Khairul Aming, whose Sambal Nyet brand has become a social media success, is inspiring more young Malaysians to try entrepreneurship. — Picture courtesy of Khairul Aming

MalayMail-Oct 7

In the past, most graduates dreamed of securing stable salaried jobs in the public sector or large corporations. Today, however, many young people are choosing a far more challenging path — entrepreneurship. This phenomenon is more than just a passing trend; it reflects a real shift in mindset and aspirations among the new generation as they define their own career paths. In Malaysia, one of the standout figures riding this wave is Khairul Amin Kamarulzaman, better known as Khairul Aming. At just 33, he has not only made a name for himself as a social media influencer but has also built a successful business empire with his sambal products, recording sales in the millions of ringgit. Khairul Aming continues to serve as a source of inspiration for young people — admired not only for his courage in creating new ideas but also for his creativity and innovation. On the growing trend, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Management and Business, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Dr. Ehsan Fansuree Surin, said there are many reasons why the younger generation prefers entrepreneurship over salaried employment. He said that while some come from business-oriented families, others venture into entrepreneurship out of passion, the desire to be independent, or due to difficulty in securing jobs. According to a 2020 report by SME Corporation Malaysia, the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector — largely driven by young entrepreneurs — contributed over 38 per cent to Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Read more at: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/10/07/the-khairul-aming-effect-more-young-malaysians-choosing-business-over-salaried-jobs-academics-explain-why/193715