That afternoon at Legumes Catering, co‑founder Miqi, alongside her husband/co-founder Kenneth and sister Cizi, welcomed the group into their own family narrative over a simple fusion‑flavours lunch. They shared how their parents first forged a path in manufacturing and engineering before branching into a hotpot restaurant and a café—each venture fueled by the same high standards and meticulous attention instilled at home. Miqi recounted the thrill and challenge of launching the catering arm on the eve of COVID‑19, then swiftly pivoting operations and offering to meet unpredictable circumstances and adhere to uncertain regulations. Miqi credited those early family lessons—strict housekeeping, shared responsibility, and a habit of problem‑solving together—for giving her the confidence and resilience to navigate uncertainty while staying true to the values that define Legumes today.

By day’s end, the NextGens had walked away with a wealth of insights: every business can uncover fresh value by reinventing familiar products, adding technology to differentiate, and seizing the right moment to expand. They saw how strong operational systems are essential for efficiency, reliability, and scalability. Above all, they learned that balancing long workdays, family relationships, and open communication is key to preserving a lasting legacy. The sessions underscored that high‑quality Malaysian family enterprises not only compete globally but also inspire the next generation to blend legacy wisdom with bold innovation.