The future is yours to create: Josiah Chee

Josiah is the Campari Red Hands APAC 2025 finalist for Singapore, whose journey into hospitality began behind a café counter before evolving into the energy of the night scene. Drawn to the culture and creative freedom of the bar world, he approaches his craft with intention, reflection, and a strong sense of community.

A little bit about me

Hi, I’m Josiah Chee. I began my journey in hospitality through a part-time job at a cafe while saving money for a trip to a jungle monastery. During that time, I fell in love with coffee and café culture, and moving from coffee into mixing drinks felt like a natural evolution. When I eventually stepped into the nightlife scene, the contrast was striking. The energy was electric, everything felt alive. I was hooked from day one.

What I enjoy most about this industry is the sense of community, from our guests to fellow members of the bar world. There is nothing quite like a night out with the bar community. The love, appreciation, and shared passion for what we do create something truly special.

“When I stepped into the nightlife scene, the energy was vibrant and alive, and I was hooked from the very first day.”

What makes me happiest is the freedom to express myself, both through my craft and my lifestyle. Having that level of autonomy, while doing something I genuinely love every day and being able to make a living from it, is something I’m deeply grateful for.

I believe that the happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. I’m driven by the idea of placing myself in uncomfortable situations, challenging my limits, and callousing my mind through experience, active project or a fresh direction professionally, I’m always chasing growth, for myself and for the people around me.

How I approach my work

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to listen first, never assume, and always leave your ego at home.

For me, progress is a balancing act. It’s a multifaceted process that demands careful time management, clear prioritisation, and an understanding of where my energy is best spent. When you begin to work with intention, you realise just how much you’re capable of achieving.

“Progress is a balancing act, once you work with intention, you realise just how much you’re capable of achieving.”

Good leadership is incredibly motivating. I value employers who listen before making decisions, consider the bigger picture, and involve their team in conversations when there are factors not yet fully understood. That kind of guidance and transparency makes a huge difference.

Brands play an essential role in the industry, and the relationship is deeply intertwined. Education, travel opportunities, activations, and competitions all contribute significantly to personal and professional growth. At the same time, the industry brings life, culture, and a sense of community to the brands themselves.

My Campari Red Hands journey

Winning the national finals was an incredible experience. Even having the opportunity to compete alongside so many talented individuals was meaningful, and taking the win made the entire journey even more rewarding.

One of the most memorable moments from the national finals was completing the final part of my presentation with the bubble gun. After weeks of preparation and anxiety, to having that first Campari Soda at the bar, no reservations. Un momento perfetto.

Preparation for the national finals was very much a team effort, and having my tribe around me made all the difference. Sharing ideas, offering support, and working together shaped the journey. While we can’t bring the team to Milan, we’re definitely bringing the attitude, prep and lots of funk.

The biggest challenge I’ve faced throughout the competition has been managing nerves and self-doubt. I’ve learned that while you can’t eliminate those feelings entirely, you can ride them and flip them into fuel.

The inspiration behind my competition cocktail comes from Dolce Far Niente, which translates to “the sweetness of doing nothing.” Campari has always symbolised leisure, sensuality, and ritual, often enjoyed outdoors during golden hour. The beach aperitivo moment felt like a natural extension of that Italian lifestyle, doing nothing sweetly and beautifully.

“Dolce Far Niente is about the sweetness of doing nothing, doing nothing, but doing it beautifully.”

I’m still exploring how best to bring a piece of my local bar culture to the global finals, but whatever form it takes, it’s going to be something special.

What I’m most looking forward to in Milan is connecting with the global community and meeting the other finalists. Being surrounded by like-minded people from around the world is something I truly look forward to.

My hope is that both the judges and the audience walk away having experienced something memorable.

For future finalists, my advice would be to read, read and re-read the brief. Start with the brand, its identity, its values. Everything else, the concept and story, flows from there.

After the competition, it’s back to the grind. Self-improvement is a lifelong journey, and that’s a path I intend to stay on. I’m always evolving, and doing it alongside an incredible community makes the journey that much more meaningful. Stay tuned.