Important lessons Covid-19 has taught us about the environment
WHEN LIFE GAVE Afiq Nazar lemons, he made lemonade (literally). Due to travel restrictions and Malaysia’s borders closing, his two-yearold aviation career was put on hold. Inspired by his mentor, Captain Nik Izhar who took the bull by the horns and launched a lemonade business with his wife, earlier this year. With the help of his fellow colleague, Afiq and his long-time friend turned business partner, Faiz Hilmi started selling their very own freshly pressed and organic lemonade. Ever since then, Captainade.my has sold over 4000 bottles last month.
We spoke with Afiq to find out more about his journey in starting Captainade.my
A er all the years of hard work you’ve put into becoming a pilot, how did the news of not being able to fly hit you?
Simply put, it hit me hard, especially mentally. The pandemic has really opened my eyes to a very serious issue that’s often not discussed about, which is mental health.
When you experience it first hand, the level of appreciation towards it cannot be overstated. When flying was all you eat, sleep and think about, having to transition towards a couch potato lifestyle during the MCO was absolutely depressing. Having financial and life goals derailing, it was extremely difficult to not ponder upon the “what ifs” that lies ahead.
How did you pick yourself up a er that?
I have to give credit to three main pillars in my life such as my religion, my family and my support system. My faith was often tested by depression but with God’s grace, I was able to combat the negativity and overcome these challenges. I thank my parents for always having my back unconditionally and of course the continuous moral support I’ve received from my friends and colleagues who have been going through the same thing, perhaps facing their own giants. It’s safe to say that without these three things, the foundation of my livelihood and sanity would have crumbled inevitably.
Are there any struggles you’ve faced in sta ing a new career path? If so, what are they?
I would say that the application of business knowledge from my degree days before my piloting career has certainly prepared me for this situation, and the full credit goes to my parents̶for insisting that holding a degree is the prerequisite to becoming a pilot. However, it was a tad bit difficult transferring knowledge to application during the initial stages of running a business simply due to lack of hands-on experience. However, after running a business as a duo for some time, we realised that nothing can’t be resolved with perseverance and determination and to overcome any problems, you must have the passion to strive for success.
What advice do you have for our fellow Malaysians who are seemingly going through the same struggles you have amidst the pandemic?
My fellow Malaysians, we have previously gone through several bumps in the past as a nation where we have emerged victorious, and there is no reason we are not able to do so now. Yes, we may have lost a few during this pandemic, but have faith̶ Malaysia is a nation of opportunity and success to those who work hard and are willing to give more than to receive, as well as to retain the togetherness we have fostered throughout any dire situations. It is important to stay strong physically and mentally, and look after one another. Just like the saying, united we stand, divided we fall.
Financial wise, educate yourselves to be as financially prudent as possible not only during these hard times, but definitely for the future as well. This step is the best preparatory action to safeguard ourselves if we were to ever encounter a similar situation as the Covid-19 pandemic. I take refuge in my idol, President Barack Obama’s famous quote, “There is no blue Malaysia, or Red Malaysia, there is only a united nation of Malaysia”.
“WE HAVE GONE THROUGH SEVERAL BUMPS IN THE PAST AS A NATION WHERE WE HAVE EMERGED VICTORIOUS. HAVE FAITH—
MALAYSIA IS A NATION OF OPPORTUNITY AND SUCCESS TO THOSE WHO WORK HARD
AND ARE WILLING TO GIVE MORE THAN TO RECEIVE, AS WELL AS TO RETAIN THE TOGETHERNESS WE HAVE FOSTERED THROUGHOUT ANY DIRE SITUATIONS”