NAIT is thrilled to announce Chef Alex Kim (Culinary Arts '11) as the 2026 Hokanson Chef in Residence. From March 23-27, Chef Kim will participate in hands-on lessons with students, offer presentations and demonstrations, and take part in special events on campus, including hosting lunch and dinner at Ernest's.
Chef Kim, the award-winning Culinary Director at Vancouver's iconic Five Sails restaurant, has become one of Canada's most recognized culinary talents. He was named the 2025 Canadian Culinary Champion, Top Chef Canada finalist, and British Columbia's Regional Gold Medal and People's Choice Award.
"Coming back to NAIT as Hokanson Chef in Residence is deeply meaningful," said Chef Alex Kim. "This program gives me the chance to share my knowledge, connect with students and celebrate the craft that started for me right here. I hope to encourage young chefs to pursue excellence, stay curious and always honour the ingredients they work with."
Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Kim discovered his passion for food during summers spent on his grandmother's farm. There, he learned to respect ingredients through harvesting, careful selection and traditional fermentation, a foundation that continues to shape his approach to cooking.
After graduating from NAIT's Culinary Arts program in 2011, Kim refined his skills in several prestigious kitchens, including Fairmont and Shangri-La properties, working with chefs from across Europe, Japan and Canada. These experiences broadened his culinary perspective and deepened his commitment to craftsmanship grounded in culture, technique and seasonality.
Today, as Culinary Director at Five Sails, Kim is known for creating refined, ingredient-driven dishes that highlight local producers and the flavours of British Columbia. He collaborates closely with farmers and fishermen, champions sustainable sourcing, and is dedicated to mentoring emerging culinary professionals.
Kim's return to NAIT reflects his passion for education and desire to help shape the next generation of chefs.
"The Hokanson Chef in Residence program provides students with rare, hands-on learning from world-class chefs who are shaping the industry today," said Perry Michetti, Associate Dean, Culinary Arts and Professional Food Studies, NAIT. "Chef Kim's expertise, leadership and commitment to mentorship will inspire our students and help prepare them for successful careers in culinary arts."
About the Hokanson Chef in Residence program
NAIT launched the Hokanson Chef in Residence program in 2009 thanks to a gift from John and Susan Hokanson. As Canada's first program of its kind, it offers Culinary Arts and Professional Food Studies students the opportunity to learn first-hand from chefs who are well-known to the industry, food educators and the public. They have diverse industry experience as restaurateurs, media personalities, authors and more. Chefs are identified, vetted and selected by the Department of Culinary Arts and Professional Food Studies. Residencies last three to five days.
For more information
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