Vishaal Manoj Kumar wears many hats — café owner, digital marketer, business strategist — but at heart, he’s a passionate entrepreneur on a mission to bring the rich, comforting flavours of Gujarati cuisine to Penang.
At just 27, the Wawasan Open University (WOU) alumnus is the proud co-founder of Preeti’s Farsan, a newly opened, cosy eatery nestled in George Town’s heritage enclave, serving up North Indian vegetarian delicacies packed with flavour.
“Gujarati food is something unique and hard to find in Penang,” says Vishaal, who named the café after his mother, Preeti — the original inspiration behind the venture. It all began when he helped digitise her home-based food business during the lockdown period.
While many saw the pandemic as a setback, Vishaal saw opportunity. At the time, he was pursuing his Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Sales and Marketing (BBSM) at WOU — a decision he calls a game-changer. He graduated in 2021, just as his mother’s home business began gaining traction following its digital transformation.
“WOU’s programme gave me a strong foundation in marketing and customer relationship management. One key strategy I applied was building a strong brand identity — with consistent messaging and unique visuals that highlight the authenticity of our Gujarati snacks. That helped us stand out and build a loyal customer base.”
From branding to market positioning, Vishaal translated his coursework directly into business strategy. He also applied digital marketing techniques — social media ads, storytelling posts, and customer reviews — to grow awareness and connect with customers. He adds that applying these strategies and entrepreneurial approaches learned in the classroom has contributed to the café’s steady and consistent growth.
“The biggest benefit was learning how to position our café in a competitive market. WOU’s lessons on market research and consumer behaviour helped me understand what made us special. That insight allowed us to target the right customer segments and refine our offerings to meet their preferences.”
WOU’s flexible, learner-centred approach was the perfect fit for Vishaal, who was juggling work, studies, and launching a business all at once. But beyond academic learning, the campus experience also shaped him.
“Being on the student council committee was one of the best parts of my journey. I gained leadership experience and made connections with amazing peers. The soft skills I developed — teamwork, communication, resilience — are now central to how I run my business.”
Now five years on, Preeti’s Farsan has grown from a modest home-based operation into a thriving café rooted in tradition and innovation. Vishaal hopes to expand its reach while continuing to celebrate the diversity of regional Indian cuisine.
His advice to fellow working adults and aspiring entrepreneurs:
“Your social base is going to be your most prized possession. Network as much as you can — it opens doors, provides insights, and helps you grow. Balancing work, studies, and life isn’t easy, but the knowledge and relationships you build along the way are invaluable.
Vishaal’s inspiring journey reflects WOU’s mission to equip business graduates with real-world, practical knowledge and the mindset to innovate, adapt, and stay resilient in the face of challenges. His experience highlights how accessible, inclusive, and flexible education can empower working adults to turn their passions into purposeful ventures.