BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  Open For Business  >  Rotiboy: From Near Failure to 800 Million Buns Sold

Rotiboy: From Near Failure to 800 Million Buns Sold

Hiro Tan, Founder & Managing Director, Rotiboy Bakeshoppe

10-Sep-25 10:00

Rotiboy: From Near Failure to 800 Million Buns Sold

For almost 30 years, the smell of a freshly baked Rotiboy bun has been an iconic part of the Malaysian food experience, but behind this is a story of near-failure, resilience, and a "last stand" that involved selling a family car to survive.

Founder Hiro Tan joins us to share his incredible journey. From making pau as a child and struggling with RM60-a-day sales in his first Klang Valley outlet, to a pivotal turning point at Wisma Sentral that sparked a regional franchise, this is the story behind one of Malaysia's beloved food brands.

We discuss:

  • The 30-year journey from a struggling Penang bakery to a global brand.

  • The "last stand" moment that saved the business from the brink of failure.

  • The two key lessons learned: the need for expertise and sufficient capital.

  • The evolution of their business model into manufacturing and franchising.

  • The founder's current focus on building a lasting legacy and succession planning.

For entrepreneurs and anyone who loves a true story of resilience, this is a dive into the heart and hustle behind an iconic Malaysian brand.

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  economyentrepreneursSME

Tags:  F&B Businessentrepreneurshipbrand buildingfranchisingsme malaysiamanufacturing





Play / Pause

Listen now : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Tony Nash, CEO, Complete Intelligence tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Catherine Lim, Senior Industry Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence walks us through the current state of the Chinese and Japanese retail sectors.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Michelle Ng Mei Sze, Assemblywoman for Subang Jaya, discusses the Subang Jaya Local Plan 2035.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Teong Teck Lin, CEO of GDEX, shares how the company is navigating rising competition and a shifting logistics landscape while staying profitable and driving future growth.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Criminal lawyer Goh Chia Yee discusses privacy and police SOPs.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

Nusrat Hassan, Operation Coordinator, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) tells us the challenges of providing aid during recent disasters in the region.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Tony Nash, CEO, Complete Intelligence tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) We take a look at the FBM KLCI as well as regional capital markets.

9:35 AM

Ringgit & Sense

Chua Kim Soon, CEO of the General Insurance Association of Malaysia discusses insurance for homes against disaster.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

Michelle Hah, Fire Fighter Industry

11:00 AM

Tech Talk

Ryan Kirkley, Co-Founder & President, Global Settlement Network

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

eremiah Rodrigues, General Manager, CARMA Malaysia & Philippines

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Our flagship show, we feature both game-changers and groundbreakers in the hot seat.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Beyond the Ballot Box

A conversation with Jason Soo, director of Al Awda, a documentary that follows a group of activists aboard a 2018 flotilla attempting to break the Gaza blockade.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

A counsellor answers questions on how to be happy in life, and with life.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Talkback Thursday