Ep 34: Shawn Chong (x3 Diageo World Class Malaysia Champion, Mixologist, Co-founder of Omakase + Appreciate & Bar Class Academy Asia)

Shawn Chong is one of Malaysia’s top mixologist, a three-time Diageo World Class Malaysia champion, once listed as the No. 25 Bartender in the world and co-founder of Kuala Lumpur’s pioneering speakeasy, Omakase + Appreciate. A speakeasy that was listed in the Top 10 of Asia’s 50 Best Bars Award 2016. He is also the founder of Bar Class Academy Asia. Today, Shawn shares why he decided to enter the F&B industry, which led to him finding his calling as a bartender!Highlights:3:03: Having his first sip of alcohol at age… 5!3:53: Moving back to Kuala Lumpur from France5:07: When Shawn decided he wanted to enter the F&B industry8:30: Working in the fine dining restaurant at Hilton Kuala Lumpur11:50: How Shawn entered his first bartending competition18:16: Why Shawn left Hilton KL for an independent restaurant20:31: Opening Omakase + Appreciate - Kuala Lumpur’s very first omakase bar22:57: Being inspired by the 1920s Prohibition Era in America25:13: Coming up with the omakase concept, and mixing their Japanese/Western approaches26:14: Changing the drinks menu every 6-8 weeks28:05: The unique marketing tactics used by Omakase + Appreciate29:02: Inviting big-name guest bartenders30:57: Mise en place33:13: Reaching the global finals for the Diageo World Champion competition for the second time33:13: Winning the 10th spot of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 201637:30: Finances40:02: Deciding to close Omakase + Appreciate in December 201941:43: Starting Bar Class Academy Asia42:23: Why Shawn’s endeavour in PJ failed47:33: Best way to enter the bartending industry 🌍 Show notes: https://www.sothisismywhy.com/34 👉  Sign up for STIMY Newsletter here: https://sothisismywhy.ck.page/ebf231f605