Mr. Sean Ou
DipWSET, CSS, CSW, FWS, CS
PRINCIPAL TRAINER
Mr Sean Ou served the highly acclaimed SINGAPORE AIRLINES as a Sommelier and Trainer for 11 years before clipping his wings. His long aspiration to become Master of Wine has led him down the path of achieving the elusive WSET Level 4 Diploma. His repertoire also extends to being a Master Sake Sommelier and Certified Whisky Ambassador.
He was the Head of Wine for Southeast Asia under the SARMENT (SAIS) Group and Head of Territory & Product Development for DE MAJESTIC VINES (DMV) and has now pledge his allegiance as the Principal Trainer for the BEVERAGE CLIQUE.
Other high profile involvement:
- Prowein Asia Singapore 2018 Sake Masterclass Speaker
- Wine Advocate's (Robert Parker) Matter of Taste 2015, 2016, 2017
- Dr. NK Yong's Charity Gala & Masterclass Sommelier 2014, 2017
- Singapore Airlines F1 Suite designated Sommelier 2016
- Channel News Asia LUXE palate host for Dalmore Whisky
- JETRO - JFOODO Sake
- SAKENOMY App Contributor
- Food Japan 2019 Singapore Sake Masterclass Speaker
- IWSC Panel Judge
- IWC Associate Judge
MR. Leo Yau
DipWSET
HONGKONG PRINCIPAL TRAINER
Mr Leo Yau practices law in Hong Kong, his clients include listed companies in Hong Kong and Singapore. He has completed WSET Level 3 Awards in Wines and Spirits and pursuing WSET Diploma. He has been an active member of trade associations in wine & sprit/ F&B sector since 2013. He speaks in trade exhibitions regularly on wine judging and thematic topics and he is in charge of several wine events, in particular, “RBHK Hong Kong House Wine Awards”, the longest established wine award in Hong Kong.
He is very into native Italian grapes and Australian wines. Besides trade shows, he lecture in the Open University and give talks for professional bodies and charity associations occasionally.
Ms. Kanako Takahashi
(髙橋哉子)
ASSOCIATE TRAINER
Ms. Kanako Takahashi is a Japanese native that is trained in the art of Sake. Completing a hat trick of WSET, SSA & SSI Sake credentials, she has also completed her WSET Level 3 Award in Wines. Her prowess also extends beyond Sake knowledge and lies in hospitality work as well as event management from the likes of SSA, CAPE, Vinopolis & THG Sports.
She's a special guest speaker to the Beverage Clique and shares valuable insights from an insider's point of view.
MR. JAMES TING
SENIOR ASSOCIATE TRAINER
An avid and experienced taster with years of experience in the Wines and Spirits industry, Mr. James Ting previously helmed the portfolio of Brand Ambassador for Wines and Spirits with one of the biggest players in the alcohol industry, representing various brands with a focus on product education, while spearheading major brand activations.
Since joining the Edrington Singapore as the Group’s Manager for Brand Education in 2017, James assists in overseeing the domestic and regional brand trainings for The Macallan, Highland Park and The Glenrothes. The enthusiastic advocate also plays an active role in curating consumer experiential events as well as being placed in charge of creating and developing both Corporate and Consumer Loyalty Programmes for Erdington’s portfolio of brands.
Prior to joining the Wines and Spirits industry, James was working in a major International Airline where he was one of the youngest to attain a supervisory crew rank in the cabin crew division whilst also holding the prestigious position of an Air Sommelier. He was also a designated trainer dedicated to conducting F&B service training for the Airlines, specializing in the intricate knowledge and skills required in fine Wines and Alcoholic beverages service.
Over the years, James has coordinated and ran many successful Wines and Spirits appreciation events in partnership with various brand principals from around the world, and has also facilitated many pairing dinners in collaboration with numerous hotels and restaurants, working alongside some of the top names in the industry.
On the academic front, James holds an Advanced WSET (UK) with Distinction, is a certified Whisky Ambassador (UK), as well as a Singapore WSQ and ACTA certified trainer. Besides also being sake-trained, his other accolades includes various other certifications in the field of Wines and Spirits.
James is also an inducted member of both the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne and Confrerie Du Sabre D’Or, exclusive fraternities dedicated to promoting the love of Champagne worldwide.
MR. Matt Ayre
DipWSET
ASSOCIATE TRAINER
Mr Matt Ayre has worked in retail, trade sales and marketing at some of his native UK’s most famous merchants, including MAJESTIC WINE and LAY & WHEELER, where he also passed the WSET Level 4 Diploma and won a prize from The Worshipful Company of Vintners.
He arrived in Singapore in 2018, fresh from working a harvest in Burgundy, to work as an e-commerce wine and spirits buyer, and loves most of all to share the stories and flavours of the wine world.
MR. Clement Lim
PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT (SAKE & TEA)
Mr. Clement Lim has been in the F&B industry for over 15 years. His interest in alcoholic beverages stem from the love of good food and how to elevate the whole dining experience. It started out with wines and soon, he began to delve into other beverages such as sake, spirits, coffee and tea.
He champions not only theoretical learning but also hands on approach to fully understand the complex and dynamic processes of producing beverages. This is evident from his travels to the countless sake breweries in Japan, the vineyards in Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Italy and Portugal and the tea plantations in Korea, China and Japan.
He endeavours to bring tea and sake onto the same playing field as other beverages and has lead many focussed appreciation workshops with the use of wine glasses. On his free time, Clement organises thematic wine and sake tastings for fellow sommeliers in the industry.
MR. Jake Ho
SENIOR ASSOCIATE MIXOLOGIST
Mr. Jake Ho has been in the industry for the past 13 years, working for bar to mixologist work for Brand Principals, curating cocktail for experience and pairing. He has been working closely with Pernod Ricard Singapore, Edrington Asia Pacific, Remy Cointreau International Pte Ltd & Moet Hennessy Diageo Singapore Pte Ltd taking care of various brands and tasting masterclasses.
His in-depth understanding of individual spirits and liqueur permit him to endless creations and constant exploration in his mixologist works.
He always believes in bespoke services and satisfying individual preferences for consumer on the other end.
MR. DONOVAN LIM
ASSOCIATE MIXOLOGIST
Mr. Donovan Lim currently serves as a Business Development Manager for Concocted Affairs Pte Ltd, taking care of various whisky brand profiles and creating experiential brand experiences.
His understanding of cocktails and mixology experience acquired during his time working behind the bar, has inspired and motivated him to bring the bar experience out to the public; bringing the bar experience to them.
Donovan took part in many cocktail competitions to showcase his creation and spread the passion of mixology. By sharing the craft through cocktail masterclasses, Donovan believes that the art of cocktail is not just about the drinks, it’s the experience.
English
Chinese (Simplified)
Chinese (Traditional)
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Malay
Spanish
Thai