Nicholas Sheum and Tan Khai Song on Giving Laundry a New Spin with Randy’s Laundromat

We sit down with Randy’s Laundromat founders Nicholas Sheum and Tan Khai Song for a chat about how they brought leisure into the laundry experience.

Having routine is an integral part of what we now call “adulting”. Whether it helps with efficiency or brings calm to your mind, laying down habits that you can carry out in a consistent manner has many proven benefits. But what if you could give those habits that have turned into mundane chores a little spin (pun intended) with some novelty added? Enter Randy’s Laundromat. 

Here, you can wait for the washers and dryers to do their thing while you do yours—and we don’t mean having to find something to kill time with. Your wait between cycles and loads will look a little different than the usual toe-tapping and time-checking. And by that we mean we mean a wait with coffee, matcha, sandwiches, arcade games, a movie, and even some laptop work at the communal table (yes, Wi-Fi and charging points are available!). Running it all is a pair of friends, who wanted to turn your “dead time” between loads into something more enjoyable while also providing amenities (hello, laundry nets!) to make this chore a little less dreadful. Think In this edition of our interview series with local founders “If Found, Return to Malaysia”, we chat with Nicholas Sheum and Tan Khai Song on the intention and thought behind Randy’s Laundromat. 

Of all the businesses one could start in the area, why a laundromat?

Nicholas Sheum (NS): Laundry is a universal “problem” and one that we face every week. Whether you do it at home or at a laundromat, the act is still perceived as a chore. The issue is not about convenience, cheaper or faster laundry service. The deeper issue here is that laundry—in any setting—lacks meaning. This presents a gap in engagement and experience. Hence, Randy, as we call the place, was born. 

Tan Khai Song (KS): Everyone needs to do laundry, but at the same time, everyone hates doing it because the current setup is boring. We want to make it fun. 

Are you a café first and laundromat second or vice versa?

NS: Nietzsche once said, “there are no facts, only interpretations”. Many people have come by thinking we’re a café that just plugged in the machines as a marketing gimmick. Some even thought they were non-functional and there for decor purposes! You could interpret it that way, but we never really did this to penetrate the cafe market. We merely wanted to elevate people’s laundry day, so Randy’s official pronoun is laundromat. 

KS: Always Laundromat first!

When did you realise that doing laundry could be fun?

NS: It was born out of my utility room with my girlfriend as she did not want to be left alone in the living room whenever I do my laundry. We were both complaining about how laundry takes up a significant amount of time on our weekends and that we avoid laundromats. This grew into discussions about an elevated experience for laundry that doubles as a social space for reset and renewal. It’s completely unheard of in Malaysia—a blank slate, an uncharted territory, a final frontier (cue ‘Star Trek’ sound track).

Where do each of your backgrounds fit into the establishment of Randy’s Laundromat?

Both: Nicholas brings in the creative mojo while Khai Song offers experience from his operations and finance background.

What do you think is the importance of having a ritual to look forward to and where does Randy’s Laundromat fit into that?

Both: At Randy’s, we believe that a life well-kept is a life well-lived. Chores (or laundry), when done with intention, is a quiet act of self respect—one that supports a balanced way of living. After a week long of hustling, the last thing people want is to spend hours on chores and sacrificing precious opportunities, whether to rest, be productive, or socialise. 

Randy’s Laundromat was created to alleviate that problem and to provide a third option other than home machines and standard laundromats. Most households do laundry two to three times a week, so at any point when people feel like they need a change of scenery, Randy’s doors are open! 

What’s the story behind the name Randy’s Laundromat?

NS: I once asked my girlfriend whether we could name our child Randy because it sounded like a silly and funny character. When the project came about we used it as a placeholder, but after a while, the name got catchy and it resonated with the brand’s character we were trying to build. We wanted a character that embodied the idea of finding pleasure in the minute and mundane. Randy is easy going and magnetic—the kind of host that plays the perfect record, brews the right cup of coffee, and somehow makes laundry feel like a vibe. 

What’s your favourite part of Randy’s Laundromat?

NS: Seeing people explore the space and fully utilise it to its intended purpose and potential. Like lounging at the sofa, having a drink and meal, discovering quirky reads or games, using the plugpoints and Wi-Fi for remote work, and then finishing off their laundry at the folding/iron station.

KS: The analog, hands-on experience, and the whole vibe of the space. It hits different!

Since your concept relies on customers staying a little longer, what do you hope your customers will get out of that one or two hours they might spend hanging out at Randy’s Laundromat?

Both: We want people to see laundry as an opportunity, whether to reset their wardrobes, to re-collect themselves, have a coffee and meal, catch up with family or friends, be productive with remote work, or just vibe with the space. The clean clothes are just like a receipt you take home. 

What’s a part of owning a laundromat that surprised you and might surprise others?

Both: Humans shed a lot of hair. 

Do you hope to see more concepts—like Randy’s Laundromat—that turn everyday chores into social spaces pop up around town?

Both: Of course! Laundromats generally serve the immediate neighbourhood, so we hope to inspire similar laundromats in other locations that can alleviate their communities from the dread.

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