Chef Fathmath Suma wins silver, qualifies for Worldchefs final in Shanghai
The Maldives has celebrated a historic culinary achievement, with chefs representing the Chefs Guild of Maldives (CGM) winning silver and bronze medals at the Worldchefs Global Chefs Challenge Asian semi-finals held in Indonesia, Jakarta.
Chef Fathmath Suma secured a silver medal and finished as first runner-up in the Global Vegan Chefs Challenge, earning a place at the world final in Shanghai, China, in 2027. Silver was the highest medal awarded in her category, making her result a particularly significant achievement for the Maldivian team.
Chef Uwais Fayaz added to the country’s success by winning a bronze medal in the Global Chefs Challenge category.
Both chefs faced a demanding competition format, each preparing a three-course menu of four portions per course within just two and a half hours. Their performances demonstrated the technical skill, creativity, organisation and composure required to compete internationally.
Suma and Uwais are both members of the culinary team at dusitD2 Feydhoo Maldives. They trained under Executive Chef Mohamed Adhil and Executive Pastry Chef Ahmed Nashath, widely known as Nemy, whose coaching and guidance played an important role in preparing the competitors.
CGM expressed its sincere appreciation to Chef Adhil and Chef Nashath for accepting the Guild’s invitation to prepare a team for the Asian semi-finals. Their commitment to mentoring the chefs and supporting their preparation helped turn the opportunity into a proud achievement for the Maldives.
The Chefs Guild of Maldives also recognised Suma and Uwais for their dedication throughout training and for representing the country with professionalism on the international stage.
Atmosphere Foundation provided fully funded sponsorship for the team. CGM extended its gratitude to the Foundation for this huge contribution, which enabled the team’s travel and supported opportunities for Maldivian culinary talent to gain international exposure.
This was the Maldives’ second participation in the Asian semi-finals. According to CGM, the country’s previous appearance earned a bronze medal in the Global Pastry Chefs category and a silver medal in the Global Chefs category. The latest results build on that success, with Suma’s qualification marking an important step forward.
The Worldchefs Global Championships will take place in Shanghai from 30 March to 2 April 2027. The event is set to bring together 88 teams from seven regions across nine categories: Global Chefs, Pastry Chefs, Young Chefs, Vegan Chefs, Green Chefs, Heritage Chefs, Butchery, Bakery and Recognised Schools.
For CGM, the achievement reflects the value of connecting local talent with international opportunities, supported by committed coaches, hospitality employers and sponsors.
As Suma prepares for the world final, the team’s success offers encouragement to aspiring Maldivian chefs and demonstrates what sustained training, mentorship and collective support can achieve.
