CNA – Balmoral Bakery is a familiar name to those who grew up in the Clementi area of Singapore. However, many might not know that its head baker and second-generation owner, Mr Lim Ming Noong, initially pursued studies in the arts. “I graduated from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts with the intention of pursuing a career in advertising,” the 78-year-old reminisced.
“However, after finishing school, my paternal uncle invited me to join the family business, and I decided to take that path instead.” During an interview with the source, he fondly reminisced about his artistic passions, showing us his “portfolio” – a series of photographs capturing the intricate birthday cakes he has crafted over the years. “We get requests to draw all sorts of cartoon characters.
I’ve never seen some of them before, but as long as you have a reference, I can make it happen.” When Mr Lim first stepped into the kitchen in his twenties, though, he knew nothing about baking. Nevertheless, he chose to work with his hands as he was discouraged by the few career prospects his education offered him at the time.
“This was my first job, and I’ve stuck it out all the way till this day. I’ve gotten so used to it that I’m like a machine now,” he joked. For over half a century, Mr.
Lim’s day has begun at the crack of dawn. Rising at 4.30am, he starts preparations at 6.
15am and opens the doors of the bakery at 9am. The rest of the morning whizzes by as pastries fly off the she.
