To address the issue of talent shortage in Singapore’s F&B industry, JUMBO Group of Restaurants launches JUMBO Academy graced by the Guest of Honour, Ms. Low Yen Ling, Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). JUMBO Academy is a homegrown training institute dedicated to cultivating a skilled F&B workforce.

Singapore, 28 March 2024 – To address the issue of talent shortage in Singapore’s F&B industry, JUMBO Group of Restaurants launches JUMBO Academy graced by the Guest of Honour, Ms. Low Yen Ling, Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). JUMBO Academy is a homegrown training institute dedicated to cultivating a skilled F&B workforce.

Through the JUMBO Academy, JUMBO Group reinforces its commitment to be an incubator of talents in Singapore’s F&B industry by deepening its advocacy for and promotion of Asian culinary and hospitality training. JUMBO aims to attract and support more talents looking for F&B careers by offering upskilling, reskilling, internship, and scholarship opportunities open to students and aspiring mid-career professionals alike. 

Upskilling and Reskilling: Developing a Resilient F&B Workforce

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s 2022 National Day message emphasised the importance of upskilling and reskilling to sustain Singapore’s economic progress. In the Budget 2024 speech, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Lawrence Wong highlighted SkillsFuture as one of the initiatives to provide upskilling support for employers and individuals, showing the government’s continued efforts to boost workforce resilience and development.

Mr Ang Kiam Meng, Group Chief Executive Officer of JUMBO Group of Restaurants, expresses the Group’s efforts in support of the lifelong learning vision: “Building on our 30-year tradition of ‘Bonding people through food’, JUMBO is dedicated to nurturing talent in culinary and hospitality excellence through our industry expertise.” 

“We believe food connects people and we are committed to shaping the future of this experience. Through JUMBO Academy, The Heart of Asian Hospitality, we will honour tradition while driving innovation to elevate Singapore’s status as a food paradise.”

Accessible and Applicable: Providing fundings, sponsorships, and hands-on experience

JUMBO Group believes that quality education should be accessible to everyone. As a Registered Training Provider, the Group works closely with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to provide course fee funding and grants to individuals and employers. JUMBO Group also works with Workforce Singapore (WSG) to leverage the Career Conversion Programme (CCP) to reskill mid-career workers. With the new JUMBO Academy, existing workers can be trained to take on higher-value jobs that provide good career prospects.

For those keen on exploring the world of F&B management, JUMBO Academy offers scholarship under its Management Associates Programme, which supports trainees through a fully-sponsored education (diploma or degree) in a relevant field of study. Aspiring individuals within JUMBO Group will also be offered a chance to join the Fast Track Programme that provides accelerated pathways for career advancement within JUMBO Group. 

JUMBO also focuses on practical applicability across its programmes by adopting an innovative training approach that combines classroom teaching and hands-on practice. Such immersive experiences empower trainees with industry-standard skills and the confidence to step into their F&B career roles with readily useable skills. 

In 2023, JUMBO was awarded the “Certified On-the-Job Training Centre” status by the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). This status affirms the JUMBO’s role as an industry leader in providing holistic workplace learning to support its trainees’ professional growth and personal development.

JUMBO x ITE partnership: Some 1,000 students to benefit over three years

Through a longstanding partnership, JUMBO has empowered ITE students in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Operations by providing practical learning experiences that extend beyond textbooks, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue their aspirations and thrive within the F&B industry.

During the JUMBO Academy launch ceremony on 27 March 2024, the two organisations also announced their continued collaboration by signing a three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Under the MOU, both parties will commit to innovative initiatives such as the new JUMBO internship awards, internship opportunities, workshops, and learning journeys for some 1,000 ITE students.

“We are pleased to ink our partnership with JUMBO as part of our commitment to nurturing culinary talents. The internship opportunities, internship awards, learning journeys, and chef demo workshops offered by JUMBO, together with joint efforts such as food hackathons, will enrich our students’ learning experiences and enhance their motivation and passion as they embark on their culinary careers,” says Ms Low Khah Gek, Chief Executive Officer of ITE. 

JUMBO and ITE will also continue its “JUMBO x ITE Culinary Hackathon”, a sustainability-themed challenge for ITE students that was first held in 2023. Through such out-of-classroom activities, the partners hope to inspire participants to become creative problem solvers in the face of challenges common in the dynamic F&B industry.

Welcoming Lifelong Learners: JUMBO Academy courses now open for registration

Individuals, mid-career switchers, current F&B workers and media representatives are invited to explore the opportunities provided by JUMBO Academy and actively participate in shaping the future of F&B in Singapore. Course registration is now open at jumboacademy.com.sg.

Note to Editors: High-resolutions images are available for download from this link. 

About JUMBO Group Limited

JUMBO Group Limited (“JUMBO Group”) is one of Singapore’s leading multi-dining concept F&B establishments. Fulfilling its philosophy of “Bonding People Through Food”, JUMBO Group has grown to over 20 restaurants in Singapore and other Asia countries with 4 restaurant brands – JUMBO Seafood, NG AH SIO Bak Kut Teh, Singapore Seafood Republic, and Xinyao Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Besides renowned local brands such as Chui Huay Lim Teochew Cuisine, Zui Yu Xuan Teochew Cuisine, Chao Ting, Kok Kee Wonton Noodle, and Lau Lim Mee Pok, JUMBO Group has expanded its local presence by operating Hong Kong’s famous “Cha Chaan Teng” restaurant –Tsui Wah in Singapore and establishing the first Halal-certified restaurant – MUTIARA Seafood, and JUMBO Group’s premium dining concept – JUMBO Signatures, adding up to more than 25 restaurants.

For more information, please visit https://www.jumbogroup.sg

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES