MK Porridge has rapidly become one of Malaysia’s most recognisable and well-loved porridge brands. Its rise is not driven solely by the taste of its signature bowls, but by the conviction, consistency, and quiet warmth infused into the brand. At the heart of this story is its founder, Terrence Chia. Terrence Chia’s entrepreneurial roots trace back not to a kitchen, but to a printing factory. In 2008, at just 18, freshly graduated and barely stepping into adulthood, he found himself taking over his family’s printing business. It was an immense responsibility that few his age could shoulder, but it became the defining apprenticeship of his life. Market volatility, economic downturns, and industry competition repeatedly tested him. Yet instead of breaking under pressure, he was shaped by it. Those years sharpened his business instincts, strengthened his execution, and built a quiet resilience that would later set him apart. What others perceived as hardship, he experienced as preparation. Each challenge became a lesson; each setback is a stepping stone.

By 2018, a deeper clarity emerged: “Food, clothing, shelter, and transport will always endure. I want to build something that truly belongs to me.” With this realization, he and his partners transformed their passion for Hong Kong–style cuisine into a brand that could integrate seamlessly into people’s daily lives. That year, MK Porridge was officially born. Its presence has done more than expand access to Hong Kong–style porridge in Malaysia. It has reintroduced the emotional meaning behind a single bowl. To working adults, it offers comfort; to families, a gentle meal shared; to children, nourishment and warmth. And amid the pace of modern city life, it stands as one of the simplest yet most sincere forms of solace. For Terrence Chia, MK Porridge is far more than a commercial venture. It is a long-term craft that he chooses to build with patience, integrity, and heart. Much like porridge itself, the brand is a reminder that the simplest things, when prepared with care, often leave the most profound impact.

From the beginning, MK Porridge was more than a dining concept. Terrence Chia and his partners believed that a bowl of porridge could embody warmth, cultural heritage, and a sense of belonging. Drawing inspiration from traditional Cantonese techniques, they studied evolving food trends and boldly introduced roasted meats into the porridge category, an innovation that instantly gave the brand its distinctive soul.

Every dish at MK Porridge is crafted with care. Taste matters, but so does warmth. The team adheres to strict ingredient standards, undergoes continuous technical training, and pays meticulous attention to service, ensuring that every guest feels at home in each bowl. This unwavering commitment became the brand’s signature identity. But the accurate measure of a business often emerges during its most challenging seasons. When the pandemic struck, the F&B industry fell into paralysis. Footfall plummeted, revenue grew uncertain, and anxiety clouded the workforce. While many businesses closed their doors or suspended expansion, MK Porridge achieved what few dared: opening three new outlets during that period. It was a bold, forward-moving act that reflected Terrence Chia’s trust in his team and his belief in the future. The pandemic, rather than halting growth, became one of the brand’s defining milestones.

Terrence Chia’s understanding of leadership also deepened along the journey. His management structure reflects Western systems and efficiency, but the company's cultural heartbeat is grounded in Eastern values of warmth, balance, and community. Believing that a strong team is the foundation of a lasting brand, he introduced a weekly “MK Family Meal.” Around one table, titles disappear. Hierarchies fade. In their place are shared stories, familiar dishes, and genuine connections. This simple ritual transformed colleagues into a family and work into a shared journey.

Beyond the walls of the business, MK Porridge quietly extends its warmth to the community. The team engages in social welfare activities without publicity or fanfare. Their philosophy is simple: the community supports the business, and the company has a responsibility to help the community in return. Charity, to them, is not a marketing strategy but a matter of conscience.

Over the years, Terrence Chia’s dedication has earned him numerous prestigious accolades, including the Golden Bull Award, the World Top Gourmet Awards, the Sin Chew Business Excellence Award, and the SME100 Award. These recognitions highlight his industry impact and leadership. At the same time, the Malaysia Top 20 Young Entrepreneur Awards 2025 affirms his contributions to the community, the F&B sector, and the people he leads.

As a young entrepreneur, Terrence Chia understands both the strengths and the unseen challenges faced by today’s younger generation. Passion fuels ambition, but pressure often arises from within. His experiences taught him that entrepreneurship is not built on luck. It is built on consistent effort, genuine interest, and the ability to endure hardship without losing direction. Every young person plays an essential role in their industry, and true success requires the courage to keep moving forward.

Looking ahead, his aspirations for the next three years remain sincere and grounded. He hopes to continue delivering warmth and comfort to every customer, foster a happy, healthy team, and grow the business steadily so that more people may experience the simple joy of one bowl of porridge.

From shouldering a family business at eighteen to leading a beloved brand in the F&B industry today, Terrence Chia’s journey is not one of dramatic spectacle but of steady resolve and unwavering commitment. He has infused the soul of a brand into a humble bowl of porridge, built the heart of a company through its culture, and brought warmth to the community through silent acts of giving. True excellence, as his story shows, is not about being seen, it is about making the right choices day after day. Through these choices, Terrence Chia has grown into one of the most inspiring young leaders of his generation.

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Email: mkporridge@gmail.com