"Live your 20s like a 60s so that you can live your 60s like a 20s."

A simple line that makes us pause and ask: Are we truly living our lives to the fullest?

For Gisnervern Arikrishnan, those words weren’t just philosophy, they became fuel. What began as a small tea stall inside Multimedia University (MMU) has grown into a Malaysian innovation now gaining local and global attention: the world’s first halal sterilized masala tea in a can.

Today, the MMU alumnus and Leafhaus founder is making waves for bringing a deeply rooted Malaysian flavour into a ready-to-drink format no one else had attempted.

Gisnervern’s journey began shortly after the pandemic. He started selling hot masala tea at RM1 per cup to help support his studies. The response was warm, but one observation changed everything.

“Students loved the tea, but our weather is too hot. People preferred cold drinks. So, I added ice and that’s when the idea of a canned masala tea first hit me.”

It was a simple thought, but turning it into reality required science, endurance, and countless late nights.

Gisnervern, who holds a finance degree and later pursues his MBA at MMU, spent two years in R&D, testing 16 different formulations to find the perfect blend of spices, milk, flavour and shelf stability. Masala and milk don’t easily blend in canned beverages. But he persisted.

The result?

Leafhaus Masala Tea in a Can and Turmeric Milk in a Can, proudly Malaysian products created with traditional spices and sterilized milk, fully halal-certified and shelf-stable.

To preserve the drink’s quality, Gisnervern opted for a three-piece aluminium can, which offers durability and longer preservation. The move also aligns with his commitment to a fully recyclable system, a thoughtful touch from a young entrepreneur thinking far beyond profit.

For Gisnervern, halal certification isn’t just a label, it’s a statement.

“I don’t want my drink to be only for one community. I want all Malaysians to enjoy it.”

The certification process was tough, but to him, it reaffirmed the product’s quality and opened the doors to international markets.

Without any influencer marketing, Leafhaus sold over 3,000 cans within two weeks via TikTok Shop and the MMU campus.

A customer in the UK who tried the drink ended up making a business order, four cartons which then led to retailing in a British convenience store. Now, two containers are being prepared for export to Europe, with expansion plans for the Middle East and Canada.

Leafhaus is also in discussion with prominent M’sia airlines to feature the beverage on its flights.

Beyond the brand, Gisnervern’s own fitness journey is remarkable. Once weighing 138kg, he lost 62kg in six months through natural routines, a transformation that fuels his passion for creating healthier product options.

Despite growing success, Gisnervern remains soft-spoken and grounded. He credits his father still working at 71 for his drive.

“I want to succeed while my parents are here to see it. Before they’re no longer by my side.”

As a tribute to his beginnings, Gisnervern plans to gift his original RM1 tea stall to another MMU student in financial need: setting up the booth, supplying the first batch of Leafhaus products, and allowing the student to keep all profits.

“It’s not just business. It’s a mission to show young Malaysians that you can dream big, start small, and but never rest till you achieve what you desire.”

With a target of 10,000 products sold by December, the road ahead may be tough, but your passion will light the way. Every hurdle is a chance to rise higher. You're not just building a business; you're building a legacy for your family.