Temasek Polytechnic student shares passion for hospitality -- and dream of opening his own heartland eatery
At just 21, Dev Raj Singh already knows what it means to turn passion into purpose.
Dev, who recently clinched the Bronze Medal in Restaurant Service at WorldSkills Singapore 2025, discovered his love for hospitality during countless hours spent cooking with his father.
His dad, who once ran an Indian food stall at Tekka Centre, sparked Dev's curiosity in the kitchen and planted the seeds for a future in the food and beverage industry.
"I started cooking with my dad when I was nine," Dev told Stomp. "He'd be making dinner, and I'd just walk up to him and ask to help.
"The first thing he handed me was a knife -- and from there, it became a daily affair."
Today, Dev is a proud graduate of Temasek Polytechnic's Diploma in Culinary & Catering Management, now known as Diploma in Culinary Arts & Management (CAM).
He describes the 600-hour service practicum at the school's training restaurants - Top Table and Sugarloaf - as a life-changing experience that showed him the power of service.
"Being able to communicate with guests, see them smile, and know I've made their day better, that's what keeps me going," he said.
"I never thought I'd love front-of-house as much as I love cooking."
During his WorldSkills competition, Dev faced tasks like bartending, fine dining, and banquet service, testing his skills and composure.
He credits his training partner Charlotte Ng and their coach Mr Alan Tam for their guidance and support.
"It wasn't just about winning the medal," he said. "It was about the teamwork, the discipline, and the tiny details that make a guest feel at ease."
Looking ahead, Dev dreams of opening his own casual, heartland eatery.
Inspired by his dad's hawker days and his own passion for Latin American cuisine, he wants to create a place where everyone feels welcome.
"I'd love to run a place that's affordable, warm, and feels like a second home," he said.
"A place where you can just slack with your friends -- not just another McDonald's or prata place."
For now, Dev is focusing on gathering as much experience as he can, determined to combine his love of cooking and service to build a meaningful career.
"If there's one thing I've learned," he shared, "it's that passion and experience must go hand in hand.
"I'm ready to take the risk because that's the only way to truly do what you love."
