azrul Hakim and Captain Fredrick Jeremy.

Aside from intensive research, Captain Mohamed Shafiran and Captain Syamim Shahabuddin, who are partnering to open their Santan franchise in the first quarter of 2021, echoed the sentiment and chose Santan for their brand recognition, which helps to lower their business risk compared to setting up their own brand.

Fasten your seatbelt

Naturally, pilots are trained to remain calm and composed but entering into uncharted territory, especially in an entirely different industry can be an anxiety-inducing experience. Captain Lee Chin Hooi shared that besides having zero prior experience in the F&B industry, the responsibility of having employees that he needs to look after especially their well-being and financial security in this pandemic are his main challenges. However, with the step-by-step assistance provided by Santan as well as the support from his family and friends, he is confident and feels ready to prove that he is more than capable.

“As a first-time business owner, our immediate challenges include financial backing, setting up the company, understanding the franchise business model as well as learning how leasing a store in a mall works. On top of that, we have to deal with the constantly changing dynamics of the pandemic, which affects the foot traffic around our location of choice, following the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), which forced us to postpone our opening to the first quarter of 2021. But ultimately, no obstacle is too great when we’re committed,” said Captain Syamim Shahabuddin and Captain Mohamed Shafiran.

With the rapid expansion through franchising, Santan is also set to create hundreds of job opportunities and with their true Allstars spirit, Captain Azrul Hakim and Captain Fredrick Jeremy have brought in prior Allstars to be part of their team. “Apart from the delayed openings caused by the current situation, the other challenge for us was getting the right employees to help us manage the outlet and we are happy that we are able to rehire Allstars to be part of our team. Once an Allstar, always an Allstar! It goes to show, there’s always a way, we just need to explore all available resources,” said Captain Azrul Hakim.

Prepare for landing

Learning the ropes in franchise business requires perseverance, but as airasia Group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes always said, nothing is impossible. “Based on my past experiences, of course, you will face some hurdles along the way but there’s always a solution to everything. What’s important is for you to start now!” said Captain Azrul Hakim.

Understanding the business plan, having a great team and the never-give-up attitude are also key to a successful business, cited Captain Fredrick Jeremy who is a fan of Santan’s Nasi Padang with Beef Rendang.

Landed at Santan

Captain Syamim Shahabuddin and Captain Mohamed Shafiran, both who have been with the airline for over 13 years believe that there is a silver lining in every cloud and one should always be open to change. While they are eager to get back on the flightdeck, they are elated to start their Santan franchise journey.

“It is never too late to start a business and learn something new. I hope I can inspire budding entrepreneurs to follow their dreams and encourage everyone to venture into a franchise business. Surely finding the right franchisor is crucial, but I trust Santan will lead me to a successful endeavour,” expressed Captain Lee Chin Hooi, 43 years old.

Looking ahead, Captain Azrul Hakim and Captain Fredrick Jeremy also hope to fly high with Santan and expand in new markets, while supporting the communities through job opportunities.

List of Santan franchises to be opened in Klang Valley:

Entrepreneurs who are interested in owning and operating a Santan franchise can contact franchise@santan.com.my.

Photo Caption: Captain Azrul Hakim and his business partner with Catherine Goh, General Manager of Santan (middle) at the opening of Santan AEON Shah Alam.

From Cockpit to Kitchen