There are no short-cuts to success, says Filipino dessert chef Nouel Omamalin, whose quick climb up the corporate ladder he credits to hard work and the constant drive to learn new things.

Omamalin is the executive pastry chef at Fairmont Dubai, considered one of the best luxury hotels in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

As the international market for chefs is very competitive, Omamalin said, “A diploma does not guarantee success.” He believes that one doesn’t become a chef simply because of a culinary degree.