From Entry-Level to Management: A Guide for Malaysians Working in Singapore’s Food & Beverage Sector

Singapore’s Food & Beverage (F&B) industry is a fast-paced, high-demand sector — especially for hardworking Malaysians. But while many start in entry-level roles, not everyone knows how to climb the ladder.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common career path, plus how you can speed up your progression with the right strategy.

‍

Entry-Level Roles for Malaysians in Singapore’s F&B Sector

Most Malaysians begin their F&B journey in roles like:

• Service crew

• Kitchen assistant

• Cashier

• Barista

These positions are essential — but they often come with long hours and minimal pay.
According to JobStreet, many Malaysian work permit holders in Singapore’s F&B sector start out earning around SGD $1,800–$2,000 per month.

While this is a decent entry point, the salary range makes it challenging for malaysians to upgrade from a work permit to the likes of S Pass or Employment Pass (E Pass) under Singapore’s current MOM criteria — which prioritizes higher salaries and relevant qualifications. Find out more about factors affecting your work pass upgrades here.

‍

How to Get Promoted in F&B Singapore: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Gain Hands-On Experience

Step 1 is getting your feet in the industry, which I believe many of you readers reading this probably have done this part. Promotion in F&B is often mistakenly linked to experience. Typically, they believe spending 1–2 years in the same role will help them with moving up in positions.

But here’s the problem:

Experience alone won’t always get you noticed — especially when hundreds, if not thousands, of others are doing the same thing, holding similar F&B positions in Singapore.

That’s why we suggest you rely on tangible quality by equipping yourself with a F&B diploma more than just time.

Step 2: Upskill to Stand Out

If you’re serious about promotion, SPM qualifications alone aren’t enough; you need to add value to your resume.

That’s where upskilling comes in.

Take a recognised diploma or degree in food & beverage management to further enhance your current skill sets from more than just operations. As noted in our previous article, educational qualifications are often one of the biggest barriers preventing you from upgrading. Read our previous article to find out other common mistakes that are preventing you from upgrading to a higher-tier work pass.

This signals to employers that you’re ready for higher responsibility — like supervisory or managerial roles.

Why Upskilling Works: Most promotions go to those with effort in the form of upgrading their educational qualifications — not just experience.

                                                                                           Chart showing a simulated growth of a F&B staff in Singapore

‍

Step 3: Move into Supervisor or Assistant Manager Roles

Once you combine experience + qualifications, you can unlock roles like:

• F&B Supervisor

• Assistant Manager

• Floor Manager

These roles typically pay 30%–50% more than entry-level jobs, with an average salary of $52,856 annually, and come with more stable hours.

Pro tip: Employers in Singapore prefer candidates with formal education for these mid-level roles — even if you already have experience.

Final Step: Aim for Full Manager or Multi-Outlet Roles

With years of experience, strong leadership, and the right credentials, you can move into:

• F&B Manager

• Area Manager

• Operations Director

This is where salaries hit $4,000–$6,000/month or more, especially in hotel groups or franchise chains.

Fast-Track Your Career with the Right Support

If you’re stuck in the same job for years, it’s not your fault — most Malaysians in F&B don’t get clear guidance on how to grow.

That’s why Kenneth & Co. works with work permit holders just like you. We’ll help you:

• Pick the right upskilling course

• Upgrade your work pass (so you qualify for better jobs)

• Build a long-term path toward residency or PR

Read more about how you can upgrade from a Work Permit to a S Pass or E Pass.

Ready to move up? Book a free consultation with our career advisor today and start working smarter— not just harder.

Final Thoughts

The F&B industry in Singapore has real opportunities — if you play your cards right. Don’t settle for staying in the same role for years. With the right education, experience, and support, you can turn your F&B job into a long-term career with better pay, more respect, and real stability. By taking actions with a foreseeable goal, it is not impossible even for a work permit holder to eventually upgrade to a PR.

‍