KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 -- Behind the warmth of diplomatic pleasantries at the 46th ASEAN Summit lies another, less visible yet equally critical mission. The real heat, however, isn't at the negotiating table, it's in the kitchen of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC).

At the helm of this high-stakes culinary operation is KLCC's executive chef, Chef Hisham Jaafar, 52, who has devoted more than 15 years to mastering high-end cuisine within the prestigious venue's kitchens.

--fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED

photographed by: FATHIN SUHAIRA ABD RAHIM