From Military Discipline to Culinary Excellence at Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen

Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen welcomes a new era of culinary precision and globally-inspired dining with the appointment of William Ong as Executive Chef. 

Chef William arrives with more than two decades of culinary experience in Asia’s most prestigious luxury properties. His disciplined approach - a hallmark of his service as a Singapore Infantry army officer - has informed his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to culinary perfection throughout Thailand, Vietnam, and China and in renowned establishments such as The Mandarin Oriental Singapore and, most recently, as executive chef at Shangri-La Qiantan, Shanghai.

Chef William’s creativity is rooted in rich traditional Asian influences and Southeast Asian cuisine. On the one hand, he is influenced by his upbringing and love of local markets; on the other, by his extensive travels and encounters with diverse cultures. He particularly enjoys using herbs and spices to delight the palate with unique and bold flavour profiles, creating adventures in taste that surprise with the new and unexpected.  

His disciplined approach, sharpened by his formative years in military service, ensures that every process, from ingredient selection to final presentation, is executed precisely. This attention to detail elevates his gastronomic creations and inspires his culinary team to reach new heights.

Reflecting on his illustrious career, which has included dishes for dignitaries such as former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and former US President Barack Obama, Chef William shares: “My passion for culinary arts is continually sparked by the dynamic teams I’ve had the privilege to lead. At Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen, I look forward to mentoring our chefs to deliver impeccably crafted dishes steeped in a rich palette of local and global influences.”

Outside of the kitchen, Chef William’s zest for life shines through in his embrace of simple pleasures. He cherishes quality time with his family, loves the spirited camaraderie of a game of soccer, and finds inspiration for new flavours and techniques in a refreshing run. This balance of family, sport, and personal reflection will be a vital source of creativity for his new role at Four Seasons Hotel Shenzhen.