Benny Se Teo (Singapore Chef) - Revision history

Kimberly Wong at 03:04, 10 November 2022

2022-11-10T03:04:51Z

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	==References / Citations==		==References / Citations==
	<references />		<references />
	[[Category:~~Singapore~~ Chefs]]		[[Category: Chefs]]

Kimberly Wong: Add Sub-category

2022-11-03T23:02:16Z

Add Sub-category

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	==References / Citations==		==References / Citations==
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	[[Category:~~People of Interest~~]]		[[Category:Singapore Chefs]]

Dayana Rizal: Dayana Rizal moved page Benny Se Teo to Benny Se Teo (Singapore Chef)

2020-09-03T08:40:07Z

Dayana Rizal moved page Benny Se Teo to Benny Se Teo (Singapore Chef)

← Older revision	Revision as of 16:40, 3 September 2020
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Dayana Rizal at 08:39, 3 September 2020

2020-09-03T08:39:56Z

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	{{Infobox person		{{Infobox person
	\| birth_date = 12 March 1960		\| birth_date = 12 March 1960
	~~\| birth_place = Singapore~~
	\| known for = Founder of Eighteen Chefs		\| known for = Founder of Eighteen Chefs
	\| spouse(s) = Chan Mei Kam (m. 2014)		\| spouse(s) = Chan Mei Kam (m. 2014)
	\|image=File:Benny Se Teo profile.jpg}}		\|image=File:Benny Se Teo profile.jpg}}

	Benny Se Teo is a Singaporean chef and the founder of Eighteen Chefs.<ref>“[http://www.canon.com.sg/thinkbig/eighteen-chefs-serving-up-a-new-lease-of-life Eighteen Chefs - Serving up a new lease of life]”. ''Canon.'' Accessed on 22 January 2019. </ref> In 2018, Benny Se Teo opened a new restaurant called The Meathouse by 18 chefs ~~([https://www.facebook.com/TMH18chefs/ Facebook page])~~.		Benny Se Teo (12 March 1960) is a Singaporean chef and the founder of Eighteen Chefs.<ref>“[http://www.canon.com.sg/thinkbig/eighteen-chefs-serving-up-a-new-lease-of-life Eighteen Chefs - Serving up a new lease of life]”. ''Canon.'' Accessed on 22 January 2019. </ref> In 2018, Benny Se Teo opened a new restaurant called The Meathouse by 18 chefs.

	==Background==		==Background==

Dayana Rizal at 08:39, 3 September 2020

2020-09-03T08:39:20Z

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	\|image=File:Benny Se Teo profile.jpg}}		\|image=File:Benny Se Teo profile.jpg}}

	Benny Se Teo is a Singaporean chef and the founder of Eighteen Chefs ~~([https://www.eighteenchefs.com/ official website])~~.<ref>“[http://www.canon.com.sg/thinkbig/eighteen-chefs-serving-up-a-new-lease-of-life Eighteen Chefs - Serving up a new lease of life]”. ''Canon.'' Accessed on 22 January 2019. </ref> In 2018, Benny Se Teo opened a new restaurant called The Meathouse by 18 chefs ([https://www.facebook.com/TMH18chefs/ Facebook page]).		Benny Se Teo is a Singaporean chef and the founder of Eighteen Chefs.<ref>“[http://www.canon.com.sg/thinkbig/eighteen-chefs-serving-up-a-new-lease-of-life Eighteen Chefs - Serving up a new lease of life]”. ''Canon.'' Accessed on 22 January 2019. </ref> In 2018, Benny Se Teo opened a new restaurant called The Meathouse by 18 chefs ([https://www.facebook.com/TMH18chefs/ Facebook page]).

	==Background==		==Background==

Dayana Rizal at 03:50, 9 January 2020

2020-01-09T03:50:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:50, 9 January 2020
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	==Background==		==Background==
	[[File:HONEST GOOD FOOD cover .jpg\|thumb\|''Benny Se Teo's recipe book, Honest Good Food. Photo credit to LOCALBOOKS.sg.'' ]]		[[File:HONEST GOOD FOOD cover .jpg\|thumb\|''Benny Se Teo's recipe book, Honest Good Food. Photo credit to LOCALBOOKS.sg.'' ]]
	Born in 1960, Benny Se Teo was raised in Chinatown, Singapore alongside 6 older siblings. Benny studied at Bukit Merah Secondary School. After failing his O’Levels, he decided to end his formal education.		Born in 1960, Benny Se Teo was raised in Chinatown, Singapore alongside 6 older siblings. Benny studied at Bukit Merah Secondary School. After failing his O’Levels, he decided to end his formal education.<ref>Huang, Lijie. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/former-drug-addict-cooking-up-social-change Former drug addict cooking up social change]”. ''The Straits Times''. April 14, 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019.</ref>

	===Encounters with drugs===		===Encounters with drugs===

Dayana Rizal: /* Encounters with drugs */

2020-01-09T03:47:30Z

Encounters with drugs

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	Born in 1960, Benny Se Teo was raised in Chinatown, Singapore alongside 6 older siblings. Benny studied at Bukit Merah Secondary School. After failing his O’Levels, he decided to end his formal education.		Born in 1960, Benny Se Teo was raised in Chinatown, Singapore alongside 6 older siblings. Benny studied at Bukit Merah Secondary School. After failing his O’Levels, he decided to end his formal education.

	=== Encounters with drugs ===		===Encounters with drugs===
	Benny's father abused and trafficked opium. As a child, he helped his father to package the drug for his customers.<ref>“[https://www.thecabinsingapore.com.sg/blog/recovery/singapore-restaurant-eighteen-chefs-employs-ex-addicts-and-convicts-in-addiction-recovery/ Singapore Restaurant ‘Eighteen Chefs’ Employs Ex-addicts and Convicts in Addiction Recovery]”. ''The Cabin Singapore.'' November 13, 2015. Accessed on 22 January 2019. </ref> Benny started smoking marijuana as a teenager.<ref>Huang, Lijie. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/former-drug-addict-cooking-up-social-change Former drug addict cooking up social change]”. ''The Straits Times''. April 14, 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref> His over-dependence on drugs cost him 10 years in jail and drug rehabilitation centres. After a near-death encounter in 1992, Benny decided to quit drugs for good.		Benny's father abused and trafficked opium. As a child, he helped his father to package the drug for his customers.<ref>“[https://www.thecabinsingapore.com.sg/blog/recovery/singapore-restaurant-eighteen-chefs-employs-ex-addicts-and-convicts-in-addiction-recovery/ Singapore Restaurant ‘Eighteen Chefs’ Employs Ex-addicts and Convicts in Addiction Recovery]”. ''The Cabin Singapore.'' November 13, 2015. Accessed on 22 January 2019. </ref> Benny started smoking marijuana as a teenager.<ref>Huang, Lijie. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/former-drug-addict-cooking-up-social-change Former drug addict cooking up social change]”. ''The Straits Times''. April 14, 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref> His over-dependence on drugs cost him 10 years in jail and drug rehabilitation centres.<ref>"[http://singaporefinest.com.sg/corporate-social-responsibility/ CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY]". ''Singapore's Finest''. Accessed on 9 January 2020.</ref> After a near-death encounter in 1992, Benny decided to quit drugs for good.<ref>Huang, Lijie. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/former-drug-addict-cooking-up-social-change Former drug addict cooking up social change]”. ''The Straits Times''. April 14, 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019.</ref>

	== Early career ==		==Early career==
	Following repeated rejections by companies due to his criminal ~~records~~, Benny first worked as a freelance motorcycle courier.<ref>“[https://www.thecabinsingapore.com.sg/blog/recovery/singapore-restaurant-eighteen-chefs-employs-ex-addicts-and-convicts-in-addiction-recovery/ Singapore Restaurant ‘Eighteen Chefs’ Employs Ex-addicts and Convicts in Addiction Recovery]”. ''The Cabin Singapore''. November 13, 2015. Accessed on 22 January 2019. </ref> By 2000, he had saved approximately S$20,000 from the job. In 2005, Benny co-founded the Chinese restaurant Goshen. However, the restaurant closed within a year due to poor management.<ref>Huang, Lijie. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/former-drug-addict-cooking-up-social-change Former drug addict cooking up social change]”. ''The Straits Times''. April 14, 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref>		Following repeated rejections by companies due to his criminal record, Benny first worked as a freelance motorcycle courier.<ref>“[https://www.thecabinsingapore.com.sg/blog/recovery/singapore-restaurant-eighteen-chefs-employs-ex-addicts-and-convicts-in-addiction-recovery/ Singapore Restaurant ‘Eighteen Chefs’ Employs Ex-addicts and Convicts in Addiction Recovery]”. ''The Cabin Singapore''. November 13, 2015. Accessed on 22 January 2019. </ref> By 2000, he had saved approximately S$20,000 from the job. In 2005, Benny co-founded the Chinese restaurant Goshen. However, the restaurant closed within a year due to poor management.<ref>Huang, Lijie. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/former-drug-addict-cooking-up-social-change Former drug addict cooking up social change]”. ''The Straits Times''. April 14, 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref>

	=== Internship at Fifteen (2006) ===		===Internship at Fifteen (2006)===
	In 2006, Benny ~~was offered~~ a one-year internship at the UK-based restaurant, Fifteen. Owned by Jamie Oliver, Fifteen offers apprenticeships to underprivileged young people. Benny became the first Singaporean to work at Fifteen. He worked with famous ~~chefs like~~ Gennaro Contaldo, who was recognised as Jamie Oliver’s mentor. Under Gennaro, Benny picked up cooking techniques and kitchen operation skills.<ref>Chi, Leisha. “[https://www.bbc.com/news/business-30077649 Former convict cooks up social change with restaurant chain]”. ''BBC News.'' 17 November 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref>		In 2006, Benny secured a one-year internship at the UK-based restaurant, Fifteen. Owned by Jamie Oliver, Fifteen offers apprenticeships to underprivileged young people. Benny became the first Singaporean to work at Fifteen. He worked with the famous chef Gennaro Contaldo, who was recognised as Jamie Oliver’s mentor. Under Gennaro, Benny picked up cooking techniques and kitchen operation skills.<ref>Chi, Leisha. “[https://www.bbc.com/news/business-30077649 Former convict cooks up social change with restaurant chain]”. ''BBC News.'' 17 November 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref>

	== Eighteen Chefs (2007 - present day) ==		==Eighteen Chefs (2007 - present day)==
			[[File:Benny Se Teo 18 Chefs.jpg\|thumb\|''Benny pictured in an Eighteen Chefs outlet. Photo from [http://singaporefinest.com.sg/corporate-social-responsibility/ Singapore's Finest].'']]
	[[File:Benny Se Teo kitchen.jpg\|thumb\|''Benny Se Teo pictured in the Eighteen Chefs kitchen. Photo from [https://sg.asiatatler.com/life/hardcore-dreams-benny-se-teo Singapore Tatler].'']]		[[File:Benny Se Teo kitchen.jpg\|thumb\|''Benny Se Teo pictured in the Eighteen Chefs kitchen. Photo from [https://sg.asiatatler.com/life/hardcore-dreams-benny-se-teo Singapore Tatler].'']]
	Upon his return to Singapore in 2007, Benny opened the first Eighteen Chefs outlet at Eastpoint Mall. Eighteen Chefs hires ex-convicts and youths-at-risk, allowing these individuals to a means to support themselves financially and gain work experience.<ref>“[http://www.canon.com.sg/thinkbig/eighteen-chefs-serving-up-a-new-lease-of-life Eighteen Chefs - Serving up a new lease of life]”. ''Canon''. Accessed on 22 January 2019.</ref> In 2012, 35% of his staff were troubled youth and ex-offenders and by 2015, the numbers rose to 50%.<ref>“[https://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/27/world/asia/benny-se-teo-eighteen-chefs/ Meet the restaurateur who swapped a thug life for a kitchen knife]”. ''CNN.'' January 3, 2015. Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref>		Upon his return to Singapore in 2007, Benny opened the first Eighteen Chefs outlet at Eastpoint Mall. Eighteen Chefs hires ex-convicts and youths-at-risk, allowing these individuals to a means to support themselves financially and gain work experience.<ref>“[http://www.canon.com.sg/thinkbig/eighteen-chefs-serving-up-a-new-lease-of-life Eighteen Chefs - Serving up a new lease of life]”. ''Canon''. Accessed on 22 January 2019.</ref> In 2012, 35% of his staff were troubled youth and ex-offenders and by 2015, the numbers rose to 50%.<ref>“[https://edition.cnn.com/2014/11/27/world/asia/benny-se-teo-eighteen-chefs/ Meet the restaurateur who swapped a thug life for a kitchen knife]”. ''CNN.'' January 3, 2015. Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref>

	=== Growth ===		===Growth===
	In 2009, Benny opened 3 more outlets at Yishun, Tiong Bahru and Buona Vista. However within a year, 2 of these outlets had to be shut down due to poor business. Despite these early financial troubles, the restaurants were earning more than S$750,000 per month and more than S$10 million annually by 2014.<ref>Huang, Lijie. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/former-drug-addict-cooking-up-social-change Former drug addict cooking up social change]”. ''The Straits Times''. April 14, 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019.</ref> Between 2007 and 2014, Benny increased his staff’s wages from S$1,100 to S$1,300. As of January 2019, there are 12 Eighteen Chefs outlets islandwide spanning from heartland areas such as Serangoon to shopping districts like Orchard and Bugis.<ref>"[http://www.eighteenchefs.com/index.php/about/eighteenchefs/ About]". ''Eighteen Chefs.'' Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref>		In 2009, Benny opened 3 more outlets at Yishun, Tiong Bahru and Buona Vista. However within a year, 2 of these outlets had to be shut down due to poor business. Despite these early financial troubles, the restaurants were earning more than S$750,000 per month and more than S$10 million annually by 2014.<ref>Huang, Lijie. “[https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/former-drug-addict-cooking-up-social-change Former drug addict cooking up social change]”. ''The Straits Times''. April 14, 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019.</ref> Between 2007 and 2014, Benny increased his staff’s wages from S$1,100 to S$1,300. As of January 2019, there are 12 Eighteen Chefs outlets islandwide spanning from heartland areas such as Serangoon to shopping districts like Orchard and Bugis.<ref>"[http://www.eighteenchefs.com/index.php/about/eighteenchefs/ About]". ''Eighteen Chefs.'' Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref>

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	[[File:Benny Se Teo TEDx P&G Singapore.jpg\|thumb\|''Benny Se Teo on stage at TEDx P&G (2016). Photo credit to Benny Se Teo.'']]		[[File:Benny Se Teo TEDx P&G Singapore.jpg\|thumb\|''Benny Se Teo on stage at TEDx P&G (2016). Photo credit to Benny Se Teo.'']]

	=== Interviews & features ===		===Interviews & features===
	Benny Se Teo and Eighteen Chefs has been featured considerably by local publishing sites and TV broadcasting channels like Channel U, Suria and 8 Days magazine.<ref>"[http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20121211001/pcsea_factsheet_on_eighteen_chefs.pdf FACTSHEET EIGHTEEN CHEFS PTE LTD]". ''National Archives of Singapore''. Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref> He has also been invited for interviews by international media companies.<ref>Chi, Leisha. “[https://www.bbc.com/news/business-30077649 Former convict cooks up social change with restaurant chain]”. ''BBC News.'' 17 November 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref> One of his interviews on HK Apple Daily has more than 190,000 views on YouTube as of January 2019.<ref>HK Apple Daily. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4VPVLQla7I&t=49s 黑社會有個好老細　釋囚餐廳爆紅]”. ''YouTube.'' May 21, 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref>		Benny Se Teo and Eighteen Chefs has been featured considerably by local publishing sites and TV broadcasting channels like Channel U, Suria and 8 Days magazine.<ref>"[http://www.nas.gov.sg/archivesonline/data/pdfdoc/20121211001/pcsea_factsheet_on_eighteen_chefs.pdf FACTSHEET EIGHTEEN CHEFS PTE LTD]". ''National Archives of Singapore''. Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref> He has also been invited for interviews by international media companies.<ref>Chi, Leisha. “[https://www.bbc.com/news/business-30077649 Former convict cooks up social change with restaurant chain]”. ''BBC News.'' 17 November 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref> One of his interviews on HK Apple Daily has more than 190,000 views on YouTube as of January 2019.<ref>HK Apple Daily. “[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4VPVLQla7I&t=49s 黑社會有個好老細　釋囚餐廳爆紅]”. ''YouTube.'' May 21, 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019. </ref>

	=== Events ===		===Events===
	{\| class="wikitable"		{\| class="wikitable"
	!Year		!Year

Dayana Rizal at 11:09, 8 January 2020

2020-01-08T11:09:47Z

Show changes

Dayana Rizal: /* Personal life */

2019-04-16T02:10:31Z

Personal life

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	==Personal life==		==Personal life==
	Born in 1960, Benny Se Teo was raised in Chinatown, Singapore alongside 6 older siblings. His father abused and trafficked opium. As a child, Benny assisted his father in packaging the drug for his customers.<ref>“Singapore Restaurant ‘Eighteen Chefs’ Employs Ex-addicts and Convicts in Addiction Recovery”. ''The Cabin Singapore.'' November 13, 2015. Accessed on 22 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.thecabinsingapore.com.sg/blog/recovery/singapore-restaurant-eighteen-chefs-employs-ex-addicts-and-convicts-in-addiction-recovery/ </ref> Benny studied at Bukit Merah Secondary School. After failing his O’Levels, he decided to ~~stop~~ his formal education. Benny’s introduction to drugs began with smoking marijuana in his teenage years.<ref>Huang, Lijie. “Former drug addict cooking up social change”. The Straits Times. April 14, 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/former-drug-addict-cooking-up-social-change </ref> Due to his over-dependence on drugs, Benny Se Teo ended up spending more than 10 years in jail and drug rehabilitation centres. In 1992, after a near-death encounter with intestinal ulcers, he decided to quit his addiction and start on his career.		Born in 1960, Benny Se Teo was raised in Chinatown, Singapore alongside 6 older siblings. His father abused and trafficked opium. As a child, Benny assisted his father in packaging the drug for his customers.<ref>“Singapore Restaurant ‘Eighteen Chefs’ Employs Ex-addicts and Convicts in Addiction Recovery”. ''The Cabin Singapore.'' November 13, 2015. Accessed on 22 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.thecabinsingapore.com.sg/blog/recovery/singapore-restaurant-eighteen-chefs-employs-ex-addicts-and-convicts-in-addiction-recovery/ </ref> Benny studied at Bukit Merah Secondary School. After failing his O’Levels, he decided to end his formal education. Benny’s introduction to drugs began with smoking marijuana in his teenage years.<ref>Huang, Lijie. “Former drug addict cooking up social change”. The Straits Times. April 14, 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/former-drug-addict-cooking-up-social-change </ref> Due to his over-dependence on drugs, Benny Se Teo ended up spending more than 10 years in jail and drug rehabilitation centres. In 1992, after a near-death encounter with intestinal ulcers, he decided to quit his addiction and start on his career.

	==Background==		==Background==

Dayana Rizal at 02:09, 16 April 2019

2019-04-16T02:09:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:09, 16 April 2019
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	==Personal life==		==Personal life==
	Born in 1960, Benny Se Teo was raised in Chinatown, Singapore alongside 6 older siblings. His father abused and trafficked opium. As a child, Benny assisted his father in packaging the drug for his ~~father's~~ customers.<ref>“Singapore Restaurant ‘Eighteen Chefs’ Employs Ex-addicts and Convicts in Addiction Recovery”. ''The Cabin Singapore.'' November 13, 2015. Accessed on 22 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.thecabinsingapore.com.sg/blog/recovery/singapore-restaurant-eighteen-chefs-employs-ex-addicts-and-convicts-in-addiction-recovery/ </ref> Benny studied at Bukit Merah Secondary School. After failing his O’Levels, he decided to ~~cease~~ his formal education. Benny’s introduction to drugs began with smoking marijuana in his teenage years.<ref>Huang, Lijie. “Former drug addict cooking up social change”. The Straits Times. April 14, 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/former-drug-addict-cooking-up-social-change </ref> Due to his over-dependence on drugs, Benny Se Teo ended up spending more than 10 years in jail and drug rehabilitation centres. In 1992, after a near-death encounter with intestinal ulcers, he decided to quit his addiction and start on his career.		Born in 1960, Benny Se Teo was raised in Chinatown, Singapore alongside 6 older siblings. His father abused and trafficked opium. As a child, Benny assisted his father in packaging the drug for his customers.<ref>“Singapore Restaurant ‘Eighteen Chefs’ Employs Ex-addicts and Convicts in Addiction Recovery”. ''The Cabin Singapore.'' November 13, 2015. Accessed on 22 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.thecabinsingapore.com.sg/blog/recovery/singapore-restaurant-eighteen-chefs-employs-ex-addicts-and-convicts-in-addiction-recovery/ </ref> Benny studied at Bukit Merah Secondary School. After failing his O’Levels, he decided to stop his formal education. Benny’s introduction to drugs began with smoking marijuana in his teenage years.<ref>Huang, Lijie. “Former drug addict cooking up social change”. The Straits Times. April 14, 2014. Accessed on 23 January 2019. Retrieved from: https://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/food/former-drug-addict-cooking-up-social-change </ref> Due to his over-dependence on drugs, Benny Se Teo ended up spending more than 10 years in jail and drug rehabilitation centres. In 1992, after a near-death encounter with intestinal ulcers, he decided to quit his addiction and start on his career.

	==Background==		==Background==