Profiles of Singapore’s Builders and Leaders

Title + Company: Culinary Creative, Private Dining Chef & Runner-up of MasterChef Singapore Season 2

Overview: Former teacher turned culinary personality known for his creativity, storytelling through food, and inspiring journey on MasterChef Singapore Season 2.

Industry: Food & Beverage (F&B) / Culinary Arts

Professional Experience: Leon has experience in teaching, tutoring, culinary collaborations, menu creation, private dining, and food entrepreneurship. Following MasterChef Singapore, he became involved in brand partnerships, food events, and home-based culinary ventures.

About him: Chef Leon Lim is a Singapore-based culinary personality who rose to prominence as the runner-up of MasterChef Singapore Season 2. Known for his bold flavours, creativity, and emotionally driven dishes, Leon impressed audiences and judges throughout the competition with food that reflected personal stories and local influences.

Before entering the culinary world, he worked in the civil service as a teacher before moving into tutoring. His unexpected journey into MasterChef transformed his career and opened doors within Singapore’s food and beverage industry.

Turning point: A major turning point in Leon’s life came when he joined MasterChef Singapore alongside one of his students. Although he initially entered the competition simply to support and motivate his student, he unexpectedly progressed all the way to the finals and emerged as the runner-up by just one point. The experience changed his life significantly, giving him opportunities in menu creation, food collaborations, events, and culinary entrepreneurship.

What he does now: Today, Leon remains active in Singapore’s culinary scene through collaborations, food projects, private dining, and his home-based business, Ng’s Kitchen, which he runs with his mother. The business focuses on authentic Cantonese-inspired heritage dishes and family recipes passed down through generations. Beyond cooking, Leon also continues exploring multiple creative pursuits including tutoring, singing, hosting, and entrepreneurship.

SGVisionaries interview: Meet Chef Leon: Runner-up of MasterChef Singapore Season 2

LinkedIn profile: Leon Lim LinkedIn Profile

Website: Ng’s Kitchen Feature Page