The relationship between food and people is an obvious one — after all, it is through our hunger and appetite that we nourish and build relationships with one another. SUTD certainly has no shortage of food stories!
Bernard Kok (left) & Ivan Ting (right), Bread Yard
“Don’t say bo jio!”, or “DSBJ”, is a well-known tongue-in-cheek acronym in SUTD. A local mishmash of Singlish and Hokkien, the phrase translates to “Don’t say that I didn’t invite you!”, and is most commonly used online for anything that involves food (such as excess leftovers from a conference or event), parties and gatherings.
One unique part of SUTD is Bread Yard, a cafe that serves up high-quality and affordable all-day breakfasts, sandwiches and homemade bread. Ivan Ting, co-founder of Bread Yard and current student in SUTD, feels that the startup vibe is strong in SUTD and hopes it continues to support the entrepreneurial dreams of its students.
“I hope to make Bread Yard a symbol of entrepreneurship in SUTD, being its flagship cafe, and inspire other students to do what they are passionate and truly care about.”
— Ivan
Ivan
Ivan observes that many fellow students don’t have time to truly enjoy their meals. They go for what’s cheap and convenient, and then rush off to the next class. With the support of SUTD, Ivan aims to change the attitude towards food in the school community.
“Bread Yard is about changing the culture of the community – its not just about food, although I must say we are certainly working hard at making the best bread in Singapore, even the world.”
— Ivan
Students who do find the time to prepare meals commonly do so in their hostel dormitories. Others host a BBQ night for special occasions such as Freshnomore, a night to celebrate the end of the first three terms at SUTD. Other options available nearby are the SIT’s canteen and kopitiam at Block 34. Many students hope for the standard of SUTD’s canteen, The Coffee Scent, to improve but still flock there for the most low-cost meals on campus.
Ivan sums it up very nicely: design is very much ingrained with the way we eat. What he’s learning from SUTD can be applied to the business. What better place to integrate design into life than at SUTD!
“Every part of the business utilises design thinking, from the product development, to systems operations, to presentation, it is design education at its most holistic.”
— Ivan
