Rusyaidi Is Passionate About Crowdfunding For Humanitarian Needs
What’s your story?
It was only last year when it all started. At that point in time, I was enquiring into internship placements when, coincidentally, I was approached by a senior member in the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Tengku Ahmad Syamil, to be part of the founding team of Kitafund.com.
Syamil had co-founded Skolafund.com in 2015 which aids in crowdfunding students from low to middle income families. Inspired by his noble intention, I decided to jump on the bandwagon as an ad-hoc member in 2017.
Subsequently, in May 2019, together with 3 other reliable teammates, we started Kitafund.com and merged Skolafund.com as a subsidiary, to serve greater social causes, including humanitarian, medical and educational causes. My current role is Campaign Acquisition.
What excites you most about your industry?
In the world we are living in today, with the high cost of living and an inevitable recession looming, we tend to underestimate the spirit of giving in our society. To my surprise, people are more willing to come forward to help those in need, via our platform. At times, the lavishly designed skyscrapers have blinded us to the rising social inequality in surrounding communities. Hence, a platform like this allows us to reflect on the reality, and more importantly, to lighten the burden of those in need.
What’s your connection to Asia?
Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, is the most diverse place in terms of religions practiced, ethnicity, and culture. I grew up in Singapore and pursued my tertiary education in Malaysia. Throughout my life journey, I was blessed with the opportunity to travel across Southeast Asia while doing volunteer work. I guess I am destined to be in this region as we are currently working on expanding Kitafund.com into Singapore and establishing a close relationship with one of Indonesia’s largest crowdfunding platforms, Kitabisa.com.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Kuala Lumpur. It has a substantial market size, a vibrant business ecosystem, and immense support for testing new ideas.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The blessings that were bestowed upon you is at times due to the prayers of the person who you have helped.
Who inspires you?
The co-founder of Skolafund and Kitafund, Tengku Ahmad Syamil. He initiated Skolafund when he was still studying for his bachelor’s degree. Not many would want to take the risk of balancing studies as well as creating financial solutions for his peers. He is an inspiration to many!
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
The pandemic is a real concern. Everyone is affected by it, and governments around the world are dipping into their reserves for their citizens.
Quoting from Thomas Aquinas, “But because many persons are in need, and the same things cannot assist everybody, the dispensing of one’s goods is committed to each individual, so that each may out of them assist those in need.”
The plight of the world today is a continuous social responsibility that should be collectively shouldered by everyone. We should all play our part in helping others.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would return to my varsity days and explore more relevant tech skills to better prepare myself for the next phase of development.
How do you unwind?
I enjoy taking random trips on public transport with my ears plugged into funny podcasts on Spotify.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Bogor. Its waterfall, called Curug Naga, was the best thing I have ever experienced. The chirping sound of the birds and the sound of the flowing water accompanied by the breezy weather made for the best elements in which to relax.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“The Finishers,” by Ezra Ferraz.
Shameless plug for your business:
Kitafund is here to help with your fundraising. You are spared for greater transparency to reach a wider audience. Importantly, we are here to support your cause. Fundraise with us for any medical, humanitarian and education related causes.
How can people connect with you?
We are active on all social media platforms. Language used is predominantly Malay Language to suit our nest in Malaysia. Follow us on our Facebook and explore more about us here.
And I look forward to more personal interaction at [email protected].
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This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connects’ series of more than 1000 interviews
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’ and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
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Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
