The prestigious World Top Gourmet Awards 2024 celebrated its grand gala event with an illustrious gathering of global culinary icons, F&B industry leaders, and distinguished guests. Held at the iconic Sunway Resort Hotel, the ceremony honored 108 outstanding F&B brands, master chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary influencers for their unparalleled contributions to the industry.
This year, the event was graced by the presence of Yang Berhormat Dato’ Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture (MoTAC), who served as the Guest of Honour. Alongside him, renowned celebrity chef Master Chef Martin Yan (USA), World Chefs Association President Master Chef Thomas A. Gugler (Saudi Arabia), and Master Chef Jeffrey Tan, OAM (Australia) were among the prominent figures in attendance, alongside leaders from top F&B brands including Oriental Kopi, De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan, and Black Tap Craft Burgers & Shakes (USA).
The awards, supported by Tourism Malaysia and MoTAC, highlighted the importance of Malaysia’s thriving culinary scene in the global food and travel industry. Dr. Peggy Chong, President of the World Top Gourmet Awards, emphasized the significance of the event: “We are immensely proud to recognize the exceptional achievements of this year’s 108 award winners. Their contributions have shaped the way the world experiences food, and their commitment to excellence continues to set new standards in the F&B and culinary industry.”
A Star-Studded Lineup of Chefs and Brands
This year’s awardees represented a diverse array of culinary talents, from top global chefs to leading food brands. Some of the most notable awardees included:
– Celebrity Master Chef Datuk Chef Wan – Ambassador of Tourism Malaysia
– Celebrity Master Chef Martin Yan (USA) – Icon of Asian cuisine and television personality
– Celebrity Master Chef Jeffrey Tan, OAM (Australia) – Founder of Cooking for Charity
– Master Chef Thomas A. Gugler (Saudi Arabia) – President, World Chefs Association
– F&B brands like Oriental Kopi, DKing, and Andaman Seafood Village, all recognized for their innovation and excellence.
The international presence of chefs from countries like the USA, Taiwan, South Korea, and Indonesia added an elevated prestige to the event, reinforcing its global significance.
Promoting Malaysia as a Culinary Destination
Aligned with the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the World Top Gourmet Awards also highlighted Malaysia’s unique position as a gastronomic hub in Southeast Asia. With support from Tourism Malaysia, the awards aimed to promote Malaysia’s rich culinary heritage to an international audience, encouraging culinary tourism and boosting the local economy.
Deputy Director General of Promotion, Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Samuel Lee, reiterated the importance of such events in promoting Malaysia as a food destination: “Culinary tourism is a powerful driver of economic growth, and through this partnership with the World Top Gourmet Awards, we aim to showcase Malaysia’s rich food culture to a global audience. Events like these help promote our local talents and cuisine, encouraging travelers to explore our country’s diverse offerings.”
Looking Ahead: Technological Innovation in F&B Promotion
In a move to further enhance Malaysia’s position in the global F&B industry, the event also announced the upcoming launch of the Explore Nation app. Dr. Peggy Chong described it as a groundbreaking platform designed to help local merchants and restaurateurs showcase their products and services to an international market. “This kind of technological innovation is essential in driving growth in our F&B and tourism industries,” said Dr. Peggy Chong.
The 2024 World Top Gourmet Awards was a resounding success, marking a significant moment for the F&B industry and Malaysia’s culinary tourism sector. As the country prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026, events like this will continue to play a crucial role in promoting the nation as one of the world’s top food and travel destinations.
For more information on this year’s award winners, visit the official website: www.worldgourmet.biz
