Project Description

Singapore
Zenn Soon
Strangers’ Reunion

Please tell us a little bit about yourself:

As a student at the University of Melbourne, I was introduced to the world of specialty coffee and fell in love with Australia’s coffee culture. After 6 fun years of travelling the world and tasting coffees from various countries, I joined the Strangers’ Reunion group in Singapore to take my passion for coffee to the next level. I am currently co-founder of a newly-opened cafe named Wakey Wakey, and am also the Head Roaster, Barista and Manager of the Strangers’ Reunion group of cafes.

What are you excited to do while you are in Amsterdam?:

I am looking forward to meeting and sharing with everyone at WBC. Hopefully, there will be time to explore and revisit areas of Amsterdam that I miss so much, and indulge in some of Amsterdam’s finest foods!

Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:

Singapore National Barista Championship 2018 – 1st Place
Singapore National Barista Championship 2016 – 4th Place
Singapore National Barista Championship 2015 – 2nd Place
Singapore National Barista Championship 2014 – 4th Place

Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?:

This would all be impossible without the support of my amazing family – my husband, and mother for holding the fort back home while I train; and my awesome team from Strangers’ Reunion, especially my coaches Ryan Tan and Kammie Hui. I am extremely lucky to also have the support of the Singapore Coffee Association, and sponsors and friends from all over the world who so generously give me advice, ideas, and words of encouragement.

How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:

Advances in technology will improve coffee quality, but I hope that the human touch will remain relevant and vital.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:

Continuing my coffee journey, and travelling even more!

What are your interests outside of coffee?:

Good food, sports, and seeing the world.

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