Leaves a decent salary due to interest in building fiber boats

Seeking a better work-life balance and more time with his family, Nasarudin Hussin, 43, made a significant career change. The former skilled construction worker in Singapore, who earned a substantial income, decided to return to his hometown in Besut, Malaysia, and establish a fiberglass boat manufacturing business.

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I worked in Dungun for two years before going to Singapore as a skilled construction worker. Although the income at that time was quite good, I chose to return because I wanted to be closer to my family.

Hussin's journey into boat building began shortly after completing his Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) in 2001. He gained initial experience working at a boatyard in Dungun for two years before moving to Singapore in 2003 for a decade-long career in construction. Despite the lucrative earnings, the pull of family life led him back to Malaysia in 2012.

He launched his boat manufacturing enterprise in Besut, his wife's hometown, in 2013. This venture was spurred by a friend's challenge, who believed in Hussin's skills. Having already acquired a foundation in boat construction, Hussin embraced the opportunity to become an entrepreneur.

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I started the boat manufacturing business in Besut in 2013, my wife's hometown, after being challenged by a friend who was confident in my skills. Since I already had a foundation in making boats, I accepted the challenge and started my own business.

The production of fiberglass boats requires significant capital due to rising raw material costs. Hussin emphasizes the use of custom-made molds to ensure the quality and durability of his products. The manufacturing process involves creating molds, applying layers of specialized resin, and painting the boats according to customer specifications. Each month, he can produce two to three boats, with sizes ranging from 10 to 24 feet. The price of these custom boats varies from RM1,300 to RM20,000, depending on their size and specifications.

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Each month I can produce two or three boats depending on the size, which is between 10 to 24 feet.