Former executive swaps corner office for mobile coffee venture

What began as a side project has evolved into a thriving business for Mohd Hairy Roslan, who traded his corporate career to pursue his passion for specialty coffee. Operating under the brand 'Other Sidequest', the mobile coffee operation has gained traction in the Bukit Damansara and Sri Hartamas areas, attracting a growing customer base seeking quality beverages in unconventional settings.

The venture exemplifies a broader shift among Malaysian professionals seeking alternative career paths that offer greater autonomy and personal satisfaction. Roslan's decision to pivot from traditional employment to entrepreneurship reflects changing attitudes toward work-life balance and business innovation in the region.

'Other Sidequest' operates from a modified Range Rover, allowing flexibility in location and reducing overhead costs associated with brick-and-mortar establishments. The mobile model has proven particularly effective in reaching affluent residential areas, where customers value convenience and quality service.

The coffee operation's success demonstrates the viability of niche F&B ventures in Malaysia's competitive market. As more consumers develop discerning tastes for specialty coffee and unique dining experiences, mobile and pop-up concepts continue to offer entrepreneurs creative alternatives to conventional retail models.