Prestige 40 Under 40

Bright, bold and breaking the mould, the young laureates of this year's Prestige 40 Under 40 are the new movers and shakers of their various industries. Get to know these outstanding individuals, each with an inspiring story to tell.

ALVIN CHOO, 28

Co-owner of Kwong Cheong Thye

Few would have guessed that a 130-year-old heritage soya sauce brewery, whose products are used in the kitchens of five-star hotels and Michelin-starred Chinese restaurants, would one day be on TikTok. However, Alvin Choo, the fifth-generation owner of Kwong Cheong Thye (KCT), is a firm believer in change and keeping up with the times.

Since joining the family business in 2017, Alvin has been working to transform the company. Under his leadership, KCT has established an online presence and also expanded its production and office space to include a new five-storey extension. The goal is to achieve 90 per cent fully automated processes for maximum efficiency, and for older workers to be reskilled for easier roles instead of manual labour.

Some traditions, like the six-month fermentation period of the soya sauce, are maintained, but KCT has also harnessed science and technology to produce a more consistent product. "We are truly passionate about our brewing process," Alvin says. "If there are any evolutions in trends, no matter in science or in consumer habits, we will study them and continue to evolve with the times."

TEH SU CHING, 37

Founding partner of Purple Tree Content, and head writer and executive producer of Happy Endings

A published poet and essayist, multi-hyphenate Teh Su Ching also writes and produces television, film and audio content. The founding partner of Purple Tree Content teaches and mentors aspiring filmmakers, at the same time juggling her role as mother to two young children.