The inaugural Pop Wasabi Awards 2026 successfully concluded recently at XOX Arena, The Arch Galleries, Kuala Lumpur, bringing together six talented sushi chefs, distinguished judges, industry partners and Japanese food enthusiasts to celebrate the artistry, heritage and craftsmanship of authentic Japanese sushi.
Held in conjunction with Nihon Matsuri 2026, the inaugural competition was honoured by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Shikata Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, and Mr. Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia.
The distinguished judging panel comprised Chef Sam Saito, Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador appointed by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF); Datuk Dr. Chef Wan, Malaysia’s renowned celebrity chef, television personality, restaurateur and entrepreneur; and Ms. Andrea Wong, creative director, fashion stylist and Editor-in-Chief of Palate Asia.
Celebrating the Artistry Behind Every Piece of Sushi
The event commenced with a welcome to the distinguished guests, judges, contestants, media representatives and visitors, followed by an opening address from Mr. Aldred Yaw, Chief Operating Officer of Sendo Ichi Seafoods Sdn. Bhd., the event’s co-organiser and main sponsor. His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan subsequently delivered his address, marking an important occasion for the celebration of Japanese culinary heritage and cultural exchange.
The Pop Wasabi Awards is a culinary initiative co-organised by Sendo Ichi Seafoods Sdn. Bhd. to celebrate the artistry, heritage and craftsmanship of authentic Japanese sushi. The Awards aim to recognise emerging culinary talent, promote Japanese food culture in Malaysia and strengthen cultural exchange between Malaysia and Japan.
The competition featured six finalists representing established Japanese omakase and izakaya restaurants in Malaysia. Each contestant was challenged to demonstrate technical precision, creativity and a deep understanding of Japanese ingredients through two rounds of 3 types of Nigiri (sushi) and maki roll preparation using an assortment of premium Japanese seafood, including bluefin tuna, kampachi, squid and prawns, alongside seasonal ingredients such as sekogani, or Japanese snow crab.
The judges evaluated the contestants’ creations based on taste, creativity, storytelling, hygiene, professional conduct and technical execution. Beyond the finished dishes, the assessment recognised the care, discipline and attention to detail demonstrated throughout the preparation process.
Six Chefs Recognised for Their Culinary Excellence
The inaugural Pop Wasabi Awards introduced a three-tier recognition system, comprising One-Star, Two-Star and Three-Star Awards, with Three Stars representing the highest level of recognition.
All six finalists received trophies and certificates, together with cash prizes according to their respective award categories.
The award presentation was conducted by His Excellency Mr. Shikata Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, together with Head Judge Chef Sam Saito.
The official award recipients were:
Three-Star Award — Highest Recognition
- Mr. Chang Chi Kang — Sushi Foo
- Mr. Tan Eng Lead — Hannari Sushi Kappou Fine Dining
Both recipients received a cash prize of RM2,000 each.
Two-Star Award
- Mr. Ng Kar Wei — Kiseki Omakase
Recipient received cash prize of Rm1,500 each.
One-Star Award
- Mr. Yeak Nai Jun — Yaki Soul
- Mr. Yong Chin Min — Ichiwa Omakase
- Ms. Siew Lee Jun — Sushi Ryu
Recipients received cash prize of Rm1,000 each.
At the conclusion of the competition, Ms. Gillian Hung, co-organiser and co-founder of the Pop Wasabi Awards 2026, delivered the closing address, congratulating the award recipients and acknowledging the collective efforts of everyone involved in making the inaugural event a success.
The organisers hope that the success of the inaugural Pop Wasabi Awards will lay the foundation for an annual platform dedicated to celebrating Japanese culinary excellence, recognising emerging talent and encouraging the next generation of sushi chefs to continue refining their craft.
The finale concluded with a group photograph featuring the judges, contestants and event partners, marking a memorable milestone for the inaugural edition.
