15 years ago, Eric Chan made a daring career change by trading his well-paying job writing code for satellites and robots to start a company selling the world's smelliest fruit - durian. Despite initial skepticism from his family and friends, Chan's gamble paid off as the demand for durian soared, particularly in China. Durian, a fruit popular in Southeast Asia for its unique taste and pungent odor, has seen a significant increase in exports to China. In 2019 alone, the value of durian exports from Southeast Asia to China reached an astonishing $6.7 billion, marking a twelvefold increase from just two years prior. With China now consuming the majority of the world's exported durians, countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam have emerged as the top sellers in this lucrative market. As Chan's successful business venture demonstrates, sometimes taking a risk and following your passion can lead to unexpected rewards.