[Profile] Daryl Chew: The Visionary Who Built CRNK on Late Nights and Taylor Swift

The Profile Snapshot

In the competitive landscape of Malaysian education and enrichment, a new archetype of entrepreneur is emerging. Daryl Chew, the co-founder and driving force behind CRNK, represents a blend of youthful energy, strategic acumen, and an almost intuitive understanding of modern student psychology. His journey from a two-student operation to a multi-outlet brand in under two years is not just a business case study; it's a testament to a new, empathetic approach to leadership in the sector.

• 👨‍💼 Name: Daryl Chew
• 🏷️ Role: Co-Founder & Chief Visionary, CRNK
• 🔑 Key Superpower: Empathetic Brand Builder & Operational Maverick

The Catalyst: Why It Matters

CRNK has recently captured industry and media attention for its explosive growth—scaling from a humble start with just two students to operating three physical outlets across the Klang Valley in a mere 24 months. In an industry often perceived as traditional and schedule-bound, CRNK's model, which famously includes classes running past 9 PM and a culture curated around student-centric elements like Taylor Swift playlists, challenges every convention. Daryl Chew is at the heart of this disruption, making him a compelling figure for anyone observing the future of Malaysian SMEs and educational entrepreneurship.

The Leadership Dialogue: Inside The Mindset

Speaking with Daryl, one is immediately struck by his calm, observant demeanor, which belies a fiercely strategic mind. He doesn't frame CRNK's success around complex business theories but around a simple, profound insight: meet them where they are. Reflecting on the early days, he emphasizes that the decision to hold classes late into the night wasn't a gimmick but a direct response to the real, exhausting schedules of Malaysian students. "We saw the gap between school ending and tuition starting," he shares, leaning forward. "It was dead time, often wasted in traffic or unproductive spaces. We asked, 'What if we became that productive, welcoming space instead?'"

He candidly admits that the Taylor Swift playlists and the brand's distinct, vibrant identity are deliberate tools for psychological engagement. "It's not about the music per se," he explains, his tone shifting to one of conviction. "It's about signaling that this is their environment, built with respect for their culture and their stress. When a student walks in and hears a song they love, the mental barrier to learning drops. We're not just teaching; we're onboarding them into a community that understands them." This philosophy extends to his leadership style—flat, collaborative, and deeply involved in both grand strategy and the granular details of student experience.

Career Milestones & Achievements

• From 2 to 300+: Personally spearheaded the grassroots marketing and operational strategy that grew CRNK's student base from an initial 2 to over 300 within two years.
• Architect of Expansion: Led the strategic planning and execution to scale from a single home-based setup to three strategically located physical outlets, defying the post-pandemic odds for brick-and-mortar businesses.
• Brand Alchemist: Defined and cultivated CRNK's unique brand voice and community-centric culture, turning it into a recognizable name synonymous with modern, effective tuition.
• Operational Innovation: Instituted the now-signature late-night class schedules and experiential learning environment, creating a new niche in Malaysia's education support industry.

The Editor's Take

Daryl Chew exemplifies the 'Empath-Operator'—a leader whose strength lies in equally valuing human sentiment and systematic execution. He doesn't just run a business; he curates an ecosystem. His vision is clear: to redefine supplementary education as a holistic, supportive experience rather than a transactional service. In a market crowded with established players, his deep customer empathy has been his ultimate competitive edge.

• 👁️ Visionary Thinking: 9/10
• ⚡ Execution Capability: 8/10
• 🌟 Industry Influence: 7/10 (Rapidly growing)

"Build a brand that your customers would proudly wear on a T-shirt. If they feel it represents them, you've done more than just business; you've built a tribe."