Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia / TRAVELINDEX / YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, visited the World National & World Asia Tapas Competition, Exhibition, Festival and Seminar 2026 (WATCEFS 2026) during its four-day run at Meritz Hotel Miri, meeting personally with competing chefs from across Asia and Malaysia and declaring the event a tremendous success.
The Minister engaged with the 55 competitors from 13 countries, the 12 international jurors, and witnessed an event that brought together over 100 exhibitors and food vendors, 15 speakers and masterclass presenters, and more than 3,000 attendees. He called for Miri to host more international events of this calibre.
“Miri should have more international events such as WATCEFS,” YB Dato Sri Abdul Karim said. “Events like this are investments. And the returns are measured not just in ringgit, but in relationships that compound over years and decades.”
WATCEFS 2026 was more than a culinary competition. It was a bridge between Sarawak and the kitchens of thirteen nations, between our rich multicultural heritage and the global markets, between aspiration and achievement.
Delegations from Spain, China, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Korea, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Cambodia, Jordan, and Abu Dhabi filled the Meritz Hotel from 18 to 21 June. Every handshake was a potential trade agreement. Every exhibitor on that trade floor was building a commercial relationship that will outlast this week. The 30 Malaysian chefs who competed in the World National Tapas Competition and the 25 Asia chefs who battled in the World Asia Tapas Competition will carry Sarawak’s flag to the World Tapas Championship in Valladolid, Spain, in November 2026.
Beyond the competitions, the programme featured the Borneo Barista Art & Coffee Blending Challenge, sustainability seminars on eco-conscious gastronomy and digital tourism, masterclasses led by award-winning practitioners from six countries, the “Asia on a Plate” culinary showcase at Jinhold Hotel & Serviced Apartment, and the WATCEFS Food Festival at The Santai Terrace featuring 11 community associations celebrating Miri’s 34 ethnic communities.
Sarawak is not waiting for the world to discover it. It is going out to meet the world, and it is inviting the world to come. WATCEFS 2026 is proof that when government vision, private sector commitment, and community passion come together, the world listens.
About WATCEFS 2026
Now in its third consecutive year, WATCEFS is organised by Ethos Connect International Consulting Sdn Bhd and the Sarawak International Technical & Vocational Education Association under the leadership of Organising Chair Ms Sim Ling Ling. Supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia, and Business Events Sarawak (BESarawak). Sponsors: Malaysian Pepper Board (Platinum), Carlsberg and Jinhold Hotel & Serviced Apartment (Gold), BonCafe Malaysia (Silver).
Media Contact:
Ms Sim Ling Ling | Tel: 012-873 9900
Ethos Connect International Consulting Sdn Bhd | support@sustainableborneo.my | www.sustainableborneo.my