The Elle & Vire Professionnel Young Chef Competition 2026 has recently concluded its Grand Final with Malaysia’s emerging talents showcasing their skills before some of the industry’s most respected pastry professionals.
At this year’s Grand Final at Sunway Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia, 22-year-old Yap Jing Li from Taylor’s University won the championship by demonstrating skill, creativity, and calmness, gaining both national recognition and an international training opportunity.
“This competition pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way. Competing alongside so many talented young chefs was inspiring and winning this title is a meaningful milestone that motivates me to keep learning and refining my craft,” said Yap Jing Li
Now in its second edition, the competition attracted over 100 entries from aspiring Pastry Chefs aged 16–25 from culinary schools, patisseries, and restaurants in Malaysia. After the semi-finals, the Top 10 finalists competed in the Grand Final, recreating Elle & Vire Professionnel’s Marble Butter Cake and presenting their own French-inspired desserts. Judging focused on technique, creativity, flavor, presentation, and performance under pressure.
After an intense day of competition, the judging panel crowned:
- Champion: Yap Jing Li, Taylor’s University
- First Runner-Up: Nirvana Lau Jia Ying, APCA malaysia
- Second Runner-Up: Usha Chandrika Vijendran, Le Petit Four Patisserie
For many finalists, showing their creations to some of the top pastry experts was a reward in itself.
The finalists were judged by a respected panel that included Chong Ko Wai, co-founder of Texture Patisserie and ambassador for Elle & Vire Professionnel Malaysia; Lawrence Cheong, co-founder of Texture Patisserie and winner of the Best Chocolate Showpiece at the 2015 Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie; Benjamin De Closets, Pastry Chef at La Maison de L’Excellence Savencia; Arieni Adriena, Founder and CEO of Gula Cakery Group; and Frederic Oger, Pastry Chef Instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia.
“Technical skills can be taught, but resilience, creativity and composure are developed through experiences like this. The competition gives young chefs the confidence to push their limits while preparing them for professional careers.” said Chong Ko Wai, Elle & Vire Professionnel Malaysia Ambassador.
As Elle & Vire Professionnel celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, the brand continues to honour its heritage by investing in the future through mentorship, education and opportunities for emerging pastry professionals.
“The Young Chef Competition reflects Elle & Vire Professionnel’s long-term commitment to supporting young pastry talent. Every accomplished pastry chef starts somewhere, and by creating opportunities to learn, compete and gain international exposure, we’re helping young professionals build the confidence and experience to shape the future of Malaysia’s pastry industry,” said Eric Chong, Senior Sales Manager, Savencia Malaysia.
“For 80 years, Elle & Vire Professionnel has supported pastry professionals around the world through quality ingredients, expertise and education. The Young Chef Competition embodies this commitment by investing in emerging talent, encouraging creativity and helping young chefs build the confidence to shape the future of pastry. Seeing this programme return for its second edition in Malaysia is a testament to our belief that developing people is just as important as developing products,” said Laure Rigoux, Regional Marketing Director, Savencia Southern Asia Pacific.
Together with Sunway Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia, the competition is part of Elle & Vire Professionnel’s global Generation Programme, supporting aspiring Chefs through mentorship, education, and international opportunities. It reflects the brand’s commitment to developing the next generation of culinary professionals while connecting Malaysian talent with the global pastry community. The top 3 winners earn an exclusive overseas training experience sponsored by Elle & Vire Professionnel.