Former Meta employee Alvin Tan transitions from tech to food vending

Alvin Tan, a 30-year-old former employee at Meta Singapore, has transitioned from a high-paying corporate role to street food vending. While working at Meta, Tan earned approximately 10,000 SGD per month. Following his departure, his monthly income has decreased to roughly 4,000 SGD through his food business.

Tan cited the rise of artificial intelligence and the potential for software engineers to be replaced as primary motivators for his proactive career shift. He chose to leave the tech industry before facing potential layoffs, noting that business ownership allows him to take direct responsibility for his outcomes rather than relying on external factors.

Applying a tech-industry mindset of “test first, expand later,” Tan began by cooking Hokkien mee at home and offering free samples before launching his food stall, Umami, in Geylang in July 2025.