Many Gen-Z Singaporeans grew up savoring Oreo Crush or Pearl Milk Tea which they could buy with $1 to $2 from the modest shops in their neighborhood void deck.

However, many smaller bubble tea shops in the heartland have felt the squeeze since the arrival of many big-name bubble tea chains, which have attracted a strong following with their trendy drinks, bizarre concoctions and loyalty programs.

Some small players do manage to stand the test of time though. Mr Michael Ong Ping Han, for example, has run his bubble tea shop, Tea Master, in Serangoon Central for 15 years.

What’s his secret to staying in the game despite the stiff competition? Hear from him in our video interview.