KUCHING: Borneo's contemporary restaurant KANTIN has once again made Sarawak proud by receiving two prestigious nominations at the World Culinary Awards 2025.

KANTIN restaurant at JEWEL Changi, Singapore successfully placed itself as a candidate for the Asia's Best New Restaurant category, while KANTIN at The Granary, Kuching was selected as a finalist for Malaysia's Best Restaurant.

Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Dato Gerald Rentap Jabu described the success as proof of Sarawakians' ability to break into the international culinary scene.

“This success is a source of pride not only for the restaurant, but also for all Sarawakians.

"It demonstrates the spirit of innovation and world-class talent born from this state," he said in a statement on Monday.

He added that KANTIN, which started with a vision to reintroduce traditional Sarawakian cuisine to a new generation, is now an example of great potential in the local creative and culinary industry.

The international nomination also marks the increase in global recognition of Sarawak's unique culture and gastronomic heritage.

Recently, the KANTIN management team led by Emily Yii and May Tan paid a courtesy call on Dato Gerald and his wife Datin Rosemarie Wong, who have always supported the development of local entrepreneurs.

Aside from KANTIN, other restaurants that were also nominated for the Asia's Best New Restaurant category include Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill in Macau, Shang Palace in Shangri-La Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Aire and Omaroo Grill in Hong Kong, Nómada in Singapore, and Yan Garden by Chef Fei in China. -UKASnews