Ong Shi Chun
Singapore
Independent
Please tell us a little about yourself:
Born and bred in Singapore, I have been in specialty coffee since 2014. Currently a freelance barista and bartender.
How did you get started in coffee?:
A simple college job at a cafe kickstarted my interest and allowed me to explore the intriguing world of specialty coffee. I eventually joined the industry full time, and as they say, the rest is history.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
Singapore Coffee In Good Spirits 2019, Champion
Singapore Coffee In Good Spirits 2018, 2nd Runner Up
What are you excited to do in Berlin?:
Meet different competitors from all over the world and make new friends before, during, and after the event! Compete! COFFEE! COCKTAILS!! BEER!!!!! TOURISTY STUFF!!!!!!!!!!!!
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?:
An El Salvadorian Bourbon Espresso (from Santa Ana Region) from Market Lane Coffee in 2015 was a mouth-opener (heh). The prominent milk chocolate and raisin notes are still lingering in my mouth!
Besides your own competition drink, do you have a favorite cocktail?:
There is a special place in my heart for classic cocktails like sidecars and negronis. I also love edgy drinks with the weirdest ingredients!
What coffee-producing country interests or excites you most?:
Being the spiritual birthplace of coffee, Ethiopian coffees always mesmerise me with their exceptional flavours.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
I’ve played jazz trumpet for a majority of my life, and cocktails are my current newfound loves in the recent years.
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
5 years older (hah!). Hopefully with a cocktail bar where I can share awesome coffee and alcohol, guest shifts, and opportunities to participate in more coffee events!
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WCIGS?:
Organizers and sponsors, for organizing and sponsoring. Singapore Coffee Association, for the undying support for the local coffee industry. Homeground Coffee Roasters for being my Home Ground for the moment; including Elysia, my roaster Ho Ming, and my colleagues for the love (and bar back support)! Coffee & Cocktail gurus, past champions, and the specialty coffee family back in Singapore who have helped me in one way or another. We stand on the shoulders of giants to achieve what we previously could not! My friends and family! My championship Manager, celebrity chef, and partner Jolene, for helping me and supporting me on every step of this journey.
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