Are we misreading what it means to build something that lasts? In this episode, we sit down with the former founder of Fave & KFit, Chen Chow, who’s walked through fire: broke, lost, doubted—but never boring. From hustling with broken English to pitching investors with nothing but brutal honesty, their story punches right through the clichés. We talk about knowing when to fight for your startup and when to bury it with dignity. About staying real when everyone’s faking it. About why sometimes, the best kind of help is the one that shows up quietly, without fanfare. You’ll hear the unfiltered truth on fundraising, founders burning out, and why Malaysia’s startup scene still feels like it’s waiting to grow up. We also dive into AI, shifting work culture, and why Gen Z just isn’t built for 9-to-5 obedience. Chapters00:00 - Embracing Strengths and Personal Growth02:23 - Journey from Humble Beginnings to Advisory Role05:07 - Overcoming Language Barriers and Building Confidence07:47 - Navigating the Startup Landscape and Team Dynamics10:28 - The Importance of Authenticity in Fundraising12:53 - The Long Haul: Perseverance vs. Life Support15:31 - Understanding the Signs of Business Viability21:56 - The Importance of Silent Support22:53 - Market Dynamics and Company Valuations24:18 - Learning and Unlearning in Entrepreneurship26:01 - The Role of Mentorship and Sharing Knowledge28:07 - Fundamentals of Success and Learning28:58 - Adapting to AI and Technological Changes31:01 - Identifying and Solving Problems32:16 - Challenges in the Malaysian Startup Ecosystem33:51 - The Ripple Effect of Individual Impact34:40 - Dreaming Big in Entrepreneurship35:13 - Choosing Quality Over Quantity in Work38:15 - The Future of Work and Individual Freedom