"The joy of discovery"
Jonathan Shen
Co-Founder & CEO
A creator at heart, Jonathan finds himself in a constant debate with himself, as his left and right brain tend to disagree on most matters. But at times, he manages to get both sides to fall in line.. and that's when magic happens. He is fuelled and re-energised by the joy of discovery — be it exploring interesting cultures, or being immersed in nature untamed. He brings this sense of passion to TGD, co-discovering the joy of great snacks and great experiences with the company’s many fans and advocates!
Q: What does The Golden Duck represent to you?
Right now what comes to mind is "family". We have poured our hearts, sweat and some tears into this company over the last five years. Colleagues have grown into friends, and customers have grown into community.. and we're just getting started.
Q: Share one of your favourite food memories/ experiences?
Growing up, my family didn't have much but I fondly remember looking forward to Saturday mornings with mum and grandma at Bedok market having my usual plate of Nasi Lemak.
Q: Cook at home? What is your chef secret?
I can't cook. So my secret is having a good partner who can ;)
"Life is all about balance"
Chris Hwang
Co-Founder &
Chief Strategy Officer
Chris is a dreamer, the eccentric snacker of the company, he's notorious for tweaking recipes well past their go-live dates. As our co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, he has lived in just about every role in the company, from delivery-man to potato peeler. A practical perfectionist, Chris is always pushing the team to reach greater heights. In fact, he's probably tweaking a live recipe right now...
Q: How do you think the snack industry has changed over the years?
I think consumers have grown to have much higher expectations of both products and brands. While at the heart of it all, a good product is needed, it now takes a special something to be the kind of real and authentic that customers are looking for.
Q: What’s one thing you’re craving for right now?
I just had a big healthy breakfast with an acai bowl and avocado smash, so I’ll probably be craving a Double McSpicy soon. Life is all about balance.
Q: What's the craziest thing you’ve done for good food?
I’ve skipped lunch just so I could eat triple serves at dinner. Couldn’t move after, but still worth it.
"We go against the grain"
Jaime Lee
Customer Experience & Loyalty
As head of customer experience and loyalty, if you’ve interacted with us at all, you’ve probably spoken to Jaime. She finds meaning in connecting with people and in sharing the joys of a fellow snacker! Whether it’s leveling-up your shopping experience, or helping you get your snacks delivered, she’s here for you. She is also a connoisseur of bad jokes and (equally bad) food puns.
Q: What does The Golden Duck represent to you?
A game changer. We go against the grain, that’s my favourite part about us.
Q: What’s your favourite food hack?
I love to add a tablespoon of condensed milk into my spicy korean instant noodles! Try it!
Q: What is your favourite Singaporean dish?
I love prawn mee! And bak chor mee... Ban mian. And satay bee hoon. I’m jai-mee.
"I dance when I cook! "
Florence 'Maui'
R&D Head
For her, food is more than a passion. It’s a living, breathing energy that fires up her entire being. As head chef of our R&D team, Maui leads by creating our snacks from scratch, pairing real ingredients and building explosive flavours with a steady hand and discerning taste buds. Experimentation and innovation in asian flavours is truly a joy for her, a wizard behind the wok!
Q: What does The Golden Duck represent to you?
The Golden Duck is a revolution.
Q: What is your personal rule when it comes to food?
Respect the ingredients.
Q: Cook at home? What is your chef secret?
I dance when I cook.
"Snackers are spoilt for choice!"
Denis Tan
Group Brand Strategy Manager
Heading our brand and marketing team, Denis lives at the heart of The Golden Duck's brand innovation and ingenuity all over Asia. He tells stories of the many authentic flavours here in Asia, the charming ways we snack differently and how it all brings us together. He loves immersing himself in diverse food cultures all over Asia; genuinely listening, creating and of course, snacking!
Q: How do you think the snack industry has changed over the years?
We've seen a real boom in local flavours over the last few years, snackers are spoilt for choice!
Q: Where would you bring a tourist to try some of our local flavours?
I say dip into a traditional Eggs & Toast breakfast with Kopi-O, maybe Chicken Rice for lunch, Chilli Crab surely for dinner and finish it off with a Beef Hor Fun supper over beers!
Q: What’s one ingredient you can’t live without?
Fish Sauce seems to make everything better!
"Passion. Innovation. Problem-solving"
Sze-Ann Yong
Operations Manager
Overseeing operations is Ann, who is essential in making sure that The Golden Duck’s well oiled gears run smoothly and efficiently. She handles production, procurement, inventory and logistics in our factory in Senoko, Singapore. From managing the quantity and quality of snacks on the production line to handing all import and export of our much loved snacks, she has a superb knack for planning and a keen eye for detail.
Q; What does The Golden Duck represent to you?
Passion. Innovation, and the ability to think outside the box.
Q: Favourite (edible) guilty indulgence?
Steamboat, I always over order because I want to try everything!
Q: What’s one thing you’re craving for right now?
MALA HOT POT! The dish and the snack both.
"People want a snack that brings them together"
Dennis Chia
Group Business Development Manager
Fuelled by a compelling need to spread the love for The Golden Duck’s gourmet snacks from our side of the world to the other, Dennis oversees our growing markets internationally. Leading the business development team, he ensures that our snacks are within reach for every hungry fan far and wide! Got suggestions on the next city we should land in? He’s your guy.
Q: How do you think the snack industry has changed over the years?
People are now looking for something a little more special. They want a snack that brings people together, that creates an experience.
Q: Tell me the craziest thing you’ve done for good food?
Fly. Both my parents are based overseas, so if I miss their cooking, I will fly to them for it.
Q: Where would you bring a tourist to try some of our local flavours?
I will bring them to Old Airport Road Food Centre. Because that is where the locals really eat.