In this episode of The Best Business Podcast, Daryl Urbanski is joined by Abang Abu, founder of Now Asia International, wealth engineer, and one of Asia’s most innovative voices in financial literacy and entrepreneurship education. Known as the “Money Mechanic,” Abu has empowered countless entrepreneurs across Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond. With insights influenced by greats like Robert Kiyosaki, he started training programs, mentorship, and powerful storytelling. From selling food on the streets to owning properties and building businesses, his rise is nothing short of extraordinary.
Financial hardship and sudden loss can push even the strongest individuals to their breaking point.
Many aspiring entrepreneurs spend their time struggling with the same questions. Where do I start? How do I survive setbacks? Is success only reserved for the lucky few? These doubts often lead to hesitation, leaving people trapped in cycles of worry rather than action. But what if adversity itself could lead to growth and long-term financial freedom? You only need financial intelligence and deep commitment to start.
Prepare to uncover practical lessons in money management, business resilience, and the mindset shifts that separate employees from entrepreneurs. Whether you’re an aspiring business owner, a struggling entrepreneur, or someone looking to create lasting wealth creation opportunities for your family, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable wisdom.
Here are three reasons why you should listen to the full episode:
- Discover how Abang Abu turned tragedy into entrepreneurship, growing businesses in Malaysia, Singapore, and beyond.
- Learn the secrets of fundamental finance, emotional finance, and avoiding costly money mistakes.
- Understand the DANCE formula and proven coaching tools to achieve success and build wealth.
Resources
- Abang Abu: Instagram | Facebook | Website
- Best Business Podcast with Daryl Urbanski - Where you can find more insightful interviews like this one.
Episode Highlights
From Tragedy to Triumph
- Losing both parents in a devastating accident, Abang Abu was thrust into the role of provider for his siblings.
- Despite being paralyzed and broken, he believed it is important not to quit and rebuilt his life from the ground up.
- Street vending became his first step into entrepreneurship, proving resilience and mindset can fuel success.
- His story shows how emotional finance, grit, and financial intelligence can turn despair into opportunity.
The Street Hustler to Successful Entrepreneur
- Selling nasi lemak door-to-door taught him the fundamentals of cash flow and business survival.
- A bold leap led to acquiring his first restaurant through sheer determination and deep commitment.
- Working nights in Singapore while running a restaurant by day, he lived on buses to support his siblings.
- That hustle built the foundation for properties, sparking his journey as a wealth engineer and successful entrepreneur.
Building Wealth Through Properties
- Seizing a government 100% loan, Abu invested in real estate without a savings safety net.
- From one building to three, he transformed liabilities into cash flow–generating assets.
- This hands-on lesson introduced him to fundamental finance and financial literacy before he even knew the terms.
- Property ownership gave him the stability to grow as a business coach, CEO, and Asia International founder.
Lessons From Failure and Financial Literacy
- Starting 28 businesses, with 24 fails, Abu treated setbacks as tuition in entrepreneurship.
- By 30, he had lost millions due to poor financial literacy and lack of fundamental finance.
- He learned the hard way that without a plan, money can vanish overnight with any person or industry.
- Financial intelligence and discipline became his tools to secure long-term wealth, goals, and success.
The DANCE Formula for Young People's Success
- Abu created his D.A.N.C.E. method: Decide, Act, Notice, Change, and Evaluate.
- This formula equips entrepreneurs to push past fear, navigate failure, and keep moving forward.
- It blends practical business strategy with emotional finance to achieve success across countries.
- DANCE remains his signature framework for teaching people how to create secure wealth and achieve success.
Shifting Mindsets: From E and S to B and I
- Drawing on Robert Kiyosaki’s Cashflow Quadrant, Abu explains why employees and self-employed often miss opportunities.
- He emphasizes moving into the Business and Investor side by adopting a vision-driven mindset.
- Passion, hunger, and desire, his PhD, are the traits every entrepreneur needs to grow and succeed.
- This shift in mindset helped him become a featured speaker, coach, and mission-driven leader across Asia.
Small Businesses, Big Impact
- Abu highlights how barber shops, restaurants, and other small ventures can generate cash flow and create wealth.
- He champions entrepreneurship as a mission-driven way to conduct business while helping communities grow.
- Technology, AI, and online platforms now offer young people amazing chances to achieve success.
- His words: with vision, persistence, and the right plan, entrepreneurs worldwide can thrive and secure their future.