Sunway College JB alumnus Arif Kamal forges ahead on his path to business success

Meet Arif Kamal, an alumnus who is proudly riding the wave of success in his business ventures. Graduating with a Diploma in Business Administration in 2013, Arif's journey from Sunway College JB to establishing businesses across industries and borders is proof of his entrepreneurial courage, acumen and ambition.

"My college experience was more than simply acquiring knowledge. It was about developing the mindset and skills necessary for real-world success – which was key for me as I have always had interest for entrepreneurship as my family runs their own business. This was my primary influence and the bug bit hard as soon as I started getting involved in the family business. The lessons, both in and out of the classroom, have helped in my journey as Sunway College JB provided the groundwork for my personal growth and for that, I am grateful," he reflects.

Arif has since embarked on a journey that saw him establish businesses across retail, e-commerce, restaurant and catering services to navigating the intricacies of distribution channels. All these, while being a certified trainer by HRD Corp. Arif's entrepreneurial footprint and knowledge even spans across borders with more than 10 years of experience in retail operations for global brands such as Nike, Adidas, Clarks and Scholl. His ventures have not only left a mark on the local business landscape but have also reached international shores, penetrating markets in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, South America and Taiwan.

Arif fondly recalls his time on campus as an important period of his life. Reflecting on his study experience at college, Arif emphasises the impact of education in his entrepreneurial journey. The comprehensive curriculum which included subjects such as Marketing Communications, Microeconomics and Financial Management provided him with a solid foundation in business acumen. Moreover, the emphasis on personal development, including soft skills like leadership and communication were further honed through his involvement as a Student Ambassador.

However, Arif's journey is not solitary; it is intertwined with that of his siblings, who also pursued their education at Sunway College Johor Bahru. Inspired by the college’s reputation for academic excellence and supportive learning environment, coupled with their shared ambition for entrepreneurial success, each one of Arif's siblings who graduated have embarked on their own paths to success.

“The quality of education here is top-notch. Its proximity to our home was a significant factor. Our family ran a business in Johor Bahru, so being close to home meant that I could easily juggle my studies and contribute to our family business,” added Arif.

Now a seasoned entrepreneur, Arif Kamal offers valuable insights to aspiring business enthusiasts. "My advice is first, embrace your passion but couple it with practical knowledge. Your drive gets you started, but knowledge navigates the journey. Second, don't fear failure. It is not a setback; it is a stepping stone. Every mistake is a lesson. Finally, stay adaptable. The business world is dynamic. Your ability to adapt to changing markets, consumer needs and technologies is what will set you apart. Dream big, start small, but most importantly, start now!"

Expressing gratitude for the support received during his formative years at Sunway College JB, Arif extends his appreciation to the dedicated lecturers and the supportive team at Student Services for their guidance and mentorship which has played an important role in shaping his journey and laying the foundation for his entrepreneurial endeavours. The Sunway College Johor Bahru community wishes him the best of luck in his business ventures and look forward to hearing more about his successes in the future.

Photo: Arif Kamal

Photo: Arif Kamal with Ms Leong Mei Kuen, Head of Business and Financial Programmes