Koh Seng Choon
Koh Seng Choon is a Singaporean social entrepreneur and founder of Project Dignity, a social enterprise that trains and employs people with disabilities and other marginalized groups in the food and beverage industry.
Koh Seng Choon | |
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| Education | First Class Honours degree in Engineering and Business Administration & Master of Science in Computer Integrated Manufacturing |
| Alma mater | Sheffield University & Cranfield Institute of Technology |
He is also the founder of Dignity Kitchen, Singapore’s first hawker training school operated by individuals with disabilities, which has become a model for inclusive employment and vocational training in the region.[1]
Early Life and education
Koh Seng Choon was born and raised in Singapore. He began his career in the local shipyards before pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom. He earned a First Class Honours degree in Engineering and Business Administration from Sheffield University, followed by a Master of Science in Computer Integrated Manufacturing from Cranfield Institute of Technology.[2] These academic achievements provided the foundation for his initial career in management consulting.
Personal Life
Koh is married and has children. His commitment to social causes extends beyond his professional work, reflecting a lifelong dedication to community service, empowerment, and inclusive employment initiatives.[1][3]
Career
After returning to Singapore in 1994, Koh held various senior roles, including as a manager at Coopers & Lybrand International. In 1997, he founded his own management consultancy firm, assisting small and medium enterprises in expanding into foreign markets. He also lectured on entrepreneurship at the S P Jain Centre of Management and mentored ex-inmates from local rehabilitation centres.[2][4]
In 2010, at the age of 50, Koh shifted his focus to social entrepreneurship. He founded Dignity Kitchen, a venture aimed at providing vocational training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, ex-offenders, single mothers, and at-risk youth. Dignity Kitchen equips trainees with practical skills in food preparation, customer service, and business management, enabling them to gain financial independence and professional experience.[3][4]
Under his leadership, Project Dignity expanded internationally with a branch in Hong Kong in 2019, extending its mission to empower disadvantaged individuals through vocational training in the food service industry.[3]
Recognition and Awards
Koh Seng Choon has received multiple accolades for his contributions to social entrepreneurship. In 2022, he was honored with the Champion of Change Award by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for his work employing people with disabilities. He was also a finalist for the Straits Times Singaporean of the Year award in 2024, acknowledging his significant impact on the local community.[1][5]
References/Citations
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Chloe Vialou-Clark. "Koh Seng Choon: the Champion of Change serving hope." The World's 50 Best, 11 May, 2022. Accessed 22 September, 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Chan, Bernice. "Dignity Kitchen founder on training his Hong Kong workforce." SCMP, 12 February, 2020. Accessed 22 September, 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Project Dignity Our Story." Project Dignity. n.d. Accessed 22 September, 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Sobti, Tara. "Koh Seng Choon’s Social Enterprise Dignity Kitchen Is Providing Culinary Training for People With Disabilities." Tatler Asia, 11 August, 2022. Accessed 22 September, 2025.
- ↑ Ang, Shermaine. "Founder of foodcourt employing people with disabilities is ST Singaporean of the Year." The Straits Times, 24 February, 2025. Accessed 22 September, 2025.