KUALA Lumpur’s reputation as a culinary haven has been reaffirmed with its winning bid to host the Worldchefs Congress in 2018.
Organised by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies, also known as Worldchefs, the prestigious event will rotate to South-east Asia for the second time in its 86-year history. It will gather culinary heavyweights from around the world to discuss developments in the culinary field, while a trade show component will be offered to showcase the latest products in the food and beverage industry.
According to Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Worldchefs Congress is expected to generate an estimated RM11 million (US$3.4 million) in economic impact for the country and draw an approximate attendance of 1,000 delegates.
Zulkefli Sharif, CEO of MyCEB said: “In line with our goals to attract international business events, we are honoured that the World Association of Chefs’ Societies has selected Kuala Lumpur as the venue for its Worldchefs Congress in 2018. This is also a testament to Malaysia’s vibrant and diverse culinary scene.”
According to Worldchefs, Malaysia’s bid was successful not only because it met the event’s requirements, but also because it was able to whet delegates’ appetites.
Rick Stephen, Worldchefs continental director, Asia, explained that the committee was “impressed by the presentation and the culinary diversity available in Malaysia”.
Chern Chee Hoong, president of the Chefs Association of Malaysia, said: “Our members are ecstatic that Worldchefs has selected Malaysia for its 2018 congress. We look forward to showcasing the best of Malaysia’s culinary offerings when the delegates visit in 2018.”
Malaysia was the only country in Asia to have submitted a bid, having outbid Hong Kong to become the continent’s representative in an earlier round. Besides Norway, countries that have most recently played host to the congress include South Korea, Chile, United Arab Emirates, New Zealand and Ireland.
The 2016 edition will be hosted in Athens, Greece.
