Ming-Hung Lin, a first-year student in the Department of Nursing at Asia University, recently shined on the international culinary stage by winning the Gold Medal in the Chocolate Bonbon category at the 2025 22nd Korea World Food Championships. His outstanding performance not only brought honor to the university but also marked a remarkable achievement for Taiwan’s baking community.
Organized by the world’s leading chef associations, the competition took place on May 10–11 at the aT Center in Seoul, South Korea. A total of 851 contestants from 12 countries—including South Korea, Taiwan, Germany, Indonesia, the United States, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, and Turkey—gathered for this international culinary event featuring skills competitions and cultural exchanges. The contest categories ranged from live cooking and cold plate presentation to wagashi, Western pastry baking, Chinese cuisine, and mixology, showcasing the diversity of global culinary arts.
The organizers invited Bayram Özrek, Chairman of Culinary Arts in Turkey, to serve as the chief judge and conduct rigorous evaluations from a professional standpoint. According to the event chairman, Mr. Yang, Lin’s creation demonstrated not only exquisite craftsmanship but also a creative integration of Taiwanese cultural elements, impressing the judges and earning high praise.
Currently enrolled in Asia University’s College of Nursing, Lin previously competed as a baking specialist during his high school years at Youth Senior High School. Although he chose to pursue nursing through the university application track, his passion for baking never faded. Despite the demanding coursework of the nursing curriculum, he remained committed to practicing and preparing for competitions. His perseverance ultimately paid off when he won the gold medal at this international event.
Lin shared that the preparation process was extremely challenging, as he had to balance the dual identities of nursing student and competition baker. Managing time, coping with pressure, and preparing for an international contest were all significant hurdles. Nevertheless, with the strong support and encouragement from his professors and classmates, he persevered and proudly showcased the resilience and talent of Taiwan’s young generation on the global stage.
At the moment of victory, he raised a flag bearing the words “Asia University College of Nursing,” standing among competitors from around the world with pride and gratitude. As a multi-talented member of the new generation, Lin hopes to continue developing in both nursing and baking. He aspires to use his culinary skills to provide comfort and healing to patients and their families—bravely pursuing his dreams and creating new possibilities for the future.
