Singapore Zi Char Icon Kelly Jie Seafood Honors Head Chef With Rolex For Two Decades Of Service

A Singapore head chef receives a luxury Rolex from Kelly Jie Seafood owners after 20 years of service, highlighting exceptional employee recognition in F&B.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 6:16 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from AsiaOne

A Milestone Reward For Two Decades Of Kitchen Leadership

The leadership at Kelly Jie Seafood, a prominent zi char establishment in Singapore, recently marked a significant milestone by presenting their head chef with a high value luxury gift. This gesture was intended to recognize two decades of continuous service, dating back to the restaurant's inception in 2006 when it was known as TPY Mellben Seafood. According to a social media statement from the company, the gift represents more than just a professional bonus, acting instead as a symbol of the heart and soul the chef has poured into the kitchen since the beginning.

Surprise And Disbelief During The Presentation Ceremony

In a moment captured and shared online, the head chef expressed genuine shock when the distinctive green watch box was revealed. According to the restaurant's footage, the chef initially questioned if the gift was a prank, asking for verification of its authenticity before proceeding to open it. The atmosphere was lighthearted, featuring a humorous exchange where the chef noted his hands were too oily from kitchen work to touch the luxury item. This prompted founder Kelly Soon to jokingly sanitize his wrists before he donned the timepiece for the first time.

The Emotional Bond Between Staff And Second Generation Owners

The restaurant is currently under the management of Rachel and Zara Lim, the second generation owners who view the head chef as a foundational figure in their lives. According to the Lim sisters, the chef has not only managed the high pressure kitchen environment but has also served as a mentor who cared for them like his own daughters. Their tribute emphasized that the chef has consistently given maximum effort despite the evolution of the business, remaining a steadfast partner to the founders throughout the most difficult chapters of their operational history.