Nurturing Culinary Talent at William Angliss Institute: Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Scholarship 2026
Get to know our Semester One 2026 Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Scholarship recipients at William Angliss Institute and the inspiring stories behind them.
Nestlé Professional is proud to sponsor the annual Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Scholarship in partnership with William Angliss Institute. Valued at $4,000 AUD, this prestigious scholarship supports domestic VET students studying Commercial Cookery, providing essential tools and resources to help them succeed – part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing the future of the foodservice industry.
Get to know the five recipients of the 2026 scholarship - discover their inspiring career journeys and how they plan to pursue their culinary dreams with the support of the scholarship.
Recipient One: Matthew Packer
Matthew Packer is an emerging culinary talent now studying a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at William Angliss Institute as an apprentice. Having recently completed his VCE, Matthew has channelled his energy into a genuine love of cooking for himself and the people who share his passion for great food.
Driven by a desire to create food that reflects both who he is and the people he serves, Matthew hopes to build a long-term career as a chef, with the ultimate ambition of becoming Head Chef at a small, fine-dining restaurant.
For Matthew, the scholarship is about freedom to focus. By easing the upfront costs of service uniforms, equipment, materials and course fees, the funds will relieve financial pressure and allow him to fully engage in his coursework and participate actively in campus life.
Recipient Two: Haram Kim
For Haram Kim, cooking has always been his greatest passion and creative outlet – a way to transform simple ingredients into dishes that bring people joy. Now pursuing both a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and a Diploma in Kitchen Management, Haram has consistently demonstrated dedication, discipline and a strong work ethic, taking pride in maintaining high standards across both practical and theoretical projects.
Haram approaches every challenge as an opportunity to grow, and he dreams of becoming one of the top chefs in the world. Working under experienced mentors to master their techniques, gaining international experience, and one day leading his own kitchen. Along the way, he hopes to develop a signature style that blends creativity, precision and flavour, while mentoring younger chefs who share his drive.
Haram sees the scholarship as a stepping stone towards his goals, helping fund essentials such as uniforms, equipment and transport to training and work placements, while also providing access to workshops and short courses focused on advanced cooking techniques.
Recipient Three: Sophia Ng
Sophia Ng brings a remarkable and unconventional path to the kitchen. Currently studying a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management, Sophia holds a PhD in biochemistry focused on plant nutrient and stress responses, research recognised through major international grants. She now applies and deepens her culinary knowledge as a part-time cook at Kew Golf Club, contributing actively to class discussions and teamwork.
Sophia is studying with a clear mission: to help families access nutritious school lunches. Her goal is to create a social enterprise that connects local farms, food businesses and schools to deliver affordable, child-friendly meals which meet food safety and nutrition standards.
Recipient Four: Ruby Williams
Ruby Williams is currently studying a Certificate III in Commercial Cookery at William Angliss Institute, where she has achieved strong results and demonstrated a commitment to excellence across her studies. Living with food allergies has given Ruby a deep understanding of dietary requirements and ingredient selection, and she regularly adapts recipes to create inclusive, high-quality dishes without compromising on flavour or creativity. She has also dedicated time to volunteering in her local community, supporting people experiencing disadvantage.
Entrepreneurial by nature, Ruby dreams of one day opening her own world-class restaurant. She is equally passionate about giving back and hopes to create opportunities for those facing hardship through employment pathways and community food initiatives.
Living five hours away from the campus, Ruby faces additional challenges balancing study and work commitments. The scholarship will help fund equipment and specialty ingredients, allowing her to practise her skills at home and continue building her confidence ahead of assessments.
Recipient Five: Yongin Lee
Yongin Lee is currently studying a dual qualification - Certificate III in Commercial Cookery/Certificate IV in Patisserie at William Angliss Institute. After arriving in Australia, Yongin discovered a passion for cooking through roles across sushi kitchens, bakeries, restaurants and other food-related industries. He has since relocated from Adelaide to pursue his studies, successfully balancing full-time study, part-time work and independent living.
Yongin's long-term goal is to combine his culinary and pastry expertise to open his own restaurant, creating memorable dining experiences through creativity, quality food and exceptional service.
The scholarship will help ease financial pressures and allow Yongin to dedicate more time and energy to developing his practical skills. The funds will assist with essential study-related expenses, including culinary equipment, uniforms, learning resources, transportation and living costs.
Congratulations to the 2026 recipients of the Nestlé Golden Chef's Hat Scholarship. Nestlé Professional is proud to support these talented emerging chefs as they continue to develop their skills, pursue their ambitions and contribute to the future of Australia's vibrant culinary industry.
Learn more about the scholarship and how you can apply here.