Discovering My True Passion: From Engineering to the Culinary World

The journey of my career began with a passion for the culinary arts, shared moments of cooking with my mother, and an avid interest in cooking shows. Yet, in an attempt to meet my parents' desire for a traditional career, I set out to study computer engineering.

With little thought or research, I connected my love for video games to a future in engineering. However, from the outset, it was clear this was not my calling. Coding didn’t click, exams felt insurmountable, and I merely endured the experience.

The defining moment of my misfit in engineering came when I was caught cheating during an exam. Although I managed to deceive the examiner, it was a wake-up call that cheating was a strategy born out of desperation and disinterest.

The internship at Accenture cemented my realization. The monotony of office life, characterized by endless hours at a desk and routine lunches in crowded food courts, was soul-crushing. It was so uninspiring, I often found solace in napping in my office chair.

Joining Forces with My Father in the Culinary Business

Deciding against the corporate grind, I searched for alternative paths. After completing my education and fulfilling national service requirements, I ventured into the world of hawker stalls with my father, who ran a seafood outlet.

Three years of managing operations and a brief insight into restaurant cooking at The American Club in Singapore emboldened my vision. I sought to forge my own path and in August 2024, launched 'Udang Udang' – a halal prawn noodle venue using precious family recipes and a cherished discovery from Malaysia.

The early days were physically demanding. Mornings began with the herculean task of preparing broth by frying 40 kilograms of prawn heads for six hours. The intense heat was formidable, demanding stamina and discipline.

Today, success reflects in the numbers. Daily sales average about 600 bowls, and I oversee two stalls generating revenue of 3,000 Singapore dollars each day. My aspirations now center on branching out with new locations yearly.

Navigating the Father-Son Dynamic at Work

In the beginning, working with my father was contentious. Nearly daily disagreements for two years resulted in more than a few slammed tables.

Our divide ranges from marketing strategies—where I advocate for digital engagement and influencer collaborations—to differing opinions on pricing strategies. My father and I don't always agree, but we've learned to navigate these differences constructively.

The key to coexistence has been setting boundaries between personal and professional relationships. Work hours may consist of heated debates, yet at home, our bond as father and son remains untouched.