How Children Became Satay Salespeople: Cangoh’s Humorous Take on Fatherhood and Digitalization

In a recent LinkedIn post, Cangoh shares a humorous and relatable anecdote about the intersection of fatherhood, digitalization, and unexpected entrepreneurial spirit within his own family. The post, framed as a personal confession, details how a LinkedIn profile optimization class led to his children acting as impromptu “satay sellers” to their grandfather, highlighting a comical situation born from a father’s distraction.

Cangoh begins by setting the scene, explaining his participation in a LinkedIn Profile Optimization class in January 2021, driven by the need for digitalization. He recounts the initial expectation that the class would conclude by 1 PM, a timeline that clashed with his responsibilities as a caregiver for his children while his wife was out. The engaging nature of the course, however, led to an unexpected extension.

“At 1.30pm they were STILL giving away nuggets of wisdom, no choice but to stay on and pick up these nuggets lah, kan?”

As Cangoh notes, the “generous” instructors at POPCONfest kept providing valuable information, causing the class to run significantly over its scheduled end time. This delay had a direct impact on his children, whom he affectionately refers to as “minions.” His children, recognizing his prolonged absence and potential neglect of their mealtime, took drastic measures.

The Children’s “Report” and the Satay Sales Pitch

The turning point, as Cangoh describes it, came at 2 PM. His children, in a display of ingenuity and perhaps a touch of dramatic flair, “dialled 999 on my hp and handed my hp to me.” While they didn’t initiate a call, this action served as a clear and urgent message: they were prepared to report him for neglect. Cangoh humorously recounts his fear of making headlines as a “Dad arrested for starving minions at home in Malaysia.” To appease his hungry offspring, he made a detour for McDonald’s, a bribe that ultimately failed to prevent further repercussions.

“Well, she came home at 2.30pm and the moment I opened my door, these 2 little minions of mine immediately started selling satay to her about me deliberately starving them.”

According to Cangoh, the situation escalated when his wife returned home. His children immediately presented their case, portraying him as a neglectful father who had deliberately starved them. As Cangoh points out, their “satay selling” narrative extended to their grandfather, his own father, who was also alerted to the alleged mistreatment. This dual reporting, he humorously notes, led to him facing criticism from both his parents and his wife, contributing to his “white hair.”

Digitalization, Fatherhood, and Finding Fun

Cangoh uses this personal, lighthearted experience to underscore a few key themes. Firstly, he touches upon the importance of embracing digitalization, as evidenced by his initial decision to attend the profile optimization class. The extended duration of the course, however, also subtly highlights the potential for digital engagements to consume more time than anticipated.

Secondly, and more prominently, the post is a celebration of fatherhood, albeit through a lens of humorous chaos. Cangoh expresses gratitude for his children, despite the dramatic reporting incidents, stating, “Life has never been the same since they came into my life and I am thankful that I haven’t given them up for adoption. YET.”

The Unlicensed Satay Seller

In a postscript, Cangoh reveals his own playful identity as an “unlicensed satay seller.” He explains this as a metaphor for his approach to life and work: finding joy and staying happy. This adds another layer to his narrative, suggesting that even in the midst of parental responsibilities and digital learning, maintaining a sense of fun and lightheartedness is paramount.

“I believe I must have fun and stay happy lor 🤣🔥”

Cangoh concludes by wishing a Happy Father’s Day to all fathers and father figures, reinforcing the affectionate and humorous tone of his post. The story serves as a reminder that while business and professional development are important, the everyday, often chaotic, moments of family life can provide the richest and most memorable experiences.