Ethan's journey through the culinary and mixology world is nothing short of extraordinary. Starting as a commis cook in 1990, he swiftly rose to the position of head chef, mastering both Eastern and Western cuisines. However, in 1996, Ethan made a pivotal career shift, venturing into the dynamic bar scene. Since then, he has dedicated himself to advancing and innovating within the F&B industry.

Ethan's passion and talent caught the attention of the international stage when he proudly represented Singapore as a finalist in the "International Flair Competition 1997" held in Birmingham, U.K. The following year, he achieved a remarkable trifecta by clinching the championship title, earning the distinction of Best Newcomer in the "Europa Bartender Competition," and securing the coveted title of "Bartender of the Year 1998."

In 2000, Ethan showcased his flairing skills at the Grand Opening of "Saltimbanco – Cirque Du Soleil" during his tenure with China Jump Singapore, further solidifying his reputation as a master mixologist.

Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and self-improvement, Ethan obtained a certificate in bar management from SHATEC in 2001. Subsequently, he held influential positions such as Bar Manager of Club "The Liquid Room," Operations Manager at Club "Centro 360 Group," and General Manager of the esteemed LGBT Club "Happy" from 2001 to 2006.

Ethan's expertise extends beyond the bar counter, encompassing a diverse range of lifestyle-related topics, including wines, spirits, food, and cigars. His extensive knowledge led him to provide consultancy services for renowned F&B establishments such as Ministry Of Sound, Hed Kandi, Fashion TV, Cafe del Mar, Buddha Bar, Bice, Aurum, and Clinic The Club.

In addition to his multifaceted roles as a chef, consultant, lifestyle ambassador, events specialist, and interior designer, Ethan is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of talent. He personally conducts Master Mixology Classes, sharing his wealth of experience and expertise with aspiring professionals. Ethan's dedication to education is further exemplified by his willingness to serve as a panelist, seizing every opportunity to contribute to the industry's growth.

True to his life motto of "never stop learning," Ethan's relentless pursuit of excellence has earned him widespread respect as a prominent figure in the F&B sphere. Major fashion brands including CHANEL, Mont Blanc, Guess, Giorgio Armani, Diesel, Polo Ralph Lauren, Viktor & Rolf, agnès b, and Penhaligon’s have recognized his creative prowess, collaborating with him to craft signature cocktails showcased at prestigious luxury events.

Ethan's magnetic personality has also garnered him widespread media attention, with features in esteemed publications such as The Straits Times, Business Times, TODAY, Forbes, Robb Report, Singapore Tatler, Prestige, Appetite, Epicure, and many more, both locally and internationally.

Accolades & Achievements:

2011

– Birth of Maison Ikkoku Cocktail Bar, Pioneer of Bespoke Cocktail Bar Concept in Singapore.

– Judge for International Bartender Competition 2006, Bar Pro Flair Comp 2009, Bombay Sapphire World's Most Imaginative Bartender Challenge 2012.

2012

– Successfully completed the performance of “The First Flying Cocktails in the world” in I-Fly Singapore, the world largest indoor skydiving and hosted the bespoke cocktails press conference for Mediacorp.

– Invited to conceptualise the entire cocktail list for Spider Room of Avalon (Los Angeles), also in the same month, created “The Jewel Of Pangaea” which was listed as one of The World’s Most Expensive Cocktail. SGD$35k for a glass at Pangaea Singapore located in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore.

– Won the Champion of Bacardi Singapore Cocktails Search and was invited as guest speaker for “Creative Mixer 4.0” held at LASALLE College of The Arts.

– Spokesperson / ambassador for Gc Smart Luxury, The Swiss Made Timepieces (Guess Collections)

2013

– Conceptualised the entire cocktail list for Art Bar (Butter Factory) and Nuvo Restaurant & Bar.

2014

– The personality/ambassador of Urban Homme Face & Body Studio for Men (Mary Chia)

– Designed and developed global drinks menu for Haagen-Dazs outlets worldwide

- Provided Cocktail Bar Service to Malaysian Petroleum Club in KLCC (Malaysia)

– Invited to be the mentorship & motivational speaker for Manhunt Singapore 2014

– Visited Manila & Jakarta on Ambassadorship to promote the Art of Cocktails for Singapore Tourism Board

2015

– Menu Development and Training for Atmosphere Kanifushi Resort in Maldives.

– Maison Ikkoku won “Best Cocktail Bar” Award in HungryGoWhere.com “Eat-lection” the Oscar for Food & Beverages Industry, voted by the people of Singapore.

– Brand Ambassador for Martell, The world renowned Cognac Brand, in celebration of Martell 300 years and Singapore 50 years.

– Opening of a brand new dining & bespoke pairing concept “FORT by Maison Ikkoku”, a contemporary French Japanese Restaurant and Cocktail Bar, Ethan wrote the hats of Executive Director, Chef, Mixologist and interior designer for this brainchild.

– Fujiflim celebrated Singapore 50 years with Ethan as one of the SG50 personalities.

- Provided canapes and cocktail service for "Étourdissant Cartier" a 14 days Cartier High Fashion Jewellery Exhibition,

2016

– Launch of FORT Catering: Bagged Kenzo x H&M, Crabtree & Evelyn within a month.

– Invited as VIP Speaker for the MICS Macau International Clubs Show: “The Art of Mixology”.

– Singapore Fashion Runway X Ethan Leslie Leong “Fashion with a cause” in collaboration with The Singapore Fashion Runway and Ethan leading the runway.

– Maison Ikkoku, once again, won the “Best Cocktail Bar” Award in HungryGoWhere.com “Eat-lection” the Oscar for Food & Beverages Industry, voted by the people of Singapore.

– Invited as Celebrity Mixologist to develop a drinks menu for Crabtree & Evelyn’s Christmas tea collection media launch.

- Maison Ikkoku hosted Wedding Solemnization for Hollywood Actor Henry Golding and Liv Lo.

– Designed and developed Festive drinks menu for Haagen-Dazs outlets worldwide

– Menu Development and Training for the brand new Oblu by Atmosphere Resort in Maldives.

– Maison Ikkoku, on its 5th birthday, being listed as one of the World’s Best Bars.

– Singapore Airlines X Maison Ikkoku, a month long collaborations held in Changi Airport Terminal 2 & Terminal 3 Premier Lounge for Business Class and First Class Passengers only.

2017

– Dan Takeda X Ethan Leslie Leong, a collaborations with Flower Artiste. Mix of Flower Design with Mixology

– Catering to Deutsche Bank

– Catering to Western Bulk

– The launch of Passion Made Possible STB Event Features ELL Spirits and Cocktails

– Cocktail Booth in F1 After Party "Boudoir Blanc"

– Photoshoot of TOP 10 Miss World Singapore

– Hosted Mixology Workshop for Thales NSEA

– 2nd Launch of Passion Made Possible by STB Event Features ELL Spirits and Cocktails

– Canapés and Cocktail Catering to Epicor Software

– Hosted Mixology Workshop for the launch of Huawei New Mobile Phone

– Hosted U.S. Embassy Cocktail Canapés Reception

– Hosted Suites Digital Company Dinner

– Hosted KB Association Xmas Lunch

– Hosted Novartis Company Xmas Dinner

– Cocktail Catering to Michelin Star Restaurant "Saint Pierre"

– Hosted Cooking and Cocktail Workshop "Learn Culture Through Food" by The Style Atelier

– Hosted S47 Christmas Dinner Event

2018

– Launch of new brand outlet Maison Ikkoku The Gallery, a contemporary Art Gallery in a chic Restaurant and Cocktail Bar in Singapore

- Hosted Mixology Workshop for Schroder Investment

- Catering to Deutsche Bank

- Lunch Catering to Eldelman Singapore

- Hosted Cooking and cocktail workshop "Learn Culture Through Food" by The Style Atelier

- Hosted Mixology Workshop for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Asia

- Hosted Corporate Event for Pallion & ABC Bullion

- Hosted Mixology Workshop for Omega

- Wine Appreciation + Creative Dinner for International Wine & Food Society Singapore

- Hosted Google Asia Pacific’s Corporate Function + Mixology Workshop

- Hosted Standard Chartered Private Equity Singapore Corporate Event

2019

- Received 4 Awards “The Legendary”, “Bar Entrepreneur”, “Best Working Flair”, “Best Showmanship” by Singapore Legendary Bar Awards organized by Bar Stylez

- Jeremy Gillion X Ethan Leslie Leong a collaborations with Michelin Star Chef Cocktail Pairing Dinner in JAG

- Provided Cocktail Bar Catering Service for Rolex

- Provided Cocktail Bar Catering Service for Chopard

- Hosted Mixology Workshop for Google

- Hosted Mixology Workshop for Twitter

- Hosted Mixology Workshop for Freemont

- Hosted Creative Dinner for Steris Solution

- Hosted Thales Nsea Team Bonding Mixology Masterclass

- Hosted Mixology Workshop for Facebook

- Hosted Mixology Competitive Workshop for Japan Tobacco International

- Co-Starred with Hollywood Actor Henry Golding Short Film “Hennessey Odyssey”

2020

- Hosted Mixology Workshop for Tik Tok

- Birth of SLING - Singapore Sling Specialist

- Started Cocktail Delivery in Pandemic

- Started Online Cocktail Masterclass in Pandemic

2021

- Judge for National Cocktail Competition 2021

- Judge for F&N Mocktail Competition 2021

2022

- Maison Ikkoku Featured in Bloomberg Crypto

- Maison ikkoku Hosted Blockchain Fest Welcome Party

- Hosted Mixology Masterclass for Meta (Facebook)

- Ethan Judge for National Cocktail / Mocktail Competition 2022

- Ethan Judge for Moutai Sling Cocktail Competition 2022

- Ethan Judge for Asia Pacific Cocktail Competition 2022

- Ethan Hosted AMA for Asian Television Awards Official NFT “ Glitzy Tribe”

- Maison Ikkoku Featured in Bloomberg Crypto as one of the must visit bar in Singapore

- Maison ikkoku Hosted TOKEN2049 Welcome Party

- Maison Ikkoku Hosted Cocktail & Canapes press events for Crypto.com with Ethan designed the signature cocktail “Fortune Favours The Brave”

2023

- Maison ikkoku Hosted Asia Blockchain Fest 2024 Welcome Party

- Maison ikkoku Hosted TOKEN2049 Welcome Party

- Ethan Judge for National Cocktail / Mocktail Competition 2023

- Ethan Judge for Asia Pacific Cocktail Competition 2023

- Maison Ikkoku Hosted Mixology Masterclass for Japan Tobacco Company

- Birth of Ern Ern Steak & Fries Concept

- Launch of Maison Ikkoku 2.0 with New Interior, New Concept and Special in House 7 Type Distilled Gin Offering

2024