BY SARAH HAFIZAH CHANDRA
BORNEO MA Smart Vendors Sdn Bhd is on a mission to empower Sarawakians to generate passive income through its smart vending machines packages and services.
Its founder and managing director Andenson Dato said the company offers a unique solution that not only benefits individuals but also contributes to the broader economy.
He said the company’s packages and services have transformed the lives of many, including workers who used to struggle making ends meet and retirees seeking financial security.
“We want to create a global network of vending machine entrepreneurs, bringing back economic prosperity to our beloved Sarawak and the nation,” he told the New Sarawak Tribune.
The genesis of smart vending machines
Andenson, who originates from Sibu disclosed that he has always been passionate about business.
Throughout the years, he has embarked on different businesses and faced numerous obstacles which however never deterred or broke his spirit.
He said the idea for smart vending machine business came during the Covid-19 pandemic back in 2020.
He wanted to help those whose livelihood was affected by the pandemic to earn additional income.
“In the beginning, we received a lukewarm response, and we started off in Miri. I believe it is because this is something new and not many people were familiar with or know about it.
“Our supplier challenged me to sell 30 units and if we were able to do that, he would give us an office in Miri. Our team successfully sold 100 units and we opened our first office in Miri followed by the second office in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah,” he said.
The smart investment opportunity
What sets Borneo MA Smart Vendors apart is that the company provides services to manage their investors’ smart vending machines.Andenson said when investor
s sign up for a package deal, they do not need to worry about where to put the smart vending machine or who will manage its maintenance afterwards.
“What sets our company apart is that we do not just sell the smart vending machines, we also manage them for our investors. This is the beauty of it because investors do not need to worry about who will service or handle the smart vending machines.
“Everything is taken care of by us, and investors have a source of passive income. They can also monitor their respective smart vending machines on their smartphones,” he said.
Andenson said there are currently some 80 units of smart vending machines located across Sarawak whereas the company has installed over 800 units in Peninsular Malaysia.
He said they are looking forward to more Sarawakians showing interest in being part of this business.
“This type of business may be something new in Sarawak, but I believe that it will eventually become popular and a competitor to traditional small retail stores in the future,” he said.
Empowering communities and changing lives
Andenson said anyone can be an investor and take part in the smart vending machine business under Borneo MA Smart Vendors.
“We believe that anyone can venture into this business such as homemakers and even those who have a full-time job. This means you receive earnings from your regular job and at the same time you get to enjoy passive income from your smart vending machines.
“The demographic of our investors is a healthy mixture of young and old, from those who are working to retirees,” he said.
Referring to Package A which is one of the packages that the company offers, Andenson said investors can earn up to RM15,600 in a year.
Package A requires an investment of RM30,000 with a tenure period of up to nine years.
He said the company does not merely sell smart vending machines but offers comprehensive packages from legal agreements and stamping documents with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) to location placement and service maintenance.
“If investors choose Package A, they will earn approximately RM1,300 monthly for the first three years. We have several investors who are utilising earnings from the smart vending machines to pay their monthly commitment which means they get to keep the earnings from their full-time job,” he said.
Andenson pointed out that this business model is different from traditional investments, and it can benefit everyone.
“If you were to invest RM30,000 somewhere else and with an interest rate of 10 per cent, you will earn RM3,000 annually. In comparison to our package, you can generate RM15,600 in year,” he said.
To further their mission and create awareness on this innovative business model, Andenson said they are planning to organise various awareness seminars to educate the public.
“We believe that this can allow individuals from various backgrounds to achieve financial stability,” he said.
The road ahead
Meanwhile, Board of Director Azri Hamdan said the company foresees that people in Sabah and Sarawak as well as Kalimantan will be receptive to the concept of smart vending machines.
“Looking ahead to the next five years, we would like to extend beyond the borders of Malaysia. We want to take this to international markets and bring back the revenue to the state as well as nation,” he said.
When asked whether the company has any competitors, Azri said their unique and comprehensive package makes them different.
As such, he said the company does not see others in the market as a competitor.
“There are others who are selling vending machines, but they do not offer services like we do. However, it is important to note that we are not just selling packages but a lifestyle and this makes us stand out.
“It is a lifestyle that allows people to improve their financial situation. We have a few investors who have more than ten smart vending machines, so they are earning stable passive income on top of their monthly salary.
“This means they are in a position where they are financially stable and they are able save for their future,” he said.
Azri disclosed that the company is eager to get support from the state government such as the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts considering that they want to expand the range of products offered to customers.
“We are looking to equip the smart vending machines with merchandise like local handicraft products and contribute to the state’s tourism sector,” he said.
Azri said the company is targeting to have 5,000 to 10,000 smart vending machines and investors nationwide.
“Our vision is to empower Sarawakians to achieve financial stability and success. By providing opportunities for passive income and supporting the government’s initiatives, we hope to create a brighter future for all.
“As we look beyond Malaysia’s borders, we see a world of potential and possibilities – we are determined to make this a reality. Borneo MA Smart Vendors is not just about smart vending machines, it’s about transforming lives and building a prosperous future,” he said.
