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Congress Promotion

News Update June 2009 Asia
Thursday, 02 July 2009

SINGAPORE

Dear All,

Many months have passed since I last wrote to you; the reason for no communication is we all in Asia are busy with managing our Kitchens due to the financial parameters which befall us due to the economic roller coaster we have been riding for nearly the past twelve months. Besides this we are now managing H1N1 which receives a lot of press here in Asia, more so than what I have seen when I have been travelling in Europe & Australasia at this time.

We have had a very successful Salon Culinaire in Hong Kong with HOFEX 09 in May. As Continental Director I was very pleased in how Hong Kong displayed such great hospitality and organisation. Another plus was to have Mr Georg Knecht from Switzerland to preside as Chief Judge for the Global Chef Challenge, Congratulations to Indonesia on winning. The results of this can be seen on www.wacs2000.org under Global Chef.

Due to the economic situation I took the decision to not go to Myanmar for the APA Forum this year. To keep a window of opportunity open so that regional President of Asia can meet we will hold a one day meeting in Bangkok Thailand to coincide with Asia Cup. This is open for all to attend from Pacific & Africa region if they so wish.

Timing is below
Date: September 3rd (Thursday)
Venue: Siam Paragon Mall
Timing: 0900 to 1800 hrs
Attire: Chefs Jackets
Contact: Chef Marco Brueschweiler thaicook@loxinfo.co.th

Much has been said over the Myanmar decision; this meeting above is the correct platform to air views and to come a conclusion in a unified manner. Moving ahead Penang has re launch new website which is very informative. Malaysia has new President with Federico and we can see a working solution to the old age problem of Penang coming to a close due to new open communication and commitment from both sides, this will be good for Asia. Japan celebrates 50 years of AJCA this year. President Toshi has been a driving force with his team to revitalise Japan, this has been evident from last year with Japan Junior Team in Erfurt it shows a new chapter in Japan chef evolution. Philippines came in Force to Hong Kong for HOFEX and walked away with allot of medals. Mr J Gamboa & his team need to take a bow, they have put Philippine Culinary back on the map in the past 5 years.

Home in Singapore President Eric Teo and his team have been working on many initiatives with SJCC along with Educational workshops in conjunction with all accredited training institutions in Singapore. International Chefs Day around the corner will be another milestone in this year’s calendar.

As we all know Korea will host the 2012 Congress, it only seems like yesterday we were in Dubai and in a couple months we will all be in Santiago Chile for the next World Congress in 2010 January. India has been quite or more to the point I have not had updates, but Industry there is robust and we see an ever increasing amount of young talented Indian Chefs doing degree’s in higher Education here in Singapore for Culinary Arts. The next major events on the Asia Calendar are from now Asia Youth Games here in Singapore till July 7th, once again the September F1 night race in Singapore which brings us to Xmas & New Year. Looking ahead we will have Battle of the Lion next year in FHA2010. Along with this I will opening with my team of chefs Resort World Singapore please take a look @ www.rwsentosa.com to catch the action.

In closing I sincerely urge all who read this to take the time to plan for Chile as I for one believe this will be one of our best Conferences, so much work has gone into planning under the Chair of CD Arnold Tanzer’ from Africa with guidance from the board. Dr Gallagher’s Junior Forum will take a stardom leap with so many ICON Chefs giving endorsement which show how WACS is evolving into a truly recognised Global identity. Alan Orreal with Martin Kobald & Dr Billy Gallagher are too be saluted for bringing this platform to a new level.

I ask that we all communicate show professional respect as Chefs in these uncertain times from environmental health issues to financial, we have a moral responsibility to help the underprivileged with nutrition and to educate those in more affluent countries not to WASTE so much. The food chain needs to be more in balance so the next generations to come will be fair & healthy whilst we become innovative to cultivate, farm, and become one with Mother Nature to sustain the planet and ourselves. Technology has moved ahead but we as people still persist with habitual habits of waste & gluttony. No matter what race, creed or religion, we as Chefs hold the key to make this change, as the Human Machine must eat to survive.

Till next time.

Culinary Regards

John Sloane
Proud Member of the World Association of Chefs Societies