“The misconception of health food has irked many individuals away because all they see is food that is bland in flavours, dull in colours and literally non-appetising,” Syam replies when asked about the philosophy behind Colourful Appetite.

“We are not about strict nutritional philosophies where one has to stay unrealistically thin or deprive one’s self of the food you love. Rather it’s about feeling great, having more energy, indulging in your favourites and keeping as healthy as possible.”

Having discovered her love of food and cooking at the tender age of eight, Syam went on to develop her entrepreneurial skill in her teen years by baking cookies, muffins, cakes and various varieties of bread for the neighbours.

Between school, sports and part-time jobs at cafes and restaurants, Syam continued to pursue her passion to educate others. “During my late teens, I started my home base cooking classes for housewives, club members and charitable organizations before pursuing my higher education in Hospitality and Culinary Management.”

But it wasn’t until a backpacking trip around Asia that led to the realization that despite being a land of gastronomic indulgences, many foreigners saw Asia as a destination of healing and wellness; and that served as inspiration to set up Colourful Appetite.

“Colourful Appetitie’s mission is to educate the public that healthy eating is a whole load of fun where one gets to indulge the five senses; sight to enjoy a plethora of colours; taste to experience wonderful bursts of flavours; smell to recognize the tantalizing ingredients and spices; touch to immerse in the textures and finally listening — to the praises your body gives you,” she explains.

Championing a campaign dictum that reads “Health is the New you” Syam is determined to promote healthy eating by breaking away from the old adage “you are what you eat” and emphasizing on how you eat instead. “We teach how food choices can reduce the risk of illnesses, boost your energy, sharpen your memory, stabilize your moods, aid weight loss and have a nutritiously luscious body,” says the 32 year-old who admits to not being a health conscious person.

“I grew up in a household where healthy habits were practiced but not emphasised. People nowadays are so caught up with the demands of life that they look for quick-fixes such as diet pills and slimming centres. But the truth is there’s no easy way out. It is a long term commitment.”