Quest Alumni Journeys Series

Serving Dignity, One Meal at a Time

When Koh Seng Choon entered Queenstown Secondary School in the 1970s, few could have foreseen that he would one day be celebrated as The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year 2024. He was recognised for his unwavering commitment to uplifting the lives of marginalised Singaporeans, for creating jobs with dignity, and for showing how inclusive business models can drive real, lasting change in society.

Today, he is best known as the founder of Dignity Kitchen, Singapore’s first hawker training school dedicated to individuals with disabilities and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. His social enterprise has helped thousands rediscover purpose, confidence and dignity through employment and vocational training.

Dignity in Every Act

At Dignity Kitchen, trainees learn practical skills in real food stall settings, guided by supportive instructors and mentors. From food preparation and hygiene to customer service and stall management, every aspect is designed to build both capability and confidence. Graduates are connected with partner employers or supported to run their own small businesses. More than just a kitchen, the space also features a community café and an event hall where corporations and schools gather to better understand the importance of inclusion.

Beyond training, Project Dignity runs outreach programmes such as Dignity Meals, which provides free packed meals to residents in need around the Boon Keng area. These meals are not just nourishment, but a reminder that no one should be left behind.

The seeds of this compassion and commitment were planted during his school days at Queenstown. “The environment was good, and I had teachers like Miss Wee who truly believed in us,” he recalls.

What left the deepest mark, however, was the school’s motto: Berani Berkhidmat, which means Dare to Serve. That principle would shape the values that guided him throughout his life and entrepreneurial journey.

A Haunted Bungalow and Lasting Bonds

One memory from Queenstown Secondary that still makes Koh smile was a class camping trip to Pulau Serangoon, now known as Coney Island. “We stayed in an old bungalow infested with centipedes, told ghost stories, and ended up scaring ourselves into thinking the place was haunted,” he laughs. “It was terrifying at the time, but looking back, it was such a fantastic experience.” That spirit of camaraderie and adventure has stayed with him ever since.

After leaving Queenstown, Koh pursued further studies in engineering and business. He carved out a successful corporate career in manufacturing and consulting. But something was missing. In 2010, he made the bold decision to start Dignity Kitchen with a radical concept: to open a food court where every stall was run by someone from a vulnerable group. It was a gamble, but one that paid off. The concept resonated deeply with the public and earned widespread national support.

Since then, his work has expanded through Dignity Learn, which offers life skills, digital literacy and entrepreneurship training to uplift marginalised communities. His approach to inclusion is clear-eyed and progressive. This is not about handouts or pity, but about recognising potential and providing practical, scalable solutions. His model of social enterprise has gained regional recognition, with Koh invited to share his insights and replicate his approach across Asia.

A Life That Dares to Serve

Despite his accolades, Koh remains grounded in his roots. He often reminds students today, “Your job title now is student, so treat learning like your full-time role. Make every day an enjoyable learning experience. Don’t just chase grades. Focus on growing your curiosity, values and resilience. These are what will shape your future, not just your results.”

He stresses that school is more than exams. It is where lifelong values, friendships and purpose begin to take root. “Enjoy your time in school,” he adds. “The days pass quickly, but the memories and lessons stay with you forever.”

Koh Seng Choon’s journey from the classrooms of Queenstown Secondary to national acclaim is a powerful reminder of what values-based education can spark. He has redefined what success means through the number of lives uplifted along the way. In every act of service, every life empowered, and every meal served with dignity, he honours the lessons first planted in school. He is not only a changemaker for Singapore, but the ultimate embodiment of our motto, Dare to Serve.