Mastercard sets the stage for The Maverick Academy finale at LUMA

Brand acts as a super-connector bringing overseas talent to explore business opportunities in Hong Kong while offering cardholders a priceless multisensory dining experience

Mastercard is pleased to announce its sponsorship of and participation in The Maverick Academy, a gastronomy series now streaming on Netflix. Led by Alvin Leung, the Canadian-born Demon Chef whose restaurants Bo Innovation and Bo London hold two Michelin stars and one Michelin star respectively, the program is an innovative culinary competition that champions the craft of gastronomic talent and the entrepreneurial spirit of aspiring chefs from across Asia. To commemorate this extraordinary initiative, an exclusive ‘Lap of Luxuries Around Asia’ tasting menu, jointly curated by Chefs Alvin Leung and Yuda Bustara, the program’s winner, will be launched at LUMA, making the mouthwatering moments leap from screen to plate. By purchasing the menu, diners will also be contributing to Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition reforestation initiative.

On the show, LUMA, the first concept restaurant introduced by Mastercard in the Asia Pacific region in partnership with LUBUDS Group, plays host to the final Maverick challenge and witnesses the crowning of The Maverick Academy Top Scholar. This reflects Mastercard and LUMA’s aim of spotlighting the capabilities of Hong Kong’s homegrown culinary talent while welcoming the electric energy of guest chefs from around the world.

As the winner of The Maverick Academy, rising culinary star Yuda Bustara has been granted an invaluable opportunity as Chef Alvin's protégé and business partner. For the next three months, Yuda will be stationed at LUMA, which will serve as the culinary stage for his boundary-pushing collaboration with Chef Alvin who will co-curate an exciting Asian-inspired tasting menu that showcases signature dishes in their own unique style.

"LUMA, as a culinary incubator, provides a platform for emerging chefs to showcase their passion and talent," said Julie Nestor, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Asia Pacific, Mastercard. "By sponsoring The Maverick Academy and collaborating with Chefs Alvin and Yuda to create an exclusive tasting menu, Mastercard is thrilled to unite culinary talents from around the world at LUMA, while inspiring international travelers to experience Hong Kong's vibrant culinary scene."

"Mastercard is thrilled to support and take part in the filming of The Maverick Academy finale, a testament to our partnership with LUBUDS Group. This initiative underscores Mastercard’s dedication to fuelling culinary passions and mission to re-establish Hong Kong as one of Asia’s gastronomic capitals," said Helena Chen, Managing Director, Hong Kong & Macau, Mastercard. "To satisfy the cravings and culinary curiosities of international visitors and local diners alike, Mastercard looks forward to continuing to collaborate with strategic partners to curate more Priceless Experiences for cardholders worldwide."

With the theme, ‘Lap of Luxuries Around Asia’, the chefs have curated The Maverick Academy exclusive tasting menu, featuring a creative symphony of vibrant Asian flavors. From the appetizer combining signature Asian dishes from Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Thailand and the Philippines, to the main dishes that incorporate lavish ingredients such as LUMA’s signature Hung Wan Farm ping yuen chicken, every dish is a masterclass in culinary flair and artistry.

To support Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition which has a goal of reforesting 100 million trees worldwide, a tree will be planted for every dining reservation made for the exclusive tasting menu.

Terms and conditions apply.

APPENDIX 1: “Lap of Luxuries Around Asia” Tasting Menu Photos

High resolution photos can be downloaded here.