From Exchange to Entrepreneurship: Life@AMSIB Hassan and Chanley

Hassan and Chanly have been on quite a remarkable journey so far, what started off as an exciting adventure to Indonesia for their exchange turned into the start of their journey as entrepreneurs and starting a new company together. “We arrived in Surabaya, where our university was located, and it was a cultural eye-opener from the first day we arrived. From vibrant streets to warm hospitality, we were stepping into a completely new world for the next six months. We were paired with a student buddy who became our guide, travel companion, and friend. It was this blend of education, culture, and connection that made the experience truly transformative. The warmth of the people, culture, and activities are the most memorable.”

So how did your exchange result in establishing a company?
“Before leaving Indonesia, we were super fascinated by the unique herbal drink Wedang Uwuh and its cultural significance. We knew it had potential in the Dutch market and once back we stayed connected with our Indonesian friends to source the product as well as brainstorming our brand identity. Coming from multicultural backgrounds, we were inspired to make cultural exchange the foundation of our business. And so "Khan&Benfield" was born—a name that represents the merging of traditions and the joy of sharing cultures.”

''There is no glory without hardships!'' they said, as they had to overcome initial logistical challenges like delays due to customs regulations, as well as learning how to market their brand and create effective campaigns. “Staying adaptable and committed has been key to overcoming these hurdles,” they added. But despite these challenges, the response in the Netherlands has been very positive. “People appreciate the originality and the story behind our tea. It has sparked curiosity as it offers a unique taste and health benefits. But it is still super new and we see a trend arising where people make conscious decisions about what they consume. So our goal is to gently introduce people to new experiences and show them the value of stepping outside their comfort zones while promoting health, culture, and adventure.”

As they kickstart their new entrepreneurial adventure they’ve learned that building a brand takes time and belief in the product, “We’ve learned that consistency, storytelling, and connection are critical in turning curiosity into loyalty. Also, do not feel limited to doing B2C, there is a huge market in B2B as well. We offer workshops about gut health and the benefits of Herbs & Spices. The lesson here is to adapt where possible and be strategic in how you position yourself.”

So what advice would you like to share with students interested in starting their own entrepreneurial venture?
“If you’re passionate about an idea, go for it. Whether your business succeeds or not, the journey will teach you invaluable lessons. Start with something you believe in—your conviction will inspire others. Tap into your network, collaborate with peers, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about business; it’s about connection, creativity, and creating something meaningful. For example, reaching out and connecting with us could be a very good first step in your own journey. Not asking for help is taking away someone's opportunity to be useful.”