Victoria sponge with local twist wins ‘Bake-Away with British Airways’ competition (VIDEO)

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — Twelve bakers rolled up their shirtsleeves and greased their baking pans as they vied to win two return tickets to London at the “Bake-Away with British Airways” competition yesterday.

Winner Lye Wei Wern emerged triumphant in the battle of the batter with his delectable “Tea-infused Chocolate Victoria Sponge Cake with Gula Melaka and Coconut” that met the judging criteria of melding Malaysian and British themes to demonstrate the long-held ties between the two counties.

The event, which took place at the StarHill Culinary Studio in Kuala Lumpur, marked the first anniversary of the resumption of British Airways’ direct flights to Kuala Lumpur.

The judging panel comprised Robert Williams, British Airways’ head of Asia Pacific sales; Nigel Skelchy, Co-founder of Just Heavenly Café; and Sally Cheah, Manager of Newens Tea House.

The winning entry: Tea-infused Chocolate Victoria Sponge Cake with Gula Melaka and Coconut by Lye Wei Wern. — Picture courtesy of British Airways Williams said, “It is a delight to mark our first anniversary in such an interesting way where we can celebrate the strong ties between Malaysia and the UK. We are pleasantly surprised by the level of creativity demonstrated by the finalists; the unique ways they bring together the components that capture essences that are quintessentially Malaysian and British. The creations are both refreshing and creative, which are also the qualities valued by British Airways.”

He continued, “As we celebrate this special occasion today, we would like to thank everyone who has helped us to achieve this milestone, and we look forward to serving this route for many years to come.”

Needless to say, Lye was thrilled that he managed to have his cake and eat it too.

He said, “This win truly is beyond my expectations. I am very happy to meet so many bakers who share their love of baking. To be able to win a pair of tickets to London with my creation is really incredible. London has always been a city that I love to visit. The city offers so much to see and do all year around. Thanks to British Airways I will be able to visit London again soon!”

British Airways resumed direct flights to Kuala Lumpur in May 2015.

The airline currently employs the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for the flight that lands at London Heathrow Terminal 5.

For bookings or more information, visit ba.com

Robert Williams, British Airways’ head of Asia Pacific sale with the grand prize winner, Lye Wei Wern, who wins two return air tickets to London on British Airways. — Picture courtesy of British Airways