Taylor’s Culinary Institute Student Crowned Champion at Elle & Vire Professionnel Young Chef Competition 2026
Taylor’s Culinary Institute (TCI) proudly celebrates another outstanding achievement as three of its pastry students were selected as finalists in the prestigious Elle & Vire Professionnel Young Chef Competition 2026, a renowned pastry and culinary competition for emerging talents, marking its second edition in Malaysia. The competition attracted more than 100 aspiring pastry chefs from across the country, with participants competing for cash prizes and opportunities for international training.
Backed by TCI’s continued excellence in culinary and pastry education, the finalists demonstrated exceptional technical expertise, creativity, and professionalism throughout the competition. Taylor’s University's, Yap Jing Li, a final-year Bachelor of Patisserie Arts student was crowned Champion, receiving the competition’s highest honour. She was also awarded the Best Media Choice Award, presented by a panel of invited media representatives who evaluated the finalists’ creations based on visual appeal, creativity, storytelling, and overall presentation.
The competition required finalists to recreate the signature Elle & Vire Professionnel Marble Butter Cake while presenting an original French-inspired plated dessert. Yap Jing Li impressed the judges and media representatives with Blooming Citrus, a plated dessert that celebrated the vibrant and refreshing flavours of orange. The citrus profile was thoughtfully incorporated into both her plated dessert and marble butter cake, creating a harmonious balance of flavour, elegance, and technical precision. Her meticulous execution, attention to detail, and creative interpretation distinguished her among the finalists and earned recognition from both the judging panel and media representatives.
Having three Taylor’s Culinary Institute students shortlisted for the Grand Final is a testament to the dedication of its students, the guidance of its academic team, and the institute’s commitment to nurturing industry-ready culinary professionals capable of competing at the highest level, further strengthened through it's strategic collaboration with Loaf & Latte, which enriches students’ learning through authentic industry exposure and work-integrated learning experiences. Taylor’s Culinary Institute extends its heartfelt congratulations to Yap Jing Li on her outstanding achievement and commends all three finalists for representing the University with excellence, professionalism, and passion. Their success reflects Taylor’s University’s continued commitment to developing future leaders in the culinary industry and inspiring the next generation of professionals to pursue excellence on both the national and international stage.