From January 6th to 12th, 2025, the Worldchefs Asia Presidents Forum was held in New Delhi, India alongside the Indus Food Exhibition. The event united representatives from 21 countries across Asia, serving as an invaluable opportunity to strategize for 2025 and 2026. Read the full report below from Willment Leong, Worldchefs Continental Director for Asia:
On behalf of Worldchefs and the Continental Director for Asia, I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the India Federation of Chefs Association (IFCA) and the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) for hosting the Worldchefs Asia Presidents Forum 2025 in the vibrant city of New Delhi, India, from January 6th to 12th, 2025, alongside the Indus Food Exhibition 2025.
During this week, representatives from 21 countries across Asia united, driven by our shared passion for culinary excellence and our steadfast commitment to advancing our industry. Your dedication to your craft and communities is truly inspiring and encapsulates the spirit of this esteemed forum.
I would also like to commend the Indian Federation of Culinary Association (IFCA) for their tremendous efforts in making this extraordinary event possible. Your hard work has created an exceptional platform for joyful exchange, innovative collaboration, and the exploration of new ideas.
The Asia Presidents Forum convened on January 9, 2025, gathering representatives from 15 countries, along with an additional 6 participants joining us online. This meeting proved invaluable for discussing common challenges and strategizing actionable steps for 2025 and 2026.
We must also acknowledge the contributions of Worldchefs President Andy Cuthbert, who participated virtually and greatly enriched our discussions. Working closely with Vice Continental Director for Asia, KK Kong, we achieved significant outcomes and reaffirmed our collective commitment to fostering collaboration within the Worldchefs Asia family. Thank you once again to all the presidents for your enthusiasm and active participation. Together, we are poised to shape a bright future for our culinary community in Asia.
During our time in New Delhi, we had the privilege of visiting the remarkable arrangements made for the Worldchefs Asia presidents at the iconic Taj Mahal and the National Museum of India, which provided profound insights into the rich cultural tapestry of this incredible nation. We also explored the stunning Akshardham Temple, a true masterpiece of architecture and spiritual significance.
Our lunch at ITC Bukhara, a celebrated restaurant known for maintaining its original menu for many years, was a delightful experience. The farewell dinner at the esteemed Shangri-La Eros allowed us to once again express our deepest appreciation to IFCA, TPCI, and Sanjay from Sun Sand Tour for their impeccable coordination and unwavering support, which made the Asia Presidents Forum 2025 a remarkable success.
Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Chef Manjit Singh Gill, Mr. Sandip Das, Mr. Himanshu Barola, Chef Vijaya Baskaran, Ms. Meera, and everyone working behind the scenes who contributed to the success of this forum. Your efforts have truly made a difference. Well-done!
Best regards,
Willment Leong
Continental Director for Asia
World Association of Chefs’ Societies
