By UOW Malaysia 

Students from UOW Malaysia (Penang campus) School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts (SHTCA) showcased exceptional talent and professionalism at the prestigious Battle of the Chefs (BOTC) 2026, held at Setia Spice Arena, Penang, from 21 to 24 October 2026. The competition brought together 1,253 participants from 12 countries, alongside 100 certified judges and 46 learning judges from around the world. Against this highly competitive international backdrop, the students rose to the challenge, earning an impressive collection of medals and special awards that reflected their skill, creativity and dedication.

Led by Chef Darren Tan Yeok Ping (Senior Lecturer, SHTCA) and assisted by Chef Chuah Lay Yen (Lecturer – Program Leader, SHTCA), the UOW Malaysia contingent achieved an impressive medal haul of 4 Gold, 7 Silver and 9 Bronze medals, together with 4 Diplomas. The remarkable results reflect the dedication of both students and lecturers in pursuing culinary excellence and industry-ready skills.

Award Winners at a Glance

Special Awards

• Ong Ker Sien – The Most Outstanding Young Chef (Kewpie Chicken Main Course Award)
• Lim Qiu Yu – The Most Outstanding Artistic Pastries (Quiches, Tartlets and Pies Challenge)

Gold Medal Winners

• Ong Ker Sien – Kewpie Chicken Main Course
• Teoh Zheng Jie – Tianyun Salmon Trout Main Course
• Wang En Pei – Kewpie Chicken Main Course
• Bi Kai Xiang – Kewpie Chicken Main Course

Silver Medal Winners

• Ong Ker Sien – Tianyun Salmon Trout Main Course; Promex Eggs Benedict Challenge
• Loo Ee Hui – Tianyun Salmon Trout Main Course
• Chuan Jie Ling – Artistic Pastries: Quiches, Tartlets and Pies Challenge
• Lim Qiu Yu – Artistic Pastries: Quiches, Tartlets and Pies Challenge
• Lee Zhi Ying – Tianyun Salmon Trout Main Course
• Vidyaprasan Vigneswaran – Promex Eggs Benedict Challenge

Bronze Medal Winners

• Teoh Zheng Jie – Promex Eggs Benedict Challenge
• Wang En Pei – Promex Eggs Benedict Challenge
• Loo Ee Hui – Potatoes USA Back to Basic Challenge
• Chuan Jie Ling – Creative Choux à la Crème by Blue Band & Flora
• Koh Yih Ming – Promex Eggs Benedict Challenge; Toffi Hot Fresh Pasta Dish Challenge (Freestyle)
• Chu Mei Shuen – Toffi Hot Fresh Pasta Dish Challenge (Freestyle)
• Aiswarya Sivasadanam Anilkumar – Promex Eggs Benedict Challenge
• Meennammige a/p Sandra Kasan – Promex Eggs Benedict Challenge

Diploma Recipients

• Bi Kai Xiang – Tianyun Salmon Trout Main Course
• Loo Ee Hui – Promex Eggs Benedict Challenge
• Lingesswary Ravindharan – Kewpie Chicken Main Course
• Sreevarshen Mahhendran – Kewpie Chicken Main Course

The competition provided a valuable platform for students to test their skills in a highly competitive environment, gaining first-hand industry exposure while demonstrating innovation, precision and technical excellence. Their achievements reflect the quality of UOW Malaysia’s culinary education and the commitment of its academic team to preparing graduates for successful careers in the hospitality and culinary sectors.

As UOW Malaysia continues to nurture the next generation of culinary professionals, the results achieved at Battle of the Chefs 2026 stand as a proud testament to the students’ hard work, resilience and passion. The university congratulates all participants and lecturers for representing UOW Malaysia with distinction and bringing honour to the institution on the national stage.