24-05-2025
Malaysia Serves Kitchen Diplomacy At ASEAN Leaders' Table
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Staff prepare appetisers in the kitchen of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Staff carefully prepare dessert dishes in the kitchen of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) executive chef, Chef Hisham Jaafar, looks at the preparation of desserts in the KLCC kitchen.
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) executive chef, Chef Hisham Jaafar, checks at the quality of vegetables in the KLCC kitchen.
By Lucia Terey John
KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- Behind the warmth of diplomatic pleasantries at the 46th ASEAN Summit lies another, less visible yet equally critical mission. The real heat, however, isn't at the negotiating table -- it's in the kitchen of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).
At the helm of this high-stakes culinary operation is KLCC's executive chef, Chef Hisham Jaafar, 52, who has devoted more than 15 years to mastering high-end cuisine within the prestigious venue's kitchens.
This marks the third time Chef Hisham has shouldered the responsibility of preparing meals for a major international event. A decade ago, he catered for a summit graced by dignitaries including former US President Barack Obama and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
'We were honoured to be entrusted with the 26th ASEAN Summit in 2015, along with other global events like the World Islamic Economic Forum.
'Perhaps that's why the Prime Minister's Office has once again placed its confidence in us," he told Bernama.
But prior experience, he added, is not a free pass. The pressure is no less intense, especially when Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim sets the tone by insisting that each dish embodies the essence of Malaysia.
Under the summit's culinary theme, 'Malaysian on Plate', Hisham and his team began planning three months in advance. The aim: to serve not only enticing food, but also a menu that reflects the country's rich and multi-ethnic gastronomic heritage—from Malay, Chinese and Indian cuisine to the distinct flavours of Sabah and Sarawak.
