Kazan: Muhamad Sufi Irfan Mohamad Rusdin from UiTM Penang seemed to be in disbelief when his name was announced as the gold medal winner in the Confectionery Arts category at the prestigious Young Chefs International Competition 2025 here. The culinary student defeated participants from 12 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Tunisia, Turkey, Russia, Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Senegal, Kazakhstan, and Iran.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Muhamad Sufi expressed his shock and gratitude upon hearing his name announced as the winner. He entered the competition to challenge himself and test his abilities on an international level. His winning menu, a Malaysian fusion with a Western touch, included a seafood-based salad appetizer and a main course of Marble Beef Tenderloin with curry-infused juice and glazed vegetables, followed by a dessert of Bingka Labu with Mandarin Orange Sauce and chocolate mousse.
Muhamad Sufi faced challenges with time constraints during preparation but remained focused to ensure
perfection. He explained that all ingredients were sourced in Kazan and attributed his menu’s inspiration to his lecturers from UiTM Penang, who served as team managers. The menu highlighted traditional Malay elements to showcase authenticity and creativity.
During the competition, Muhamad Sufi experienced pressure in managing time and emotions but stayed calm by focusing on one task at a time. His training included time management, cooking, and food testing to ensure balanced flavors and appealing presentation. Participation in previous competitions, such as the Melaka Culinary Challenge and the Battle of The Chefs, bolstered his confidence for this international endeavor.
Muhamad Sufi’s victory is a motivational milestone in his culinary journey. He aspires to participate in more competitions to refine his skills and learn from others, with plans to pursue a PhD in gastronomy and become a chef-lecturer at UiTM. He expressed gratitude to his lecturers, family, and friends for their unwavering support.
Muh
amad Sufi informed BERNAMA about his success immediately after the competition, fulfilling a promise made during an earlier meeting at the Russian Embassy in Malaysia. Accompanied by Asst Prof Chef Fadzly Che Omar, vice-president of the Malaysian Gastronomy Association, Muhamad Sufi’s participation in the competition aligns with the World Islamic KazanForum 2025, promoting international culinary cooperation among Islamic countries.
Fadzly highlighted the competition’s role in showcasing culinary talent and strengthening international ties, noting Muhamad Sufi’s success as a testament to Malaysia’s growing influence in global gastronomy. As an International Professional Chef Jury, Fadzly contributed to upholding professional standards and promoting Malaysian culinary excellence.