Ker Yang Hao, a 29-year-old culinary expert with nine years of experience in the kitchen, has had an intriguing journey in the world of gastronomy. He ventured into the culinary scene, honing his skills at renowned establishments such as the prestigious St Regis Singapore.
However, it was his six-year tenure at Bread Street Kitchen, led by the esteemed Gordon Ramsay, that truly shaped his culinary prowess. During this time, his dedication and talent were duly recognized, as he was honored with the esteemed “Best of Best” awards by Marina Bay Sands Singapore.
Due to the unforeseen circumstances of the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia, Ker Yang Hao returned to his homeland, where he found himself caught in a six-month jam. It was during this period that he experienced a significant revelation: the realization that he wanted to pursue his passion for owning his own business.
Inspired by his newfound entrepreneurial spirit, Ker Yang Hao decided to establish a homemade bakery shop in his hometown of Taiping, aptly named YH Desserts. To his delight, the response was overwhelmingly positive, affirming his belief that venturing into business was the path he was destined to tread.
In a serendipitous turn of events, Ker Yang Hao’s friend approached him with an enticing proposition. His friend, the owner of Firepitz, a successful restaurant in Johor, was looking to expand the business. Seeing this as an opportune moment, Ker Yang Hao made the bold decision to close down YH Desserts and embark on a new adventure in Penang, where he opened Firewood.
Embarking on the arduous journey of establishing a restaurant was not without its challenges, but Ker Yang Hao maintains a positive outlook. He believes that the experience has been invaluable, and he has no regrets about the path he chose. Firewood Penang, now nearly nine months old, has exceeded all expectations, thanks in large part to the dedicated team that has been with him since the inception of the venture.
Reflecting on his remarkable journey, Ker Yang Hao emphasizes the importance of teamwork and acknowledges the contributions of his dedicated staff. Their unwavering commitment and collective effort have played an instrumental role in the success of Firewood Penang, transforming it into a culinary gem that surpasses even his wildest dreams.
