As part of our EAST Dining Management Guest Chef Dinner Series – which kickstarts with a stellar Italian summer-inspired menu between Té Bo and Aqua – our beneficiary Ah Hei is joining us to support the event on the night of the dinners. 

Ah Hei first came into touch with r e n at the end of November, 2024, after more than half a year of being unemployed. His mother tells us that VTC had tried to refer several job interviews to him, but none quite worked out. Eventually, a counsellor told her of an opportunity at South Lane at Taikoo Place and invited them for an interview, and that’s how she met our founder Jo Soo Tang.

“My first impression of Jo is that she was very understanding,” Ah Hei’s mother recalls of the meeting at South Lane. “No matter what we said, she’d listen and understand. I was very worried at the beginning because Ah Hei is not the best at communicating, and that was a problem at his previous job. During the period when he was unemployed, it felt like he didn’t have any purpose, and he’d just sleep all day at home. So I was very concerned whether this job at South Lane would work out for him. We talked through these issues and Jo and [South Lane founder] Jodia were very understanding, and they asked him when he could start. I was so happy when I heard that.”

Ah Hei has now worked there for close to 19 months, and his mother tells us the job has given him a sense of stability, which is crucial for disadvantaged youths like him. 

“There haven't been any major issues, and he tells me he’s very happy at this job,” his mother tells us. “His colleagues all treat him very well, and they always give him food because he loves eating. Being employed has given his days a lot more structure, and he has a much healthier routine. After coming home from work, he always loves to talk to me about everything that happened. You can tell he’s very excited.

“Because of this, I always tell him to cherish this opportunity. It’s been a blessing, and I hope he can continue here after his two-year contract ends. As mothers, we will always worry, but I am also hopeful. My biggest hope for Ah Hei is to continue working, to be healthy, and to be happy. I hope we can continue this relationship with r é n, and we’re very grateful for all the support from Jo, Jodia and the team.”