Restaurants emerge from a myriad of motivations — some driven by the enchantment of flavours and aromas, others by the profound human connections that food can kindle. For Dominic Tan, the impetus behind Ajumma’s was intensely personal, giving rise to a captivating tale that is as much about audacity as it is about heart.
His is a narrative that defies convention and reimagines what’s possible when you dare to push the boundaries of convention, where resilience and vision coalesce into something extraordinary.
A self-proclaimed rebel (“Although I have mellowed,” he professes), Tan defied societal norms — as well as his parents — by forgoing a traditional university education in pursuit of his passion for the culinary arts and entrepreneurship. “My parents were not pleased, but I didn’t convince them of anything. I just did it my way,” the 31-year-old says matter-of-factly. “Both of them were working in big corporations at the time, and they saw the value of the experience working for someone more experienced. Even in Ajumma’s’ third year, they were persuading me to get a degree.” Taking the unconventional route was a gamble that paid off.
EARLY CHALLENGES
Denne historien er fra October 2023-utgaven av The PEAK Singapore.
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Denne historien er fra October 2023-utgaven av The PEAK Singapore.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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From Screen to Store
Heini Zachariassen, founder of global wine rating app Vivino on how its first retail store in the world brings data-driven curation to wine lovers.
In the Dining Spotlight
Renowned Dutch chef Sergio Herman, whose name has been associated with the Michelin Guide in the Netherlands and Belgium, is expanding his Asian footprint with his Singapore outpost, Le Pristine in Grand Hyatt Singapore.
All for One
How would you navigate a corner if you were hearing-impaired or enjoy school if you were on the spectrum? These architects posit that inclusive design must be part of mainstream standards to improve overall living environments.
Pods and Swirling Staircases
This quirky and playful home designed by Park Associates is shaped after its owners, a young family with three children.
Stories Behind the Kebava
Sufiyanto A. S., one half of the duo behind the Kebaya.Societe Instagram account, has had enough of seeing Malay identity erased and forgotten.
Good to Go
Driving classic Jaguars on the legendary Goodwood Motor Circuit is all the magic a motorhead needs.
Seasons of the Snake
Japanese architect Tadao Ando once again works his magic for Bvlgari, with the Serpenti Tubogas as an artistic canvas for nature's cyclical transformation.
Phoenix Rising
One gutsy retired pharmaceutical executive rescued two-century-old Swiss watchmaker Bovet, and today, its presence is stronger than ever in Southeast Asia.
Con Amore, Leggiero, Presto!
Chan Weitian injects new insights into Presto Drycleaners, blending operational innovation with time-honoured values.
Preserving Paradise
Gaya Island Resort takes eco-tourism beyond the expected, blending conservation efforts with authentic luxury.
