Petaling Jaya – The World Top Gourmet Awards (WTGA) 2023, organised by World Gourmet, aims to elevate the skills of local chefs and eateries in Malaysia, aligning with the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign unveiled during the Budget 2024.
Since 2017, WTGA has been a guiding force for locals and tourists, steering them toward diverse dining experiences. These awards play a crucial role in shaping culinary exploration, providing insights, recommendations, and a platform for discovering the rich and diverse food scene in the region.
The event was held at Sunway Resort Hotel on November 1st and officiated by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.
Additionally, the event witnessed the presence of 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, who came together to support the cause.
Dining is a cherished tradition deeply embedded in our diverse cultural heritage. 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.
Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture
World Gourmet plans various initiatives for 2024, including workshops, training programs, culinary exchanges, cooking competitions, and festivals celebrating global cuisines. Collaborating with local tourism boards, the organisation aims to design vacation packages featuring eateries in specific states, highlighting unique local specialties.
World Gourmet President, Peggy Chong, emphasised the cultural significance of food, stating that through culinary arts, is Malaysia able to merge cultures and create opportunities for understanding and appreciation with one another. The 2023 WTGA saw an overwhelming response, resulting in a record-breaking 102 recipients being awarded, representing dedication and passion in the industry.
As World Gourmet positions the F&B industry as the key player in the success of Visit Malaysia 2026, the organisation aims to expand its current support for local eateries to encompass 500 establishments in the upcoming year.
Furthermore, World Gourmet had 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. Both will actively participate in the initiatives planned for 2024.
