AdminThe prestigious World Top Gourmet Awards (WTGA) 2023, organized by World Gourmet, was officially launched recently at Sunway Resort Hotel by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan. This annual event seeks to enhance the culinary skills of chefs and local eateries across Malaysia, contributing to the nation’s diverse food scene, while aligning with the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign unveiled during the Budget 2024.
Since its inception in 2017, WTGA has been a valuable resource for both locals and tourists, guiding them to diverse dining experiences, from renowned restaurants and cafes to hidden neighborhood eateries. The awards aim to play a pivotal role in shaping culinary exploration by providing essential insights, recommendations, and a platform for discovering Malaysia’s rich and diverse food scene.
Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, highlighted the importance of culinary diversity, stating, “Our food & beverage providers do more than serve food; they narrate stories, traditions, and our cultural heritage through cuisine, propelling the growth of our tourism and culture sector.”
Initiatives to Boost Culinary Skills
As 2024 approaches, World Gourmet has unveiled a series of key initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills of local chefs and eateries. These include workshops, training programs led by renowned chefs, culinary exchanges, cooking competitions, and festivals celebrating global cuisines. World Gourmet will collaborate with local tourism boards to design vacation packages that feature eateries in specific states, showcasing unique local specialties and engaging with local communities through charity dinners, fundraisers, and mentorship programs.
World Gourmet President, Peggy Chong, expressed the belief that food is a reflection of culture, heritage, and history, saying, “Through our culinary arts, we merge cultures and create opportunities for understanding and appreciation with one another.”
Honoring Culinary Excellence
In addition to its initiatives, World Gourmet has appointed World Chefs’ Association President, Master Chef Thomas A. Gugler, as its World Gourmet Chef of Honor, and Master Chef Chin Chee Sing (Chef Sun) as the World Gourmet Ambassador 2023. These esteemed chefs will play pivotal roles in the initiatives planned for 2024.
Esteemed chefs including Tourism Malaysia’s Ambassador Dato’ Chef Ismail Ahmad, Cooking For Charity’s Founder, Master Chef Jeffrey Tan, and 3-Michelin Star Forum Restaurant’s Executive Chef, Master Chef Adam Wong, attended the event to show their support. World Gourmet has been instrumental in promoting and supporting over 300 local eateries and plans to extend this support to 500 establishments in the upcoming year.
For more information on the World Top Gourmet Awards 2023, visit https://www.worldgourmet.biz/.
Shufiyan Shukur
