myBurgerLab uses charcoal buns, giving their burgers a distinctive look (Photo: myBurgerLab)
Cover Malaysian burger brand MyBurgerLab is best known for its charcoal buns (Photo: MyBurgerLab)

With a new major shareholder on board, the burger brand has announced plans to open outlets in Indonesia, Singapore and the Middle East by 2025

Malaysian burger chain, MyBurgerLab (MBL), will be expanding its international presence, says its co-founder and CEO Chin Ren Yi.

“We needed a partner with a deep understanding of our industry and a strong financial foundation. Lotus Capital perfectly aligns with these criteria. This partnership will provide the financial support we require and invaluable insights and expertise as we scale up our business,” he said.

Best known for its charcoal buns and innovative burger toppings, the company currently has six outlets across Malaysia and is set to open three more in Kuala Lumpur by the end of the year. It will also open another 25 outlets across the country, including in Johor and Penang, by December 2025.

Read more: Myburgerlab co-founder Chin Ren Yi on how to build a restaurant empire

MBL’s executive director Karthiik Doraisingam shared that the company is also in talks to expand overseas to Indonesia, Singapore and the Middle East between now and the end of 2025. It aims to launch its first overseas outlet in Oman in late 2024.

Tatler Asia
Chin Ren Yi, co-founder of myBurgerLab, believes in running an F&B business that is more than just about serving good food, but also about creating a positive impact on the community and the environment (Photos: Imran Sulaiman)
Above Chin Ren Yi, co-founder of myBurgerLab, believes in running an F&B business that is more than just about serving good food, but also about creating a positive impact on the community and the environment (Photos: Imran Sulaiman)

Karthiik is also the founder and CEO of private equity firm Lotus Capital DKR, which acquired a 47.5 percent stake in MBL this past February. The company bought the shares from Chin’s two co-founders—Teoh Wee Kiat and Cheah Chang Ming—both of whom have now exited MBL. Chin as well as Andrew Chong, a founding member of MBL and its COO, hold the remaining shares.

The prospect of expanding a Malaysian brand like myBurgerLab to Indonesia, Singapore, and the Middle East is incredibly exciting for Chin. “Our decision to explore international markets is a testament to our confidence in our brand's strength and readiness to cater to a global audience while maintaining the quality and values that define myBurgerLab,” added Chin. “This move will not only meet the aspirations of our customers but also position us as a global burger destination, all while nurturing our roots in Malaysia.”

Chin, Teoh and Cheah launched the first MBL outlet in July 2012 at Sea Park, Petaling Jaya, and were driven by inspiration from American burger chains. Their goal was simple: To delight people through well-crafted, great-tasting food.


Read more about entrepreneurs in Food and Beverage on the Gen.T List.