DJ is the co-founder and CTO of Prefer, a start-up making coffee without using coffee beans. He previously co-founded a boutique food consultancy called Starter Culture, working with some of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.

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👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

We make coffee without using coffee beans! We ferment upcycled food, such as soy pulp, spent grain, and bread, into ground coffee.

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🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

I rear quails as part of my research into sustainable farming and food ecosystems.

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🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Making the pivot from organic chemistry into fermentation has allowed me to find unique applications for my food chemistry knowledge. I’ve even been named Singapore’s Prince of Fermentation because of my work with the food industry!

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🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

Volatility in the banking industry and economy at large has affected start-ups in their operations, fund-raising, and valuations. Resilient start-ups and their founders are definitely the ones to watch.

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💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

Always have fun, and always be learning.

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🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

Food! Food history, culture, and flavors.

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show?

Season 1 of Westworld

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Mint chocolate