Kitchen Arena Launches Southeast Asia’s Largest Commercial Kitchen Equipment Supply Centre

Deputy Minister: 

Digitalisation and AI Are Reshaping Commercial Kitchens

Kitchen Arena Launches Southeast Asia’s Largest

Commercial Kitchen Equipment Supply Centre

Deputy Minister of Digital Datuk Wilson Ugak (centre) officiating the opening of Kitchen Arena’s Southeast Asia’s largest commercial kitchen equipment supply centre. From left: Lai Wooi Kian, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau Senior Manager (Business Development), Edward Lim Chee Chong, Choong Wai Hon, Datuk Shaharuddin, Prof. Charles Chan Wen Chau, and Chew Kuan Fah.

[PRESS RELEASE]
Deputy Minister of Digital, Datuk Wilson Ugak Anak Kumbong, said that as the world moves into 2026, the relationship between digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and kitchen equipment has gone beyond the era of merely “connected devices”, and is now entering a new age where invisible, fully integrated intelligent systems seamlessly manage commercial kitchen environments.

He explained that the efficiency framework of modern kitchens is built upon three key layers: the digital backbone (infrastructure), the AI brain (processing system), and the physical execution layer (operational interface).

“These three elements transform kitchens from static tool-based spaces into dynamic, service-oriented intelligent ecosystems. We are witnessing a profound shift from ‘back-of-house efficiency’ to ‘front-end excellence in customer experience,” he said.

“Today, kitchen equipment can ‘speak’ and share data in real time, enabling operators to monitor operations remotely from anywhere in the world. It also allows precise assessment of whether a dish has reached optimal maturity and quality, ensuring every plate is delivered at its best.”

Deputy Minister of Digital Datuk Wilson Ugak (centre) officiating the opening ceremony. On the right is Datuk Shaharuddin, and on the left is Choong Wai Hon.

Datuk Wilson made these remarks at the opening ceremony of Kitchen Arena, operated by Ping Edge Sdn Bhd, which is now the largest commercial kitchen equipment supply centre in Southeast Asia.

Also present at the event were the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Datuk Shaharuddin, senior officials from the Ministry of Digital and MOTAC, Ping Edge Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer, Choong Wai Hon; Chairman of Malaysia-China Emerging Chefs Alliance, Prof. Charles Chan Wen Chau; XBOTS Technologies Sdn Bhd Commercial Director, Brian Ding Kuoi Jean; Brilliant Exhibition Sdn Bhd Director Lai Wooi Kian; TSA Group Berhad Managing Director, Chew Kuan Fah, as well as industry partners and technology providers.

Datuk Wilson said the AI robotic cooking systems showcased at the centre represent a practical and meaningful application of innovation.

“This is not innovation for the sake of innovation, but innovation aimed at addressing current manpower shortages and the demand for consistent quality in high-volume food service environments,” he said.

He acknowledged that AI adoption in commercial kitchens is still at an exploratory stage and faces challenges such as a shortage of skilled talent, cost considerations, and steep learning curves. However, he stressed that these challenges should be viewed as catalysts for growth rather than obstacles.

“Digital transformation is an irreversible global trend. If Malaysia wishes to remain competitive on the international stage, we cannot afford to be followers; we must become leaders.”

Deputy Minister of Digital Datuk Wilson Ugak (centre) visiting the Kitchen Arena supply centre, accompanied by Choong Wai Hon (right).

He also commended Kitchen Arena for successfully bridging global innovation with local application by partnering with collaborators from China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, the United States, and Europe.

“Initiatives such as the Taste & Trade 360 (TT360) exhibition and the International AI Robot Cooking Competition – Malaysia Halal Food Series 2026 demonstrate forward-thinking leadership. This proves that Kitchen Arena is not merely a supplier, but a key driver shaping the future of Malaysia’s commercial kitchen industry,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ping Edge Sdn Bhd's Chief Executive Officer, Choong Wai Hon, said the establishment of the World of Oven Experience Centre marks the company’s transformation from a traditional retail model to an integrated ecosystem that combines e-commerce, physical product validation, training, and technological collaboration.

He revealed that the company has charted an ambitious three to five-year growth plan, including establishing up to 10 satellite centres nationwide, with Sarawak among the proposed locations.

“We also encourage international suppliers to come to Malaysia for training, product demonstrations, and customer engagement. This creates value for the entire business ecosystem and delivers added benefits to the nation, as business travellers typically spend up to five times more than leisure tourists,” he said.

Choong added that several MOTAC initiatives, particularly visa facilitation policies, have produced positive results, attracting more visitors from China who contribute to consumption, education, and long-term exchanges.

Deputy Minister of Digital Datuk Wilson Ugak: Digital transformation is an irreversible global trend. If Malaysia wishes to remain competitive on the international stage, it must become a leader.

In support of Visit Malaysia 2026, Kitchen Arena will collaborate with Brilliant Exhibition to organise TT360 from 5 to 7 November at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The exhibition is expected to attract approximately 20,000 visitors, predominantly business travellers.

TT360 is a strategic industry platform designed to connect culinary heritage, international trade, and emerging food technologies. It will showcase robotic solutions in foodservice and hospitality, including smart kitchens and cooking automation, supporting Malaysia’s vision to become a Smart Food Industry Hub.

Another major highlight of the exhibition is the International AI Robot Cooking Competition – Malaysia Halal Food Series, organised by XBOTS Technologies, which is the first robot culinary competition in Southeast Asia focused on Asian cuisine.

XBOTS Technologies Sdn Bhd Commercial Director Brian Ding Kuoi Jean said, the competition aims to raise awareness of smart kitchen technologies and accelerate the development of intelligent solutions tailored to Asian cooking methods.

“The competition will be evaluated through professional judging, public voting, and technical assessments, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of the food and beverage industry through cutting-edge robotics and AI,” he said.