In one’s early 20s, many might be content with finding a job after graduation.
However, for Amirudin Abdullah, a 2005 graduate of Air Conditioning from UniKL Malaysia France Institute (UniKL MFI), life took a different turn.
Instead of seeking employment, he embarked on an audacious entrepreneurial journey with just RM500 in capital and an initial income of RM140.
Back in 2005, fresh out of industrial training, Amirudin could never have imagined that, 21 years later, he would be at the helm of a multimillion-ringgit enterprise specialising in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) services.
Today, his company, Docto Aircond Sdn. Bhd., boasts a team of over 288 dedicated staff members across Malaysia.
The spark for this journey was ignited by the encouragement and exposure from his former lecturer at UniKL MFI, who took students on house-to-house air conditioning service calls.
This early exposure helped shape Amirudin’s vision and fueled his determination.
“To take a bold step in starting up a business required immense courage. I had the drive, but initially lacked both money and contacts,” Amirudin reflected.
He firmly believes that the cornerstone of a successful business comprises three critical elements: Drive, Capital, and Contact. With these in mind, he launched Docto Aircond.
“It is an ordinary business with extraordinary people behind it,” Amirudin said, explaining that this dynamic has propelled his company to achieve around RM100,000 in sales every month.
In the nascent years of his business, Amirudin worked tirelessly from a modest 600-square-foot office. By 2006, his perseverance paid off as he secured a significant contract with the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI).
“I owe much of our success to my friends from UniKL MFI, who supported me in building this business empire,” he said.
Today, Docto Aircond proudly manages 68 ongoing contracts, many with government agencies.
In the face of the global upheaval caused by COVID-19, the company not only survived but soared, clinching a groundbreaking contract with the Ministry of Health to develop a cutting-edge Hybrid ICU.
This project shattered expectations, earning a place in the Malaysian Book of Records for the fastest construction of FHyICU Buildings during the pandemic—an achievement that defied the odds and set a new standard in crisis response.
“We completed the building for 10 patients in just 25 days. This achievement stands unique, as it was accomplished amidst the COVID-19 crisis,” Amirudin reminisced.
Another significant accolade was the Anugerah Vendor Subsidiari Terbaik Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), where Docto Aircond emerged victorious out of over 14,000 competitors.
Looking ahead, Amirudin has ambitious plans for the next year. He aims to launch an Initial Public Offering (IPO), targeting a valuation of RM300 million.
“With the right path and strategy, we are confident we can achieve this goal,” he concluded.
From a modest start with RM500 to leading a thriving enterprise, his journey exemplifies the transformative potential of entrepreneurial spirit.
