Representing the International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, Htay’s win highlights the venue’s strong commitment to nurturing emerging culinary talent and fostering excellence within its world-class kitchen team.
ICC Sydney Apprentice Chef Pastry, Thida Htay, siad: “I decided to pursue my dream of becoming a pastry chef later in life. I am extremely humbled to be recognised in the NSW and ACT regional finals of the Apprentice Competition, and I am grateful for the opportunity to take another step towards my dream career with the support of the team at ICC Sydney,” Htay said.
ICC Sydney CEO, Adam Mather-Brown praised Htay for her dedication and the design and execution of her winning dishes: “At ICC Sydney, our mission is to make a difference for our team, clients, delegates and community. Being a people-first organisation, we strive to create opportunities for our team members to demonstrate their ingenuity and craftsmanship.
“This Gold Medal is a great testament to Thida’s skills, and we look forward to seeing her star continue to rise as part of our kitchen team who deliver world-class culinary experiences to millions of attendees who visit the venue every year.”
The Australian Culinary Federation conducts a cooking competition for apprentices and culinary students in each Australian State and Territory annually. This competition is an opportunity for chefs in training to enhance their skills and network with industry professionals while enjoying a fun and rewarding learning experience. There are four categories: 1st Year Apprentice, 2nd Year Apprentice, Final Year Apprentice, and Culinary Students. The winner in each category will compete in the National Final in the Culinary Challenge Arena at Fine Food Australia to be held at ICC Sydney in September 2025.
