Singapore 鈥 Loh Lik Peng, founder
and director of the Unlisted Collection, delivered the commencement address to graduates
of The Culinary Institute of America on September 15. Unlisted Collection is an umbrella brand that comprises
high-quality hotel properties and restaurants in Singapore, London, Shanghai,
and Sydney. Mr. Peng advised 38 bachelor鈥檚 degree
recipients to be original.
鈥淭he best chefs I have worked with have been original in
their creativity in the kitchen,鈥 said Mr. Peng, whose Singapore properties
include Hotel 1929, New Majestic Hotel, Wanderlust Hotel, and 14 restaurants,
including Restaurant Andre, Burnt Ends, Cheek by Jowl, Bincho,
Majestic, Pollen, and Esquina. 鈥淟earn your craft, but
let your personality and passion shine through in your cooking.鈥
At age 42, Mr. Peng has already earned many career honors,
including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 World Gourmet Summit, the
2011 Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Singapore Experience Awards,
and the 2004 New Tourism Entrepreneur Award from the Singapore Tourism Board.
Despite his success, Mr. Peng told graduates he has also had
many setbacks during his career. He relied on good people to help him through
difficult times. 鈥淪urround yourself with people who matter. Never be afraid to
ask for help and never be stingy when someone asks for your help,鈥 Mr. Peng
advised.
These graduates began their CIA studies in partnership with
the Singapore Institute of Technology in 2014 after completing a three-year polytechnique diploma programme.
Credits from previous business management courses transferred, allowing
students to complete their four-year degree with two years of the CIA鈥檚 unparalleled
hands-on culinary training and certain required liberal arts courses.
Photo Caption and Hi-Res Image:
Loh Lik Peng with the graduating class of
The Culinary Institute of America. Mr. Peng delivered the commencement
address at the CIA Singapore on September 15, 2016. His Singapore-based
Unlimited Collection operates high-quality hotels and restaurants on three
continents. (Photo credit: Esther
Leong/CIA)
Media Contact:
Eve Felder
Managing Director
+(65) 8383 9134 (HP) or 6780 6382 (DID)
e_felder@culinary.edu
About The Culinary Institute of America
Founded in 1946, The Culinary Institute of America is the world鈥檚 premier
culinary college. Dedicated to developing leaders in foodservice and
hospitality, the independent, not-for-profit CIA offers bachelor鈥檚 degree
majors in management, culinary science, and applied food studies; associate
degrees in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts; and executive education
through its Food Business School. The college also offers certificate programs
and courses for professionals and enthusiasts. Its conferences and consulting
services have made the CIA the think tank of the food industry and its
worldwide network of 49,000 alumni includes innovators in every area of the
food business. The CIA has campuses in New York, California, Texas, and
Singapore.
About Singapore Institute of Technology
Established in 2009, SIT is an institution funded by the Ministry of Education
offering undergraduate degree programmes primarily
for polytechnic graduates. In partnership with various reputable overseas
universities, SIT has brought to Singapore some of the world鈥檚 top
industry-focused degree programmes targeted at growth
sectors of the economy. Through a unique tripartite collaboration with its
overseas university partners and the five local polytechnics, SIT represents a
new model that is set to become a key pillar of university education. SIT has
been slated to become the fifth public university in Singapore by the government.
# # #