Representing Asia on the global stage, Chef Ardy Ferguson of Belon, Hong Kong, takes home the top honour at the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024–25 in Milan with his dish Archipelago Celebration.
Chef Ardy Ferguson of Belon, Hong Kong was crowned the winner of S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024-25 on 30 October 2025. Guided by his mentor, Chef Vicky Lau from Hong Kong, Ardy triumphed in the two-day grand finals against 14 other talented global finalists. The award ceremony took place at the stunning Castello Sforzesco, a historic medieval castle in Milan.
Ardy’s winning dish ‘Archipelago Celebration’ impressed the judges for its balance of innovation and authenticity – qualities that reflect the competition’s values of skill, passion and purpose. Inspired by the “vibrant culinary traditions of Indonesia” and the gastronomic offerings of Hong Kong, the dish featured duck and rice as its central components.
The creation drew high praise from the grand jury, which comprised seven world renowned chefs: Julien Royer of three-Michelin-starred Odette in Singapore; Mitsuharu Tsumura of Maido in Lima – ranked the world’s best restaurant by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants; Christophe Bacquié of France and two-Michelin-star Le Table des Amis; Jeremy Chan, co-founder of London’s trailblazing two-Michelin-star restaurant Ikoyi; Antonia Klugmann, of Michelin-starred L’Argine in Gorizia, Italy; Niki Nakayama, of Michelin-starred n/naka in Los Angeles; Elena Reygadas, chef-owner of Michelin-starred Rosetta in Mexico City.
Ardy says, “Representing Asia on this global stage has been an unforgettable experience. Creating my dish, ‘Archipelago Celebration’, allowed me to share the vibrant culinary traditions of Indonesia that have deeply inspired me. This journey has challenged me creatively and technically and connected me with some of the most inspiring chefs in the world.’’
Guests at the awards ceremony enjoyed a gastronomic dinner prepared by two of the culinary world’s most influential figures: Pía León, chef-owner of Lima’s Kjolle, ranked number nine on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, and Jessica Rosval, Head Chef of Casa Maria Luigia and Al Gatto Verde.
The gala evening also celerated the winners of the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition’s collateral awards crowned. Chef Zanté Neethling (Africa, Middle East & South Asia) received the S.Pellegrino Social Responsibility Award for her dish Tribute to the Khoi-Khoin Tara, which was praised for best exemplifying the use of sustainable practices.
Chef Noah Wynants (North Europe) and his plant-based take on a global classic, Dutch ‘Rendang’, was named winner of the Acqua Panna Connection in Gastronomy Award which celebrates the young chef whose signature dish best reflects harmony between tradition and innovation. Finally, chef Nicolás A. López (USA) took home the Fine Dining Lovers Food for Thought Award, which is the only award in the competition decided by public vote and recognises the young chef whose dish best expresses their personal beliefs and values.