A celebrated chef and a seasoned hotelier are acknowledged for their efforts in developing others in their professional community by ACI HR Solutions’s annual mentorship award this year.
Kong Kok Kiang, executive chef at Sentosa Golf Club and president of the Singapore Chefs’ Association, is named ACI HR Solutions’ 2025 Mentor of the Year while Piotr Kupiec, general manager of Novotel Singapore on Stevens and Mercure Singapore on Stevens, receives the Highly Commended Mentor Award.
ACI HR Solutions’ founder, Andrew Chan, said this year’s nominees exemplify the spirit of mentorship in the travel and hospitality industry.
“What stands out most is their authenticity and passion for developing others – not just within their own teams, but across the wider travel and hospitality community. Each candidate brings a unique story of guidance, resilience, and generosity, proving that mentorship remains one of the most powerful forces driving our industry forward,” reflected Chan.
Commenting on his win, Kong told TTG Asia: ““I’ve always believed that true leadership goes beyond achieving personal success; it’s about lifting others along the way. Mentorship is my way of giving back to an industry that has shaped who I am today. By sharing knowledge, guiding young chefs, and nurturing their passion, I hope to build a stronger, more resilient next generation of culinary professionals.
“When my team grows, the company grows, and when we collectively raise the standards of our craft, the entire chef profession in Singapore moves forward. My greatest reward as a mentor is seeing others succeed and knowing that, in some way, I’ve helped them discover their own potential.”
Kong shared a quote that has guided his professional conduct since he was a cook: “Doing what you love is not a recipe for an easier life. It is a recipe for an interesting life”.
Kupiec noted that “mentorship is one of the most important responsibilities of leadership”.
“By investing in people, we strengthen the future of our industry. I am incredibly proud of the leaders who have grown with us, and this recognition motivates me to continue championing environments where talent thrives and people are empowered to succeed,” said Kupiec.
As the annual award concludes this year, Chan expressed hopes for more companies to recognise and formalise mentorship efforts.
“Mentorship often happens quietly, behind the scenes, yet it’s one of the most powerful drivers of engagement and retention. Companies (can do more) by giving mentors the time, tools, and acknowledgment they deserve. That could mean incorporating mentorship into performance goals, offering training for effective mentoring, or celebrating mentor-mentee success stories internally. When companies champion a culture of mentorship, it sends a strong signal that people development is truly valued,” stated Chan.
He also reflected on talent development investments in Asia this year, noting a “positive shift across Asia, with more organisations recognising that investing in people is no longer optional”.
“While budgets may remain tight in some areas, the intent and creativity behind how companies are developing their people have grown significantly – from structured mentorship programmes to digital learning platforms and cross-border exposure opportunities,” added Chan.
