Malaysia’s Rising Pastry Talent Crowned at Elle & Vire Professionnel® Young Chef Competition 2026

Last Saturday, I was at Sunway Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia for the Grand Final of Elle & Vire Professionnel® Young Chef Competition 2026. As Elle & Vire Professionnel® celebrates 80 years of excellence, the competition reinforces the brand’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of pastry professionals.

From left: Nirvana Lau Jia Ying, APCA Malaysia, Yap Jing Li, Taylor’s University and Usha Chandrika Vijendran, Le Petit Four Patisserie.

At this year's Grand Final, Yap Jing Li, 22, from Taylor’s University, emerged as champion after impressing the judges with technical skill, creativity and composure under pressure, earning an international training opportunity alongside national recognition.

“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 more than 100 entries from aspiring Pastry Chefs aged 16–25 across culinary institutions, patisseries and restaurants in Malaysia. Following the semi-finals, the Top 10 finalists competed in the Grand Final, where they recreated Elle & Vire Professionnel®’s Marble Butter Cake and presented an original French-inspired plated dessert. 

Entries were judged on technique, creativity, flavour, presentation and execution under pressure.

Two of the original French-inspired plated dessert.

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, presenting their creations before some of the industry’s most respected pastry professionals was a reward in itself.

The finalists were judged by an esteemed panel comprising Chong Ko Wai, co-founder of Texture Patisserie, Elle & Vire Professionnel® Malaysia Ambassador and internationally renowned pastry Chef (Breadpitt); Lawrence Cheong, co-founder of Texture Patisserie and Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie 2015 Best Chocolate Showpiece award recipient; 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.

I was given the opportunity to be one of the judge for Elle & Vire Professionnel®’s Marble Butter Cake's Best Media Choice award.

“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.

Here are the marble butter cakes created by the 10 participants.

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.

Marble butter cakes

“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.

Marble butter cakes

“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.

Marble butter cakes

Hosted in partnership with Sunway Le Cordon Bleu Malaysia, the competition forms part of Elle & Vire Professionnel®’s global Generation Programme, which supports aspiring Chefs through mentorship, education and international learning opportunities.

The one of the right (Orange Marble Butter Cake by Yap Jing Li) won the Best Media Choice award.

More than a competition, it reflects the brand’s ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of culinary professionals while connecting Malaysian talent with the global pastry community. The top 3 winners of this year’s Young Chef Competition earn an exclusive overseas training experience sponsored by Elle & Vire Professionnel®.

.: Peace Out :.