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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Culture & Society

Culinary awards overshadowed by flag controversy

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Two Taiwanese chefs' associations won numerous medals at a culinary competition in Malaysia, but organizers asked one association to remove the ROC national flag during an awards ceremony.
  • The Taiwan Junior Chefs’ Association (TJCA) was told to remove the flag, while competitors from other nations were allowed to display theirs.
  • The TJCA chairman expressed disappointment, stating the incident prevented competitors from taking photos with their national flag on stage, though the team's overall success was acknowledged.

Two Taiwanese chefs' associations achieved significant success at the Global Culinary Challenge Malaysia this week, securing dozens of medals. However, the celebratory atmosphere was marred when organizers demanded that one association remove the Republic of China national flag during an awards ceremony.

The incident occurred on the final day of the competition. Members of the Taiwan Junior Chefs’ Association (TJCA), after winning multiple awards, unfurled three flags for a photo opportunity: the TJCA flag, the flag of Taipei City University of Science and Technology, and the ROC flag. Organizers promptly approached the Taiwanese team and insisted on the removal of the national flag, citing competition regulations without further detailed explanation.

It was unfortunate that the competitors did not have an opportunity to take photographs with the flag on the stage.

— Chang Ko-chinTJCA chairman expressing disappointment over the flag incident.

Competitors from other participating nations were reportedly permitted to display their respective country flags during the ceremony, making the demand on the Taiwanese team particularly conspicuous. TJCA chairman Chang Ko-chin voiced his disappointment, noting that the incident denied the competitors a chance to be photographed with their national flag on stage. Despite this, he credited the younger TJCA members for their efforts, which showcased Taiwan's culinary abilities internationally.

In total, the TJCA members won four trophies, six gold medals, 16 silver medals, 34 bronze medals, and six achievement diplomas. The Taiwan Chefs’ Association (TCA) also performed exceptionally, earning 15 trophies, 16 gold medals, 28 silver medals, nine bronze medals, and 10 achievement diplomas. The TCA, a member of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies, was also listed as an organizer for this year's event, which featured over 800 competitors from more than 30 countries.

The accolades reflected the younger TJCA members’ efforts and put Taiwan’s culinary abilities on full display on an international stage.

— Chang Ko-chinTJCA chairman crediting his team's success at the competition.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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