Justin Wee, Assistant Head Sommelier at Raffles Singapore, has been named the recipient of the Tourism Star for Food & Beverage at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2026, one of the country’s highest accolades for tourism professionals.
Presented by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the biennial awards recognise individuals and organisations that have made outstanding contributions to Singapore’s tourism sector. This year’s edition honoured 24 recipients across categories including customer service, visitor experiences and enterprise innovation.
Wee was one of five Tourism Star winners selected from different segments of the tourism industry. The award recognises frontline professionals who deliver “distinctive and compelling customer experiences” that enhance Singapore’s reputation as a world-class destination.
Wee has spent more than a decade in Singapore’s luxury hospitality industry. During his time at Raffles Singapore, he played a key role in the beverage programme at the one-Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic before its closure in May 2024.
He was instrumental in helping the restaurant earn its first Michelin star and contributed to Raffles Singapore achieving its first Forbes Five-Star rating. As the Assistant Head Sommelier of the iconic hotel, his work spans curating award-winning wine lists, developing non-alcoholic pairings and hosting exclusive wine events for the hotel’s various restaurants.
Speaking to Vino Joy News after receiving the award, Wee said: “I am incredibly honoured to receive the Singapore Tourism F&B Star Award 2026. This recognition isn’t just mine. It reflects the amazing people I have had the privilege to learn from and work alongside, from my Wine Team at Raffles Hotel Singapore to my mentors, colleagues past and present, family and friends.”
In announcing the winners, STB Chief Executive Melissa Ow said the recipients exemplified “dedication, bold thinking and a genuine desire to create the best possible experience for our visitors,” adding that their efforts strengthen Singapore’s reputation as a world-class destination.
The Tourism Star for Food & Beverage category was contested by four finalists, including representatives from Marina Bay Sands’ Waku Ghin, Resorts World Sentosa’s Syun and Bedrock Origin, highlighting the calibre of Singapore’s fine dining sector.
The Singapore Tourism Awards are held every two years and recognise excellence across tourism, hospitality, attractions, retail and visitor experiences. Other Tourism Star winners this year represented Mandai Wildlife Group, Equarius Hotel, Mount Faber Leisure Group and Monster Day Tours.
Discover more from Vino Joy News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
