Ai Mun Kong

As 2024 ends, I’ve been reflecting on the year through the lens of Culinary Class Wars—a series full of life lessons. The tough selection of 20 from 80 contestants at the start mirrors life’s challenges. While we can’t always be on top, we can stay at the top of our game—just as the series celebrates cuisines from around the world, there are always many ways to approach challenges at work. The blindfolded judging and veteran-vs-underdog challenges highlight the need for humility and constant improvement—sticking to “how it’s always done” stifles innovation. While the convenience store task emphasized standing out and adapting quickly based on surroundings, the grueling tofu marathon was a stark reminder to stay physically and mentally fit for life’s long haul. What truly stood out to me was the respectfulness among contestants, free from the typical drama of reality shows. This quality is a powerful representation of progressive Asians staying rooted in their values. The judges’ fair critiques, their bows to departing contestants, and the camaraderie among competitors were inspiring. The handshake before the final tofu challenge captured the spirit of healthy competition and mutual admiration. Wins and losses are inevitable, but what matters is how we move forward. Here’s to closing 2024 on a reflective note (perhaps end the year bingeing this series? :D) and embracing a fruitful 2025!

An earnest, heartfelt love story of a couple that has each other’s back in trying times, over & over again. Simply beautiful.

Solid script & acting that takes us through an emotional ride on the everyday life of cops.