CELEBRITY ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR

Dato’ Fazley Yaakob is a Malaysian singer and culinary entrepreneur. His initial claim to fame was the song “Asmara Ini,” which has been on the radio for more than 12 years and was the winner of Astro Ria’s “MasterChef Selebriti Malaysia” competition in 2012. He subsequently studied Pattiserie and Cuisine before launching his brand and restaurant, SukaSucre Bistro, in Kuala Lumpur.

In 2016, SukaSucre Bistro won 11 of the 25 categories in the Malaysia International Gastronomy Festival. He has received numerous accolades, including Most Popular Chef (APO 2016), Top 100 MIYE Entrepreneur, Le Cordon Bleu’s Most Distinguished Alumni (2017), and Anugerah Usahawan Bakat Khas (Special Talent Entrepreneur Award).

Under his belt, Dato’ Fazley has ventured into Mala Mala, a restaurant centring on Szechuan Halal hot pot, and Bala’s Banana Leaf, which focuses on South Indian cuisines, in addition to SukaSucre Bistro.

Pastry Perfumes (Pastry-inspired perfume and personal care products), HITAMANÉS Artisanal coffee kiosk brand with a local twist, and MENYIRAP (Zero-calorie, sugar-free cordial syrup line) are some of his other ventures that still centre on gastronomy.

Dato’ Fazley has collaborated with Starbucks to create the first-ever chef collaboration menu, including regional favourites like Ayam Lemak Cili Api & Rendang. Dato’ Fazley was also the first chef to engage with Krispy Kreme to create localised sweets like Pudding Raja and Bandung doughnuts.