RAAJ Ganesh Chandragasan, 38, is not just the proud owner of Raaj Tea Palace cafés in Perai, Penang, and Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, but also a passionate actor and a generous philanthropist.
Born and raised in Penang, Raaj has been active as a local actor in Malaysia and Singapore for several years. Despite his success in both acting and business, his commitment to giving back to the community sets him apart.
After receiving an overwhelming response to his two cafés, Raaj decided to contribute to society by offering free education to primary school students, especially those from underprivileged families.
The initiative is open to children of all races and religions, emphasising inclusivity and equal opportunity.
“We provide free tuition classes at both of my restaurants in Perai, Penang, and Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur,” said Raaj to Buletin Mutiara during an interview recently.
To ensure the best education, Raaj hires award-winning school teachers and even a volunteer medical doctor to teach various subjects. The tuition classes are held after the cafés close at 7pm, running from 7pm to 8pm.
The classes currently cover Science, English, and Tamil, with plans to introduce Mathematics soon.
Raaj revealed that his vision for next year includes expanding the program to secondary school students, with subjects such as Science, Biology, and Additional Mathematics.
“I don’t expect anything in return, but I am happy to know that these students managed to improve their exam results through these tuition classes. That is more than enough for me,” he added.
Those interested in joining the tuition classes can register by emailing [email protected].
In addition to free tuition, Raaj Tea Palace also provides free food to the needy, including the homeless and orphans. This initiative further reflects Raaj’s commitment to helping the less fortunate.
Raaj’s journey into the café business began during the Covid-19 pandemic, when acting opportunities were scarce due to lockdowns.
To generate income, he started selling various types of tea on a small scale. This endeavour eventually inspired him to establish Raaj Tea Palace in August 2022 as part of his retirement plan.
The café offers a wide range of beverages, including different types of tea, coffee, milk, and desserts, as well as sandwiches, toasts, and other light meals.
Encouraged by the success of his first café in Penang, Raaj opened a second franchise in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, just a year later.
“I am glad that my first restaurant received such a warm response. It gave me the confidence to expand and open a second location,” he said.
Raaj Ganesh Chandragasan is more than just a successful actor and businessman.
His dedication to education and community welfare highlights his compassion and forward-thinking approach.
Through his efforts, Raaj is not only building a legacy but also creating a brighter future for those in need.
Story and pix by Riadz Akmal