Chef Johari: A Culinary Maestro’s Journey Through Five Decades
With a distinguished career spanning five decades in the hospitality and food industries, Johari has held esteemed positions in both corporate and culinary leadership. His journey includes roles such as General Manager at SMTC Sdn. Bhd., Assistant Director of Food & Beverage at Tradewinds Corporation, Executive Assistant Manager at Crowne Plaza Shanghai, R&D General Manager at Ayamas Food Corporation, and Executive Chef at numerous international hotels across Malaysia and beyond. A professionally trained chef, Johari is an alumnus of prestigious institutions, including UiTM, AHMA, and Cornell University. From his humble beginnings as a kitchen apprentice, he has honed his craft in renowned five-star establishments across Malaysia, Switzerland, and China. Beyond…
Dato’ Fazley Yaakob: From Music to Culinary Mastery
Dato’ Fazley Yaakob, a versatile celebrity, has seamlessly blended business, gastronomy, and music into his diverse career. With chart-topping hits like Asmara Ini and Bila April, he enthralled listeners as a recording artist in the late 1990s. Over two decades, he built a name not only as a singer-songwriter but also as a motivational speaker and a successful entrepreneur. Dato’ Fazley’s love for the culinary arts drove him to seek formal training at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, despite his success in the entertainment sector. After clinching the title of Grand Champion on MasterChef Celebrity Malaysia in 2012, he embarked on a rigorous academic journey, earning a Diplôme…
The Olive Tree Group: Revolutionising Malaysia’s F&B Scene Under the Visionary Leadership of Leslie Gomez
Leslie Gomez, Founder and Managing Director of The Olive Tree Group, is a dynamic leader whose entrepreneurial vision has driven his company to the forefront of Malaysia’s vibrant hospitality scene. Since its founding in 2003, The Olive Tree Group has evolved from a single outlet to a renowned hospitality empire with 30 restaurants and bars across 7 states and 2 countries. With over 700 employees, the company is a leader in diverse culinary offerings and extraordinary dining experiences. Leslie’s journey began in India, where he gained invaluable experience working in various hospitality roles. His career reached new heights at The Taj, one of India’s most prestigious institutions. During this time,…
Chef Ammar Al Ali Serving the Best Arabic Rice in Malaysia since 1984
Chef Ammar Al Ali was born and raised in Palestine and is a Malaysian at heart. He is well-known in Malaysia for his strong influence on Mediterranean cuisine. He first came to Malaysia in 1989 and began his education journey at Kolej University Taylor and Stanford College, Penang, earning a double diploma in Hospitality & Food Production and Kitchen Planning. Chef Ammar kicked off his career at Universal Enterprise Maldives as a head chef from 1993 to 1996. In 1997, he joined the education field as a Food and Beverage Lecturer at Olympia College. Shortly after, he returned to Jordan and joined venture in the family business for the next…
Meet Annette Isaac – The Food Stylist Turned Cookbook Author
Annette Isaac is a chef, food stylist, and cookbook author who is passionate about creating delicious and accessible meals for everyone. Her debut cookbook, What to Cook Laaa…, is a celebration of the diverse and flavourful cuisine of Malaysia, with a focus on simple, easy-to-make dishes that anyone can enjoy. Isaac’s love for cooking began in childhood, when she was left to prepare her own meals while her parents were at work. She quickly became an inventive cook, combining ingredients to create new and exciting dishes that she loved to eat. This passion for food continued throughout her university years in the UK, where she became the designated cook among…
