MULU: Two of Sarawak’s promising culinary talents, Chef Robbie Richard Balcarek and Chef Laura Sim, have been officially selected for the prestigious Serumpun In Motion Mentee Programme, an initiative under the Serumpun Sarawak Movement led by internationally renowned culinary figure, Chef James Won.
The programme is a dedicated mentorship platform that aims to nurture Sarawak’s next generation of indigenous chefs who embody the spirit of their heritage while embracing global culinary innovation.
For Robbie, a Bidayuh from Bau and self-trained chef who founded Little Fairy Café in Padungan, Kuching, this opportunity marks a defining milestone in his journey.
Already celebrated as a double gold medallist at the 2025 Malaysia Culinary World Cup and a representative of Sarawak and Borneo cuisine at the China (Linyi) Showcase, Robbie continues to champion the modernisation of Bidayuh cuisine through this mentorship programme.
“Being mentored by Chef James is truly eye-opening,” Robbie said.
“It’s an honour to learn from someone of his calibre and vision. This experience reminds me that our roots are not limitations, they are our greatest strength.”
Trained in Michelin three-star kitchens in France and Japan, Won has been honoured with the Chevalier (Ordre du Mérite Agricole) by the French Republic for his outstanding contribution to gastronomy.
As the co-founder and custodian of Serumpun Sarawak, he has been instrumental in shaping its mission to conserve, elevate, and globalise Sarawak’s indigenous culinary heritage.
Joining Robbie in this mentorship is Laura, representing the Iban community. A seasoned advocate of indigenous cuisine, Laura is a member of the Culinary Heritage & Arts Society (CHASS) Sarawak and is well-known for her dedication to promoting local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques.
Her selection reinforces Serumpun Sarawak’s commitment to empowering indigenous chefs who uphold Sarawak’s authentic flavours while incorporating modern culinary approaches.
Under Won’s guidance, both mentees will undergo intensive training, cultural immersion, and international exposure. Their participation in the Serumpun In Motion Programme reflects the movement’s belief that “food is identity, and identity is legacy.”
Together, Robbie and Laura will carry forward the mission of bridging heritage with innovation redefining what it means to cook “from the land, for the world,” while inspiring future generations of Sarawakian chefs to take pride in their roots and embrace a global vision.
