SINGAPORE, 21 November 2024 – Lexus Asia celebrates Chef Yuda Bustara, the inaugural winner of The Maverick Academy, a groundbreaking culinary competition series co-hosted by Lexus Asia and AR Asia Production, which premiered on Netflix on 8th November. Chef Yuda’s exceptional talent, innovation, and personalized culinary creations throughout the competition mirror Lexus’ dedication to delivering extraordinary experiences. His triumph in the series earned him the prestigious title of Top Scholar.
The competition featured a distinguished panel of mentors, including Chef Pam Soontornyanakij and Chef Michael Bonacini, who oversaw a series of rigorous challenges designed to test the contestants’ creativity, technical skills, and entrepreneurial potential. From individual signature dish challenges to team-based competitions, the contestants fought fiercely for the chance to claim the Top Scholar title.
Chef Yuda Bustara’s Victory
Chef Yuda Bustara, an Indonesian celebrity chef and host, triumphed over 8 contestants to become the first-ever Top Scholar of The Maverick Academy. As part of his victory, Yuda secured an exclusive mentorship and business partnership with the internationally renowned Demon Chef, Alvin Leung. He began his three-month traineeship at LUMA in November, the first Asia Pacific restaurant by Mastercard in collaboration with Hong Kong’s leading culinary group, LUBUDS, which also served as the filming location for the show’s finale.
Yuda, driven by a passion for introducing Indonesian cuisine to the world, founded his popular YouTube channel in 2015, where he shares accessible, healthy recipes. The channel has amassed over 560,000 subscribers. Reflecting on his achievement, Yuda shared, “I’m truly honored to be the winner of the first season of The Maverick Academy. This journey has pushed my creativity and allowed me to connect with incredible chefs, while sharing my vision with a wider audience.”
Yuda’s path to victory wasn’t without its challenges. Despite facing early setbacks and the looming threat of elimination, he demonstrated resilience, continuously impressing the judges with his people skills, the ability to craft harmonious flavor profiles, and his dedication to creating exceptional dining experiences. Known for his charm, Yuda showcased a deep understanding of hospitality, a key value shared by Lexus. His leadership during team challenges went beyond preparing exquisite dishes; it focused on creating a tailored, meaningful dining experience that catered to each guest’s unique preferences. Chef Alvin commended his charismatic presentation of the curated menu for Lexus VIPs.
Lexus’ Commitment to Elevating Culinary Experiences
Lexus, committed to providing exceptional experiences, continues to elevate culinary journeys across Singapore, Brunei, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Each market curates bespoke dining experiences tailored to the tastes and preferences of their guests.
In Singapore, Lexus introduced new gastronomic offerings at the reopening of the Lexus Boutique on 12th November, featuring an exclusive Lexus Aichi Miso Cake created in collaboration with Pâtisserie CLE. In Thailand, Lexus hosted a Refined Dining Experience in partnership with Mott 32, offering a modern twist on Chinese cuisine. In Indonesia, Lexus worked with celebrated local chefs to offer a unique culinary journey at their IMMERSION brand space, while Lexus Vietnam collaborated with local chefs and influencers to highlight the rich flavors of Vietnam.
These bespoke culinary experiences align with Lexus’ commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and authentic hospitality, extending beyond automotive excellence into the realm of fine dining. The Maverick Academy not only celebrates the achievements of emerging chefs but also inspires viewers to explore their own culinary passions.
Fans can watch the 5-episode series on Netflix here.
For more information about Lexus and The Maverick Academy, visit lexusasia.com/culinary/maverickacademy.