Cedric Tang is a third generation restaurateur and works in the family business which has been going for 78 years.
What’s your story?
A third generation restaurateur, my family owns a heritage brand restaurant of 78 years (since 1939). We are the pioneers in selling fish soup noodles using a Southeast Asian fish known for its medicinal properties in assisting and speeding up wounds and healing. We have since established footprints in Malaysia and Indonesia.
By training, I’m a Public Relations professional with 7 years of experience, both in-house and agency side. I have recently taken on a more active role in the family business in spearheading PR and marketing activities, together with expansion plans.
What excites you most about your industry?
In Singapore, the F&B industry is highly competitive with F&B establishments sprouting up every other day and it is constantly evolving. The challenges are also interesting, being a Chinese restaurant, we tend to be reliant on manpower but the industry is challenging us to be more productive and innovative through incorporating technology.
Interest in Asian cuisine is also increasing which makes it even more exciting!
What’s your connection to Asia?
I’m born and raised in the lovely island of Singapore where everything is so easily accessible. My family roots are from Guang Zhou China and I’m a pure Cantonese.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
There is still no doubt that it has to be Singapore because of the political and economic stability. At the moment, most of my networks are still here in Singapore as well, although I’m looking to expand.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
To not be afraid of failure!
Who inspires you?
Eric Chan is one of many who inspires me. He is the Managing Director of PR Communications. He is the person who gave me the best piece of advice. He was also the one who gave me a chance, giving me my very first job in the PR industry and he is someone that is not afraid of imparting all his knowledge in the hope they will do well in the industry. I give him a lot of credit in allowing me to be who I am today and will always be very appreciative.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Learning just how traditional I am really blew me away! I’ve come to embrace my Asian heritage and everything Asian about me, and I’m learning to use this to my best advantage.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t want to change anything. Everything I have gone through so far has made me who I am. I live by doing things that I will not regret .
How do you unwind?
I’m active and competitive by nature. As such, I’m often in the gym doing weights or exercising and I’ve recently taken up dragon boating as a sport! I also like to go around exploring food places (and stake out competitors).
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Taiwan has been my favourite destination for many years. The people there are extremely friendly and I love their street food. Apart from that, they have amazing scenery and beautiful destinations and the shopping is great too!
Everyone in business should read this book:
It is cliched, but Sun Tzu’s, Art of War.
Shameless plug for your business:
Serving Singapore Cantonese Cuisine, we’ve seen generations of Singaporeans come through our doors, maintaining our quality and consistency has always been one of our top priorities – from maintaining the traditional street hawker style cooking to using Sarawak Pepper and pickling our own Achar and green chilli.
We’re one of the few family owned long-established restaurants left in Singapore and our restaurant, Ka Soh, was listed as a Bib Gourmand restaurant in the inaugural Michelin Guide Singapore 2016.
I’ve also decided to take a leap in pursuing setting up a public relations consultancy. At the moment I’m partnering with a long-time friend and we’ve been working together for the past 6-months. He has more corporate background whilst for myself, I’ve specialized a lot more in the lifestyle and entertainment segments.
How can people connect with you?
I can easily be found on LinkedIn or through searching on Facebook. I’m also very active on Instagram (@CeddyT)
Twitter handle?
@CeddyT
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
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