Learning from the best bosses

THE strains of evergreen Seloka Hari Raya are already being played in the malls and on radio. And like clockwork, PETRONAS has released its heartwarming Raya video. You know it’s that time of the year again.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is one of my favourite times of the year, not least because I get to enjoy ketupat and rendang, but also because it’s a stretch holiday and the roads in the Klang Valley will be relatively empty with the balik kampung exodus.

Fasting month comes to an end next week, and the fireworks and celebrations will start. Ramadan teaches patience and humility as well as being grateful for God’s blessings.

But you would not know that it’s Ramadan if you read or view Malaysian social media. The toxicity on some of the sites has not abated during this holy month with netizens spewing racial and religious rhetoric, while slander and fake news are the norm.

For me personally, the less time spent on social media would mean not being exposed to vile posts that make you angry and question the motives and rationale behind these perpetrators.Unfortunately, we live in a world where social media posts that attack, abuse and humiliate are the ones that get the most traction, likes and shares.

But there are also content creators out there that make an effort to reach out and help others. They use social media platforms to bring positive change. There are two of these influencers who deserve to be highlighted and acknowledged.

Both these Internet personalities, who also happen to be entrepreneurs, produce heartwarming content about everyday, ordinary Malaysians helping others. And this cuts across all races.

Khairul Amin Kamarulzaman, popularly known as Khairul Aming, is one such person.

The 30-year-old celebrity chef first gained attention with his simple, easy-to-do recipes. These short videos became immensely popular, and he then created daily buka puasa recipes for 30 days of Ramadan. His videos appeal to the young and old because of his folksy style of delivering content.

The Kota Baru native is also known for his Sambal Nyet brand that is a bestseller on online shopping sites. He recently posted a video showing him making a “special announcement” to his employees at the sambal factory in Kelantan that he had shut for the day.

Some of the 60-odd workers present were visibly moved as he gave them thick envelopes filled with around RM3,000 in wads of RM50 notes. But that’s not all. The video shows his workers at a clothing store shopping for new clothes for Hari Raya. Khairul paid for all their purchases and later treated them to a breaking of fast dinner at a hotel.

“I really appreciate their hard work and I’m just giving back the blessings that I have received all this while. I hope it helps their Raya preparations,” Khairul said in his video.

After the video went viral, many commented that he was a role model for employers in Malaysia – someone who looked out for his employees’ welfare. Some even commented that he was “Malaysia’s best boss”.

That moniker could also be bestowed on James Ng, popularly known as Boss James.

Hugely popular across multiple platforms, Ng owns a motorcycle showroom and workshop. As most of his clientele are Malays, Ng uses Bahasa Malaysia to engage with his followers on social media.

The Klang native started out making videos promoting new motorcycle models, but this in turn led to more inspiring and educational content.

His videos have become viral, and Ng is now an in-demand speaker and motivator. Recent videos show him breaking fast with his staff, engaging with orphans and assisting needy students.

“I believe we can all be inspiring to other people. If we can set good examples, it will become the norm. I am happy that schools invite me to give motivational talks to students.

“I think other successful entrepreneurs should also be giving back by helping the community,” he said in an interview with mStar.

His motorbike business has steadily grown, and he has managed to hire more workers.

Many of his humorous posts are with his employees, prompting many social media users to ask about vacancies at his company.

Both Khairul and Ng have one thing in common – they are caring employers who showcase best practices online. Both have impacted ordinary Malaysians.

It is important that personalities like these two are recognised and emulated. They are entrepreneurs – so earning a decent profit is important – but that has not stopped them from trying to make a positive change on social media.

The writer wishes all Muslim readers a safe and joyous Hari Raya Aidilfitri.