The Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) rolled out the red carpet at Singapore Management University (SMU) for a dazzling night honoring the very best in the country’s Food & Beverage (F&B) service scene. Celebrating three decades of commitment, passion, and excellence, the 30th annual Excellent Service Award (EXSA) gathered Singapore’s top service superstars – and set a new record along the way.
Over 3,200 nominations from 34 companies flooded in this year, marking EXSA 2024 as the most competitive in its storied history. Among the more than 2,800 honorees, 661 received the highly coveted Star award, while others took home Gold and Silver awards, highlighting an unwavering commitment to service that powers Singapore’s reputation as a world-class dining destination.
Crowning This Year’s Superstar of Service: Mr. Vedamuthu Rex Kulandairaj of Jack’s Place
Amid the evening’s glamour and applause, the event’s pinnacle moment came when Guest of Honour Ms. Low Yen Ling, Senior Minister of State, presented the ultimate accolade: the EXSA Superstar Award. Emerging as the nation’s service icon for 2024 was Mr. Vedamuthu Rex Kulandairaj from Jack’s Place, a standout within the JP Pepperdine Group. Rex’s dedication to elevating every dining experience made him the clear choice, showcasing service excellence that others can aspire to.
But Rex wasn’t alone in the spotlight. This year’s Superstar title was one of 25 fierce nominations, including these eight remarkable finalists who captured the spirit of Singapore’s F&B industry: Ms. Looh Hui Ching – Dian Xiao Er, Dian Xiao Er Group Pte Ltd, Mr. Premkumar Ganesan – Kinki Restaurant + Bar, Commonwealth Concepts Pte Ltd, Ms. Nilam Nurdhaniah Binte Alec – The Marmalade Pantry Petite, Commonwealth Concepts Pte Ltd, Ms. Rumiyati Binte Razali – McDonald’s® Singapore, Hanbaobao, Ms. Er Jue Hui – McDonald’s® Singapore, Hanbaobao, Ms. Teoh Pei Yee – Soup Restaurant, Soup Restaurant Singapore Pte Ltd, Ms. Mok Piak Noi – Sushi Tei, Sushi-Tei, Singapore and Mr. Aristhotel De Leon Castro – Starbucks, Starbucks Coffee Singapore Pte Ltd.
For three decades, EXSA has done more than just honor service – it’s defined it.
The award has elevated Singapore’s F&B industry, setting a high bar for quality service, inspiring talent, and making “excellent service” more than a slogan. Each year, EXSA honorees are the faces of this excellence, proving that service isn’t just about the job – it’s about creating moments that make dining memorable.
The legacy of EXSA is one of transforming the F&B workforce, helping to grow and retain Singapore’s brightest talent, and showcasing Singapore as a world-leading dining hub. Administered by six major industry bodies, including RAS, EXSA has become the cornerstone for raising service standards and cultivating a strong service culture across the country.
