Sodexo Thailand Connects Local Expertise with Global Network Elevating Dining Experiences and Empowering Thai Chefs through “ASEAN Chef Exchange 2026”

September 2026: Sodexo Thailand, a global leader in food services and integrated facilities management, continues to combine its local expertise and understanding of the Thai market with the strength of its global network to elevate dining experiences for clients and consumers, develop its culinary teams and drive continuous innovation in food and services. ASEAN Chef Exchange 2026 is one example of this approach in action, bringing together culinary teams in Thailand and expert chefs from Sodexo’s international network to exchange knowledge, cooking techniques, and inspiration. 

Understanding consumers' food preferences, needs, and lifestyles in Thailand remains central to Sodexo’s service development. Its global network complements this foundation with culinary knowledge and perspectives from diverse cultures. Collaboration between Thai culinary teams and international chefs creates opportunities for practical learning and skills development, from adapting international flavors to different consumer groups to introducing fresh ideas into menus and services. This approach aims to create value in three areas: better experiences for clients and consumers, talent development, and food innovation that responds to evolving needs. 

Thuy Ngo, Managing Director of Sodexo Thailand and Vietnam, said: “Sodexo Thailand’s strength lies in combining local expertise and market understanding with the knowledge available through our global network. Exchanges between chefs from different countries broaden culinary perspectives, spark inspiration and develop our teams through hands-on collaboration. Our chefs can apply the knowledge and techniques they gain in their everyday work to enhance menus and services, create distinctive experiences for clients and consumers, and drive continuous food innovation. ASEAN Chef Exchange 2026 demonstrates this approach in practice and supports our Shift & Grow 2030 strategy, which focuses on developing talent, advancing operational excellence, and achieving long-term growth.”

For the “ASEAN Chef Exchange 2026” in Thailand, taking place from September 28 to October 2, 2026, Sodexo welcomes Chef Iskandar from Singapore to work alongside local Thai culinary teams across 5 client sites in the education, healthcare, and corporate sectors. Together, they will share cooking techniques, food waste reduction strategies, and menu customizations tailored to specific site audiences. 

Chef Iskandar and the Thailand-based teams will co-create culinary flavors and traditions through dishes popular in Singapore, including Nasi Lemak with Chicken Satay, Laksa, Singapore Fried Noodles, Popiah (Fresh Spring Rolls), and Mango Sago with Pomelo. The collaboration spans every stage of the process, from recipe sharing and ingredient preparation to cooking techniques and presentation. The knowledge and experience gained will help local chefs adapt and develop menus for each client setting, bringing fresh dining experiences to consumers beyond the program itself. 

Beyond internal team development, the program actively engages consumers through the “Chop Chop Chef” workshop at Dulwich College International School Bangkok. The interactive session invites approximately 30 participants (15 parent-child pairs) to learn ingredient selection and make fresh Singaporean Popiah. Guided by Chef Iskandar, families will practice culinary preparation, kitchen safety, plating, and sustainable cooking principles, such as using "imperfect" produce to minimize food waste. 

The exchange will continue in Singapore from 12 to 16 October 2026, when a chef from Sodexo Thailand will share their expertise and the distinctive character of Thai cuisine with regional colleagues, while gaining new perspectives and inspiration to bring back to menus and services in Thailand. The value of ASEAN Chef Exchange 2026 extends beyond showcasing dishes from different countries. Through a two-way exchange of knowledge, it connects the strengths of culinary teams and translates the capabilities of Sodexo’s global network into local value, developing talent, advancing innovation, and creating better dining experiences for clients and consumers over the long term.