Every now and then, a new name in auto upholstery makes waves far beyond their hometown. In Shah Alam, Malaysia, that name is Acik Kusyen (Malay for “Uncle Cushion”).
His real name is Abu Zarin Abu Hassan, but folks in the Malaysian car scene know him by his nickname — a nod to his warm personality and deep expertise in car interiors. Featured recently by Sinar Daily, Abu Hassan has spent over two decades honing his craft, going from humble beginnings to commanding as much as RM30,000 (about $6,400 USD) a month in custom interior work.
That’s a lot of money in Malaysia, where middle-class families typically earn between RM5,250 and RM11,819.
He started out the same way many trimmers do: learning upholstery in a family business. In his case, it was his brother’s furniture shop. That experience sparked an interest in auto upholstery, which led him to earn a diploma in automotive studies and open a small workshop in Jelebu. From there, he began offering basic seat repairs and upgrades — gradually building a loyal customer base.
“I started my own workshop after finishing my studies, offering services to repair torn seat cushions and install new ones in vehicles,” he told Sinar Daily. “I also provide cleaning services and full car interior decoration.”
His reputation grew, and so did demand. Earlier this year, Abu Hassan moved his shop from Taman Senawang Jaya to a larger, more professional space in the Tasik Jaya Industrial Area. The new location gives him and his team more room to work and provides clients with a better experience.
The shop, of course, is called Acik Kusyen.
Today, Abu Hassan’s shop turns around roughly 10 cars per month. Depending on the job, prices range from RM900 for a small repair to RM9,000 for a full custom interior. He’s even worked on high-end rides like Porsches and has built a following through social media and word-of-mouth. Some customers travel from other states just to have him work on their vehicles.
“The most expensive job I have handled was a vintage car that came in completely bare. We did the entire interior from start to finish,” he told Sinar Daily. “Our work is well received.”
Of course, Abu Hassan’s success hasn’t come easy. Like many small business owners, he’s faced loads of obstacles — including financial pressures that nearly crippled his shop during the Coronavirus pandemic. He’s had to rely on help and loans to get him through tough times, and has even balanced work with schooling to bolster his automotive and business skills.
Through it all, Abu Hassan has remained committed to his craft and hopes to continue expanding his business into the Klang Valley — a major metropolitan area that includes the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
“I definitely want to expand there,” he said, “but for now I need to maintain quality and focus on what I have. God willing, one day we will reach that goal.”
Abu Hassan’s story is an inspiring reminder of what’s possible in this craft with passion, skill and patience. Auto trimmers everywhere — from Kuala Lumpur to Kansas City — can relate to his journey and draw motivation from his steady climb.
To read the full story, check out: Shah Alam’s ‘Acik Kusyen’: The artisan behind RM30,000 monthly car interior makeovers
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