FHA Beer Awards

Scott Ulrich

Head Judge

Certified BJCP Grandmaster Judge

With over 18 years of experience, Scott Ulrich, hailing from Colorado, USA, has passionately delved into homebrewing beers, meads, and ciders. His expertise extends to judging both homebrew and commercial beer competitions for more than 13 years.

Currently holding the prestigious Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) rank of Grand Master I, Scott also boasts the BJCP Mead Judging Endorsement. Remarkably, he secured the 86th position in achieving the Grand Master rank within the BJCP, showcasing his dedication and proficiency in the art and evaluation of craft beverages.

Alvin Teo

Judge

Regional Sales Manager - Yakima Chief Hops

Alvin started out locally as an Assistant Brewer in Archipelago Brewery, where he got to learn the entire production brewing process right from the ground up. In his pursuit to further understand the other side of the beer industry, Alvin then proceeded to Brewerkz where he took on several roles including Business Development and Sales, on top of still brewing on-site.

Now pushing beyond the local scene, Alvin’s present role sees him manage the Southeast-Asia region for Washington-based 100% grower-owned hops supplier Yakima Chief Hops, connecting their family hop farms with the region’s finest breweries.

Instagram: @yakimachief, @alvin_teoks
Facebook: Alvin Teo

Arthur Shu

Judge

Co-Founder - Oritag

Arthur Shu – a Microbiology and Biochemistry graduate from NUS (1992) and holder of a Marketing Management Diploma from SIM, boasts over 20 years in the beer industry. Co-Founder of Oritag Pte Ltd, his company supplies a comprehensive range of ingredients and equipment to breweries in South East Asia, including hops, CIP, yeasts, and malts.

Arthur is set to further contribute to the industry as a BJCP Apprentice Judge, showcasing his commitment to excellence. His journey from scientific studies to entrepreneurship and beer judging, reflects his versatility and leadership in the dynamic world of brewing.

Instagram: @arthurshutg

Clive Lim

Judge

General Sales Manager - Young Master Brewery

Clive Lim is a veteran with over 20 years in the commercial beer industry, excels in sales, marketing, and distribution, with a focus on beer, wine, and spirits. Holding a degree in Communication & Media Management and a diploma in Business Administration & Marketing, he seamlessly blends traditional and craft beer expertise.

A globetrotter, Clive has explored breweries across Southeast Asia, sharing insights as a keynote speaker. His impactful career includes serving as a Back Bar Judge for Stella Artois World Draught Masters and pursuing the BJCP Exam for diverse beer style knowledge, showcasing his commitment to industry excellence and innovation.

Instagram: @youngmasterales

Clive Tan

Judge

Founder - Sunbird Brewing

At just 32, Clive leads Sunbird Brewing Company, Asia's Champion Small-Sized Brewery. Formerly a brewer at a local brewery with a four-digit hectolitre output, Clive is dedicated to propelling craft expressions to new heights.

His commitment to innovation and true-to-style quality has earned him a solid reputation, with some of Asia's top-selling craft beers attributed to his expertise. Clive's youth belies his significant impact, positioning Sunbird Brewing Company as a forward-thinking force in the ever-evolving craft beer landscape.

Instagram: @clivetanwz, @sunbirdbrewing

Crystalla Huang

Judge

Brewmaster - RedDot BrewHouse Pte Ltd

Crystalla began helping out with her father, Ernest, at a young age of 7 and fell in love with brewing process ever since. Over the years, she started pouring her efforts into experimenting with different flavours and styles and went on to study Beer Brewing Science in VLB Berlin, the oldest beer brewing university in the world.

She is also trained in food science and has received her Bachelor in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America. Through her travels and personal experiences, she found the inspirations for all the different interesting beer flavours, and developed the zest to share these with the world.

Dr Joe Ng

Judge

Certified Cicerone

Dr Joe, Singapore's inaugural Certified Cicerone, is a leading figure in the local craft brewing scene. Passionate about Singaporean craft beer, he advocates for its recognition and intertwines beer education seamlessly into the food and beverage industry.

Follow his beer and brewing adventures on @beergeekspeaks, where Dr Joe shares insights and experiences. His commitment to elevating the craft beer landscape in Singapore, combined with his role as an influential educator, marks him as a dynamic force in the thriving world of craft brewing.

Instagram: @beergeekspeaks

Hirose Norihito

Judge

Founder - SG TAPS

Introducing the founder of SG TAPS, Singapore's premier craft beer specialty pub. Hirose Norihito is a Japanese native who has called Singapore home for 23 years. With a fervent passion for craft beer and a keen interest in local brews, he is dedicated to seeking out the finest offerings in the world of beer.

Continuously on the hunt for new and exciting discoveries in the realm of brewing, Hirose Norihito’s mission is to share his love for exceptional beer with enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Join him on a journey of exploration and enjoyment at SG TAPS.

Instagram: @sg.taps, @hirosenorihito

James Nugent

Judge

Certified BJCP Judge

James’ beer journey began over 15 years ago as a home brewer in Melbourne, Australia. After moving to Sydney, James further explored the brewing and craft beer scene as a member of the Inner Sydney Brewers.

During this time, James organised events such as talks by industry experts, and acted as a delegate to the 2014 Australian National Homebrewing Conference. In 2016, James helped to found Australia first co-operative brewery, Hopsters Co-op Brewery, and acted as its inaugural Board Secretary.

James has been a BJCP-qualified judge since 2018 and has both organised and sat as a judge in brewing competitions.

Mitch Gribov

Judge

Head Brewer - Brewerkz

Mitch Gribov, a Versuchsund Lehranstalt für Brauerei (VLB) graduate with over 6 years of global brewing experience, led Master Gao Brewing Co. in China before taking charge of Brewerkz. With a dedication to excellence, Mitch's leadership has earned Brewerkz numerous local and international accolades, including the title of Champion Mid-sized Brewery of Asia at the Asia Beer Championship 2022.

His journey from the renowned VLB to shaping the success of breweries in multiple countries showcases his expertise, passion, and commitment to crafting exceptional beers.

Instagram: @mitchthebrewer

Monteresa Ko

Judge

Certified BJCP Judge

Monteresa, a humble soul, finds joy in the simple pleasures of life. With a background as a judge at the Hong Kong Homebrew contest and as a Recognized BJCP judge, she shares her passion for craft beer.

Her experiences in breweries and beer festivals enrich her understanding, fostering a dedication to supporting and celebrating the craft beer community.

Neo Say Wee

Judge

Head Brewer - Lion Brewery

Hobbyist turned professional brewer, Neo has been brewing crowd favorites and award-winning ales and lagers for both locals and foreigners alike for the last 20 years, satisfying hundreds of thirsty customers daily, across different nations.

Neo setup Singapore’s first HomeBrew store in 2004 becoming the go-to source of all brewing ingredients and equipment to help local hobbyist develop their home brewing craft. In 2005, he turned professional when he joined a local multi-awards winning microbrewery.

Neo continued to fine-tune his crafting skills and became Singapore’s first and only accredited beer judge certified under the Beer Judge Certification Program in 2010. Over the years, he has set up multiple microbreweries in the region and judged in international beer competitions.

Rachel Ng

Judge

Certified BJCP Judge

Rachel Ng actively contributes to the craft beer community as a Beer Enthusiast and member of the Singapore Homebrew Club. Engaging in brewing competitions, Rachel aspires to share her brewing passion as a Beer Judge at FHA-Food & Beverage, emphasizing her role as an Apprentice Judge accredited by the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP).

Her brewing prowess has earned recognition, securing a commendable third place in The Great Singapore Brew-Off 2018. With a commitment to celebrating the craft, Rachel brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to FHA-Food & Beverage, enriching the beer judging landscape with her expertise.

Randy Liew

Judge

Director - Endu, Island Life

With a rich background in F&B, brand development, and brewery startups, Randy is a well-known figure in the Southeast Asian craft brewing scene. As a Brewery Consultant, he has played a crucial role in various craft brewery startup projects across countries like Singapore, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Inspired by his extensive experiences, Randy is committed to promoting the brewing business and Asia's diverse craft brews globally.

Presently, Randy holds key roles as the Managing Director of Endu, a hand-crafted rice wine from Malaysia, and as a Director for an upcoming lifestyle beverage brand in Singapore. In these capacities, he continues to contribute to the evolving F&B landscape in both countries.

LinkedIn: Randy Liew

Scott Schawalder

Judge

Certified BJCP Judge

Scott Schawalder brings a wealth of competition experience to the FHA Beer Awards. Active in the U.S. competition circuit for over five years, he transitioned from brewing to stewarding and eventually earned his Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) certification in 2022.

His journey from steward to certified judge reflects a deep commitment to the craft beer community. While residing in Texas, Scott actively participated in and judged various competitions, finding joy in contributing his expertise to the vibrant world of craft beer. Now based in Singapore, he looks forward to further enriching the beer scene in Asia.

Tay Dao Qian

Judge

Certified BJCP Judge

Tay Dao Qian, a certified BJCP beer judge, contributes his expertise to competitions in Hong Kong and Singapore. Appointed as a Judge in the Asia Beer Awards for commercial beers, Tay extends his influence beyond homebrewing.

Additionally, he serves as a co-founder and consultant to the NTU Brewing Club, embodying a commitment to education, community building, and the relentless pursuit of brewing excellence in diverse brewing landscapes.

Teo Hong Han

Judge

Founder - Pink Blossoms Brewing

Teo Hong Han, the founder of Pink Blossoms Brewing, embarked on his brewing journey with a diploma from the US. Establishing Pink Blossoms Brewing in 2018, his mission is to bring delightful and robust flavors to the community.

Beyond being a brewing entrepreneur, Hong Han is a distinguished Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) judge, recognized for his discerning palate and expertise. With a commitment to crafting exceptional brews, he has built Pink Blossoms Brewing into a respected name in the brewing industry, contributing to the diversity and quality of beer experiences for enthusiasts and the wider community alike.

Instagram: @pinkblossomsbrewing
Facebook: @pinkblossomsbrewing
LinkedIn: Teo Hong Han

Timir Cursons

Judge

Certified BJCP Judge

Timir Cursons, originally from New Zealand, is an experienced homebrewer with over 15 years of brewing passion. With a background in operating a small craft brewing label, he actively organized and judged homebrew competitions in his home country. Timir's expertise and dedication have made a lasting impact on the craft beer community.

Now based in Asia, he continues to share his knowledge, contributing to the dynamic beer scene in the region.

LinkedIn: Timir Cursons

Yeo Eng Kuang (EK)

Judge

Brewmaster - The 1925 Brewing Co.

Serving as the current Brewmaster at The 1925 Brewing Co., EK spearheads the development of innovative and creative new beers tailored for the Asian market, drawing inspiration from regional ingredients and culture. In this role, EK skillfully crafts unique brews that reflect the rich diversity of Asian flavors and traditions.

With a keen focus on blending creativity with brewing expertise, EK continues to contribute to the brewery's success by introducing exciting and culturally resonant offerings to beer enthusiasts in the dynamic Asian beer landscape. EK is also an apprentice Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) judge.

Instagram: @yeoek, @the1925brewingco
Facebook: @the1925