Well, this is definitely something to be proud of! Recently, two Malaysians have made us proud in the international arena in a prestigious pastry competition.
Based on a report by MMO, two chefs Yap Kean Chuan and Lau Hwei Min nabbed second place in the renown Mondial Des Arts Sucres (International Confectionary Arts Competition). The competition was held in Paris from February 3 to 6 and had a total of 32 participants.
Source: MMO
Chef Yap originates from the Academy of Pastry Arts Malaysia while chef Lau got her credentials from Harold’s Academy. At the international competition, team Malaysia went head to head with 15 other mixed teams from different countries around the world and emerged triumphant at second place. Congrats!
In fact, we didn’t do too shabbily, as the team in first place, France only beat us by six points. A team of 32 jurors and 40 commissioners made the final decision through a stringent process. This famous competition is known to be insanely difficult and is one of the most sensational challenges in the pastry industry.
Source: Facebook
Each team had to create one sugar centrepiece, one choice centrepiece, an entremets, one travel cake, one plated dessert, three bonbons, and a pastillage centrepiece within 20 hours. It’s certainly not a piece of cake! :p This year, the theme of the competition was “French Luxury”. Each team had to choose a title from the list and make their creations accordingly.
Team Malaysia chose watches, jewellery and craftsmanship to create a very intricate and elaborate piece to showcase their admiration for the French’s devotion to luxury.
Source: MMO
Yap said, “Competing on an international stage with a limited time frame requires not only passion, but consistent training and preparation beforehand is simultaneously vital. Ten times of full rehearsal helped us to spot minuscule details, and we get better and better every time by taking these details into account. It’s exciting yet pressuring to represent Malaysia to compete in such a prestigious pastry competition, but I am glad that I have made it through.”
Congratulations to both of the Malaysian chefs! You’ve made the country proud!
Also read: 29-Year-Old Accountant from Johor Wins MasterChef Australia 2017
