KOTA KINABALU | The Malaysia–China Chamber of Commerce Sabah has officially unveiled the banquet menu for its 2026 annual gala, “Timeless Elegance · A Night of Brilliance.”
As an integral part of the overall experience, the evening’s menu brings together Chinese culinary classics and Nanyang flavours, adding depth and warmth to the occasion and standing out as one of its most anticipated highlights.
The menu was curated under the coordination and supervision of Lanice Ng, Committee Member of the Women Entrepreneurs Committee.
She shared that under the firm vision and high standards set by President Datuk Dexter Lau, the banquet goes beyond premium ingredients and refined presentation, with its culinary flow carefully designed to reflect the evening’s theme of “a fusion of timeless tradition and contemporary flair.”
She noted that the menu was not created merely for variety or sophistication, but with the intention of allowing guests to better understand one another’s cultures and values through the shared experience of dining.
The evening begins with lobster paired with caviar. Elegantly presented whole lobsters, complemented by the rich delicacy of caviar, set a refined tone for the night while symbolising a distinguished opening.
She revealed that the team worked closely with suppliers to ensure meticulous selection of ingredients, aiming to present not only visual excellence, but also to reflect Sabah’s abundant marine resources and its potential.
The soup course follows with a more composed and reflective pace. Slow-cooked with premium ingredients such as fish maw, dried scallops, morel mushrooms and cordyceps flowers, the broth is clear yet richly flavoured.
Lanice explained that this dish represents a key principle in business partnerships—time and trust.
“Many long-term collaborations are not built through a single meeting, but through time,” she said. “This soup reflects patience and depth.”
One of the most symbolic highlights of the evening is the handcrafted dumplings, prepared live by chefs from China. Delicately wrapped and adorned with gold leaf, the dumplings shimmer subtly under the lights.
In Chinese culture, dumplings symbolise reunion and unity, and their presence in Sabah creates a meaningful connection across geography and time.
“Early Chinese communities journeyed from China to Nanyang, and today, entrepreneurs gather here once again—it is a continuation,” she said.
More than a cultural display, the dumplings serve as a bridge of emotion, bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds at the same table.
The main course centres on a reinterpretation of Nasi Lemak, paired with abalone and satay elements, presenting a harmonious blend of Chinese and Malaysian flavours. Lanice noted that this dish reflects Malaysia’s true multicultural identity.
“Nasi Lemak is our national dish, satay represents our diversity, and abalone symbolises growth and advancement,” she said. “This combination does not replace tradition—it allows different cultures to coexist on the same platform.”
She added that this mirrors the relationship between Malaysian and Chinese enterprises—not one of replacement, but of collaboration and mutual growth.
The following dish of abalone, sea cucumber, and seasonal greens returns to a tone of balance and stability. It reflects the importance of sustainability and resilience in business, especially in a rapidly changing environment.
