Malaysia’s Char Siew & Siew Yuk Vendors Are Making More Than Doctors (And Sending Their Kids To Study Abroad)

Growing up, our parents always pushed us toward prestigious careers—doctor, teacher, lawyer—promising that these were the golden tickets to wealth.

But in an unexpected twist, some of Malaysia’s street food vendors are proving there’s more than one path to financial success.

A recent social media post on Xiaohongshu created widespread discussion when it claimed that while some doctors earn around RM5,000 monthly, certain char siew (BBQ pork) and siew yuk (roast pork) vendors are pulling in RM20,000 a month

And they’re not just making money – they’re building generational wealth.

One vendor’s touted success story has caught particular attention: they’re managing to fund their two children’s education in the United States.

The secret to their success? Pork prices.

While specific high-quality cuts like Iberian pork can be costly, char siew and siew yuk are not typically viewed as excessively expensive for a staple dish.

Nevertheless, a whole roasted pig can cost upwards of RM2,000, translating into significant profits for skilled vendors who manage their operations well.

But it’s not just the BBQ pork vendors who are quietly prospering.

Across Malaysia’s food scene, success stories are emerging:

Chicken rice sellers living in bungalows, driving Mercedes, and sending kids overseas
Nasi lemak vendors earn at least RM20,000 monthly
Char kuey teow hawkers make around RM500 daily

Such claims have led many to question why doctors’ salaries seem comparatively low.

For context, according to Jobstreet, the average monthly salary of a doctor in Malaysia is between RM8,000 and RM10,000.

However, salaries can vary significantly based on factors like speciality, experience, and whether the doctor is working in the public or private sector.

On the other hand, many Malaysian doctors, particularly in the public sector, do feel underpaid and overworked.
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Many people study until screw loose, take on huge debt to go prestigious schools and expensive degrees. Come out work under toxic boss and get retrenched.

But char siew and siew york seller wins. Why ? Because seDAP.