Juniper
The internationally recognized World Top Gourmet Awards (WTGA) has announced the return of its 7th edition yesterday at a press conference held at Royale Chulan Kuala Lumpur with major new highlights that mark a bold step forward for global culinary recognition. This year, the WTGA will debut a brand-new trophy design and, for the first time, be hosted in the vibrant culinary capital of Guangzhou, China—a city renowned for its deep-rooted food heritage and international gastronomic appeal.
The press conference was graced by Chef of Honour, the legendary Adjunct Prof. Datuk Chef Wan, who jointly unveiled the official plans for WTGA 2025 — an event that aims to elevate cross-border collaboration in the food, hospitality, and tourism sectors, while supporting Malaysia’s flagship tourism campaign: Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).
Guangzhou to Host World-Class Culinary Celebration
WTGA 2025 will be held at the luxurious Shangri-La Guangzhou, one of China’s most dynamic culinary destinations. The one-day programme will feature a World Gourmet Exchange Summit in the morning, followed by the prestigious Gala Awards Ceremony Dinner in the evening. The event is expected to attract over 800 guests from across Asia and beyond where Master chefs, government officials, restaurateurs, hospitality leaders, media, and industry influencers will gather for idea exchange, industry networking, and celebration of gastronomic excellence.
Strengthening Cross-Cultural Ties Through Gastronomy
The theme of this year’s awards emphasizes cross-border collaboration through gastronomy, celebrating the unifying power of food in bridging cultures and strengthening international relationships. As a strategic move to expand WTGA’s impact beyond Malaysian borders, hosting the event in Guangzhou demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering dialogue between China, Malaysia, and the broader
Asian and global culinary community.
Speaking on the expansion, Dr. Peggy Chong, Founder and President of the World Top Gourmet Awards, said: “Food is a language that transcends borders. By hosting the World Top Gourmet Awards in Guangzhou, we’re not only recognizing excellence but also deepening the cultural and culinary ties between China and Malaysia. This year’s awards support our long-term vision of using gastronomy as a platform for cultural diplomacy, tourism promotion, and economic cooperation.”
In Support of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 – A Gastronomy Gateway to Malaysia WTGA 2025 is proud to support in direct alignment with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign — a national initiative to attract over 35.6 million international tourists and generate RM147.1 billion in tourism receipts through cultural, eco, and culinary tourism.
Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Tourists Enhances Travel Access
A key highlight of the campaign is that Chinese travellers can now enter Malaysia without a visa, further enhancing travel convenience. In 2019, over 3.1 million Chinese tourists visited Malaysia. By mid-2025, more than 1.65 million Chinese arrivals have already been recorded — signalling strong recovery and renewed interest in Malaysia as a travel destination.
The visa-free policy is expected to significantly boost arrivals in 2026, particularly among Chinese food and culture enthusiasts exploring Malaysia.
Unveiling of the New Trophy Design
This year also marks the official unveiling of the newly designed WTGA trophy — a sleek, contemporary symbol of innovation, craftsmanship, and international prestige. The new design reflects not only culinary excellence but also resilience and creativity, honouring individuals and organizations who raise the standards of the F&B and tourism sectors.
World Gourmet Ambassador 2025: Master Chef Justin Hor
Also announced was the appointment of Master Chef Justin Hor as the official World Gourmet Ambassador 2025. Known for his mastery in Malaysian-Chinese cuisine and commitment to culinary excellence, Master Chef Hor will lead outreach and culinary diplomacy initiatives in conjunction with WTGA and Tourism Malaysia.
Event Highlights – Save the Date
20 November 2025 – WTGA Main Event, Shangri-La Guangzhou
Morning: World Gourmet Exchange Summit
Evening: World Top Gourmet Awards Gala Dinner
