Three decades later, the 42-year-old is an internationally acclaimed chef-owner, with 10 restaurants under his name in the United Arab Emirates and New York, including a one-Michelin-starred restaurant in Dubai named 11 Woodfire.
Two of his modern Japanese concept restaurants, Goldfish Sushi & Yakitori, also in Dubai, and Otoro in Abu Dhabi were awarded Bib Gourmand recognition in 2022. Bib Gourmand honours excellence by moderately priced eateries.
He was inspired by his parents, who, without any formal training, worked hard for a living and raised him and his three siblings. He remembers how his mother would, from time to time, "selit" ("slip" in Malay) an extra $20 in his pocket.
For making an indelible mark on the international fine dining scene, Mr Akmal was given Berita Harian's (BH) 26th Achiever of the Year Award on Oct 25 at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. The award by the Malay language daily honours exemplary individuals from the Malay/Muslim community who have made a significant impact in their field.
It has taken a journey of sheer grit and perseverance - to the extent of relocating with his family to Dubai - to live his dream.
This story is from the October 26, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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This story is from the October 26, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.
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