Golden Glory, Crafted Champions: Taylor’s Double Gold Triumph at WorldSkills ASEAN 2025

Taylor’s University proudly marks a historic achievement as two students from Taylor’s Culinary Institute secured an extraordinary double victory at the WorldSkills ASEAN 2025 competition, held in August in Manila, Philippines. Grace Ong, who represented Malaysia in the Cooking trade, and Herman Wong, who competed in the Bakery trade, each won Gold Medals, bringing immense pride and honour to the nation. This milestone is not only a proud moment for Malaysia, but also a defining chapter in Taylor’s legacy of nurturing world-class talent.

Often referred to as the “Skills Olympics,” the WorldSkills Competition is the premier platform for technical and vocational excellence. Within this framework, WorldSkills ASEAN, organised biennially, brings together the most outstanding young talents from across Southeast Asia. To emerge victorious amidst such exceptional competition is a true testament to the calibre of Taylor’s students and the uncompromising standards the university upholds.

This success was the culmination of months of rigorous training and preparation. Guided by national experts, Chef Frederic Cerchi, Chef Farouk Othman, and Chef Aaron Tang; Grace and Herman honed not only their technical mastery but also their resilience, creativity, and strength of character. Their triumph reflects both their personal determination and the collective spirit of Taylor’s Culinary Institute, where passion is cultivated, skills are sharpened, and leaders are forged.

The victory in Manila also opens the door to an even greater honour: both students will represent Malaysia at the WorldSkills Competition 2026 in Shanghai, China, showcasing their abilities on a global stage among the world’s best young professionals. This opportunity will not only highlight Malaysian excellence internationally, but also inspire a new generation to embrace the transformative power of skills and vocational education.

Taylor’s University extends its heartfelt congratulations to the gold medallists and its deepest gratitude to the coaches, faculty, and supporters who made this achievement possible. This double gold triumph is more than a personal victory, it is a symbol of Taylor’s enduring mission to shape future leaders of industry and society.