From timber to table
Behind BALAK’s is the perpetual paradox of realism and naivety taking the form of some stubborn twenty-somethings. We grow, live and dream; bowing to our capitalist overlords while rebelling, even if just a little. Each inimitable timber a symbol of our unique flair and character; our unbreakable spirit and unity the glue.
“BALAK’s engineers quality solid wood into functional masterpieces to bring nature and ultimate ergonomic comfort into your workspaces”.
Time-tested and ever-evolving craftsmanship
Backed by three generations of woodworking experience, we uphold your comfort and convenience as our truth. We also continually seek to evolve our craftsmanship as new tools and knowledge emerge.
Wood as a gift of nature
We honour raw materials as gifts of nature. Our robust, durable products are characterised by organically-developed wood patterns, colours and textures – these are entirely unique and impossible to replicate.
FOUNDER'S MESSAGE
BALAK’s isn’t a brand of great idealism, it’s more about realism. We don’t have grand plans of benefiting the society or changing the world, we do what we do for ourselves and the people dear to us. Working day and night just for those leaving a light on.
“10,000 hours is the amount of practice you must put in to attain mastery.” – Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell. Geniuses aren’t born; they’re made. If you work 8 hours a day and 5 days a week, then 5 years is all it takes to achieve excellence.
You don’t have to be born brimming with talent or intelligence; no haloes or wings needed. Just like us.
So, if your heart and mind are in the right places, why aren’t you getting what you want?
— Lucas Eng, Founder of BALAK’s
MEET THE TEAM
BALAK's Craftsmanship
Monir
Monir left home when he was 24. He is married with two sons, who are both studying hard at 13 and 17 years old respectively. Monir plans to provide them with better education; he also wants to buy a paddy field and live the quaint, honest life of a farmer.
V8
V8 is one of five siblings: two brothers and two sisters. Nicknamed ‘the prince of love’, 27-year-old V8 wants to find a girlfriend in back Vietnam and marry her. He has spent 8 years away from his homeland.
Khokon
Seven years ago, a young Khokon left his then 44-year-old father, 34-year-old mother and 6-year old brother to secure opportunities that will better provide for his family. Now 24, he is recognised for being an outstanding leader of the production team. As he steadily climbs the career ladder, his dream of buying a house and land for his family becomes increasingly within reach.
Farid
Having spent a decade away from home, Farid is happily married and the owner of a house and land. But as his family grows with an 8-year-old son and a 2-year-old daughter, the 34-year-old plans to upgrade to a bigger house.
Sojib
Six years ago, 24-year-old Sojib departed from Bangladesh with a luggage full of dreams. He has his sight set on a plot of land at home, upon which he will build a home, and a path to the ivory tower for his brother of 15 years old. The grand plan is estimated to cost him RM500,000.
Kawsar
29-year-old Abu Kawsar left home in search of greener pastures in 2015. Recently, his mother passed away, leaving behind his father of 70 years old. He dreams of going back to Bangladesh to reunite with his family. With his savings, he’ll help expand his brother’s phone repairing business and start his own.
Abu Yusuf
Abu Yusuf, who has spent a decade away from home, is a family man: his dream is to have a baby with his wife and give his family a better life. The aspiration intensified when not long ago, his mother was struck by an illness that required a lot of money to treat.
Jomir
26-year-old Jomir beams proudly when talking about his 19-year-old brother, who is currently an undergraduate. His goal is to buy a land back in his home country Bangladesh, which will cost about RM300,000.
Mamum
29-year-old Mamum is a loyal romantic at heart: he is in a six-year long distance relationship with his girlfriend back in Bangladesh, with whom he plans to marry, start a small business and form a happy family. Both Mamum’s parents are 55 years old, and they have two other sons and a daughter.
