Interview with Angel Ji

Angel Ji is the visionary force behind Tryptik at Kampung Attap, Kuala Lumpur.  As a trailblazing mixologist and an award-winning innovator in Malaysia’s cocktail scene, she has transformed the craft of mixology into an art form. Her journey is a testament to passion, creativity, and fearless pursuit of excellence, inspiring a new generation to dream boldly and stir up change. 

1. Which year did you join KTJ, and when did you graduate from KTJ? 
I joined KTJ in the second semester of 2000 and graduated in 2002. 

2. Which house were you in? 
I started out in Naquiah House and happily moved to Jawahir House later on. 

3. What do you remember most about KTJ? 
Ah, I love this question, it really makes me pause and reflect. So many moments come to mind, and many are still so vivid. The first memory that surfaced was jogging through the mystical morning mist that drifted across the school grounds like a dancing siren at 6am. You just don’t get that kind of nature in the city. 

But the real highlight—the icing on the cake—was when the final whistle blew on the handball court and Jawahir beat Irina. We were ecstatic, almost in disbelief. The sidelines exploded with cheers, but I couldn’t hear a thing. Everything slowed down, the sound was muffled like it was underwater. People ran toward us, and we ran to them. The first hug I got was from Puan Noorsham, she flung her arms open and pulled me into a tight, heartwarming squeeze. Her face was glowing with pride and joy. 

Up until that moment, I never fully understood the magic of team sports. It always felt like too much effort for something I didn’t personally own. But that day changed everything. I still may not be great at team sports, but I definitely try harder now and more importantly, I finally get it. 

Also, just to add—I’m not sure what Jawahir House is like these days, but back then, we weren’t exactly known for our athleticism. So that win? It was extra sweet. 

4. Can you tell us about your educational journey after KTJ? 
Honestly, I didn’t do all that well academically after KTJ. I thought I knew what I wanted to study, but I kept getting sidetracked. Eventually, I ended up picking courses just to get my parents off my back. 

I had to leave LaSalle-SIA for personal reasons, which was genuinely heartbreaking, I had dreamed of joining them since I was in primary school. After that, I completed a double Diploma in Mass Communication and Digital Filming, and later pursued a BA in Recording Arts, but ended up dropping out in my final year. 

While trying to find my footing in the real world, I kept picking up random short courses—things like studio photography and Photoshop—that could help generate some side income. 

Looking back, I really wish I had taken a few gap years to explore life, work a little, and figure out what I actually wanted before diving back into studies. 

5. If you had to go back and redo your high school (KTJ) experience from scratch, what would you change and why? 
So many things… and yet, maybe nothing at all. I wasn’t the easiest kid, and KTJ played a big part in straightening me out. I still joke today that if I hadn’t gone to KTJ, I might’ve ended up in prison for some white-collar crime. 

6. What do you do now (work)? 
I run my own hospitality space called Triptyk, located in Kampung Attap. It’s a community-led hub for foodpreneurs, musicians, artists, creatives - all sorts of outliers and misfits come together and showcase their work. As a bar and beverage specialist, I’m also involved in consultancy work, helping others set up bars and restaurants from scratch—from KPIs and concept design to training and menu engineering. I judge both local and international cocktail and mocktail competitions, conduct masterclasses and workshops, and occasionally travel for guest shifts at top cocktail bars around the world. 

7. What did you learn from KTJ that is most applicable to your current position? 
KTJ taught me how to think independently and speak my mind—something that wasn’t encouraged in my earlier academic experience, which was more about rote memorisation. It also taught me how to engage with people from all walks of life. There were social circles after school hours, sure, but within the school grounds, there was no real division. Whether you were the popular kid or the odd one out, you still got a nod, a smile, or a friendly "hi" in the hallway. Without realising it, that experience prepared me for my current role where I’m constantly talking to strangers with wildly different expectations. Every day at my job is different. It’s fast-paced, constantly evolving, and I’m often juggling multiple moving parts—with alcohol in the mix—so quick thinking and adaptability are key. 

8. Who should we feature next in our KTJ Community? 
You should feature Danial Anis, Class of 2002 (Form 6). He’s now managing an F&B group. We worked together years ago in another group—he was the head chef, and I was the head bartender. 
Later on, he branched out on his own and started a BBQ and smashed burger stall, which to this day serves my absolute favourite burger in Malaysia. Like me, he chose to follow his passion instead of walking the traditional path our parents expected.