Lotus’s Malaysia team secures the only Gold Award at the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge 2026

Bangkok, Thailand, 4 June 2026 – Team Lotus’s Malaysia has made history on the international culinary stage after winning the Gold Award and being crowned Overall Team Champion at the Thailand Ultimate Chef Challenge (TUCC) 2026, held in Bangkok in conjunction with THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026. This remarkable achievement was especially significant as it marked the team’s debut appearance in the prestigious competition.

The event, held from 26 to 30 May 2026 at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, brought together more than 400 chefs from across Asia and beyond, making it one of the most competitive culinary platforms in the region. Endorsed by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS), TUCC is widely recognised as a benchmark for culinary excellence, innovation, and sustainability, offering chefs a global stage to showcase their skills and creativity.

Representing Malaysia were the winners of Lotus’s Malaysia Masak-Masak Ceria 2025 Professional Category: Chef Muhammad Syafiq Syahmi bin Saidon, Chef Leo Wong, and Chef Yuventhiran Pillai A/L Arumugam Pillai. Competing in the Asian Gourmet Challenge, the team impressed judges with a carefully curated menu that highlighted Malaysia’s rich multicultural culinary heritage through modern techniques and refined presentation.

Their menu featured a series of standout creations, including the Fiddle Fern Kerabu Salad Roll with Toasted Coconut Emulsion, Mackerel Otak Mousseline with Otak Sauce, Tom Yam Soup with Shrimp Mosaic, Lamb Patty Braised in Rogan Josh Sauce, Chicken Boxing with Green Masala Curry, and a dessert titled Leum Kleun Lava with Thai Tea Semi-Freddo and Green Thai Tea Foam. The dishes showcased a seamless blend of traditional flavours and contemporary culinary artistry.

Team Lotus’s Malaysia stood out by securing the only Gold Award in the Team Category, while all other competing teams received Silver Awards. The team further strengthened its dominance by being named Overall Team Champion, awarded to the highest-scoring team across the category. This achievement is even more impressive given that it was their first-ever participation in TUCC.

The success reflects the strong talent pipeline developed through Lotus’s Malaysia’s flagship culinary competition, Masak-Masak Ceria, which continues to nurture both aspiring and professional chefs. Having emerged as champions in the 2025 edition, the trio successfully translated their national success into international recognition, elevating Malaysia’s culinary reputation on the global stage.

Lotus’s Malaysia CEO, Saksit Panurach, described the victory as a proud milestone for both the company and the Malaysian culinary industry. He highlighted that winning the sole Gold Award in the team category and being crowned Overall Team Champion at a WACS-endorsed competition demonstrates exceptional talent, dedication, and teamwork. He also noted that achieving such success in their debut appearance against over 400 international chefs makes the accomplishment even more extraordinary.

Lotus’s Malaysia congratulated the chefs for proudly flying the Jalur Gemilang and bringing honour to the nation. The achievement further reinforces Malaysia’s position as a rising force in global gastronomy, driven by creativity, cultural diversity, and culinary excellence.