In between studying. Hehhe. =P

If you want an alternative to McDonalds, try Secret Recipe, 1901 Hotdog or MarryBrown. If you want an alternative to Gucci (I don't know if it supports Israel or not though), try Bonia.

These are among the famous Malaysian-made products (by Malaysians). I did a short research just now. All this while, I always thought 1901 Hotdog was pure American! Hehhe.

See, if there's a will, there will always be a way. We can live with class without actually being Americanized!

For me, my Ibu's Nasi Lemak is still the best! Nyummmm.

10 Established Malaysia Franchises

1. Secret Recipe

Secret Recipe opened its first shop in 1997. Today, the name Secret Recipe has become a household name not only in Malaysia but also in overseas, including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, China and Philippines. The shop offers more than 20 types of fusion food, cake and pastries, and a various range of ice creams and beverages. Secret Recipe’s rapid success has earned the brand various awards that include Top 50 Enterprise 2007, Homegrown Franchise of The Year Award 2007, International Franchisor of The Year 2007 and many more.

2. Marrybrown

Perhaps the less popular fast food franchise brand in this country, with the likes of McDonalds and KFC seem to be dominating the market. However, Marrybrown has tasted much success outside of its own country, particularly in the Asia and Middle East region. The company was founded in 1981, and today owns more than 200 outlets in Malaysia, China, India, Sri Lanka, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. It is also in the planning stage to enter Tanzania, Syria and Republic of Iran. Also, a recipient of multiple franchise awards.

3. Nelson’s

Nelson is the first company in Malaysia that introduced corn-in-cup concept in Malaysia, where sweet corns are sold via mini-sized kiosks, located strategically in major shopping complexes. The name originated from the founder himself, Nelson Kwok. Nelson operates in Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, China and Turkey. In 2006, Nelson has the most number of oversea outlets among all Malaysian franchisors in 2006. Nelson’s other products include ice cream yogurt, ais krim potong, waffle cone ice cream, fruit juices and RO water.

4. 1901 Hotdog

1901, famous for its American-style hot dogs, was co-founded by a wife-and-husband team, Tengku Rozidar Zainal Abidin and Ahmad Zakir Ja’afar. Tengku Rozidar was a former journalist for TV3 and RTM before quitting her job and decided to jump into the entrepreneurship bandwagon. The two were on their way to buy an American franchise right, and while waiting in the airport in the US, an idea struck their mind to start selling American hot dog style in Malaysia. 1901 started as a small pushcart kiosk in Sunway Pyramid, and today has grown to a total of more than 70 outlets and still growing. The name 1901 was picked from the year the name ‘hot dog’ was coined.

5. Smart Reader

Perhaps the most successful educational provider franchise in Malaysia. The original Smart Reader was founded as Smart Education System in 1988 to provide early education to kids. As the years go by and as the company tastes more and more success, the services offered undergo phases of evolutions to cover junior programs, English for adults and youths, smart calculation program and so on. The business model was franchised in 1999 to provide a platform for a speedier growth and greater market reach.

6. Bonia

With its long presence and brand heritage, Bonia was accorded a place in the 30 Most Valuable Company Brands in Malaysia 2007 list. The brand is often associated with distinguished style and sophistication, with most of its products are designed based from Italian inspiration. The company was established back in the 1970s and today has presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Italy with more than 500 outlets worldwide. Bonia Malaysia, through its subsidiaries, involved in the designing, manufacturing, marketing and retailing of fashionable goods and products.

7. Metro Driving Academy

Metro Driving Academy obtained its license 1997 to operate a driving school in the area of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. Today, you can hear their commercials frequently on popular radio stations. Apart from the normally offered general driving course, the academy also provides advanced driving courses, Good Driving License and Public Service Vehicles license. The Road Transport Department (JPA) once awarded Metro Driving the Best Driving Academy in Malaysia based on the professionalism in the operation and administration.

8. England Optical

England Optical Group is presently the largest optical chain store in Malaysia. It is also the first optical store to provide franchise opportunities for keen investors and aspiring entrepreneurs. England Optical also offers owner-operator franchise, where investors only need to plough some investment into the franchise scheme to qualify as an England Optical franchisee. Additionally, small-scale optical shop operators are also welcome to be part of the group’s franchise chain.

9. Jukebox

Jukebox may be more associated with music, but this one Jukebox is not - it is essentially a shoe retailer company. However, the name itself, which was born some 20 years ago did get the inspiration from the music playing device called the Jukebox. Jukebox was established by Leow Chow Ngee who shares a dream to create shoe retailing system that benefits the partners. The company also has a vision to provide quality shoe wears at affordable and low prices to the every day consumers.

10. Laksa Shack

Laksa Shack operates under the name of Sierra Circle Sdn Bhd which was established in 1996 with a goal to provide a diverse range of ‘laksa’ - Asian specialty delicacy to middle income customer base. The first outlet was opened in Jaya Shopping Center which serves local delicacies, specialty coffee with a wide variety of noodles which later becomes its signature offering. Laksa Shack is currently under a massive plan to increase its franchise operation.