The most inspiring entrepreneurial journey of a SingaporeanPang Lim, through Koufu.
Meet the man from Singapore, Pang Lim, who had a tough start. Due to poor financial conditions, Pang dropped out of school at the age of 13 and started working as an assistant to his uncle, who was a hawker. After that, he spent many more years cooking and cleaning dishes.
Pang Lim Struggles
When Pang was 18, he lost his father, and all of his family’s responsibilities fell on him because he was the eldest child in his family. At the time, Pang’s mother was working as a school janitor. Additionally, Pang started working in the kitchen of a Chinese restaurant.
Pang then used his savings to launch a chicken rice stall, but this business venture was short-lived due to his national service call-up. After completing his national service, Pang returned to the food and beverage industry.
After working in a restaurant for 2 years, he started his own fruit wholesale enterprise. Subsequently, he gave up his fruit-selling business and returned to his previous role as a hawker. This time, he decided to start a coffee shop. Finally, Pang founded Koufu in 2002.
Pang says, “Never let these challenges affect your future. Instead of worrying, bravely face these battles and gain insights from them to help you in your future. Every challenge is a valuable learning opportunity.”
What is Koufu?
Since its inception in 2002, Koufu has been a Singaporean food and beverage company. It runs food courts, coffee shops, and casual restaurants. The company currently operates 180 coffee shops and food courts, with 12 brands in Singapore and one food court in Macau. Koufu was started with just 10 workers, and now working with thousands of employees. It’s a huge success, but Pang says, “Koufu will never succeed, as it’s always growing.”
Koufu’s goal is to provide delicious food and accessible services to everyone. Their goal statement promises you “better food, better people, and a better life.”
Pang says, “I have no special motto for success, but I focus on the attitude of perseverance and the importance to continually learn and improve oneself.”
