ENTREPRENEUR OVERCOMES HURDLES TO INTRODUCE MALAYSIAN FRUIT PLANTS TO NEW ZEALAND

By V. Sankara

KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 (Bernama) – The inspiring journey of Rosmawati Eusoff from Penang to New Zealand serves as a beacon of hope to other Malaysian entrepreneurs.

The Auckland-based chief executive officer of Exotica NZ – her own online business growing and selling popular Malaysian fruit saplings and associated supplies throughout New Zealand – said her passion for cultivating plants deemed rare and exotic in that country flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It has now evolved into a successful business, with her venture quickly gaining popularity among plant enthusiasts in New Zealand and other countries, thanks to her effective use of social media.

Among Rosmawati's significant achievements was obtaining permits to import MD2 pineapple plant material and live plants into New Zealand from Malaysia, after navigating some of the world's strictest plant import standards.

Her collaboration with the Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security facilitated the introduction of the MD2 pineapple as well as rambutan and mangosteen plants to the New Zealand market.

In 2022, Rosmawati introduced Calina Papaya IPB9, a dwarf papaya variety, to New Zealand, bringing a new subtropical plant cultivar to the market.

Rosmawati told Bernama Malaysian agricultural products are among the best in the world, adding that she is committed to showcasing them globally.

"It's about time we compete openly and be recognised, as the quality of our produce is on par with that of Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia," she said, adding she has retained the Malay names of the fruits of the plants imported from Malaysia, such as Pisang Mas, Susu Mango, Musang King Durian, MD2 Pineapple and Pisang Raja.

Rosmawati left for New Zealand in the late 1990s for her studies and following her graduation, she married and embarked on a new chapter of her life.

However, after her marriage ended, the single mother of two special needs children took the bold move to establish Exotica NZ, staving off the numerous challenges that came her way with unwavering determination.

Her dedication to excellence has earned her a good reputation in New Zealand’s horticultural industry. She also worked with the Ministry of Primary Industries in New Zealand to ensure her products posed no biodiversity risks.

Rosmawati also stressed the importance given to hard work and meritocracy in New Zealand.

"Here, privileges are not given to you because of who you are (status)," she said. "You fight, if you are good, you win. I fought and I won, simple as that."

She attributed her success to the merit-based environment that allowed her to thrive without government handouts.

Meanwhile, New Zealand Malaysia Business Association president Dave Ananth praised Rosmawati’s strength and perseverance.

He said her story, along with those of other successful Malaysian entrepreneurs, should be shared to inspire others.

Pointing to Rosmawati’s endeavours to introduce rambutan and mangosteen plants to New Zealand in 2023, Dave said Exotica NZ was the first company in 30 years to have “gone this far with New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries”.

-- BERNAMA