From Air Force Engineers to F&B Entrepreneurs: The Journey of Wok Hey Founders
The former Air Force engineers who started Wok Hey have 'no regrets' of going into F&B
Image: Channel Newsasia
Former Republic of Singapore Air Force engineers Jake Chia and Huang Changyong transitioned to the food and beverage industry, founding Wok Hey and its sister brand Niku Iku. With 45 outlets in Singapore, they have expanded their offerings to include dine-in options, emphasizing customer experience and operational discipline.
- 01Wok Hey, launched in 2017, has grown to 45 outlets in Singapore and five in Kuala Lumpur.
- 02The founders, Jake Chia and Huang Changyong, were previously aircraft engineers in the Republic of Singapore Air Force.
- 03Niku Iku, their new concept, offers dine-in options and focuses on yakiniku bowls, with 11 outlets currently.
- 04The founders faced significant challenges during the pandemic, emphasizing resilience and communication with staff.
- 05They prioritize location and customer experience in their expansion strategy, while remaining committed to their core takeaway model.
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Jake Chia and Huang Changyong, former engineers in the Republic of Singapore Air Force, founded Wok Hey in 2017, which has become a prominent halal brand in Singapore with 45 outlets and five in Kuala Lumpur. Recently, they launched Niku Iku, a sister brand specializing in yakiniku bowls, with its first dine-in locations at Our Tampines Hub and Lot One. The duo embraced the challenges of the pandemic, focusing on resilience and transparent communication with their staff. Their military background influences their business strategy, emphasizing teamwork and discipline. Despite the pressures of running a growing business, they express no regrets about leaving their stable military careers. They are committed to expanding Wok Hey regionally while ensuring Niku Iku develops its unique identity. The founders remain passionate about providing quality food and excellent customer service, believing that if they focus on these aspects, success will follow.
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The expansion of Wok Hey and Niku Iku creates job opportunities and contributes to the local economy in Singapore.
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