Meeting Fajrin Rasyid, Co-Founder of Bukalapak

Posted on 12 August 2019 in entrepreneurship

I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Fajrin Rasyid, co-founder and CEO of Bukalapak, last week. It was on a breakfast meeting organised by Young Entrepreneurs Association Brunei (YEAB). A couple weeks before, I chanced a meeting with Fatin, the president of YEAB.

I’ve known Fatin through my friend and mentor, Huwaida. I’ve attended several coffee talks she organised when I was running my gym, and later, my co-working space. It’s been a while since I put on my entrepreneurial hat and I wasn’t wearing it when I met her again. So when she invited me to the YEAB WhatsApp group, I felt like I didn’t belong.

However, if I am to be a full-time entrepreneur one day, I thought it’ll be good to surround myself with like-minded people. So I determined to join the first meeting that came up, which happened to be this one with Fajrin Rasyid.

The table sat 15 of the most prestigious people in Brunei. Established and bright entrepreneurs. I didn’t do my research on Bukalapak as I had a CTF (Capture the Flag) competition the day before. My team had won second, yet on this table, I was unknown. I tried sticking with the organising committee lest I sit next to Fajrin.

I was the first to return after filling my plate from the buffet. I chose a random seat and as luck would have it, Fajrin sat next to me. Vanessa from AgromeIQ and Nurul from Benchlab joined in front of us. Great.

I first opted out from asking any questions and let Vanessa and Nurul lead the conversation. I eventually caved in and braved myself a few questions. Here’s what I learned:

• He had worked as a consultant for one year and decided that it wasn’t for Him. He said it is much more interesting for him to work on what turned into Bukalapak.
• When first designing the system, they focused on statistics. From experience, they knew it’s important to look at the numbers from the start.
• KPI should be the guideline for system design and delegation process.

I’ve also asked if there’s any person or books in particular that he sees as inspirations. He told me he tries to read 2 books a month. Vanessa asked if he puts conscious effort into writing his blog. Which inspired me to continue writing. Thus this blog.

In retrospect, I realise my questions gravitate towards what I envision myself to be. A reinforcement of everything I believe rather than pure curiosity. Bad, that I limit myself to only things I care about. Good, that I’m conscious of that fact. I will attend more of these sort of meetings in the future, and I look forward to learning more.

Click here to read Fajrin’s account of his visit.