13 Kuching chefs gear up for Culinary World Cup in Ipoh this June 27
(Seated, from second left) Jordan Wee, Wee, Lai, and others pose for a group photo during the press conference. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (June 13): Kuching is set to make waves on the national and international culinary stage once again as 13 local chefs prepare to represent the city at the second edition of the Malaysia Culinary World Cup (MCWC), to be held from June 27 to 29, at Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah in Meru Raya, Ipoh.
The event, organised by the Malaysia Bersatu Culinary Association (MBCA) in collaboration with the Global Chef Union (GCU), will gather nearly 800 culinary entries from over 26 countries, including the United States, Australia, and nations in North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the city's participation in the MCWC reflects its commitment as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy to preserve, promote, and innovate Sarawak's diverse food heritage.
'This is more than just a culinary competition – it is a platform to celebrate the identity, stories, and creativity of Sarawak cuisine on a global stage,' he said during the press conference at Annie Kolo Mee here yesterday.
Among the chefs representing Kuching are Annie Wee from Annie Kolo Mee, showcasing Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee; Wilson Voon from Da Pu Hakka Noodle, presenting Hakka Noodles; Robbie Richard from Little Fairy Cafe & Fairy Tavern, Lana Akam and Janncy Nyohim from Fairy Tavern, presenting Borneo Cuisine; Kim Bong from Mee Too, highlighting Kolo Mee; and Benny Huang from Xian Corner, presenting seafood cuisine.
Also competing are Alvin Chin, who is Team Manager at Jordan's Signature Catering, along with teammates Yeo Ing Siang, Awang Mohd Safwan, Bradley Allan Jerome, Nicholas Banta Paul, and Nadia Tan. Their competition categories include modern Western poultry, mooncakes, seafood, mee goreng mamak, char kueh tiaw, and Malaysian Laksa.
Adding prestige to the team are Chef Julian Lai from Little Hainan and Chef Jordan Wee, who will serve as MBCA committee members and judges at the event.
Wee expressed pride in the team and their dedication to showcasing the true flavours of Kuching to the world, from traditional noodles to inventive modern creations.
'We wish our chefs all the very best. May they not only bring home medals, but also inspire others to appreciate and reimagine our culinary heritage in bold, creative ways,' he said.
The MCWC is supported by Tourism Perak, the National Archives of Malaysia, the Ipoh City Council, and the Perak State Development Corporation.
Highlighting the scale of the event, MBCA committee member Julian Lai said the MCWC will feature 65 competition categories judged by 115 professionals – 60 local and 55 international.
Beyond the competition, visitors can look forward to a festive atmosphere similar to Kuching Festival, with 80 food stalls offering a variety of local and international dishes.
'It's not just for those competing. The public can also come, relax, and enjoy the food – just like what we have during the Kuching Festival, but this one is in Ipoh,' Lai added. Ipoh Kuching Malaysia Culinary World Cup
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: When Macbeth wears a 'tengkolok'
When Dr Norzizi Zulkifli first read 'Macbeth', one of William Shakespeare's most iconic tragedies, she was struck by its parallels to Malay cultural themes. "The play 'Macbeth' reminded me of a Malay warrior," Norzizi said. "The witches mirrored our shamans or fortune tellers — that's where the connection began." This parallel inspired Norzizi to direct 'Randai Macbeth', fusing Shakespeare's narrative with randai, a Minangkabau performance art. Staged at Blackbox Aswara in October, the production swept eight awards at the 20th BOH Cameronian Arts Awards. "The production 'Randai Macbeth' was the night's biggest winner, earning Best Director (Norzizi), Best Leading Actor (Kamarulzaman Taib, aka Che Kem), and Best Supporting Actor (Juhara Ayob as Lady Macbeth). It also won Best Ensemble, Lighting Design, Music & Sound Design, and Costume Design, Styling & Makeup. It was also one of three recipients of the Best of Nominees award. "Winning so many awards was unexpected," Norzizi said. "I'd hoped for a few, but the rest surprised us. "We competed against 77 productions. This was truly humbling." The production was a collaboration between PuTRA, Aswara and UiTM's College of Creative Arts, where Norzizi heads the Performing Arts Studies. It culminated months of teamwork. "I sought input from all departments — music, choreography, set design — while maintaining directorial vision. "As director, I ensured alignment with our vision. My role was to provide clear direction and ensure everything aligned with the vision." That vision, Norzizi said, was a complex one: translating a Western tragedy into the language and style of traditional Malay storytelling. "No one knew what to expect. Like baking an untested recipe, we only knew it worked after seeing the final result." The creative process was far from easy. Staging the murder scene became their greatest rehearsal challenge. "We revised the scene six times. The cast exhausted themselves relearning silat choreography." Despite these challenges, Norzizi knew these revisions were essential. "Every movement had to convey the emotional weight of the scene. "When movements failed, we reworked them until every performer embodied the vision." Kamarulzaman found playing Macbeth intimidating. "I never imagined I'd be playing Macbeth, since I'm beyond 50. "Mastering the role and its character dynamics proved difficult." The mixed cast of veterans and Aswara/UiTM students created a rewarding dynamic. "We fused Western classics with traditional forms in this intercultural work. "It was daunting at first, but once rehearsals began, it became engaging and fun. "The theatrical experience ultimately matters more than fame or fortune." Juhara agreed: "The award matters less than participating in this production. "The creative process became therapeutic — a reconnection with my artistry." The eight awards 'Randai Macbeth' won celebrate how bold creativity can honour cultural heritage.
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Borneo Post
13 Kuching chefs gear up for Culinary World Cup in Ipoh this June 27
(Seated, from second left) Jordan Wee, Wee, Lai, and others pose for a group photo during the press conference. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 13): Kuching is set to make waves on the national and international culinary stage once again as 13 local chefs prepare to represent the city at the second edition of the Malaysia Culinary World Cup (MCWC), to be held from June 27 to 29, at Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah in Meru Raya, Ipoh. The event, organised by the Malaysia Bersatu Culinary Association (MBCA) in collaboration with the Global Chef Union (GCU), will gather nearly 800 culinary entries from over 26 countries, including the United States, Australia, and nations in North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the city's participation in the MCWC reflects its commitment as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy to preserve, promote, and innovate Sarawak's diverse food heritage. 'This is more than just a culinary competition – it is a platform to celebrate the identity, stories, and creativity of Sarawak cuisine on a global stage,' he said during the press conference at Annie Kolo Mee here yesterday. Among the chefs representing Kuching are Annie Wee from Annie Kolo Mee, showcasing Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee; Wilson Voon from Da Pu Hakka Noodle, presenting Hakka Noodles; Robbie Richard from Little Fairy Cafe & Fairy Tavern, Lana Akam and Janncy Nyohim from Fairy Tavern, presenting Borneo Cuisine; Kim Bong from Mee Too, highlighting Kolo Mee; and Benny Huang from Xian Corner, presenting seafood cuisine. Also competing are Alvin Chin, who is Team Manager at Jordan's Signature Catering, along with teammates Yeo Ing Siang, Awang Mohd Safwan, Bradley Allan Jerome, Nicholas Banta Paul, and Nadia Tan. Their competition categories include modern Western poultry, mooncakes, seafood, mee goreng mamak, char kueh tiaw, and Malaysian Laksa. Adding prestige to the team are Chef Julian Lai from Little Hainan and Chef Jordan Wee, who will serve as MBCA committee members and judges at the event. Wee expressed pride in the team and their dedication to showcasing the true flavours of Kuching to the world, from traditional noodles to inventive modern creations. 'We wish our chefs all the very best. May they not only bring home medals, but also inspire others to appreciate and reimagine our culinary heritage in bold, creative ways,' he said. The MCWC is supported by Tourism Perak, the National Archives of Malaysia, the Ipoh City Council, and the Perak State Development Corporation. Highlighting the scale of the event, MBCA committee member Julian Lai said the MCWC will feature 65 competition categories judged by 115 professionals – 60 local and 55 international. Beyond the competition, visitors can look forward to a festive atmosphere similar to Kuching Festival, with 80 food stalls offering a variety of local and international dishes. 'It's not just for those competing. The public can also come, relax, and enjoy the food – just like what we have during the Kuching Festival, but this one is in Ipoh,' Lai added. Ipoh Kuching Malaysia Culinary World Cup
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Malay Mail
Sarawak sibling duo SJ Borneo gets ‘America's Got Talent' Season 21 audition pass after winning national contest
KUCHING, June 12 — SJ Borneo, comprising siblings Shawn and Jane Thien from Sarawak, has won the 'Singing with Music Instruments' category for the Kids Got Talent Malaysia 2025 Grand Finals. The duo captivated the judges with a bilingual rendition of Anak Kampung, which featured a fusion of the sape and African drum, during the competition in Kuala Lumpur on June 7-8. The performance integrated live vocals, instrumental accompaniment, and a choreographed dance routine. Shawn and Jane not only earned the top prize in their category but also a Free Access Audition Pass for America's Got Talent Season 21. 'We are incredibly grateful and thrilled. This victory not only validates months of hard work but also proves that Borneo's traditional culture can shine on the national stage,' the siblings said in a statement. 'We thank our family, friends, and mentors for their unwavering encouragement and support. Your companionship and guidance gave us the confidence to stand on this grand stage and proudly convey the essence of Sarawak's culture.' This year's Kids Got Talent Malaysia attracted nearly 400 acts from across the country, with participants competing in categories such as singing, dancing, instrumental performances, singing with instruments, bian lian (Sichuan opera mask-changing), and public speaking. SJ Borneo first gained national attention during the Sarawak auditions held on March 22, where they performed a medley blending the Kenyah song Lan E and the Mandarin classic The Moon Represents My Heart. The performance, which also incorporated sape and African drum, earned them a Golden Pass for automatic entry to the national finals. — The Borneo Post
