Mr Ken FAN Kwan-wang
Chinese Chef
Investment Science graduate
Science and culinary arts may seem like two entirely disparate fields. Mr Ken Fan Kwan-wang, who stands unique between the two, has discovered their intersection, penning recipes and equations for happiness.
Ken pursued Investment Science at PolyU. After graduating, rather than following his peers into the finance industry, he embarked on a career in cooking. Whereas he was once immersed in data and formulas, he now faces a myriad of ingredients daily. This transformation is far more than just a 180-degree turn. In the heart of the hot kitchen, Ken’s passion for cooking burns brighter than the stoves. He has patiently cultivated his culinary skills for seven years, allowing knowledge to infuse over time, and has risen to become a Chinese Chef, devising his own unique “happy equation”.
“For me, cooking is a profound way to share happiness. When diners enjoy my dishes and find joy in them, I find fulfilment in return,” Ken said. And that reward carries with it a sense of pride as he passes down the vast and profound cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Chinese cuisine. Reminiscing about his first private kitchen experience is the most unforgettable moment of his culinary career. From procuring ingredients to cooking, plating, and explaining the dishes to customers, the effort and labour invested yield an indescribable sense of satisfaction, which has become the driving force behind Ken’s unwavering persistence. Cooking is the synthesis of technique and artistry, a discipline that requires the utmost care and attention to detail, with no margin for excess or deficiency; Ken brings a scientific approach to the kitchen, actively applying the data analysis skills he honed during his studies at PolyU. By managing time and portions with precision, he has produced his own scrumptious specialties.
“I hope to learn from different famous chefs and enrich myself. Perhaps not everyone knows me, but I believe that by doing every dish well, one can share their happiness.” Savouring life, understanding life – rushing things leads to missed opportunities; a measured, step-by-step approach is necessary to build a strong foundation. Ken approaches mathematics and derives his knowledge in a unique way. While one treads different industry paths within the same life arena, nothing is impossible for a willing heart.
For me, cooking is a profound way to share happiness.
Publishing Date: August 2024
