TLDR
- Machino, a local footwear brand founded by sisters Esther and Amy Tai, has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, recognising them as outstanding young business leaders.
- The name Machino is an acronym for Malay, Chinese, Indian and Others, symbolising Malaysia’s cultural diversity, which is also reflected in the brand’s shoe designs inspired by batik, songket and Chinese brocade motifs.
- The brand was recognised in the Retail & E-commerce category and is currently available at IOI City Mall, its SS18 outlet, and in Singapore. Beyond women's footwear, Machino also offers shoes for men and children, as well as a range of bags.
For many young Malaysians, the idea of seeing a homegrown brand gain international recognition feels like a distant dream. Yet stories of local entrepreneurs breaking through continue to prove that big achievements can start from relatively humble beginnings.
Recently, the sisters behind Malaysian footwear brand Machino reached a major milestone after being included on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia list, placing them among the region’s most notable young business leaders.
Image Credit: DollarsAndSense.sg
The sisters, Esther Tai Shen Hui and Amy Tai Shuh Yuk, first got the idea to create the brand when they realised that women have long faced difficulties finding shoes that are both comfortable and stylish. They decided to team up with their uncle, who runs a shoe factory, to create a durable footwear brand without compromising on style or comfort.
“Our shoes have a very thick insole sponge, so customers often say that while they don’t usually wear heels, ours are so comfortable that they even wear them while running errands,” Esther said.
The meaning behind the name
A brand’s name often tells a story. Some businesses draw inspiration from words in other languages, while others opt for catchy puns or wordplay. In Machino’s case, however, the founders shared that the name is actually an acronym for Malay, Chinese, Indian and Others.
Image Credit: itsMachino
Esther said that the name Machino is a celebration of being Malaysian. Meanwhile, the iconic Hana flower, the brand’s signature motif, celebrates local cultures.
She also explained that each pair of Machino shoes is 100% handcrafted. The brand incorporates intricate patterns inspired by batik, songket, saree lace and Chinese brocade into some of its collections to showcase the beauty and diversity of Malaysia.
Machino was chosen from nearly 4,000 nominations
According to a report by Malay Mail, the Forbes 2026 honourees were selected from nearly 4,000 nominations across 18 countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific region. As such, Machino’s inclusion is undoubtedly a proud moment for the homegrown brand.
Candidates are categorised into 10 categories and evaluated by the Forbes Asia team based on various criteria, including impact, uniqueness, inventiveness and innovation.
Machino was recognised by Forbes for its achievements in the Retail & E-commerce category.
Image Credit: Instagram
Besides its website and social media platforms, Machino's products are also available at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya and at its outlet in SS18. The brand has also expanded into Singapore.
Beyond women's footwear, Machino also offers men's and children's footwear, along with a range of bags.
Featured Image Credit: The Edge, itsMachino
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