HE may be associated with glamorous displays of violin virtuosity, but charismatic Dennis Lau has developed a brand new passion in distributing fresh chicken and seafood.
Lau, 38, found a new passion during the two-year Movement Control Order (MCO), which forced him to put live performances "on freeze".
To "kill boredom" and keep himself mentally and physically fit, the Teluk Intan-born electric violinist, composer, music producer and actor founded his own chicken and seafood distribution company, Ah Lau Food King.
ARTISTIC IMPRISONMENT
"I was very down during the first two weeks of the MCO in 2020. Music is my passion and the freeze on live performances was like an artistic imprisonment for me," said Lau at a recent showcase in Jao Tim Restaurant, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur.
"But as a positive thinker, I found another way to keep myself busy and focused. I noticed a spike in food deliveries, but no fresh kampung chicken was available in e-commerce.
"So with a little research, I found that chicken is in demand from many households and it is a profitable business."
Lau said he grew up eating kampung chicken, as his mother often fed him the wholesome dish during his pre-teen years.
"She used to steam kampung chicken for me and I always enjoyed it. Who would have thought that after three decades, I am now selling my favourite dish?"
FROM CHICKEN TO SEAFOOD
Ah Lau Food King obtains freshly slaughtered kampung chicken from farms around the country. It has also begun supplying fresh seafood to households and Chinese restaurants.
"At first, I thought of only supplying chicken, but I soon learnt that seafood is very profitable. So I decided to expand Ah Lau to include fresh fish and prawn."
Lau said being in the entertainment industry for three decades has honed his business acumen.
"I still have a long way to go as a businessman, but since food is one of my life passions, I am prepared to go all out to give Malaysians the best of chicken and seafood, right at their doorsteps."
Customer feedback has been "superb", he said.
"Many of them tell me that they really love my chicken and would love to have me taste their recipes.
"I hope to create a restaurant with chef friends, using Ah Lau products. That would add value to my business."
WHAT'S COOKING?
When asked about his coming projects, Lau said he was writing and composing singles for the Malay music market.
"There is I Won't Go, a new song that I created for Amir Masdi. It is my first collaboration with him and he is a very promising singer."
Lau also wrote Glory for popular singer and music educationist Datuk Syafinaz Selamat. It is part of the government's national unity campaign for national month in August and September.
Last month, Lau held a two-hour showcase called Dennis Lau and Friends at Jao Tim on June 23 and 24.
He was joined by popular Singaporean singer Aisyah Aziz and Malaysian singers Dewi Liana Setriesha, Fara Dolhadi and Ronnie Jupiter, as well as 11-year-old piano prodigy Ashley Jane Chan and veteran saxophonist Jimmy Sax.
Lau, a music graduate from UCSI University, began his musical journey at age 7 under the tutelage of world class musicians.
His music journey has been greatly influenced by Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Wang Lee Hom, Brian McKnight and John Mayer.
Lau has shared the stage with renowned local artistes such as Ning Baizura, Syafinaz, Noryn Aziz and Atilia Haron, American guitarist Jamie Wilson and Taiwanese singer David Tao.
He has entertained VVIPs in Malaysia and overseas, such as former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad and Prince William and Princess Catherine of Wales.
To learn more about Ah Lau Food King, visit www.ahlaufoodkingcom.