TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The founder of Taipei-based chocolate shop Q Sweet, Queenie Wu (吳葵妮), earned one gold, two silvers, two bronzes, and two special awards at the International Chocolate Awards (ICA) Asia-Pacific regional, presented in Hong Kong on Monday (July 1).

Wu said she aspired to be the first Asian woman to become a champion in international chocolate competitions, such as bean-to-bar and craft chocolatier. Her medals in the regional ICA competition have earned her the right to compete against competitors from 13 different regions in the World Finals in October.

Known as the Oscars of the chocolate world, ICA accolades are familiar territory for Wu, who has already won five ICA World Final golds and six golds in ICA Asia-Pacific competitions. In this year’s regional competition, she also maintained her title as the top Asian chocolatier with the most awards, per China Times.

Ten years ago, Wu began using many Taiwanese ingredients to win glory on the international stage. This year, she continued the tradition, in hopes that the world would not only appreciate Taiwanese ingredients, but alsoher precious craftsmanship. 

Wu believes the work of a chocolatier is similar to that of an artist who uses superb skill and creativity to uplift the art.