(Image by the AFC.)
Twelve underprivileged youths from across Asia — all with a passion to cook — will be given the opportunity to learn valuable skills and prove themselves worthy of their talents on “The Big Break.”
Through this 13-episode series, Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), with support from Unilever Food Solutions and Del Monte Asia, partners with the Asian Food Channel (AFC) to help these youths realize their dream of becoming a chef. However, only one can make it.
(From left to right) Chef Alan Orreal and Farah Quinn at a media session for "The Big Break" in K.L.
Hosts Alan Orreal, executive chef at RWS, and Farah Quinn, Indonesia’s hottest celebrity chef, visit welfare homes in Mongolia, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in search of youths who show the passion, drive, and commitment needed to succeed in the kitchen. The 12 selected youths then embark on an inspiring, moving journey while cooking their way through lessons and challenges at RWS. They’ll also have the chance to work with some of the finest chefs and hospitality professionals, including the most-Michelin-starred chef Joël Robuchon, renowned Australian chef Scott Webster, leading Singaporean chefs Edmund Toh and Ron Cheng, and, of course, Orreal himself.
The panel of tutors and chef-judges all ready for the Big Break (image by the AFC).
“Being involved from the conceptualization stage of this series allowed us to offer up our extensive F&B expertise and knowledge, as well as to make a difference in the lives of these youths,” said Greg Allan, vice president at RWS’s Food & Beverage and Rooms.
The youths will be judged based on their culinary and hospitality skills, techniques learned during the challenges, attitude, and performance. And the grand prize? A S$30,000 one-year scholarship to study at Singapore’s At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy, which can bring the winner possibly a step closer to the Big Break of him or her life. Maria Brown, co-founder and C.E.O. of the AFC, said, “… We’re excited to … provide a platform to expose and develop these amazing talents that would have otherwise been undiscovered.”
Of course, the rest won’t be going home empty-handed. Aside from the precious knowledge and skills earned, each of them will also be given a S$2,000 bursary by RSW to further their education upon returning home.
“The show isn’t just about cooking,” said Orreal at a recent media session in K.L. for the show, “but also widening the youths’ horizons and transforming their lives.”
Follow the heartwarming stories of these young, brave talents. Be moved by their determination in getting the Big Break of their life! Catch the premiere of “The Big Break” on Nov. 14, 10 p.m., on the AFC (Astro channel 703).
Orreal and the filming crew at a welfare home in Mongolia (image by the AFC).
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