World Association of Master Chefs

Category: From Around the World

Next Big Chef 2023 Malaysia – a WAMC Supported Event
Next Big Chef 2023 Malaysia Grand Finale Success!

In an extraordinary display of culinary excellence, 17 schools from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor showcased their talent and passion at the highly anticipated Next Big Chef 2023 Grand Finale held on September 30, 2023. With a total of 52 participants, the competition was fierce, but the winners emerged triumphant, deserving of every accolade they received.

Claiming the coveted title of CHAMPION, Confucian Private Secondary School displayed an exceptional culinary prowess that left judges and spectators in awe. Their dedication and hard work paid off as they impressed the panel of esteemed judges with their creativity, technique, and presentation. The students of Confucian Private Secondary School showcased their unwavering commitment and culinary passion, which resonated throughout their dishes.

Taking the spot of 1st RUNNER UP were SMK (P) Pudu and SMK Convent Jalan Peel. The judges were captivated by their innovative approaches to traditional recipes, blending classic flavors with modern techniques. Their ability to harmonize different elements and create unique and memorable dishes placed them among the top contenders in the competition.

Securing the 2nd RUNNER UP position was SMJK Chong Hwa KL. Their dedication to perfection and attention to detail were evident in every dish they presented. From meticulously crafted desserts to intricately constructed main courses, SMJK Chong Hwa KL displayed a depth of skill and creativity that impressed the judges and distinguished them in the competition.

In addition to the top three winners, seven consolation prizes were awarded to schools that demonstrated exceptional talent and promise. These schools showcased their culinary abilities with unrivaled enthusiasm, proving that the future of gastronomy is in good hands.

The success achieved by these schools at the Next Big Chef 2023 Grand Finale serves as a testament to their passion, hard work, and determination. It is a moment of immense pride not just for the winners, but for their institutions and the culinary community as a whole. This victory is a stepping stone towards greater accomplishments in gastronomy and a shining example for aspiring young chefs.

The Next Big Chef competition provides a platform for young culinary enthusiasts to showcase their skills and passion for the culinary arts. It nurtures the next generation of chefs, giving them an opportunity to gain invaluable experience, receive guidance from industry professionals, and garner recognition for their talent.

The level of competition witnessed at the Next Big Chef 2023 Grand Finale was nothing short of extraordinary. Each participant demonstrated a deep understanding of ingredients, flavors, and techniques, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. The dedication these young chefs have shown is a testament to their perseverance and their unwavering love for the culinary arts.

With a strong emphasis on culinary excellence, the Next Big Chef competition aims to inspire and empower young individuals interested in pursuing a career in the culinary world. By providing a platform for these budding chefs to showcase their skills, the competition not only celebrates their accomplishments but also encourages others to follow their passion.

The Next Big Chef 2023 Grand Finale was a celebration of talent, passion, and culinary artistry. It highlighted the remarkable achievements of each school and demonstrated the boundless potential of young chefs in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor. As these talented individuals continue to pursue their dreams, the world of gastronomy can look forward to witnessing their remarkable contributions and creations.

This event was sponsored by:
- Lee Kum Kee
- Kewpie Malaysia
- Bestari
- PrimaFlour
- QWARE
- Avena
- Sunbell
The Event is backed by the World Association of Master Chefs, with Chef Carlo Baroa, the WAMC Global Director for Organizational Development, traveling from the Philippines to serve as the Chief Judge for this occasion.

Congratulations once again to all the winners and participants of the Next Big Chef 2023 Grand Finale. Your dedication, passion, and culinary prowess have set a new standard for excellence in the culinary industry. May this victory serve as a launchpad for even greater achievements in the future, and may you continue to inspire and delight the world with your culinary creations.

Photo Credits to: UCSI University Team
October 4, 2023
World Association of Master Chefs Sri Lankan Chapter Successfully Holds Event at Galadari Hotel Colombo

Colombo, May 29, 2023 – The World Association of Master Chefs (WAMC) Sri Lankan Chapter organized a highly successful event on May 29th at the prestigious Galadari Hotel in Colombo.

The event brought together renowned culinary experts, including President Chef Chanaka Fernando, Senior Advisor Chef Chandrasena Sudusinghe, and several other esteemed chefs. With an impressive turnout of approximately 50 participants, the event provided an excellent platform for culinary professionals to share their expertise, insights, and experiences.

The discussions revolved around elevating the standards of Sri Lankan cuisine and promoting culinary excellence within the industry. President Chef Chanaka Fernando opened the event with an inspiring speech, emphasizing the importance of fostering creativity, innovation, and continuous learning in the culinary field. He highlighted the role of WAMC in bringing together culinary masters from around the world to collaborate and exchange ideas.

Senior Advisor Chef Chandrasena Sudusinghe, a distinguished figure in the culinary industry, delivered an enlightening talk, shedding light on the emerging trends and challenges faced by chefs in the modern gastronomic landscape. His insights provided valuable guidance to the aspiring and established chefs present.

During the event, the World Association of Master Chefs Sri Lankan Chapter honored ten exceptional chefs with executive memberships.

The World Association of Master Chefs Sri Lankan Chapter aims to empower and inspire chefs by creating a platform for professional development, networking, and collaboration. Through such events, they strive to enhance the reputation of Sri Lankan cuisine on the global stage and ensure that culinary traditions are preserved and celebrated.

The successful event organized by the World Association of Master Chefs Sri Lankan Chapter at Galadari Hotel Colombo marks a significant milestone in the culinary landscape of Sri Lanka.

It serves as a reminder of the immense talent and potential within the country’s culinary community and its dedication to creating exceptional dining experiences.

July 5, 2023
WAMC meets with HSL: A Fiery Delight in Malaysia

On their recent trip to Malaysia, the WAMC Delegation WAMC had the distinct privilege of visiting HSL Foods, an identified future partner in manufacturing the WAMC branded range of sauces and pastes.

HSL Food Malaysia has created the perfect solution to the rising demand for good, convenient and affordable foods. They are proud to offer our series of ready-to-use curry and sambal pastes and soup concentrates under the brand name Mama’s Delight to introduce the authentic flavors of Asia using spices and ingredients of the highest quality.

Chairman Sunly Lo was in his element as a lover of chilies and the flavors of Asia, even getting a chance to get his hands in on mixing the chilies.

Mr Koh Keng Kok the Owner and Managing Director gave the WAMC delegation a personal tour of the massive facilities where HSL produces its brands. The facilities were well-developed and it was evident that everyone working for HSL had a passion and commitment to quality.

The reason for the visit was to explore a working relationship with HSL to produce a range of sauces for WAMC under their own unique brand. These sauces would encapsulate the flavors of certain areas of the world and be produced under license via companies such as HSL.

The visit was made possible because of WAMC Senior Brand Advisor Master Chef Chin Chee Sing (Chef Sun). His experience, knowledge, and skill in knowing who is at the forefront of product manufacturing meant that WAMC was meeting the best possible company for their sauces project.

“HSL has the capacity to research, develop and deliver a quality product that meets the client’s expectations each and every time. It is their professional approach to manufacturing that has led WAMC to this point in the hopes of forming a working relationship with them. ” Mr Ferguson said as he tried to hold back tears for the chile oil being produced.

After the visit to the HSL factory, all parties had the privilege of having lunch together at the newly opened Restaurant, inspired by the HSL brand. Mr Kok wanted to create a branded restaurant using his sauces and pastes, giving people a flavor journey that excited the pallet and inspired the taste buds, and WAMC was not disappointed. The food was exceptional and the flavors really brought home the importance of having the right taste and texture.

April 18, 2023
Tunisian Tourism & WAMC form an Alliance

Many people have yet to experience the wonders of the beautiful country of Tunisia. Located in North Africa on the Mediterranean Sea, this country is rich in Culture and history and one that any true hospitality Connoisseur would be remiss to miss out on.

The World Association of Master Chefs has a formal chapter located in Tunisia and under the direction of Master Chef Noureddine Miladi and Global Vice President Evan Carlo, Tunisia businesses are about to take their next step into international development within the Hospitality and Tourism industries as formal partners with WAMC. WAMC representatives were also presented with a bottle of the World’s best Oilve Oil as voted on within the industry.

President Gaven Ferguson has been a gust of Tunisia for the last week and during this time, he has visited numerous businesses, and Education providers to discuss creating alliances. One special visit and the highlight of the trip was to meet with the Commissaire Regional au Tourism Soussee Me Taoufik Gaied. Mr Gaied is the head of Hospitality and Tourism for all of the Sousse region and beyond. He is part of the Ministry of Tourism for the Tunisian Government and plays an integral part in the links between industry and the rest of the world.

Representatives of WAMC including Global President Gaven Ferguson, Global Vice President Evan Carlo, and Mr Ferid Aouichaoui, met with the Office of Tourism and Mr Taoufik Gaied, where discussions centered around howWAMC and the ministry could work together to enhance the profile of Tunisi on the global stage. Using the WAMC network, it was clear that together both parties could form a strong and beneficial alliance together to enhance the country and grow the Hospitality industry within Tourism.

Mr Gaied also took the WAMC team on a trip to visit a local manufacturer of Olivewood products, Lovolive. They produce beautiful timber products suitable for use in any kitchen, including Bowles, mortar and pestles, and cutlery.

April 18, 2023
Education Partnership brings new meaning to Malaysia Hospitality

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 9th April 2023, WAMC Chairman and Global President has been willing to visit Malaysia on a working visit session while “meet and greet” with WAMCMY members in a discussion on education & training partnership between UCSI University and Northern Harvard Academy to develop WAMC Endorsed and Certified courses through the WAMC Evidence Base Accreditation (EBA) & Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Program.

The meeting was attended by Mr Gaven Ferguson, Global President of the World association of Master Chefs, Dean of the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management UCSI University Associate Professor Dr. Hanafi Bin Hamzah together with is Head of Praxis, Industry and Community Engagement, Assistant Professor Mohamad Fadzly Bin Che Omar, Head of Research and Postgraduate Studies, Assistant Professor Nursyafiqah Binti Ramli and Head of Department, Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Sh Maria Sahila Bt Syed Ali Hassan and together with that is the Principle of Northern Harvard Academy Hospitality and Culinary Arts, Chef Khairil Anuar Hisham Bin Mahmud.

After the meeting, all delegates were taken to visit the faculty to see more closely how UCSI University conducts its educational activities through the facilities provided to their students while explaining how they establish relationships with the industry players. The facilities provided by the University are amazing and this is what makes UCSI University the best university. Mr Ferguson said, “The relationship between WAMC and UCSI will form the benchmark for future educational partnerships at this level and we are excited and ready to improve education and training opportunities into the future”.

Later in the evening, WAMC Chairman and Global President were taken to Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur for dinner and an award presentation where this dinner was sponsored by Concorde Hotel Kuala Lumpur. In attendance was the WAMC Chairman Mr Sunly Lo, along with representatives for WAMCMY

April 14, 2023
Piante Kitchen & Bar

Located in the beautiful 555, Lane Number 6, Raja Park, Jaipur, India, Rajasthan, the Piante Kitchen, and Bar is home to the amazing Chef Durga Khadka. An Executive member of WAMC, Chef Khadka is a master in the kitchen and a celebrity in his own right. Boasting his own Youtube channel, he wows his followers with creativity and color.

Chef Khadka is also the Corporate Chef at Monarch Group Of Hotels and has been in an article on Aqube Institute of Management, where he showcased his cooking skills live in front of Aqube students. He demonstrated his expertise in preparing a variety of dishes and shared his tips and tricks on how to make the perfect dish. His presentation was well-received by the students who were eager to learn from the master chef.

The students were given an opportunity to ask questions and get feedback from Durga Khadka on their own cooking skills. It was an amazing experience for all involved as they got to learn new techniques and recipes from a professional chef.

March 20, 2023
WAMC CHEF Nominated as one of the “100 Best Chefs in the World” in Business America Magazine

The Business America Magazine, one of the most acclaimed and leading sources of business news and information, is arranging a highly esteemed celebration of the Culinary World “American Curry Awards” for the first time in America. The winner of the prestigious “British Curry Award 2022” and President Biden’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Chef Md. Khalilur Rahman who is a Bangladeshi descendant professional chef is the pioneer of this grand event. The nomination stage of “The American Curry Awards” will be held in Bangladesh and later the magnificent closing gala dinner will be arranged in America.

In order to apprise about this culinary event, Business America Magazine is working on publishing a special edition featuring the “100 Best Chefs in the World”. This distinctive edition will celebrate and share the stories of the chefs who are working relentlessly in the world of hospitality.

We are really honored to inform you that we would like to include your story in the mentioned publication. It is with excitement that Master Chef Zeki Zincirkiran has been nominated to be part of the Best 100 Chefs’ articles and has been requested to submit an article featuring his professional and personal credentials highlighting his experiences in the culinary world. His experience and achievements will be honored in the magazine, and his story will encourage other aspiring chefs who are working hard to pave their way to success.

March 20, 2023
VP Evan Carlo trains beyond the Horizon

The field of cooking and refreshments is one of the most sought-after areas in the labor market in Tunisia. This career industry allows you to work in hotels, luxury restaurants, and hospitality establishments. Horizon Formation College has engaged the services of one of the industry’s strongest chefs, Master Chef Mahjoub Aouidet (Evan Carlo).

Evan is the Vice President of the World Association of Master Chefs and has been a key figure in the association for almost 10 years. His passion and dedication to serving others have led him to be recognized as an industry expert and Chef of the highest caliber.

Bringing over 30 years of industry experience to the classroom, students can gain valuable knowledge not normally available in textbooks and traditional classrooms. Evsan can share with students through their course, tips tricks and helpful skills that come from so many years of working as a professional chef in dozens of countries.

February 23, 2023
World Association of Master Chefs in Vietnam offers free training to disadvantaged learners

The World Association of Master Chefs – Vietnam Chapter will offer a two-and-a-half-month training course and job opportunities to young people who are disadvantaged, orphaned, or lost relatives to COVID-19.

The training program, which is in its second continuous year, plans to provide classes for 60 trainees aged 17 to 25, including 30 in cooking and 30 in baking.

The course, to be instructed by members of the association, is expected to be launched in November and scheduled to have 20 classes, 10 practice sessions at restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, two charity cooking events at shelters in the city, and one graduation test.

At the end of the course, trainees will graduate with a certificate issued by the World Association of Master Chefs – Vietnam Chapter which is recognized at many partner restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City.

Most of the trainees from the training course last year were able to find a job, according to Tran Le Thanh Thien, World Association of Master Chefs – Vietnam Chapter’s vice-president.

“I’m grateful for the instructors who were enthusiastically teaching us how to cook from basics to professional techniques,” So Hao Ha Long, an alumnus from a shelter in Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City said at the ceremony to announce the 2022 course on August 26.

“Now I have a stable job.

“I hope more people will learn about this program and have their dream of pursuing professional cooking come true.”

Long came to register for the program in 2021 when he was a student at Ho Chi Minh City Food Industry.

The 23-year-old is now working as a vice cook at a café in District 1.

The program is meant to support disadvantaged people to find jobs, as well as create a workforce for the local food industry, said chef Le Nguyen Hoan Long, another vice-president of the World Association of Master Chefs – Vietnam Chapter.

“We hope young people will be skilled and position themselves well in our society,” he said.

The program also aims to create chances for experienced chefs to pass their torch and inspire future generations, while contributing to the society and raising a spirit of solidarity between businesses in the food industry, chef Long added.

Besides the training course, the World Association of Master Chefs – Vietnam Chapter will join a Vietnam Red Cross charity program to make and distribute 2,000 mooncakes to celebrate the coming Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on September 10.

Original article can be found HERE

August 29, 2022
WAMC India spreads some Christmas Cheer during the Holidays.

World Association Of Master Chef India Chapter has organised an event of distributing happiness, gifts and food on the occasion of christmas and new year, at different cities of India.
The event was headed by President and Secretary General “Irfan Khan” and Executive Members.
Our aim for the event was to spread happiness among underprivileged and needful people on the occasion of Christmas and New Year.
We felt the need to end 2021 on a note of goodness, we all know how much joy these little surprises can bring to all of us. So, why not share these little goodies of health and happiness as gifts to these underprivileged people.
Our sole purpose was to bring smile on the face of needful people and to eliminate hunger and providing nutritious meals to the poor and needy.

The Chapter members distributed food, fruits and gifts to more than 300 ( three hundred) underprivileged people all over India. It’s a privilege to be able to help someone. We tried doing our bit to help needful families and underprivileged children.
‘’We can’t help everyone but we hope that with the food, fruits and gifts provided by our proud chefs, infused with their love and kindness, we can together make a difference and bring some cheer to their lives,’’ said President and Secretary General “Irfan Khan” India chapter.

As Oscar Wilde has said, ‘The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention’.
We would love to extend our heartfelt Thanks to WAMC,the members of WAMC, India Chapter feel proud that we have an appropriate platform now, to showcase the diversity of our India Cuisine to the whole world. It was also an opportunity for us to present WAMC to the people of India.
On behalf of all the members of WAMC India Chapter and on my own behalf, i( Irfan Khan) extend our most sincere thanks and gratitude to the Global president of World Association of Master chefs Respected Chef Gaven Ferguson, Global Vice president Respected Chef Evan Carlo, Global Director for Organizational Development, Respected Chef Carlo Eusebio Baroa, , Regional Coordinator South Asia Respected Chef Shaheda Yasmin
for believing in me and creating the India Chapter.

Merry Christmas And A Very Happy New Year To Everyone???

February 11, 2022