BORN and raised in Kuching, Sarawakian entrepreneur Bryan Ho has built a cross-industry business presence in Australia while remaining deeply influenced by the cultural environment that shaped his early years.
Now based in Perth, Bryan is the director of BHO Interiors and co-founder of DuuDuu Mattress, two ventures that reflect both his creative instincts and entrepreneurial resilience developed over more than two decades overseas.
His journey illustrates how Sarawakian diaspora professionals continue to carry local perspectives into global markets while building new opportunities abroad.
From experimenting with recycled materials as a child to leading commercial design projects across major Australian cities, Bryan’s path shows how early creativity can evolve into an international career.
Creativity shaped in Kuching
Bryan’s interest in design began long before he entered the professional world. Growing up in Kuching, he spent much of his childhood experimenting with materials and creating objects by hand.
“I used to cut up used plastic bottles and transform them into something new, or work with clay to create pottery and sculptures.
“Many of those were displayed at school exhibitions,” he recalled.
Living with dyslexia meant conventional academic learning was not always easy. Instead, creativity became his strongest form of expression and confidence.
“Where I struggled academically, I thrived creatively,” he said.
Rather than limiting his progress, those early experiences strengthened his visual thinking and problem-solving ability — skills that later became central to his work in interior design and business.
Roots that shape his work
Bryan credits Sarawak’s multicultural environment as one of the defining influences behind his creative identity today.
Among his strongest childhood memories was accompanying his mother to the Main Bazaar in Kuching, where she sourced fabrics for custom-made dresses. The street’s vibrant mix of textiles, traditional crafts and colours left a lasting impression.
“The textures, patterns and vibrancy I was surrounded by continue to influence my work today,” he said.
Even after more than two decades overseas, those early visual experiences remain part of his design process.
He frequently draws from Sarawak-inspired references when developing creative concepts and inspiration boards for commercial projects.
He believes that background gives him a distinctive perspective in Australia’s competitive design industry.
“I bring a completely different perspective to the industry here,” he said.
Moving abroad in search of opportunity
Bryan migrated to Perth 24 years ago to pursue his studies, a decision that gradually shaped the direction of his professional life.
While Sarawak remains close to his heart, Australia provided broader opportunities in the commercial interior design sector, particularly in areas involving large-scale corporate and institutional projects.
“The work I do has more opportunities and market in Australia,” he explained.
His practice focuses mainly on commercial interior design rather than residential work, which influenced where his business could realistically grow at the time.
“If I did residential more, then yes, most likely I could have started earlier back home,” he added.
Despite building his career overseas, he continues to regard both Sarawak and Perth as home.
From career setbacks to entrepreneurship
BHO Interiors was established during a turning point in Bryan’s career after he lost two jobs within two years.
Instead of discouraging him, the experience became the catalyst for starting his own consultancy.
“After losing two jobs in two years, I started BHO Interiors,” he said.
Launching a business overseas presented significant challenges, particularly in gaining recognition within a saturated commercial design market.
“One of the biggest challenges was getting people to believe in you when you started from the bottom up,” he said.
Through persistence and reputation-building, the company gradually expanded its reach beyond Western Australia. At one stage, BHO Interiors handled projects extending from Perth to Brisbane and even London.
Today, the consultancy undertakes work across major Australian cities including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra, reflecting steady growth since its early beginnings.
Expanding into a second business venture
After establishing himself in interior design, Bryan ventured into the consumer product sector through DuuDuu Mattress, a business he co-founded with his siblings.
The move represented a shift from consultancy services targeting corporate clients to a product-based business serving the wider public.
“We realised there was a gap in the market to offer really good sleep solutions to the Australian market,” he said.
Building a product-focused company required a different approach from running a design consultancy. Instead of working primarily with commercial clients, the team had to engage directly with consumers.
“It took even more door-to-door knocking, setting up pop-up stores in different shopping centres and talking to passers-by,” he said.
Despite the challenges, the brand gained traction through its focus on affordability, quality and comfort. One of its distinguishing features is a cooling-effect mattress layer designed to improve sleep conditions in warmer environments.
In 2025, the company received recognition as Australia’s Best Mattress in a Box (Best for Backs), marking an important milestone for the relatively new venture.
Remaining Sarawakian at heart
Although his companies are registered in Australia, Bryan continues to identify strongly with his Sarawakian roots.
“I will always be Sarawakian at heart as that is where I was born,” he said.
He believes Sarawak’s multicultural heritage and authenticity continue to influence how he approaches business and professional relationships.
“I carry Sarawakian values when operating with honesty and integrity,” he added.
His background has also become part of his public story overseas.
In 2025, he was invited by the Western Australia Chinese Chamber of Commerce to speak at ‘The Migrant’s Story’, a prestigious annual event held at the Crown Perth Ballroom that recognises outstanding migrant achievers in Western Australia.
Each year, only two speakers are selected to share their journeys before an audience that includes ministers, the Lord Mayor, the opposition leader and senior business figures.
Addressing hundreds of attendees, Bryan shared his experience as a migrant entrepreneur as one of only two speakers selected for the event that year, alongside another speaker from Hong Kong.
“I always say it with pride that I’m from Sarawak,” he said.
Diaspora potential and future collaboration
While he does not currently collaborate directly with Sarawak-based businesses, Bryan expressed interest in exploring opportunities involving talent, materials or partnerships from the state in the future.
He believes overseas Sarawakians can play a role in strengthening international awareness of Sarawak through their professional achievements.
“Probably,” he said when asked whether diaspora entrepreneurs contribute to promoting Sarawak globally through their work.
As Sarawak continues expanding its industrial and creative sectors, diaspora networks may become increasingly important bridges between local industries and global markets.
Possibilities for expansion into Sarawak
Although Bryan does not plan to relocate his businesses back to Sarawak, he remains open to expanding operations into the state if suitable opportunities arise.
“It’s not so much about returning, but expanding. I will never close my business here to start all over again back home,” he explained.
He believes sectors such as manufacturing and resource-based industries hold strong potential for international growth in Sarawak.
With the right conditions, these areas could attract greater collaboration between overseas entrepreneurs and local partners.
Advice for young Sarawakians
Reflecting on his own journey, Bryan said young Sarawakians already have the capability to succeed internationally if they cultivate adaptability and an open mindset.
“Anyone can. As long as you have the qualities of entrepreneurship,” he said.
He highlighted communication skills, networking ability, trustworthiness and determination as essential attributes for those seeking opportunities abroad.
Equally important, he said, is the willingness to adapt to different environments while remaining grounded in one’s identity.
Carrying Sarawak wherever he goes
After more than two decades overseas, Sarawak remains a defining influence in Bryan’s life and work.
Moving to Australia provided him with opportunities to develop his businesses and expand his creative reach, but his cultural roots continue to shape his perspective.
“I carry a piece of Sarawak with me in everything I do,” he said.
Through his design projects, business ventures and public engagements, Bryan represents a growing generation of Sarawakian diaspora entrepreneurs who continue to bridge cultures while building careers beyond home.
