38-year-old Samuel Chen used to be Director of Danish Breweries. However, he left his job when the brewery was acquired.
Chen then went to set up wholesale business Farmland Asia Holdings Pte Ltd with the co-founder of coffeeshop chain S11 Group.
In a June 7 Shin Min Daily News (SMDN) report, Chen said that he subsequently opened Home of Durian at 84 Bedok North Street 4.
Why move into the durian business?
Chen told the Chinese paper that ever since the Covid-19 pandemic struck, many businesses (especially the bars and entertainment outlets) were affected. Chen's business was similarly affected but, thankfully, it wasn't as serious as others.
Chen saw that many people had pay cuts while others lost their jobs. He then came up with a plan to help those affected by Covid-19.
Since the durian season is here, Chen and his business partner decided to open Home of Durian in late May, making use of this business to provide jobs to those who need them.
Courtesy of Tan Kok Siong.
Chen hired 10 people who either lost their jobs or suffered pay cuts to deliver durians.
Each delivery trip earns the workers between S$5 and S$7. Home of Durian does not take a commission fee from its delivery partners.
"This is a short-term job, about three months," Chen said to SMDN, adding that once the government allows business and offices to open, the company might hire some of these workers to work in its office.
Because one of the main purposes of Home of Durian is to provide job opportunities for those affected by Covid-19, Chen told SMDN that he does not intend to join a delivery platform.
He said to the Chinese daily:
"Our priority is not profits. While we cannot help everyone, we aim to help as many as we can."
Clearly, Chen has a heart for the vulnerable and needy. Previously, Farmland Asia Holdings Pte Ltd distributed some food and necessities to migrant workers:
Durian charity sale on June 9
Furthermore, Chen is also hosting a durian charity sale on June 9, with 50 per cent of the proceeds going to TOUCH Community Services. The funds will go towards helping the needy, elderly, and vulnerable.
Home of Durian will be selling Mao Shan Wang durians from Pahang at S$48 per 500g box. The delivery fee is S$5. Customers who buy three boxes and above will be entitled to free delivery.
Delivery will be made between 7pm and 11pm on the day the order is made.
The store will only be offering deliveries on June 9. It will not be open for walk-ins.
Durians from Home of Durian. Courtesy of Samuel Chen.
You can order the durians by contacting 8811 0060 via WhatsApp, SMS, or a phone call. You can also place your order by sending a private message to Home of Durian's Facebook page.
More information on the charity sale can be found here.
Editor's note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated that all proceeds from the charity sale will go to TOUCH Community Services. It was been edited.
Top images courtesy of Samuel Chen, Tan Kok Siong. H/T to Shin Min Daily News.