Many of you will know the dessert stall, Divine, at the SMU Kopitiam run by SMU Alum, Edmund Ng (BBM, Graduating Class of 2004). We persuaded him to share with us certain ‘trade' secrets.

Edmund Ng and his creations

Q: Who in history would you have liked to have as a Dean?
Edmund: I'm not much of a history fan… but I think I'll give Christopher Columbus a shot. He'll inspire our students to explore and discover what's beyond books.

Q: What did you enjoy most about SMU when you were a student here?
Edmund: The lessons were enjoyable of course. And summer break! Who doesn't look forward to summer break?

Q: What inspired you to start your own food business?
Edmund: The idea of being called ‘Boss' was pretty appealing. But it was my interest-turned-passion for baking that starting everything. One good experiment led to another. Then the opportunity came to start a business and I took it. It's never easy but never say die!

Edmund's mouthwatering cheesecake

Q: Customers have been singing praises about your brownies. What's the secret ingredient?
Edmund: There really isn't a secret food ingredient; it is really about the right mix. Just like what we learn in marketing, the mix is very important. Lots of trial and error on the recipes and after trying about 1,000 times, we will probably hit on the right one.

Q: What do you find most satisfying about your job?
Edmund: Customer satisfaction is my satisfaction. Monetary rewards are quite secondary when you get to do something you like. I really look forward to creating new delicious desserts!

Q: SMU has a strong sports culture, what do you workout to?
Edmund: I gym a little, swim a little, jog a little. The business takes up a lot of my time. I guess my best workout is dough kneading.

Edmund's famous brownie

Q: If KF Seetoh of Makansutra comes for a crash course at SMU, what classes would you recommend he takes and why?
Edmund: Some fitness classes at the SMU gym. He looks like he needs it.

Q: If you were a student now, what CCAs would you join?
Edmund: Gourmet Club! Great food experiences at discount prices!

Q: If I weren't running Divine, …
Edmund: I would probably be working in some boring company complaining about my boss. Isn't that what employees do? Bet mine do the same too. Haha!