Malaysians Are KENTAL Folks! 3 Lessons From Malaysians Who Never Quit

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We Malaysians are a kental bunch, aren’t we? We wake up before sunrise, brave traffic jams, juggle side hustles, run households, care for our families, and somehow still find time to check in on friends and others around us.

From the wandering workforce warriors to the housewives hustling behind the scenes, the grit and grind is definitely real, and quitting is absolutely not in our rojak DNA!

To kickstart the year off right, let’s curi some life lessons from these hardy folks who always keep it kental, and maybe help inspire you to brew up a better start to the year.

Lesson 1: Recharge for Those You Love

Take Hanifah Muhammad Hanafiah, aka Black Hanifah. Singer, actor, father, and winner of Mentor Season 3 in 2009. He was a protege of the legendary Mas Idayu and even won Popular New Male Artist at the Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian the same year.

His music blends modern pop with traditional Asian influences, and he even had a brief stint as the vocalist for indie rock band Meet Uncle Hussain.

But life threw him a curveball when he had vocal cord surgery that left him unable to sing or speak properly for a year. For someone whose career depends on their voice, that’s a huge hit—but Black is no stranger to the grind.

During that time, he had to slow down and rethink what mattered most. Now, family sits at the centre of everything he does, fueling his renewed passion for music. He even wrote a song about being kental, inspired by all Malaysians.

Its lyrics capture the hustle and hopes we all share, whether striving for our families, working for our communities, or chasing our own dreams. I am honoured to be part of a movement that uses music to unite everyone, reminding us that we are stronger when we stay kental together.

Black.

His story proves that taking time to recharge isn’t selfish, it’s crucial to take care of yourself so you can better care for those who matter most.

Lesson 2: Refuel Your Own Dreams

Then there’s Nurdilla Zaini, or Kak Dell for short. Who’s a full-time Grab driver, freelance Bahasa Melayu tutor, and published author.

For her, mornings are sacred—a time to write, reflect, and prepare for the day ahead.  And writing isn’t just a hobby, it’s a way to chase a lifelong dream and carve out her identity.

Her first book, Grab Me-Lah, was inspired by the colourful, kental Malaysians she met while driving. Even when told to get a “normal” job, Kak Dell kept going, driving, writing, and chasing her own goals.

Every day, I meet passengers from all walks of life. Each encounter gives me new lessons and insights. From there, I started writing down my experiences and sharing stories with people through my writing. I feel truly satisfied when my writing gives others the strength to keep going, even in challenging situations.

Kak Dell via NONA.

She’s now working on her second book, aiming to inspire even more people. Kak Dell reminds us that staying kental isn’t just about hustling for others’ sake, it’s about nurturing your own dreams too.

Lesson 3: Lean On Others to Rise

Dr Madhu, co-founder of the Teddy Mobile Clinic, takes kental to the next level. Known as Dr Teddy Bear, he runs a practice in Klang with his father and brother while providing free medical care to homeless and low-income patients in Kuala Lumpur.

Inspired by his father, who spent decades providing affordable healthcare, he works to blend his professional dedication with community service. And he’s not doing it solo!

Dr Teddy Bear once explained that he’s able to keep doing what he does best thanks to the support of his family and a circle of people who share the same commitment to caring for others as he does.

I’m just an ordinary guy — It’s my volunteers who make it work, and who keep me going. The credit goes out to them, really.

Dr Teddy Bear via NST.

His journey reflects a truth many Malaysians know well, that even heroes need a little helping hand to make it all work.

Refuel, Refocus and Stay Kental!

Even though being kental is in our DNA, it doesn’t mean you must force yourself to power through everything. You must also know when to pause, take a breath, and give yourself a moment to reset.

Because sometimes, all it takes to keep going strong in today’s nonstop hustle is a little faith in yourself, some support from others, or even just a warm cup of coffee to recharge.

That’s where NESCAFE comes in. Through its Ngopi Dulu & Kekal Kental Bersama (Get Some Coffee First & Stay Resilient Together) campaign, the instant coffee brand is shining a spotlight on Malaysians whose journeys embody grit and heart—just like Black, Kak Dell, and Dr Teddy Bear.

Since the 1950s, NESCAFE has quietly been part of Malaysians’ daily grind, helping people from all walks of life refuel, refocus, and stay kental no matter what life throws at them.

It’s like getting a gentle, caffeinated nudge to take a breather, recharge, and never, ever quit! So, as we step into the new year, don’t forget to Ngopi Dulu folks, and let’s all stay kental together.

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Malaysians Are KENTAL Folks! 3 Lessons From Malaysians Who Never Quit
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