Exploring Dooran Dooran

“When you travel to Japan, you think of Hokkaido white chocolate. I hope that when tourists visit Malaysia, they will think of Dooran Dooran, as a brand they can associate with,” shared Acid Yong, the inspiring owner of Dooran Dooran. Her ambition is palpable, and after hearing her career journey and her meticulous approach to branding and marketing, I have no doubt she will achieve her goal.

As a durian enthusiast, I was thrilled when TJ Tee from Kawan Talk invited me to explore a 10-acre durian farm owned by Dooran Dooran, home to approximately 50,000 trees. Upon arrival, I was enveloped in a serene atmosphere, with birds chirping and roosters crowing, complemented by a gentle breeze. It was a relaxing morning, surrounded by tall durian trees draped in a protective netting, patiently waiting for harvest.

During the visit, Yong demonstrated the use of drones on the farm, showcasing the rapid technological advancements in agriculture. During the pandemic lockdowns, drones became essential tools for farmers, helping to apply fertilizers and now play a crucial role in pest control. The drones used at Dooran Dooran are impressive in size - far larger than the consumer models used for photography or videography - costing around RM80,000 each, akin to purchasing a car in Malaysia.

One of the most fascinating insights I gained from Yong was her innovative approach to data collection. She meticulously tracks the health of each durian tree using a color-coded system. This allows her to assess tree conditions and better predict the yield for each season. A mature durian tree can produce between 50 to 200 fruits, depending on various factors such as tree health, soil fertility, climate, tree age, and even thinning practices. Climate change has disrupted the traditional durian season, which used to peak in July, but this varies by species; for example, Musang King is typically harvested from mid-June to early August, while D24 fruits from December to February.?

What I admire most about Yong is her boldness in entering the durian industry. Originally a school teacher, she transitioned to the Korea Wallpaper Sdn Bhd , where she climbed the ranks from heading the e-commerce division to becoming CEO by 2018. The pandemic prompted another shift in her career. Initially contemplating a relaxation space, she found inspiration in conversations with friends and shifted her focus to selling durians online. Her courage to step out from comfort zone is commendable, as many struggle to embrace change.

However, her journey was not without challenges. The surge in online orders was overwhelming for her small team, leading to stressful situations as they manage customer inquiries and delivery logistics. With delivery riders queuing and employees striving to keep up with packing, it was a high-pressure environment. Time has flown since the pandemic began in 2020 and now we find ourselves in 2025.

The visit culminated in a delightful durian buffet, where I met fellow enthusiasts who share my passion for the King of fruit. If you’re looking for a gift, souvenir or even a chance to try durian when you’re visiting Malaysia, I highly recommend visiting Dooran Dooran. Also, Yong mentioned an interesting initiative; if you’re looking to refresh your wardrobe, you can donate old clothes to Korea Wallpaper in exchange for a roll of wallpaper.?

As we welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, I wish everyone health, joy and prosperity in 2025, the Year of Snake!