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 France 5:07: When Shawn decided he wanted to enter the F&B industry 8:30: Working in the fine dining restaurant at Hilton Kuala Lumpur 11:50: How Shawn entered his first bartending competition 18:16: Why Shawn left Hilton KL for an independent restaurant 20:31: Opening Omakase + Appreciate - Kuala Lumpur’s very first omakase bar 22:57: Being inspired by the 1920s Prohibition Era in America 25:13: Coming up with the omakase concept, and mixing their Japanese/Western approaches 26:14: Changing the drinks menu every 6-8 weeks 28:05: The unique marketing tactics used by Omakase + Appreciate 29:02: Inviting big-name guest bartenders 30:57: Mise en place 33:13: Reaching the global finals for the Diageo World Champion competition for the second time 33:13: Winning the 10th spot of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2016 37:30: Finances 40:02: Deciding to close Omakase + Appreciate in December 2019 41:43: Starting Bar Class Academy Asia 42:23: Why Shawn’s endeavour in PJ failed 47:33: 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