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Borneo Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
20 Sarawakian chefs to vie for spot at World Tapas Championship in Spain
Dr Sim (left) visits the one of the exhibition booths, showcasing China's braised lion-headed goose. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 18): Twenty Sarawakian chefs are set to compete at the national-level Tapas Competition today at KTS Garden for a coveted spot to represent Malaysia at the prestigious World Tapas Championship in Spain this November. The competition, part of the World National and Asia Tapas Competitions, runs from June 17 to 19 and is being hosted in Kuching for the second consecutive year. According to organising chairwoman and Sarawak International Technical and Vocational Education Association (SITVEA) president Sim Ling Ling, the national winner will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Valladolid, Spain, to compete on the global stage. Sim speaks to reporters after the opening ceremony. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad On June 19, 16 chefs from 13 Asian countries will face off in the Asia-level competition, with the top three joining Malaysia's representative at the World Tapas Championship. Sim highlighted the inclusive nature of the competition, noting that both young aspiring chefs and veterans with decades of experience are taking part. 'There's no age barrier in this industry. What matters is your story, your creativity, and how you bring your culture to the plate. 'Like last year's winner, who created 'Rolo de Umai' ― a Sarawakian dish that made it to the world stage and was judged by Michelin-star chefs in France and the United States,' she told reporters after the opening ceremony. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Minister of Tourism, Events, and City Branding Of Valladolid City Council, Spain, Blanca Jimenez Cuadrillero were also present at the opening ceremony. Sim also confirmed that Sarawak will remain the official host of the Asia qualifier in the coming years, with plans to rotate the venue across cities such as Miri to encourage broader participation. 'We also hope to establish a closer partnership with Valladolid, Spain, where the World Tapas Championship is held annually. 'It's a Unesco Creative City with a rich cultural and culinary background, similar to ours in many ways,' she added. The three-day event features food and beverage exhibitions, workshops on sustainability ― including carbon-neutral food production and eco-friendly packaging ― as well as talks by international speakers from China, Indonesia, and Malaysia on halal compliance, food safety, and recycling. 'The idea is to promote not only culinary creativity but also environmental awareness. 'We want participants and visitors to understand how the food industry can innovate while staying sustainable,' Sim said. Exhibitors include international names such as Farina Winery from Spain and braised lion-headed goose with over 100 years of history from China, with representatives flown in to share the stories behind their products. 'There's a story behind every dish and every ingredient, and by bringing in the people behind the products, we give a platform for deeper appreciation and cultural exchange,' she added. Members of the public can also take part in the event through RM60 one-day passes or RM150 three-day passes, which include access to food sampling, workshops, live competitions, and networking with chefs. chefs Dr Sim Kui Hian lead Sim Ling Ling World Tapas Championship
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Deputy Premier: Culinary arts can foster global friendship, cultural exchange
Dr Sim (second right), together with Ling Ling (third right), Wee (third left) and Blanca (second left), sampling the Tapas of Sarawak during the opening of the event. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 18): Culinary arts can serve as a bridge for fostering international friendship, cultural exchange and sustainable development, said Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. He emphasised that food and culture, which are integral in daily life in Sarawak, have the power to connect people globally. 'Many people are not familiar with Sarawak. Because of that, they have yet to discover the treasures we offer. 'Our neighbour, Sabah, is more well-known, but sometimes, the best things are discovered last while the lesser ones are found first. 'We are not talking about race or religion — we are simply talking about food. And food, in itself, is a symbol of our unity,' he remarked when officiating the TAPAS Competition, Exhibition & Seminar 2025 yesterday, which runs from June 17 to 19 at KTS Garden here. As such, Dr Sim expressed hope that the cultural exchange with Valladolid, Spain would serve as an opportunity to further introduce Sarawak's culture, cuisine, and creative potential to the world. Interestingly, he observed that the national flags of both regions share 75 per cent of the same colours — red and yellow — and noted that while Kuching is recognised as a Unesco City of Gastronomy, Valladolid holds the title of Unesco City of Film. He also thanked the organisers for curating the entire competition ecosystem, including the rules, recycling practices, climate impact awareness, and the use of plastic. Meanwhile, Dr Sim announced that the Kuching Food Festival 2025 is set to run from July 25 to Aug 17, with a target of attracting one million visitors. 'It is well known that Sarawakians living in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore often bring their friends home to sample the wide variety of food at the festival. 'We are even providing opportunities for students from institutions of higher learning to sell their creative food ideas to the public. 'Just look at how food brings people together — this is the kind of unity that draws people closer,' he said, adding that Sarawak has much to learn from other cultures in shaping a better future. Also present at the event were Minister of Tourism, Events and Urban Branding of Valladolid, Spain, Blanca Jimenez Cuadrillero; Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng; and Sarawak International Technical and Vocational Education Association president Sim Ling Ling. culinary arts cultural exchange Dr Sim Kui Hian local food
