From Sarawak Layer Cakes to the Industrial Court

Mohammad Hafidz Rohani is a man of many talents. From keeping Sarawak's famous kek lapis tradition alive to helping settle national labor disputes, his career path is anything but ordinary.

A legacy built on tradition

Hafidz first made a name for himself in 2009 when he launched the kek lapis brand, Siti Payung. Since then, it has become a true Sarawakian icon.

He didn't just stop at baking, though. Wanting to preserve the history of the business, he opened the Galeri dan Muzium Kek Lapis Sarawak Siti Payung in Miri in 2019 . His hard work and focus on sustainable growth recently paid off, too—his company, IANA Corporation, won the Family Business Sustainability Award at the FBSEC 2026 conference .

Stepping into the national spotlight

Hafidz has also moved from the kitchen to the courtroom. On 17 February 2026, he was appointed as a member of the Industrial Court of Malaysia, representing the interests of employers .

His term lasts until 16 February 2028. In this role, he helps maintain harmony in the workplace and ensures that both bosses and employees are treated fairly across the country .

Advocating for the business community

Hafidz is well-known for speaking up about issues that affect entrepreneurs and the country. He even put his thoughts and media interviews into a book called SUARA, which documents his years of advocacy work .

Whether he is speaking at international events like the Makkah Halal Forum 2026 or chatting with local policymakers, Hafidz continues to act as a bridge between traditional business values and modern progress .