Raj Narayana Pillai
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.