We are thrilled to announce the outstanding achievement of one of our alumni, Kelvin Chow, from the Class of 2010. Kelvin was awarded the prestigious Michelin Young Chef Award, supported by Blancpain. His fine dining restaurant, The Attic, has also been selected by Michelin.

While Kelvin started his career in computer engineering, his passion for culinary arts soon took over. He has honed his skills in some of the most renowned restaurants in Hong Kong and is now committed to promoting European cuisine in Guangzhou. Kelvin's dedication to making his dishes from scratch showcases his expertise and creativity as a chef.

If you want to learn more about Kelvin's journey and his experience in the culinary industry, check out our interview with him! We are incredibly proud of Kelvin's achievement and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Can you tell us about your time at AISG and how it has influenced your career as a restaurant owner? How did your experience at AISG shape your approach to entrepreneurship?

I absolutely loved my time at AISG. Even to this day, I recommend this school to anyone seeking a truly valuable experience. This school gave me much more than just book knowledge and classroom learning; it helped shape me into the person I am today.

During my time at AISG, I was surrounded by different expatriate families, creating a rich cultural diversity that broadened my worldview. The teachers were also incredibly involved with the students outside of the classroom, which made learning a fun and engaging experience.

What makes AISG truly unique is the wealth of extra-curricular activities they offer. From student councils to sports competitions, community service to China trips, AISG goes above and beyond to provide their students with unique and unforgettable experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. I am confident that no other school offers as many opportunities as AISG does.

My experience at AISG opened up a world of possibilities and inspired me to pursue my dreams of becoming a chef and a restaurateur. It gave me a worldly perspective while also reminding me that there is an infinite number of possibilities of who I can be, as long as I stick to something I feel truly passionate about. I am forever grateful for the invaluable experiences and lifelong memories that AISG provided me with.

In your opinion, what are some of the most important skills or lessons you learned during your time at AISG that have helped you in your career?

There are several invaluable lessons that I learned from AISG, which have helped me excel in my career.

One of the most impactful experiences that I had at AISG was working on group projects. I absolutely loved collaborating with others and appreciated the opportunity for each individual to contribute their unique skills and ideas toward a common goal. Through those experiences, I learned how to collaborate effectively, which I believe is essential in today’s fast-paced workplace. As a restaurant group manager with more than 50 staff to manage, I know how important it is to communicate effectively and work efficiently with people ranging from suppliers to customers. Additionally, AISG taught me to constantly reflect on my work and strive for continuous improvement. Some students might remember this from writing copious amounts of reflections after finishing projects. This mindset of constant repetition and reflection has been instrumental in my career growth and success.

Lastly, AISG taught me the incredible value of being open to new experiences and trying new things. This is especially important in my line of work, where innovation and creativity are key. AISG encouraged students to be themselves and develop their own unique personalities and mindsets. This philosophy has helped me to create unparalleled food experiences for my customers.

Tell us something about your restaurants.

Our company currently operates two restaurants. The first is called The Attic, a casual fine-dining restaurant that serves modern European cuisine. The restaurant’s theme is time, and we believe that time is the most valuable ingredient in every meal. For this reason, our seasonal tasting menu includes flavors from the past two months. We start preparing for tonight’s dinner two months ahead of time. Located right beside is Eatery by Attic, a casual Southeast Asian eatery with food and cocktails inspired by the diverse cultures of Asia. We serve dishes that showcase the flavors of various Southeast Asian regions, from the spicy curries of Thailand to the aromatic stews of Indonesia.

What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates who aspire to start their own businesses?

Don’t start a business unless you’re ready to dedicate all your time to it during the first few years of growth. This means no partying, no days off, no vacations, just constantly working on it. However, as long as you’re passionate about what you do, you will love your work every day.

Any closing comments that you would like to share?

I’ll end with one of my favorite quotes: “The most frightening thing to see in this world is to look into the mirror and see who you could’ve been.”

The AISG alumni community comprises of 5,200 talented individuals located across the globe, each with their own unique strengths and skills developed during their time at AISG. Together, they share a special bond and help forge a globally connected community. Click here to learn more about AISG Alumni.