MIRI, June 22 — Chef Kenny Gan Wei Kiat of Hatchi by Kenny’s restaurant here has emerged World National Tapas Competition champion.

Gan outperformed other 28 fellow Malaysian chefs to clinch the coveted title, earning the honour of representing Malaysia at the prestigious World Tapas Championship in Valladolid, Spain this November.

The competition was part of the World National and World Asia Tapas Competition, Exhibition, Festival and Seminar (Watcefs) 2026, where chef Ellyrius Sukimin of Jinhold Hotel & Serviced Apartment Miri secured the runner-up title yesterday.

In an exclusive interview with The Borneo Post, Gan said his winning creation was a modern interpretation of ikan pansuh in croquette form.

“I actually did a modern interpretation of a pansuh dish and used ikan patin from Sungai Baleh, Kapit. Then I reinvented it as a croquette, as a tapas,” he explained.

“All the ingredients are gathered wild, like bunga kantan, umbut tepus, upak kecelak — traditional Dayak ingredients used for cooking pansuh. Everything is gathered from Sarawak. We cook it to preserve the flavour of pansuh, but in a modern way.”

Ellyrius impressed the judges with his innovative creation entitled ‘Aki Nabalu Mulu’, which incorporates ulat mulong (sago grub) alongside prawn, bunga kantan, lemongrass, terung assam, ginger, shallots, and garlic.

“The main ingredient is ulat mulong. The concept is using traditional ingredients in a new way,” he explained.

He added that the dish was inspired by the heritage of Sabah and Sarawak, combining authentic Bornean ingredients with modern culinary presentation.

“Aki Nabalu Mulu symbolises the union of Sabah and Sarawak, bringing together traditional flavours, indigenous ingredients, and contemporary culinary techniques into one elegant culinary story,” he explained.

On his inspiration, Ellyrius said he wanted to elevate a locally underused ingredient into a fine dining experience.

“Ulat mulong is traditional delicacy that people seldom eat, but I bring it into a new concept like fine dining. I remove the grub’s head and cook it with local ingredients,” he added.

Separately, Miri mayor Adam Yii Siew Sang said Miri’s first time hosting Watcefs brought significant exposure to the city.

“This event was organised in Kuching for the last two years. This is the third year and the first time in Miri. I have told the organiser to consider bringing this event to Miri from now on. Miri needs more exposure. This will help put Miri on the world map,” he said.

Organising chairlady Sim Ling Ling said the event represents years of effort to position Sarawak, particularly Miri, as a destination capable of hosting world-class international platforms.

A total of 55 competitors, more than 100 exhibitors, and an estimated 3,000 visitors and delegates took part in the four-day event, which concluded yesterday.

Activities included competitions, exhibitions, masterclasses, business networking sessions, and trade engagements aimed at showcasing Sarawak to the world.

Delegations from Spain, China, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Jordan, Abu Dhabi, and Malaysia gathered in Miri, creating opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism promotion, business partnerships, and international market access. — The Borneo Post