Diverse: The aim of the programme is to spring boost carefully-selected restauranteurs to create a diverse and unified culinary ecosystem — Oooze Studio
KSK LAND, one of Malaysia’s leading lifestyle property developers, has launched its Platter Accelerator Programme to promote and sustain the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the food and beverage (F&B) sector.
Managing director Joanne Kua (pic) says the programme is aimed at providing a spring-boost to carefully-selected restauranteurs to create a diverse and unified culinary ecosystem that would also set the stage for aspiring food artists.
“This is a bid to nurture shared experiences and exemplify cross-industry collaborations between young business owners in the field of F&B. This acceleration programme is also the first-of-its kind in Malaysia.”
Kua highlights that the food industry is constantly evolving to keep up with rapidly changing consumer preferences.
“However, food entrepreneurs face numerous challenges while taking their product to the market.
“Some of these challenges include being able to afford a commercial kitchen space, renting equipment and leasing space, marketing and branding and of course, funding the business, especially in the initial stages.”
Kua says the concept of Platter stems from the idea of a communal culinary space that is neither new nor has been easily replicated.
“Through Platter, KSK Land seeks to communicate the story of togetherness not just in the idea of bringing food-seekers together, but chefs, artists with similar vision, to create a community of experiential dining.
“This could be local and fusion cuisine, urban forage, fresh pick to the grill, cooking classes, and a transformative day-to-night experience, ” says Kua.
She adds that Platter will be a part of KSK Land’s maiden 8 Conlay development, which is set to be a landmark of design, innovation and collaboration in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. When completed, 8 Conlay will own the world’s tallest twisted twin residential towers.
Iconic: KSK Land’s 8 Conlay development will be the world’s tallest twisted twin residential towers.
“As a lifestyle developer, we strive to continuously redefine the way you live, work and play - brick by brick - through meticulously designed, innovative and sustainable lifestyle concepts.
“Platter as a brand seeks to share a multiverse of togetherness, a space where creators from all around the world come together to create an experience that communicates the meaning of the brand. Just like what 8 Conlay set out to be, we set the stage for tomorrow in culinary art and experience.”
Among the benefits of KSK Land’s Platter Accelerator Programme includes financial support of up to RM100,000 in the form of a loan for each restaurateur, where the usage of the funds will be utilised for operational needs for a period of five years and will be part of 8 Conlay’s Platter, when completed in 2021, the first experience dining hall in Malaysia.
Aside from being offered a tenancy agreement, Kua says the F&B operator will benefit from industry mentoring, where KSK Land will provide a host of the industry’s most seasoned mentors that will guide the F&B business in marketing, branding, identifying pain points on growing a business, franchising models and developing credible financial plans.
“The programme also provides technical support where KSK Land offers all-round support from accounting services, legal services and corporate secretarial services to aid in the expansion of the brand.
Furthermore, KSK Land will be able to host your ideas on a global stage where your F&B brand will be positioned alongside well-known global culinary and hospitality brands, such as Kempinski and two-Michelin star chef Alvin Leung in building a diverse gastronomical community.”
Part of the qualifying criteria for the programme is to be a committed founder and to have a strong operational team, with traction in business with at least two-full years in operation.
“The F&B operator also must have recorded a financial break even in its profit and loss financial accounts in the two years of operations, ” says Kua.
The business also has to demonstrate growth potential and or scalability, with a unique F&B concept and consistent food and service levels. Lastly, the F&B business must have a compelling brand story.”
Kua adds: “The world is currently in a constant state of flux, so it is how KSK Land builds a sustainable future in the new normal and confidence restoration is key at this present time.
“With the Platter Accelerator programme, F&B business owners can be part of KSK Land’s sustainable business journey in building resilience, identifying behaviour shifts in consumer preferences and find ways to capture the white spaces by fostering innovation.”
For more details on the accelerator programme, please email your interest to platter@kskgroup.com.
