Serangoon TCM Centre: 
It’s the most flavourful time of the year! From the year-end holidays to the upcoming Lunar New Year, the festive season is always a busy one for our dedicated kitchen crew at KWSH. With festive meals and special menus to prepare, the Food Services team works tirelessly behind the scenes to spread joy through thoughtfully prepared dishes.
This month, we shine the spotlight on one of the creative minds behind those tasty festive spreads — Chef Jenny Lee! Amid the hustle and bustle of the kitchen, we caught up with her to learn what inspires her to bring festive cheer for our residents and clients, one meal at a time.
Jenny’s Story:
When I first stepped into a nursing home kitchen back in 2015, I honestly knew nothing about cooking on a large scale. I didn’t know how to use a big wok, start a fire, or run a kitchen. I was referred by a friend and took on a kitchen supervisor role by coincidence, with zero understanding of nursing home operations.
What I did have, however, was empathy.
Seeing elderly residents who could not go home, even though many had families, left a deep impression on me. That became my motivation to learn and to do better every single day.
Over the years, I challenged myself to grow. I took part in several Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) culinary competitions, including Eat Well. Age Well. Live Well and the Community Care Culinary Movement.
Each time, I represented my home with one simple goal: to bring pride back to my residents.
Whenever I won, every prize dollar went back to them – spent on food and little treats. Because without them, there would be no me.
Since joining KWSH in 2023, festive periods have taken on even greater significance for me. I choose not to take leave during major festivals, because I want to be present in the kitchen, ensuring every meal is prepared with care.
Festive occasions can be especially lonely for residents who are unable to celebrate with their families, and I believe that a thoughtfully prepared meal can help bridge that gap. Being there allows me to see their reactions, hear their feedback, and make sure they feel remembered and included.
Festive meals truly hold a special place in my heart. Since 2016, I’ve been involved in preparing special meals for Hari Raya, Deepavali, Christmas, and, of course, Lunar New Year.
One of the meals I’m most proud of is pen cai, which we prepared for Chinese New Year 2025.
We really made it our goal to deliver restaurant-level standards, not skimping on the quantity and quality of our ingredients. I always remind myself that while families dine out and gather during festivals, our elderly should not be left behind.
Food may be one of the few comforts they have, and they deserve to enjoy it fully.
I joined KWSH on 1 March 2023, after ensuring a smooth handover to my juniors. Even today, I don’t consider myself a “chef” by title; it still feels foreign to me. What matters more is being given the opportunity to serve, to create moments of happiness, and to make our residents feel remembered and celebrated.
If there’s one belief that has shaped my journey, it is this: what we enjoy outside, our elderly deserve to enjoy too. And if a well-prepared meal can bring a smile, then every long day in the kitchen is well worth it. I would like to end off by saying a big thank you to the generous donors of KWSH for their support. Without them, the meals for our residents would not be possible.
