From SIT to Garden Fresh: Blending Artificial Intelligence with Heartfelt Hospitality

SIT Applied Artificial Intelligence pioneer graduate Leshane Lee is bringing smart technology to a family-run café. At Garden Fresh near SIT, she blends innovation with tradition, turning classroom knowledge into real-world impact.

When Leshane Lee (Class of 2025) graduated from the pioneer batch of Singapore Institute of Technology’s Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI) programme, she didn’t expect her next big project to be found in a neighbourhood café. Yet today, she is one of the driving forces behind Garden Fresh, a cosy café near SIT where technology and tradition meet in a meaningful way.

Leshane’s passion for technology began long before university, but it was her time at SIT that sharpened her vision for real-world impact. During her studies, she noticed that her parents’ long-running food and beverage business still relied on traditional operations. Rather than seeing this as a limitation, she saw an opportunity.

Together with her classmate and fellow AAI alumnus, Wu Jiakai, Leshane set out to build a customised Point-of-Sale (POS) system for her mother’s café. From front-end interface to back-end architecture, the duo developed a seamless system designed specifically for Garden Fresh’s operational needs, improving efficiency while keeping the warmth of family-run hospitality intact. What began as a university-honed skillset soon became a meaningful family endeavour.

Integrating Innovation into Tradition

For Leshane, joining the café business was never just about running a food establishment. It was about bringing her technical expertise into a space built on her mother’s passion. Beyond developing systems, she also took on creative responsibilities from designing the café’s logo to refining the menu countless times and shaping a brand identity that reflects healthy yet delicious meals. This balance between technology and creativity made the process especially fulfilling.

The duo did not stop at software. Leshane and Jiakai also took on the installation of LED panels that combine to form a giant display screen at the café. They handled the physical installation themselves, along with the programming and configuration needed to get all the panels working seamlessly together. The process required both technical know-how and hands-on problem-solving, made possible with the support of Leshane’s parents throughout the setup. Seeing the screen come to life became another proud moment that blended their technical skills with real-world application.

Rewarding Milestones and Real Challenges

The most rewarding part of the journey has been seeing their system come to life — a fully customised POS that runs smoothly, bug-free, and perfectly tailored to the café’s needs. Beyond the technology, the real joy comes from seeing customers’ happy faces as they enjoy their meals.

Leshane and Jiakai are currently working on a new scan-to-order feature, which they look forward to rolling out soon. This marks their first major system launch outside of their SIT internships, made even more meaningful by implementing it in a family business.

Of course, the road has not been without challenges. In the early months, the duo juggled system debugging, staff training, and day-to-day café operations all at once. It was intense but deeply fulfilling to see everything come together.

How SIT Shaped the Journey

Leshane credits her three years at SIT for building a strong technical foundation and a resilient problem-solving mindset. Hands-on projects and supportive professors played a significant role in her growth. She also extends special thanks to Associate Professor Donny Soh, Programme Leader of the AAI programme, for his guidance throughout their studies. Today, the skills developed at SIT — from structuring systems to effective collaboration — are applied daily at Garden Fresh.

Giving Back to the SIT Community

As a way of staying connected with the SIT family, Garden Fresh now offers exclusive discounts for SIT staff, students, and alumni — 20% off à la carte dine-in items and 10% off takeaway orders. It is a small gesture of gratitude to the community that shaped their journey.

A Message for SIT Students and Alumni

When asked what advice she would give to current SIT students and fellow alumni, Leshane reflects that growth often happens in unexpected ways:

“Don’t underestimate where your projects and classroom lessons might lead you. Every bit of what you learn adds up; you never know when a skill or idea will spark something bigger. Stay curious, stay open, and don’t be afraid to combine your passions in unexpected ways. If you see a problem worth solving, that might just be the start of your own journey.”

Exclusive for SIT staff, students, and alumni: Enjoy 20% off à la carte dine-in items and 10% off takeaway orders at Garden Fresh.