Nurturing Culinary Talent at William Angliss Institute: Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Scholarship 2026

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 three Semester One 2026 scholarship recipients – 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. 

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