Raj Narayana Pillai

Raj Narayana Pillai

Hospitality and Beverage Expert

Introduction

Raj Narayana Pillai, fondly known as Rajj, began his hospitality journey in 1999 at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore. Hailing from Johor Bahru, Malaysia, he moved to Singapore after completing his SPM and pursued tertiary qualifications in Hospitality and Tourism while working at The Dubliner Irish Pub. His early career saw him organizing high-profile parties and events for both local and international celebrities. With extensive hands-on experience at leading establishments such as Timbre Group, The Dubliner, and the renowned cocktail bar Here and There, Rajj honed his skills in bar management, inventory control, and mixology. Over the years, he transitioned into F&B consulting and training, executing events like the F1 Fuel Party, Beerfest, and Rock and Roots Festival, and collaborating with global liquor brands including Jim Beam and Absolut Vodka on brand activations and cocktail innovations.

As an HRDF-certified trainer and F&B Lecturer at CQ TEC TVET College, Rajj has developed and delivered specialized training modules in bar operations, beverage innovation, and elite butler service. His commitment to excellence in hospitality education extends beyond the classroom—he has actively participated in hospitality event planning, technical training, and student recruitment initiatives. Passionate about mentoring the next generation of industry professionals, Rajj believes in "The Perfect Management," a philosophy that prioritizes guest experience, leadership, and adaptability in a constantly evolving industry. Through his reskilling programs, he has contributed to the upskilling of hospitality teams in renowned hotels such as Cititel Penang, Dorsett Hartamas, and Pullman Miri, cementing his role as a forward-thinking leader in the F&B and hospitality landscape.

Basic Specialty Knowledge of Spirits & Cocktails

This training program is designed to equip F&B service staff, bartenders, hospitality professionals, and beverage enthusiasts with essential knowledge and practical skills in spirits and cocktail preparation. This HRDC-claimable course provides a solid foundation in understanding the origins, categories, and tasting profiles of major spirits, along with practical bartending techniques and responsible alcohol service. Day 1 focuses on spirit fundamentals, tasting techniques, and bar setup essentials, while Day 2 emphasizes cocktail creation, customer engagement, and hands-on training. Whether you're new to the bar scene or looking to refresh your skills, this course delivers an engaging and interactive learning experience that enhances both confidence and competence behind the bar. Training Methodology : Interactive Discussions Spirit Tasting Sessions Hands-on Cocktail Preparation Role-Playing & Practical Assessments

Bar Supervisory Skills Masterclass

Get ready to shake things up! The Bar Supervisory Skills Masterclass is a dynamic, hands-on training designed for current and future bar leaders and beverage enthusiasts who want to level up their game. Whether you’re a head bartender, bar supervisor, or aspiring team leader, this 2-day experience dives deep into everything you need to run a smooth, profitable, and guest-focused bar. From mastering day-to-day operations and crafting killer menus to managing teams, boosting sales, and staying on top of legal know-how, you’ll tackle real-world challenges through role-play, simulations, and plenty of practical action. It's not just training, it’s your behind-the-bar leadership breakthrough.

Comprehensive Bar Management Forensics

Ready to uncover the secrets hiding behind the bar? Comprehensive Bar Management Forensics is not your typical training, it's a deep dive into the real-world challenges every bar leader faces but few dare to confront. Designed for bar managers, owners, and senior F&B professionals, this high-impact 2-day masterclass will sharpen your instincts and arm you with the skills to sniff out fraud, plug revenue leaks, and take full control of your operations. You’ll learn how to read between the lines of sales reports, outsmart inventory losses, and handle staff misconduct like a pro. With a mix of hands-on activities, juicy case studies, and real-world scenarios, this course delivers the tools and tactics to turn you into the Sherlock Holmes of bar management. It’s bold, it’s practical, and it’ll change the way you run your bar.