Proud owner of bike shop
IZZAT Rahman strives toward one simple goal: to start his own business.
From the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur to the culturally and historically rich city of Philadelphia, Izzat has made an effort to live out his passions.
Izzat was a student in the American Degree Program (ADP) department at HELP University from 2007 to 2009.
He was drawn to HELP because of its curriculum and felt that it was a good choice, especially for the programme he wanted to do in Malaysia and later in the United States.
“Towards the end of my two years at HELP, I applied to several schools on the east coast of the United States.
“I finally decided to transfer to Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, because it offered reputable business programmes such as entrepreneurship, management information systems and risk management, among others.
“All the courses I took at HELP’s ADP were also transferable, which made it an easier transition for me. As Temple University’s located in Philadelphia, a city rich in history and cultural diversity, I was compelled to explore and immerse myself,” said Izzat.
He pursued a major in business as he has always been interested in the subject and was keen on starting his own business someday.
Now, Izzat is the proud owner of Kayuh Bicycles & Café, a bicycle repair shop cum café in the thriving neighbourhood of Francisville, Philadelphia.
His driving force to start his own business began when he was studying at Temple University.
He entered the Fox School of Business’ school-wide business competition, “Be Your Own Boss Bowl”, where students were encouraged to submit their plans for a business idea that they had.
If selected, they would present the idea in front of a panel of judges.
Kayuh Bicycles & Cafe was one of the finalists for the undergraduate track of the competition. Inspired by the outcome, Izzat completed his degree at Temple University and went on to pursue the business plan.
Kayuh Bicycles & Cafe serves as a hybrid business model catering to the needs of the community. The business offers comprehensive bicycle repairs, spare parts and accessories.
In addition to serving all cycling needs, the cafe was launched in the hopes of complementing the irregularity in sales for the bike business during slower months.
Almost six years in business, his focus has changed the dynamics of the shop, making it a more community-centric hub that offers free repair clinics, group rides, open mics and speaker events for the surrounding community.
“HELP was instrumental in giving me the platform to learn more about what I wanted to pursue. I had a knack for business and while I spent time studying the basic business courses, I was able to foresee what I wanted to get into eventually,” Izzat explained.
He found the right place at HELP where he could build a strong foundation for his future.
ADP at HELP prepares students to complete their bachelor’s degree in the United States or Canada. Students may also opt to continue locally with HELP’s business, psychology or communications degree programmes upon completion.
The ADP department at HELP University has four intakes each year, with its upcoming intake in May.
■ For more details and information on HELP University’s American Degree Program, contact 03-2716 2000 or visit www.help.edu.my