Although never formally trained in the culinary arts, Ivan has made a remarkable impact on Singapore’s dining scene over the past four years. Driven by a deep passion for rediscovering his Teochew heritage and reimagining it for the modern palate, he has dedicated himself to evolving Teochew cuisine while pairing it thoughtfully with craft beers from his brewery.
His innovative approach has earned him multiple accolades: winner of the Dilmah Tea Inspired Award (2017), nominee for Best Asian Chef (2019), recipient of Asian Cuisine Chef of the Year (2020) at the World Gourmet Summit, and nominee for both Chef of the Year and Most Innovative Chef (2021). Beyond the kitchen, Ivan is also a familiar face on local and international television, where he champions contemporary Teochew cuisine.
Most recently, Ivan launched Blue Smoke, an award-winning Asian-style grill and smokehouse showcasing the bold flavours of Southeast Asia. The restaurant has garnered multiple honours, including Best Casual Dining Experience by the Singapore Tourism Board in 2022.
