Yiying Yong, the assistant head sommelier at 67 Pall Mall Singapore, triumphed at the prestigious Asia Best Sommelier in French Wine competition held at the Regent Hotel in Taipei on Monday. After four hours of intense and challenging competition, the Malaysian native emerged victorious, surpassing 10 other talented finalists with her refined and expert performance.
In second place was Carols Chen from Bistro Le Jardin in Taiwan, while Bass Lin, a sommelier at Paris 1930 x Hideki Takayama in Taiwan, claimed third. Xiaolong Li, winner of the 2024 China’s Best Sommelier Competition of French Wine, finished fourth.
Yong attributed her success to the steadfast support of her colleagues, who assisted in her preparation through blind tastings and comprehensive research. Reflecting on her journey, she shared, “Seven years ago, I first competed in the Asia Finals here in Taiwan. Today, I owe this achievement to my team, who stood by me every step of the way.”
A Journey from Kuala Lumpur to Global Recognition
Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Yong’s love for wine began in her teenage years. However, her academic background is unconventional for a sommelier. She graduated in 2013 with a master’s degree in atmospheric science, geography, and archaeology from a U.K. university. It was during her studies that she took Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) courses, which led her to realize that she could combine her academic interests with her growing passion for wine.
In 2014, she began her professional journey as a sommelier at Vintry, a well-known wine bar in Malaysia, before transitioning to the role of sommelier at wine importer Vie du Vin. These early roles helped her gain a deeper understanding of the wine industry and gave her the opportunity to engage with customers daily. This experience provided the foundation for her continued success.
Now based in Singapore, Yong has made a name for herself at 67 Pall Mall, where her wine knowledge and expertise have earned her numerous accolades, including the highest global score in the European Chapter Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced Exam.
Asia Best Sommelier in French Wine: A Growing Platform for Excellence
The Asia Best Sommelier in French Wine competition, organized by Taste France, is a premier event for promoting French wines and raising the standard of sommeliers in Asia. Launched in 2015, the contest includes regional rounds held in September, with the winners advancing to the Asia Finals in December.
This year, 11 competitors from six regions—mainland China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and South Korea—fought for the coveted title. The competition underscores the growing demand for wine expertise across Asia and highlights the increasing prominence of Asian sommeliers in the global wine industry.
Yong’s victory is a testament to her dedication and expertise, further cementing her place as a leading figure in the world of wine.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Looking to the future, Yong expressed a desire to pass on her knowledge and inspire the next generation of sommeliers. “This is just the beginning,” she said with confidence. “I want to inspire others to strive for excellence in the world of wine.”
Her achievement marks a significant milestone in her career, and it is clear that Yong’s influence will continue to grow as she contributes to the advancement of the sommelier profession and the appreciation of French wines in Asia.
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