See the person
and their potential.
People bring different strengths, experiences and ways of contributing.
Our story
A belief in people.
Put into practice.
The Social Kitchen’s story is about inclusive employment, meaningful work and the possibilities that emerge when people come together.
Photograph: DBS Foundation, 2023
Ang Kian Peng · Founder
Enterprise with
a human purpose.
Ang Kian Peng is a founder of The Social Kitchen, established in Singapore in 2020. [2]
His approach centres on opportunities for people who face barriers to work. The early shared-kitchen model brought practical roles and a supported team into one setting. [3]
It is a story of making room: for a person’s strengths, for a business idea, and for a community that has something to share.
The Social Kitchen · 2023
President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards 2023
The Social Kitchen received the Organisations of Good Award (SME) in 2023, recognising its inclusive employment and training work. [17]
Our beginnings · 2020
An idea born in
a difficult moment.
The pandemic placed pressure on food businesses and livelihoods. A shared kitchen offered a way to bring those needs together.
The Social Kitchen’s first operation used the kitchen at YMCA’s Y Café. Partner brands brought food concepts while the shared operation created opportunities for preparation, service and delivery. [5]
Early reporting described recruitment and training for people whose circumstances could make employment harder to access. That connection between enterprise and opportunity remains the purpose of our story. [4]
Read the early coverageWhat guides us
See the person
Make meaningful
work possible.
Everyday food preparation and service can become a place to learn and grow.
Build something
good together.
Employers, organisations and community partners each have a part to play.
Let’s work together
Good things begin
with a conversation.
Explore a partnership, an employment enquiry or a shared community purpose. Tell us how you would like to be involved.