Anthony Heng Lean Chin’s time at Management and Science University (MSU) provided more than just academic knowledge; it equipped him with vital life skills to navigate unpredictable challenges.
A proud alumnus, Anthony graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business under the Faculty of Business Management and Professional Studies and is now the founder of Speed Bake Bakery. This business blossomed from an unexpected opportunity.
During his student years at MSU, Anthony was actively involved in the university’s Chinese Culture Society, where he served as Chairman.
“My role as Chairman of the society helped me become more people-orientated,” said Anthony while reflecting on his experience. “It was not just about running activities; it was about learning how to connect with others, which is crucial in business.”
Anthony’s journey into entrepreneurship was far from conventional. Before founding Speed Bake, he was working in a completely different field. As an executive with Auto Precision Malaysia Sdn Bhd, his focus was on manufacturing precision gears for industries such as medical equipment, aerospace, and automotive. However, the Movement Control Order (MCO) in 2020 drastically affected his business, leaving Anthony and his partners in an unexpected situation.
“The pandemic forced us to rethink our future,” Anthony recalls. “We were sitting at home with nothing to do and started thinking about what our retirement might look like. That’s when the idea of starting a bakery supply business came about.”
Establishing Speed Bake during the pandemic wasn’t without its challenges. One major obstacle was securing the necessary funding from business partners. “Managing finances was tough,” Anthony admits. “It’s always a challenge when funds come from shared business partners, especially during uncertain times.”
Another significant hurdle was dealing with suppliers. “Suppliers often require a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) before they’ll even deliver,” he explains. “If we couldn’t meet that threshold, they wouldn’t send the products. It was a tough lesson in managing supply chains.”
Despite these challenges, Anthony credits his time at MSU for giving him the skills to persevere.
“MSU helped build my confidence to interact with people from all walks of life,” he says. “As Chairman of the Chinese Cultural Society, I learned how to lead a team and plan activities from start to finish. These are the same skills I use today in my business.”
His involvement at MSU also provided him with the opportunity to engage with high-level stakeholders, including government ministers and foreign delegates. The University helped him to develop leadership skills, cultural diversity, and holistic teaching facilities to overcome difficult challenges.
“That experience was invaluable,” he reflects. “It helped me learn how to communicate with people in positions of authority and across various industries.”
Today, Anthony’s success with Speed Bake is a testament to his resilience and the skills he developed during his university years. He exemplifies the principles of fostering sustainable economic growth, creating opportunities for productive employment, and ensuring decent work for all.
“I never expected to be in the bakery business,” he says with a smile. “But I have learnt that sometimes, the unexpected can lead to your greatest achievements.”
Learn how Anthony Heng Lean Chin’s experience at MSU makes his business more resilient.
Anthony Heng Lean Chin’s time at Management and Science University (MSU) provided more than just academic knowledge; it equipped him with vital life skills to navigate unpredictable challenges.
A proud alumnus, Anthony graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business under the Faculty of Business Management and Professional Studies and is now the founder of Speed Bake Bakery. This business blossomed from an unexpected opportunity.
During his student years at MSU, Anthony was actively involved in the university’s Chinese Culture Society, where he served as Chairman.
“My role as Chairman of the society helped me become more people-orientated,” said Anthony while reflecting on his experience. “It was not just about running activities; it was about learning how to connect with others, which is crucial in business.”
Anthony’s journey into entrepreneurship was far from conventional. Before founding Speed Bake, he was working in a completely different field. As an executive with Auto Precision Malaysia Sdn Bhd, his focus was on manufacturing precision gears for industries such as medical equipment, aerospace, and automotive. However, the Movement Control Order (MCO) in 2020 drastically affected his business, leaving Anthony and his partners in an unexpected situation.
“The pandemic forced us to rethink our future,” Anthony recalls. “We were sitting at home with nothing to do and started thinking about what our retirement might look like. That’s when the idea of starting a bakery supply business came about.”
Establishing Speed Bake during the pandemic wasn’t without its challenges. One major obstacle was securing the necessary funding from business partners. “Managing finances was tough,” Anthony admits. “It’s always a challenge when funds come from shared business partners, especially during uncertain times.”
Another significant hurdle was dealing with suppliers. “Suppliers often require a Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) before they’ll even deliver,” he explains. “If we couldn’t meet that threshold, they wouldn’t send the products. It was a tough lesson in managing supply chains.”
Despite these challenges, Anthony credits his time at MSU for giving him the skills to persevere.
“MSU helped build my confidence to interact with people from all walks of life,” he says. “As Chairman of the Chinese Cultural Society, I learned how to lead a team and plan activities from start to finish. These are the same skills I use today in my business.”
His involvement at MSU also provided him with the opportunity to engage with high-level stakeholders, including government ministers and foreign delegates. The University helped him to develop leadership skills, cultural diversity, and holistic teaching facilities to overcome difficult challenges.
“That experience was invaluable,” he reflects. “It helped me learn how to communicate with people in positions of authority and across various industries.”
Today, Anthony’s success with Speed Bake is a testament to his resilience and the skills he developed during his university years. He exemplifies the principles of fostering sustainable economic growth, creating opportunities for productive employment, and ensuring decent work for all.
“I never expected to be in the bakery business,” he says with a smile. “But I have learnt that sometimes, the unexpected can lead to your greatest achievements.”
Learn how Anthony Heng Lean Chin’s experience at MSU makes his business more resilient.