(Fron second right) Ting and Sim with invited chefs during Friday’s official launch of WATCEFS 2026.
MIRI (June 21): The World National & World Asia Tapas Competition, Exhibition, Festival and Seminar (WATCEFS) 2026 officially opened here on Friday, marking the arrival of an international culinary and trade gathering that brings together chefs, delegates, exhibitors, buyers, tourism leaders and industry professionals from 13 nations in what has become one of Sarawak’s most significant global events.
Launched by State Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Sebastian Ting on behalf of minister Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, the event highlights Sarawak’s growing presence on the international stage.
Running until today at Meritz Hotel Miri, WATCEFS sees 55 competitors, more than 100 exhibitors, and an estimated 3,000 visitors and delegates participating in competitions, exhibitions, masterclasses, business networking sessions, and trade engagements designed to showcase Sarawak to the world.
The presence of delegations from Spain, China, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Jordan, Abu Dhabi and Malaysia has created unprecedented opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism promotion, business partnerships and international market access.
At the heart of WATCEFS is a celebration of Sarawak’s rich culinary heritage, with competitors challenged to create world-class tapas using indigenous ingredients such as Sarawak pepper, dabai, midin, sago, Bario rice, and Lun Bawang salt, introducing local flavours to global audiences through one of the world’s most recognised culinary formats.
In his opening address, Ting described WATCEFS as more than a culinary competition, highlighting its role as a platform for international collaboration, tourism growth and economic development.
“Every connection made during this event represents future opportunities for trade, investment and cultural exchange,” he said.
The event also celebrates a remarkable achievement that has already placed Sarawak firmly on the world culinary map.
In 2025, Chef Eddy Liew Kit Kiet of Miri represented Malaysia at the prestigious World Tapas Championship in Valladolid, Spain where he achieved an outstanding Top 5 finish among competitors from across five continents.
His achievement not only elevated Malaysia’s standing in the global culinary community but also demonstrated that Sarawakian talent can compete with the very best in the world.
“Today, Chef Eddy’s success stands as an inspiration for the next generation of competitors taking part in WATCEFS 2026.
“It is proof that world-class talent exists right here in Sarawak and that local chefs can proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with international culinary champions,” said Ting.
Organising chairperson Sim Ling Ling said the event represents years of effort to position Sarawak as a destination capable of hosting world-class international platforms.
“Sarawak deserves a seat at the world’s table — not as a guest but as a host and a leader,” she said.
“WATCEFS was created to showcase our people, our produce and our potential. Seeing 13 nations gathered here in Miri today is proof of what is possible when vision, collaboration and belief come together.”
Winners of the World National Tapas Competition and World Asia Tapas Competition will earn the opportunity to represent Malaysia and Asia at the World Tapas Championship in Valladolid, Spain this November, continuing Sarawak’s growing partnership with one of the world’s most respected culinary capitals.
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