Text by Dian Pasquinal Kaur
In life, small opportunities often pave the way for unexpected success. Datuk Anna Teo’s early career took her to the skies as a flight attendant and little did she know that a single request in 2002 would set her on the path to building a global food empire. When a friend asked her to help ship boxes of mooncakes to the United States, she recognised an untapped market for Malaysian delicacies abroad.
Starting as the sole distributor of Oversea Mooncake in Australia and New Zealand, Hernan soon expanded into durian exports, acquiring a 40-acre orchard in 2011 to cultivate Musang King and other tropical fruits. From fresh durians to ice cream, mooncakes and innovative durian-based products, Hernan has turned Malaysia’s king of fruits into a global sensation, now spanning 18 countries with a strong foothold in China.
“Hernan began as my dad’s trading company in 1996, but it truly took off in 2004 when I found my core. Growing up around his business discussions gave me the knowledge and resilience to overcome challenges. A strong foundation is crucial, but success also comes from a team that shares your vision and passion,” says Hernan Corporation’s Group CEO.
By building a factory from the ground up and transforming it into a fully automated IR4.0 facility powered by AI, Anna has laid a solid blueprint for anyone who will inherit the business or seek to understand the complexities of building one from scratch.
When asked about her biggest achievements, Anna points to revolutionising the durian industry – once limited to two-day exports to Singapore, the frozen fruit now reaches the US and Canada with a shelf life of over 1.5 years.
With soaring global demand, durian cultivation is booming in Southeast Asia and China. But for Anna, competition is inevitable and staying ahead is key. One advantage remains firmly in her favour: Mother Nature. Malaysia’s unique climate, rich soil and ideal rainfall create the perfect conditions for premium durian, with minimal contamination setting it apart from the rest. Hernan has mastered the art of durian agriculture, balancing quality with sustainability. “We can’t chase maximum profits at the expense of our responsibility,” she emphasises.
Anna focuses on merit over gender disparity. “Our knowledge, values and character define us. But what sets women apart is our ability to multitask and we can use it to build strong leadership.” In a male-dominated industry, she has faced doubters but remains unfazed. “The biggest battle is within. I focus on my goals and doing my best.”
She dismisses the idea of perfect work-life balance, acknowledging that success comes with sacrifices. “If you want to achieve big goals, something has to give. The key is to pursue what feels right for you and don’t overexert yourself. Make sure your family and people around you understand your ambitions,” says the single mother of three.
Her eldest daughter is 25, while her sons are 20 and 15. Her children aren’t part of the business, she wants them to carve their own path and build something of their own.
Raising her children while building a business, she prioritised quality time over forced interactions. “If I couldn’t give them 100 percent at home, I was honest about it. I’ve brought my babies to work, closed deals while breastfeeding. It’s all part of the journey.”
