02/12/2025

TUESDAY | DEC 2, 2025

6

Former auditor leaves desk job for silver screen

Duck farmer forms business from hobby

KUALA LUMPUR: Leaving a stable corporate career for the unpredictable world of entertainment is a move many hesitate to make, but for actress Thasha Krishnakumar (pic) , the leap was necessary. Before entering the acting scene, Thasha spent four years working as an auditor with major international firms KPMG and Ernst & Young. “Acting had always been my passion, but I remained cautious about pursuing it, knowing the risks involved. “For women especially, joining the entertainment industry earlier is better because certain roles come with age limits.” Understanding that she needed financial stability during the transition, Thasha started an online business in 2021 called Kedailah. The brand began on Instagram before expanding to TikTok, providing her with additional income as she pursued acting full-time. Her acting journey took off with “Unnodu Naan Iruppen”, a Naavin Samrat short film released on YouTube in 2018. Her performance caught the attention of prominent local director Dr Vimala Perumal, who cast her in Tamiletchumy 2 in a supporting role. She later appeared in her first feature film, “Undercover Rascals”, before securing a lead role in the pet-themed series “Ramarajan”. Thasha’s major breakthrough came with the Astro Vinmeen series “Uppuroti Chidambaram”, directed by Shalini Balasundaram. Playing a negative character for the first time, she said the role opened new doors in her career. “People started recognising me after that. Even kids and elderly viewers began noticing me,” said the 31-year-old actress from Seremban, who is the youngest of three sisters. She also appears in “Pasanga 3”, the highly anticipated continuation of the popular Pasanga franchise. The third season will begin airing on Dec 8 with more than 200 episodes lined up for the year. Thasha is vocal about improving working conditions for local artistes,

o Nearly RM2 million sales recorded through production of meat, fresh and salted eggs

to start laying eggs, and during the Covid-19 period many restaurants were not operating. I tried selling fresh eggs to basic goods traders, but demand was low.” To avoid losses, he took the initiative to turn some eggs into salted eggs using the brine-pickling method, which lasts longer and is easier to market, Bernama reported. Azwan acknowledged that support from the state government and related agencies played a significant role in strengthening his business. He received grants from the Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Affairs Department and the Negeri Sembilan Entrepreneur Fund in 2023, as well as financing from a bank. “I also received an egg-washing machine and feed supplies from the state Veterinary Department, and they carry out annual inspections of the livestock,” said Azwan, who is assisted by two part-time workers. Aside from raising layer ducks, Azwan has been operating a duck farm for meat production in Jelebu since early this year, producing up to 3,000 ducks a month for supply to well-known restaurant chains, including in Kuala Lumpur, as well as factories, markets and the local community. He said 30 duck eggs are sold at RM30 while duck meat is priced at RM25 for 1.5 kg, with the products also marketed through online platforms, allowing customers from various locations to place orders easily. Azwan has earned several recognitions, including the Negeri Sembilan Halal Cottage Entrepreneur Icon 2023 and Business Expansion Award from Agrobank. He expressed hope to expand his market nationwide and aims to develop an agro-tourism farm where visitors can experience life on a duck farm firsthand.

SEREMBAN: While many young Malaysians pursue careers in the digital and tech sectors, a former school administrative assistant has taken a different path, developing a duck farming venture that has become one of Negeri Sembilan’s leading producers of eggs and meat. Driven by determination and a structured marketing strategy, Azwan Zainudin has recorded sales of nearly RM2 million this year through the production of fresh eggs, salted eggs and meat supplied across the state and to Selangor. The 35-year-old, who began with only 100 ducks in 2020, now operates a 1.15ha farm with about 1,000 Khaki Campbell layer ducks in Kampung Kayu Ara, Mambau under Azwan Farm.

“I started merely as a hobby. Before this, I operated a roadside food stall in Rasah and later a café and restaurant, but due to Covid-19, I had to close the business. That was when I began to consider a more stable path. “I decided on duck farming after seeing the consistent demand for fresh eggs and the broad market potential, besides the relatively easy care involved. My late father also kept ducks, so I was familiar with it.” The youngest of four siblings said in the early stages, he used his own savings to purchase ducks, feed them and build the coop, while also working part-time as a personal driver to support the farm’s operations. “The first six months were the toughest as I had to wait for the ducks

noting that inconsistent shooting schedules make it difficult for actors to sustain themselves. She added that cinema operators should consider lowering ticket prices, especially for B40 families, to encourage more Malaysians to return to theatres amid competition from streaming platforms. Thasha noted that many Malaysian Tamil talents move to the Indian industry due to limited opportunities and financial challenges locally. She urged agencies such as the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia to take a more active role. “If the corporation could provide funding or co-produce films, it would give more hope to directors and aspiring actors.” She has also faced cyberbullying, especially on platforms such as TikTok, on which she livestreams. She said while regulations have improved, education begins at home. “People who want to bully will always find a way. It begins with family. Children must be taught how to speak kindly and respect others.” Over time, she has learned to manage negativity with a balance of firmness and restraint, responding only when necessary. Thasha was raised by a single mother after losing her father at age 12. She credits her mother for instilling independence, resilience and financial discipline. – Bernama

Azwan acknowledged that support from the state government and related agencies played a significant role in strengthening his business. – BERNAMAPIC