What began as a hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a thriving custom furniture manufacturing business for Dr. Ahmad Solehin Paimon, a 2021 PhD graduate from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM).

After completing his doctoral studies, Dr. Ahmad joined UTM’s Automotive Development Centre (ADC) as a Postdoctoral Researcher. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic brought research activities to a standstill, his contract ended as a result of the nationwide lockdown.

Rather than allowing the setback to define his future, Dr. Ahmad turned to a long-standing passion for carpentry to make productive use of his time. His journey began with a simple gift from his wife, a sanding machine, which inspired him to start creating custom furniture. Proud of his talent, his wife shared his work on social media, and the positive response quickly led to requests from friends and family.

Today, the company specialises in custom-built kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, TV cabinets, shoe cabinets, laundry cabinets, and other built-in furniture for residential and commercial spaces. By combining skilled craftsmanship with CNC technology, Schemata Works delivers customised solutions that emphasise quality, functionality, and precision.

Although his academic background is in engineering, Dr. Ahmad believes the knowledge and skills he gained at UTM have been fundamental to the company’s growth.

“My engineering education taught me to analyse problems systematically, improve processes, and make decisions based on data,” he said. “These principles are equally valuable in managing a manufacturing business.”

He applies engineering concepts to optimise production workflows, minimise material waste, improve product accuracy, and integrate technology into the company’s manufacturing process. His research background has also helped cultivate a culture of continuous improvement within the business.

Starting a business in an unfamiliar industry, however, was far from easy.

Without formal experience in carpentry or furniture manufacturing, Dr. Ahmad had to learn every aspect of the trade, from materials and production techniques to costing, customer management, and installation. Limited capital meant he also had to handle multiple responsibilities on his own during the early years.

Determined to succeed, he invested in continuous learning by attending carpentry and furniture-making courses organised by MARA and the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB). He also sought guidance from experienced industry professionals while gradually reinvesting profits into better machinery, equipment, and production facilities.

These efforts have enabled Schemata Works to grow from a small home-based operation into a structured manufacturing company with its own 4,000-square-foot production facility, skilled workforce, and advanced CNC machinery.

Among his proudest achievements is the company’s ability to manage the entire production process in-house, from consultation and design to manufacturing and installation which allow greater quality control and customer satisfaction.

Looking back, Dr. Ahmad credits UTM for equipping him with more than technical expertise.

“My experience at UTM taught me discipline, resilience, critical thinking, and the importance of continuous learning,” he said. “These qualities continue to guide my daily business operations and long-term planning.”

For current students and young graduates, he encourages them to remain open to opportunities beyond their field of study.

“A degree gives you valuable knowledge and transferable skills, but your career does not always have to follow the path you originally planned,” he advised. “Start small, keep learning, gain practical experience, and don’t be afraid to explore new opportunities. Challenges should be viewed as stepping stones rather than obstacles.”

Dr. Ahmad’s journey from engineering researcher to entrepreneur demonstrates how determination, lifelong learning, and the courage to embrace change can transform unexpected circumstances into lasting success. His story also reflects how the knowledge and values gained at UTM continue to empower its graduates to innovate, adapt, and create meaningful impact in industries beyond their original field of study.

Dr. Ahmad also obtained his Bachelor of Automotive Mechanical Engineering in 2011 and a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Aeronautics) in 2008 from UTM.

By Nurul Safidah Abdul Rahman