Starting a business often begins with a personal story, and for Pravena K, the founder of Virtual Assistance Asia, her journey is a career shift story filled with unexpected pivots.
In this insightful Q&A, Pravena K reveals how she transitioned from pursuing a medical career to creating a solution for businesses needing flexible, virtual support. Her story highlights a fresh perspective on entrepreneurship and market innovation.
Story of Persistence and Entrepreneurial Success
Q: What inspired you to start your business, and how did you identify the market need?
A: My journey to founding Virtual Assistance Asia is rooted in ambition and personal growth. In secondary school, I pursued a career in medicine. I focused on the science stream, aiming for matriculation and medical school. Despite achieving this goal, personal circumstances led to a career shift. My career shift story then took me to a bachelor’s degree in teaching. However, I quickly realized my passion wasn’t in teaching.
While working as a virtual assistant in Malaysia, I found many opportunities in the field. Virtual assistance includes more than administrative tasks. It covers website management, social media, public relations, content marketing, and e-commerce.
I noticed the absence of a structured virtual assistance industry in Malaysia and Asia. The potential market extends beyond Malaysia, benefiting businesses across Asia. This realization motivated me to establish Virtual Assistance Asia. My goal was to provide high-quality virtual support to diverse clients.
The market need became clear as businesses sought flexible, efficient solutions. We offer a full suite of virtual assistance services to enhance business operations and productivity.
Q: Can you describe a typical day in your life as an entrepreneur?
A: A typical day in my life is anything but ordinary, reflecting the dynamic nature of managing a global business. It begins with an early morning reflection and goal-setting session, where I mentally prepare for the day. I then dive into team briefings, client meetings, and problem-solving sessions, focusing heavily on client satisfaction and ensuring that each project progresses smoothly.
Given the diverse time zones of my clientele and potential clients, my schedule varies greatly. Some days, I operate on Asian time, managing tasks and meetings in the early hours, while other days I shift to European time, adjusting my rhythm to meet different needs. There are nights when I’m working until 9 in the morning and others when 3 AM feels like my start of the day.
My afternoons are dedicated to business development—crafting proposals, brainstorming new service offerings, or networking. I also set aside time for content creation on LinkedIn, sharing insights and connecting with my audience. Evenings often involve reflecting on the day’s wins and challenges, and sometimes, late-night brainstorming sessions for future growth. This variability is a testament to the global scope of Virtual Assistance Asia and the need for flexibility in supporting businesses across different time zones.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge in running an SME in Malaysia, and how did you overcome it?
A: The biggest challenge I’ve faced—one that still persists—is educating the market about the value of virtual assistance. In Malaysia, the concept of virtual assistance is still relatively new, and many businesses don’t fully understand how outsourcing administrative and operational tasks can significantly improve their efficiency and growth. It’s tough, and I won’t say I’ve completely overcome it yet, but I’m not giving up. I’m committed to continuously finding ways to demonstrate the impact virtual assistance can have.
To address this challenge, I’ve taken a proactive approach by focusing on education and awareness. One of the key initiatives has been sharing insightful newsletters on LinkedIn called “Virtual Assistance for All”, where I explain the benefits of virtual assistance and offer practical tips for businesses. These newsletters serve as an educational tool, aiming to shift mindsets and show how outsourcing can help businesses thrive.
It’s an ongoing process, but I believe in the value I’m bringing, and I’ll keep trying different methods until more businesses in Malaysia fully embrace virtual assistance. Persistence and adaptability are key, and I’m ready to keep pushing forward.
Q: How has your business adapted to your country or region’s unique cultural and economic landscape?
A: Malaysia’s diverse cultural and economic landscape has taught me the value of adaptability. We’ve tailored our services to suit a variety of business environments, understanding that SMEs here value relationships and trust. This meant ensuring that our approach was both personalized and flexible. We also integrated affordable pricing structures that made our services accessible to smaller businesses. Additionally, we’ve adopted a multilingual communication strategy, which is critical in a country with such diverse language needs. Our ability to be agile in the face of cultural nuances has allowed us to grow and connect with clients on a deeper level.
Q: What’s your most important lesson about managing a team in the Malaysia business context?
A: The most important lesson I’ve learned is that empathy and clear communication are everything. In Malaysia, where cultural diversity plays a huge role, understanding each team member’s background and motivations is key to creating a cohesive and motivated team. It’s about building trust, giving them the freedom to own their tasks, and leading by example. I’ve also learned that clear, consistent communication bridges any gaps in expectations. While maintaining professionalism, fostering a supportive, approachable environment is what has helped me build a strong, loyal team.
Q: How do you balance traditional business practices with innovation in your industry?
A: Balancing traditional practices with innovation has been all about staying rooted in my core values while embracing new technologies and methodologies. Traditional practices like strong client relationships, trust, and reliability remain the foundation of my business. At the same time, we constantly innovate by adopting new tools and processes. From automating administrative tasks to optimizing project management systems, we’ve seamlessly integrated technology to enhance our services without compromising the personal touch. It’s about respecting tradition while never being afraid to push boundaries and evolve.
Q: What role has technology played in your business growth, and how do you see it shaping your future?
A: Technology is the backbone of Virtual Assistance Asia—it allows us to provide efficient, seamless services across borders. From cloud collaboration tools to AI-powered task management, technology has enabled us to scale without limitations. As we grow, I see technology playing an even bigger role in automating more complex tasks and enhancing customer experiences through personalized, data-driven insights. AI and machine learning will likely reshape how we operate, allowing us to offer more tailored solutions and scale at a faster rate. But technology will always be a tool that enhances the human touch we bring to every client relationship.
Q: Can you share a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of your business?
A: A pivotal moment in my career shift story came when I expanded from solo freelancing to building a team. This change allowed me to serve more clients and transformed Virtual Assistance Asia. It grew from a one-woman show to a fully operational business. It was a leap of faith, requiring the right talent and trust in delegation. This move increased our capacity and reach, showing me the power of scaling smartly. Since then, the business has taken off, and we’ve been growing steadily ever since.
Q: How do you approach networking and building business relationships in your local market?
A: Networking is my go-to strategy for building meaningful business relationships. I believe strong connections are the foundation of any successful business. I approach networking with a genuine desire to learn, share, and collaborate. Whether it’s attending events, workshops, or engaging on LinkedIn, I see every interaction as a chance to build long-term relationships.
I make it a point to stay active and consistent on LinkedIn. I share valuable content, engage in conversations, and connect with professionals across industries. Networking is more than just business; it’s about creating a supportive community. I’ve learned that authentic relationships, not just transactional ones, have fueled my growth and the growth of Virtual Assistance Asia.
Q: What advice would you give aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start an SME in Malaysia?
A: My advice is simple: Start now, and don’t wait for the perfect moment. In entrepreneurship, there will never be a ‘perfect time’ to begin. Focus on solving a problem you’re passionate about and start small. Build relationships, seek mentorship, and most importantly, learn as you go. Malaysia is full of opportunities, but persistence and adaptability are key. Be ready to pivot when necessary and embrace failure as a learning experience. Stay committed to your vision. Remember, slow growth is still growth, and every step brings you closer to success.
Pravena’s career shift story shows how unexpected changes can spark innovative solutions. As she continues to educate businesses on virtual assistance, her journey is a testament to staying agile. Her path calls on entrepreneurs to seize opportunities, even when the path isn’t clear.
The Power of Adaptation
Pravena’s story reminds us that success comes to those who explore new paths and adapt quickly. Her career shift story transformed into a venture reshaping how businesses across Asia manage their operations.
