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Profile: Alvin Quah also known as (aka) QuaChee
Home town: Malacca Town, Malacca
Age: 26

Bio: QuaChee is the Founding Director at Quachee Enterprise (Q.Ce). He is an entrepreneur, model, writer and dreamer that seeks to live life to the fullest.

1. Let’s begin by telling us a little bit about yourself.
I am an entrepreneur, publisher, model, writer and dreamer. I have one published book, Batik Inspirations, and a second book in the works. I enjoy modeling and acting. I like to think of myself not an artiste per se, rather as an entrepreneur in the entertainment industry.

2. What is your academic background? How is your academic background relevant (or not) in your current full-time work and side gigs?
I actually get this question quite a bit from people. I studied Accounting at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Although most of my daily work at Q.Ce does not focus directly on accounting practices, my accounting background does come in handy and provides for a strong fundamental to understand the business aspect of managing my own business.

3. What is up with the name QuaChee?
The nickname QuaChee was actually given to me when I was still in school. It’s also an abbreviation of my full Chinese name in Hokkien (Chinese dialect). When I published my first book, Batik Inspirations, I wanted a catchy name that people can remember, so I decided to run with QuaChee.

4. When did you begin blogging and why?
I started blogging back in late 2006. Initially when I started blogging, I was actually more intrigued by the blogging phenomenon. To be honest, my blog was rather dull, I must admit.

Now, I see blogging as an avenue (with a huge potential online audience) to (1) channel my creativity in writing and (2) document and promote my work as a entrepreneur and publisher. Besides, it’s a nice and easy way to earn some cash.

5. Some might know you as the “Batik Inspirations” guy. Can you tell us more about Batik Inspirations? What motivated you to embark on this project?

I’m glad that people associate me with batik and vice versa. It shows that at least the marketing was brilliant and people took notice of Batik Malaysia.

Since a young age, I have always dreamed about publishing a book. Upon graduation back in 2004, I went on a trip to Yogyakarta, Indonesia, where I stumbled upon an attractive contemporary batik shirt. That coupled with my love for my homeland, Malaysia, was the birth of Batik Inspirations.

6. Hindsight is always 20-20. On the Batik Inspirations project, what are some hindsights or lessons learned?
I should have learnt more about marketing and publishing before jumping in without first learning the ropes of publishing. It was a steep learning curve! However, if I did research more about marketing and publishing, I might have backed off from this idea (knowing the investment it cost) or the book might not have been as successful (by conforming to the “standard” practices). Perhaps, ignorance is bliss.

I still think it was a wise decision to pursue excellence and go with the best standards– from photography and print. Even though it was very costly to produce, it was well worth it. The brand of the company was established. People recognize Q.Ce as a high quality company that doesn’t compromise on delivering quality and excellent products. That is a good thing, my friend.

7. Tell us about some of the recent projects that you’re working on.
I am currently working on my second book, Malaysia 50+1. It will showcase all things beautiful about Malaysia – both from the perspective of locals as well as tourist – from the awe-inspiring Petronas Twin Towers to sometimes easily taken-for granted nasi lemak or roti canai. Plus, there will be a segment solely devoted to feature various talented Malaysians.

One reason for this book is to unite Malaysians by showing the beauty of this homeland we call Malaysia. Additionally, it’s can serve as a tourism tool to help promote Malaysia to the international arena.

8. As an entrepreneur, what are some the biggest learning lessons learned?
Every entrepreneur needs a vision. It took a while for me to get there. In the journey of publishing Batik Malaysia, I realized that my vision was realizing my dream of seeing my own book published, not merely to set up a publishing business.

Entrepreneurs also need to have passion – huge dosage of it! That passion needs to be translated onto their work, whatever the product or service. In Batik Malaysia, the beautiful background is at my hometown, Malacca. I wanted draw on the rich culture and beauty that Malaysia offers and share my passion for Malaysia with the world.

The reality of being an entrepreneur (despite myth that entrepreneurs make a bundle of money fast) is that it ain’t easy and demands a lot of hard work and determination. Vision and passion needs to supersede the monetary gain, fame and glamour.

9. Any final words of wisdom you’d like to leave us with?
Believe in your dreams, and envision it like it’s real. Take tiny steps and eventually it will come true.

Thank you, Ray.

QuaChee’s blog: www.quachee.blogspot.com
QuaChee company: www.quachee.com
Check out QuaChee on facebook

In Malaysia, it’s very common to see product instructions and descriptions in multiple languages, mainly, English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Tamil.

In welcoming beautiful spring weather, I want to make a special mention to the following new readers.

QuaChee
Peter Hull
Ohioboy
Mama Wanna be
Peter Ong
Dan
Colleen
Mark
Cali Ressler and Jody Thompson
Ayin
Lisa

Also, I’ve been getting a number of emails lately from readers (a good thing!) with questions and business ideas. Please continue to email me. I love hearing from you guys. I’d be most willing to help explore ideas and give feedback.You can reach me at rayc22[at]gmail[dot]com.

Vanakam,
Ray Chung anak lelaki (son of) Malaysian Mama