Managing my dream into reality, one smile at a time

Story by Khairunnasuha Binte D Yusoff (WSQ-DFBM-008-I)

“Often, restaurants are judged simply by the quality of the food. Yes – it’s important, but for me, what’s equally important is the exceptional customer service.”

I got my first job in the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry at an early age of 14 years old. What started out as a part-time job as a banquet staff at Rendezvous Hotel, turned into an inspiration for me to venture on the journey towards my dream of becoming a Restaurant Manager someday.

As a teenager, I wanted to try different part time jobs. However, I always found myself going back to the F&B line as that was where I felt like I belonged. One of the many things that I enjoy about servicing at a banquet was being able to put a smile on the customer’s face –  I do that by providing them with good service.

That was when I knew.

I knew F&B is what I wanted to pursue. I knew I had to be properly trained. But I didn’t know that formal training would cost me a fortune. I was just an 18-year-old student and I didn’t have the money.

I was hopeful when my sister shared about At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy and their diploma in F&B. I felt that doors were opening up for me.

What I found out:

1. I was a local. This means I’m eligible for the 70% subsidy via the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) funding.
2. I was eligible to apply for the Food Services SkillsFuture Study Award. The criteria include
   • 3 years of work experience in the food services industry
   • Seeking to upgrade skills
   • Strong career aspirations (that’s definitely me!)

I filled in my application in and didn’t think much about it.

Flash forward to today, I managed to get the S$5000 monetary reward from the Award scheme!

Now, I am in Term 5 of my Food and Beverage Diploma in At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy. My instructors taught me many things – some of which I never knew that I had to learn in F&B management (you’ll have to sign up for the programme to find out!). Their patience and guidance had equipped me with skills to prepare me for the industry.

The coffee and cocktail modules became extremely useful, especially during my current work attachment at Pan Pacific. I didn’t need to keep looking for the bartender, I could prepare some of the drinks by myself. This is incredibly useful during busy periods. Sometimes, I also had to set up the bar with the necessary garnishes, glassware and work the equipment which was similar to the ones at school. How convenient!

I also learnt that a diploma in Food and Beverage Management is not just for aspiring restaurant managers but also for service in airlines and cruise ships as well! (just to name a few)

Throughout my 18-months with At-Sunrice, you might ask me what my most valuable takeaway is. Above the education, I would say it’s the friendships and mentorships. I love working with people!

There was one module my classmates and I did not enjoy in the beginning but unexpectedly became one of the most enjoyable. We found it a burden as it required a lot of manual labour. It was one of the kitchen-related modules where we had to learn basic culinary skills. One classmate burnt his soup stew during assessment and for some reason we all found it hilarious. His whole pot of soup had evaporated and so our instructor could not grade him.

My future plan is to be a restaurant manager in the hotel industry, but my ultimate goal is to manage my own establishment serving modernized local cuisines.  After graduating later this year, I am one step closer to turning my dream into a reality. I am looking forward to the beginning of a new journey and what is in store for me.

Wish me the best of luck!

Don’t be afraid to journey towards your dream, there may be challenges and you may go through ups and downs. But what matters is that you pick yourself up and move forward, but this time, doing things better than before.

A dream will remain a dream, unless you make it a reality!

If you aspire to manage your own restaurant, just like Nasuha, find out more here,  https://www.at-sunrice.com/professional-programmes/diploma-programmes/wsq-diploma-in-food-and-beverage-management/

or why not find out more from our friendly staff and enquire here, https://www.at-sunrice.com/contact-us/