They had been thrown out after they failed to pay their rent.

Now, home is an apartment in Chancery Court. Chan, who turns 45 tomorrow, co-owns and runs the 28-seat Iggy's at The Regent Singapore, which was recently named Asia's Best Restaurant by The Miele Guide.

The luxe eatery was also ranked No.77 on British magazine Restaurant's World's 100 Best Restaurants honour roll this year, the only establishment representing South-east Asia.

Despite such acclaim, Chan has never forgotten his background.

'I am not rich and famous,' he says. 'I am a kampung boy who has the opportunity to experience the lifestyle of the rich and famous. About 70 per cent of my meals are hawker food.'

Read the full story in The Straits Times' Life! today