Nando’s, a South African-born international restaurant chain, has become a household name across the globe for its flame-grilled peri-peri chicken, a perfect fusion of Portuguese and African flavors. Established in 1987 by Robert Brozin and Fernando Duarte in Johannesburg, the brand now operates over 1,000 outlets in 35 countries.
In Malaysia and Singapore, the success of Nando’s can be credited to an extraordinary leader, Mac Chung Lynn. As the Group CEO of Nando’s Chickenland Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and Nando’s Chickenland Singapore Pte. Ltd., Mac transformed the brand from a small fast-food joint into a full-fledged dining experience. Under her visionary leadership, Nando’s Malaysia has expanded to 78 outlets, with a target of 80 by the end of the year, while Singapore boasts nine thriving restaurants.
A Bold Leap into the Culinary World
Mac’s entry into the restaurant industry was serendipitous. A graduate in Architecture from the University of Wales, Cardiff, she was only 24 when her father proposed a business opportunity she couldn’t resist—bringing Nando’s to Malaysia. Despite having no prior experience in the food industry, she took on the challenge, opening the first Nando’s branch in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur.
With her strategic mindset and dedication, Mac transformed Nando’s into a thriving brand. What started as a quick-service eatery soon evolved into a full-scale dining experience, with an emphasis on exceptional customer service, high-quality food, and strong brand marketing.
Marketing and Brand Excellence
One of the defining factors behind Nando’s success is its ability to engage with customers through dynamic marketing and advertising. Known for its witty and bold advertising campaigns, Nando’s has gained recognition both globally and locally for its creative use of social media and viral marketing strategies.
Mac’s business acumen has led to multiple awards for Nando’s, including the Gold and Bronze Effie Awards in 2011 and 2012, as well as the Bronze People’s Choice Award at the Putra Brand Awards in 2014. On a personal level, Mac’s achievements have earned her prestigious accolades, such as the SMB Women Entrepreneur Award in 2005 and the Women’s Weekly Great Women of Our Time Award in 2011.
Giving Back: Nando’s CSR Initiatives
Beyond its success as a restaurant chain, Nando’s is committed to making a difference in the community. Under Mac’s leadership, the brand has championed several corporate social responsibility initiatives.
YOUthReka, launched in 2008, is an annual art initiative aimed at discovering and cultivating young artistic talents in Malaysia. It provides a platform for aspiring artists to showcase their work, gaining exposure and recognition.
In Singapore, Nando’s collaborates with Yellow Ribbon Singapore to help former inmates reintegrate into society through employment. Since 2013, Nando’s has employed over 200 ex-offenders, with many transitioning into full-time and part-time roles.
During the pandemic, Nando’s launched several initiatives to support Malaysians in need. Through the Chicken with a Heart program, the company collaborated with charity partners to donate meals to the underprivileged. The Chicken Rewards Initiative encouraged loyalty members to contribute to charitable efforts through the Nando’s app. Another program, Kind Dining, allowed customers to receive a 20 percent discount in exchange for donating non-perishable food items, which were distributed to those in need through organizations like Yayasan Food Bank Malaysia, The Lost Food Project, and Kechara Soup Kitchen. Nando’s also extended a 20 percent discount to healthcare workers battling COVID-19.
A Legacy of Leadership and Expansion
Mac’s relentless dedication to excellence has made her one of Malaysia’s most formidable business leaders. With an unwavering belief that failure is not an option, she has mastered every aspect of the Nando’s business, from operations to marketing, even perfecting the art of grilling peri-peri chicken herself.
As she looks toward the future, Mac is set on expanding Nando’s presence across Southeast Asia while also assisting her family in other business ventures.
A True Peri-Peri Trailblazer
Nothing speaks about great female leadership than the sass, gumption, and sheer leap of faith exhibited by Mac Chung Lynn in her peri-perifying of Malaysia and Singapore. These words by Shanggari Balakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer of MORS Group, perfectly encapsulate the spirit of a leader whose passion, resilience, and innovative mindset have elevated Nando’s to new heights. With every bite of flame-grilled peri-peri chicken, Mac’s journey of perseverance and success continues to leave a lasting impact.
