More than 115 excited Chaîne members and guests attended the National Bailliage’s Gala Induction Evening at the renowned Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), a veritable spectacular soirée on a balmy Saturday evening!

After missing out on dinners in 2021 due to COVID restrictions, members were very grateful to attend such a distinguished black-tie function after being “starved” of fine dining and fellowship.

We were extremely honoured to have as our Inducting Officer Ilse Duponcheel, representing President Yam Atallah in her capacity as a Member of the Conseil Magistral. She had travelled from Belgium where she is Bailli Délégué.

It was indeed an extra special start to the Induction Ceremony that our very own Professor Dr Elizabeth Lee was inducted and formally welcomed as the new Bailli Délégué of Malaysia! Warm congratulations to Bailli Délégué Elizabeth!

A gallant 28 Chaîne members were inducted and promoted, including a special presentation of the Silver Commandeur Award to Ms Yuw Ming Ho and Dr Robin Sambhi for 10 years of committed service; new Baillis were inducted for the Bailliages of Perak and Putrajaya, respectively Ms Ming Ho and Mr Jude Mohan. Once more, congratulations to all!

There was the traditional annual Chaîne group photo causing much amusement due to non-functioning cameras. Thence proceedings moved to the pre-dinner opulent anteroom. As usual the efficient KLCC staff commenced the evening festivities with chilled fizz as we wandered amongst a giant ice-sculpture work of art, before being bowled over by yet another spectacularly KLCC grand ballroom.

Epicurean highlights were the warm Hokkaido scallop and crustacean reduction; a crisp summer vegetable chowder with pumpkin lait caillé (curdled milk); delightful cumin berry glazed duck breast with a distinctly novel foie gras gelato; a tart lemon cloud; duo of slow braised beef rib and superb slow roast rib eye; a delicate line caught sustainable white fish with clam and citrus coriander broth; oven roasted rack of lamb with truffle polenta and thyme reduction; finally, a simply comedic ‘Le Sourire’ of hazelnut dacquoise, Maracaibo and Bavarian crème. All washed down with lovely, paired libations.

The exceptional night was rounded off with a vote of sincere thanks to the KLCC, together with accolades for the masterful orchestrations of Inducting Officer Ilse Duponcheel and congratulations once more to our new Bailli Délégué and the new Baillis of Perak and Putrajaya.

Further fellowship and jocularity ensued as the merry Chaîne members of Malaysia enjoyed ubiquitous Cognac and Whisky!

Undoubtedly an evening of fine dining etched in our Chaîne reminiscences!

Robin Sambhi
Chargé de Presse