VENTURE
DEBROG: WHEN PASSION TURNS INTO PROFESSION
SEREMBAN – People might perceive sports only as hobbies, but the eagerness of a young establishment like Debrog turned this opportunity into a career with millions of sales.
The founder and CEO of Debrog, Aiman Haqim, 23, ambitiously went big in his line of sportswear. During his early involvement, he seemed like an ordinary 20-year-old casually playing rugby, but since the early days, he had thoughts about it way more differently compared to his peers.
Aiman Haqim started playing rugby since he was 13 years old, representing his school and team in numerous national tournaments.
(Source: Instagram)
His proposal of business is something atypical in Malaysia’s rugby sportswear market. Thus, he has now already marked a milestone in the fashion and retail industry.
How did it happen?
When people think of sports, specifically rugby, things that cross their minds are physical contact, brutal fights and aggression.
During an interview session with Berita DIMENSi, Aiman Haqim said after thorough observation of years analysing and experiencing playing the sports, he felt the need to have suitable sportswear specifically for rugby.
Debrog opened its very first physical store in early 2020 and later worked on another outlet work as the Debrog Headquarters Office in 2021.
(Source: Berita DIMENSi/Azib Zikry)
“During the early establishment of Debrog, I actively played rugby and preferred wearing long tights to avoid injuries, but the current market does not offer one that is reliable enough of its quality and performance to play rugby aggressively and comfortably,
“I continued doing research and eventually found a suitable brand for rugby, then started to sell hundreds of them to my friends,” he said.
An ambitious mind like Aiman, better known as Boss Ai, never stopped dreaming by aiming big. Then he pondered a lot on the profits and outcomes of starting his own brand rather than selling other products.
Little did he know, it was the turning point of his life.
Right after graduating from Kolej Profesional MARA (KPM) pursuing International Business in 2019, he decided to fully commit to Debrog officially as a company.
That was also the moment where he first launched his current well-known product known as DB Tights where he received overwhelming support with over 500 orders.
After success with long tights, Debrog developed their own sports products such as jerseys, gym short pants, body tights and more.
(Source: Instagram)
“I gasped when I received the order. That was the moment I knew that Debrog can go even further than this with the trust that the brand has built,” he added.
When asked by Berita DIMENSi whether the COVID-19 situation affected his business badly or not, Aiman Haqim stated that it would be a lie if he said that his small business was not affected as people rarely go out doing sports during the pandemic but there was a blessing in disguise.
“Nevertheless, Debrog still marked its first million sales from the NBA Sleeveless launch which received more than 1500 orders,” Aiman further explained.
Aiman Haqim with his Mentor, Sifu Jamal during an award ceremony.
(Source: Instagram/aihaq)
A long-time friend of Aiman Haqim who is currently working at Debrog, Azizi Kamarul, 23 says that he is beyond proud of what Debrog has achieved and even idolises his friend.
“I have witnessed hardships and difficulties working with Aiman since our high school years until now, and to finally see him opening his own company and brand, this is where all his sweat and tears are paid off,” Azizi Kamarul said.
Fast forward to 2022, Debrog now has three operating outlets with over 23 employees. Two of them are located at Seremban which is the headquarters office, and a showroom outlet. The other one is the production factory which resides in the Klang Valley area.
Debrog also recently marked their biggest project by sponsoring the NSEA E-Sports Team and will represent Malaysia in Hanoi 2021 Southeast Asian Games in May 2022.
The Debrog team has been invited to accompany the NSEA Team as the sponsor team to Hanoi, Vietnam this May.
(Source: Instagram)
As for now Debrog is not only focusing on merchandising Rugby sportswear but has expanded to other sports and retail products in aiming to become the main local sportswear in Malaysia.
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