The managing director of Mr. Tuk Tuk, Ken Leong, has made a successful business out of his love of real Thai food. In an interview with Top 10 of Asia, he talks about his motivational journey, the values that have guided his success, and his aspirational plans for the company.
With decades of expertise in the food and beverage (F&B) sector, Ken Leong, Managing Director of Mr. Tuk Tuk, has navigated a remarkable journey from modest beginnings to overseeing a flourishing brand known for serving authentic Thai cuisine in Malaysia.
In 1995, Ken opened his first Thai restaurant, Koh Samui Thai Express, in Perak. The business grew quickly, and two years later, he expanded with a second outlet in Ipoh. His passion for innovation and growth soon led him to diversify his ventures further.
By 2015, Ken took a bold step forward, founding the first Mr. Tuk Tuk outlet in Kuala Lumpur. With a modest space of just 400 square feet and seating for 45 people, the restaurant gained immediate popularity. Long queues of diners became a frequent sight, with people yearning for Thai food of such high quality yet affordable. “Doing business requires you to always think outside of the box,” Ken remarks, reflecting on his approach.
Seeing an avenue for growth, Ken worked with licensing consultants in developing a franchise program that paved the way to expand steadily. Opening two outlets every year, Mr. Tuk Tuk gained not only a loyal following but survived even during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the beginning of 2025, the brand has seven company-owned and four franchised outlets.
Ken’s vision for Mr. Tuk Tuk goes beyond its expansion in number. Among the plans set to take shape is a one-stop factory that will feature a corporate office with training facilities for staff. In this way, the company can always work on attaining better services and meeting demand with efficiency while maintaining high standards of customer service. “In this generation, social media plays the biggest role in spreading information, so this is where we come through,” Ken adds, emphasising digital platforms as very important in driving brand exposure.
Mr. Tuk Tuk’s core mission has always been to bring the authentic flavours of Thailand to Malaysian diners. The restaurant’s association with the Royal Thai Embassy underscores its authenticity. “Growing close with the Royal Thai Embassy proves that our restaurant is indeed one of a kind,” Ken shares. The brand’s greatest honour came in the form of a certificate of appreciation from the Royal Thai Embassy, validating its commitment to quality and cultural representation.
A unique aspect of Mr. Tuk Tuk’s identity is its iconic branding inspired by Thailand’s ubiquitous tuk-tuk vehicles. This distinctive imagery resonates with customers and strengthens the restaurant’s cultural ties.
Ken attributes the success of Mr. Tuk Tuk to the restaurant’s efficiency, speedy service, and commitment to quality. From high quality utensils to delivering a five-star dining experience at affordable prices, the brand consistently meets customer expectations. “Here is where you can get a 5-star dining experience with a very affordable price,” Ken proudly states.
Despite the demands of being a Managing Director, Ken places his family above all else. “No matter what I do, my family always comes first,” he says. Balancing work and family life, he ensures regular vacations with his loved ones to recharge and stay connected.
For aspiring entrepreneurs, Ken offers sage advice: “Always focus on the business and get on-hand so you can learn more by experiencing it yourself. Both theory and practicality are crucial for a successful business, so be wise.”
Looking to the future, Ken envisions opening more outlets in Malaysia, particularly in the southern and northern regions, before venturing into ASEAN countries such as Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia and the Philippines. With a steadfast dedication to innovation and excellence, Ken Leong continues to steer Mr. Tuk Tuk toward greater heights, solidifying its position as a beloved destination for authentic Thai cuisine.