The Taiwan Junior Chefs Association (TJCA) left for Malaysia on Monday, July 20, to participate in the 5th Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia Tour (GCCM 2026). To honor the team, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) held a flag-raising ceremony over the weekend, calling food the most approachable form of diplomacy.

The TJCA team will travel to Malaysia from Monday to Saturday. The GCCM 2026 is an international challenge certified by the Worldchefs Association, and encompasses diverse events, including “black box” ingredient challenges and a chocolate dessert challenge. The event attracts top chefs from around the world and is self-described as one of the most anticipated events in the global culinary calendar.

Lin said in a Sunday Facebook post that he was immediately excited about the TJCA’s participation in the asian noodle and Japanese donburi challenges, especially as a self-proclaimed “starch lover.” However, the fact that the team would showcase Taiwanese creativity and the team’s personal expertise on the world stage is even more thrilling.

He said that Taiwan is a society where many cultures converge – reflected in its diverse culinary landscape, and the diverse challenges the TJCA team will attempt. Lin called each team member a culinary ambassador and a part of Taiwan’s comprehensive diplomacy. He said, “In comprehensive diplomacy, everyone is a diplomat; everyone serves as an ambassador for Taiwan, sharing the best of Taiwan with the world."

The Foreign Ministry said that, by participating, the team is promoting Taiwan’s culinary soft power. The ministry said it will continue to support non-governmental teams, like the TJCA, to participate in international exchanges around the world, and to continue to share the best of Taiwan with a wider and wider audience.