Chef Pol Kimsan Joins EHL Experts Circle
The Cambodian executive chef becomes the first Asian woman named to the prestigious hospitality network.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in French Food
Chef Pol Kimsan has officially joined the EHL Experts Circle, marking a historic first as the inaugural Cambodian and Asian female chef in the group. She was welcomed during a launch event held in Switzerland on October 26, 2026.
Why it matters
Her appointment to the network highlights the increasing global recognition of Khmer culinary traditions and female leadership in high-end gastronomy. The initiative aims to foster knowledge sharing between industry experts and hospitality students.
Pol Kimsan joins the circle as the first Asian woman in the organization, having spent two decades promoting Cambodian cuisine. She participated in the launch alongside 16 other speakers across four panel discussions.
The players
Pol Kimsan
She serves as the executive chef and shareholder of Embassy by Chef Kimsan and Sombok while presiding over the Cambodia Chefs Association.
EHL
This hospitality business school located in Switzerland hosts the Experts Circle network to connect students with global industry professionals.
The details
As the executive chef and shareholder of Embassy by Chef Kimsan and Sombok, Kimsan brings years of professional experience to the EHL community. The Experts Circle facilitates a collaborative environment where industry leaders coach students through shared knowledge and teaching.
Timeline
September 2018: Pol Kimsan first visited EHL to showcase Khmer cuisine.
2022: Pol Kimsan participated in the Cambodia Night event in Davos.
October 26, 2026: The official launch event of the EHL Experts Circle took place in Switzerland.
Culture Shift
The inclusion of Chef Kimsan reflects a broader shift toward integrating diverse culinary heritages into global hospitality education. It marks a transition from eurocentric curriculum models to an inclusive approach that values expertise from emerging gastronomic markets.
For culinary professionals and students, this expansion offers new pathways to connect with global mentorship programs. Aspiring chefs can look for future opportunities to engage with the network as EHL continues to integrate diverse perspectives into its curriculum.
The takeaway
Chef Kimsans appointment signals a growing appreciation for Khmer culinary mastery on the global stage. Aspiring professionals should track such international networking developments to identify new mentorship and career advancement opportunities.
Further reading
For more information on the international culinary landscape, visit French Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Khmer Times.
