As the CEO of Oceans Republic, I have always believed that connecting the dots of experience, innovation, and sustainability is key to building a lasting impact. The journey to founding Oceans Republic was not a linear one. It was shaped by years of learning, embracing change, and finding purpose in creating eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics.
2011 - Startup Mantra
After graduating from a Tech School in India, I was hesitant to work with established businesses. Despite having offers from MNCs, I always felt more inclined toward working with startups. The term "startup" had been popularized by Forbes many years earlier, but when I began my career in 2011, it was still commonly referred to as a small firm.
2015 - Knowledge is Power
In 2015, I left my job in India to pursue my dream of starting my own business. However, I soon realized I hadn’t met the right people nor developed the right business idea. This period helped me understand a crucial lesson: knowledge is power. I needed a deeper understanding of business before venturing into my own entrepreneurial journey.
2017 - Business School Days
In 2017, I enrolled at Azman Hashim Business School (AHIBS, UTM) in Malaysia to redefine my future. The MBA program was a transformative experience that nurtured my entrepreneurial spirit. Over the course of 18 months, we engaged in debates and presentations on various business case studies, reinforcing the importance of building ethical businesses that are profitable while addressing societal issues.
During my time in Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, I visited retail giants like IKEA, Mr. DIY, and DAISO JAPAN. I was struck by the prevalence of aesthetic household items made from plastic and wood. This observation sparked my interest in sustainable, biodegradable products, and I became determined to one day work with green materials..
2019 - The Decision
In April 2019, I made the life-changing decision to move to Vietnam, a country with a growing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly innovations. It was there that I met Xuan, my future business partner, and began working as a Business Development Manager at an eco-startup. While I was initially excited by the company’s vision, I soon realized that it was veering away from its original vision of sustainability. The core principles of environmental responsibility and ethical practices were losing their place in favor of quick profits.
This disconnect from the company’s foundational values led me to take a bold step. I chose to leave the startup and embark on a new path that aligned more closely with my beliefs. Pursuing my own venture was a leap of faith, but it was one that has shaped my entrepreneurial journey in a profound way. The decision to start Oceans Republic, a company with a deep commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly bamboo products, has been a choice I have never regretted. It marked the beginning of a new chapter—one focused on creating real impact, not just profits.
2020 - Birth of Oceans Republic
In 2020, I founded Oceans Republic with a clear mission in mind: to create eco-friendly products that would replace harmful single-use plastics. The journey began with a focus on two sustainable materials—bamboo and coconut—both of which are abundant, biodegradable, and versatile. These natural resources became the foundation of our business model, as they allowed us to offer products that align with the growing demand for environmentally responsible solutions.
From the outset, sustainability wasn’t just a buzzword for us—it was the core of everything we did. We carefully crafted our manufacturing processes to minimize waste and ensure that every product we produced was made with the least environmental impact possible. This commitment extended to every aspect of the business, including distribution and customer education. At Oceans Republic, we’ve always believed that offering sustainable alternatives not only helps preserve the planet but also empowers businesses to thrive in an increasingly eco-conscious market. By focusing on high-quality, sustainable bamboo products, we set out to demonstrate that businesses can succeed while making a positive impact on the environment.
2022 - Bamboo: Road to Sustainability
By 2022, what started as a small offering of bamboo straws, cups and cutlery had blossomed into a diverse portfolio of over 2,000 eco-friendly products. Our range expanded to cater to businesses across multiple industries, including the HORECA (Hotel, Restaurant, and Café) sector, furniture, home décor, and packaging. This growth reflects our commitment to providing businesses with a wide array of sustainable alternatives to traditional plastic and other non-eco-friendly materials. From intricate bamboo furniture to packaging solutions that reduce waste, our products are designed to meet the demands of an increasingly sustainability-conscious market.
But this is just the beginning. The journey towards sustainability remains a long-term commitment for Oceans Republic. We believe that as the demand for environmentally responsible products continues to grow, so too must our range of green solutions. Our team is constantly exploring innovative ways to expand our product offerings while maintaining the highest standards of sustainability. With every new product and solution, we strive to make it easier for businesses to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their operations, ensuring that together, we can make a lasting positive impact on the planet.
2024 - Expanding Horizons
As we step into 2024, Oceans Republic continues to break new ground in sustainability. This year has been marked by significant milestones, including expanding our manufacturing capabilities and strengthening global partnerships.
Since our inception, we have manufactured over 3,000 unique bamboo products and successfully exported them to 40+ countries across the globe. From bamboo straws to sophisticated furniture and custom packaging, our diverse portfolio reflects our dedication to innovation and sustainability.
With the trust of our customers and the rising demand for sustainable solutions, Oceans Republic is paving the way for a more eco-conscious future. Our journey is far from over, and our commitment to protecting the environment remains unwavering. Together with our partners, we’re demonstrating that ecofriendly businesses can succeed while safeguarding the planet. The future holds endless possibilities, and we’re just beginning this exciting chapter.
What a journey you had, Sandy. Glad to be a part of Bamboo Ecosystem with OR.