SINGAPORE — Sam Yap has joined the US Wheat Associates’ (USW) Singapore office as a bakery technician with a regional focus in South and Southeast Asia, the organization announced.

“We are excited to welcome a talented baker with valuable industry experience and insight to support customers in markets where demand for high-quality US wheat continues to grow,” said Joe Sowers, USW regional vice president for South and Southeast Asia. “USW has a strong legacy of dependable technical service in this region led by Roy Chung. With Roy as their mentor, Sam joins Ivan Goh and Adrian Redondo in carrying on that exceptional work into the future.”

Yap said: “I am excited to join the US Wheat Associates team and use my skills and experience to support the increasing demand for high-quality US wheat in South and Southeast Asia.”

With nearly a decade of experience in high-end bakeries and hotels, Yap will have an immediate impact on the region, USW said. Most recently, he spent five years at Keong Saik Bakery in Singapore, a leading traditional Chinese bakery. As head baker of the bread team, Yap was involved in all aspects of bakery production and management — experience that will help him relate to and understand the needs of US wheat customers.

Yap has a diploma in culinary skills from SHATEC – Singapore and is currently working toward a diploma in applied science focused on nutrition and food science at Republic Polytechnic. In addition, Yap has completed several courses and certifications across South Asia, further developing his skills and knowledge of bread, pastries, baking with kefir probiotics, and more.