Kuala Lumpur, 4 February 2026 – Malaysia’s celebrated culinary icon Datuk Dr. Redzuawan bin Ismail, widely known as Chef Wan, has reaffirmed his long-term stewardship of his restaurant brands, confirming that he retains a 20% equity stake and full creative control over De.Wan 1958 by Chef Wan and Café Chef Wan following the strategic acquisition of the operating arm, Metta Food & Lifestyle Sdn Bhd, by Oasis Harvest Corporation Berhad.
The confirmation comes as the group embarks on an accelerated expansion phase, leveraging Oasis Harvest’s capital strength and operational scale while preserving the culinary standards that earned De.Wan its Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.
Speaking at an exclusive preview of the newly launched Iconic Malaysian Evening Buffet at De.Wan 1958 @ Bangsar Shopping Centre, Chef Wan stressed that the partnership is designed to scale without dilution of identity.
“I want to be very clear: I am not just a face for this brand; I remain a committed shareholder,” Chef Wan said. “This partnership allows us to grow without losing our soul. My 20% stake is my promise to our customers that I am still here, safeguarding the authenticity, quality and Malaysian identity that earned us Michelin recognition. With Oasis Harvest, we now have the resources to take this vision further than I could alone.”
First Step in a Broader Premium Strategy
The Iconic Malaysian Evening Buffet, personally curated by Chef Wan, marks the first tangible outcome of the new ownership structure. Positioned as accessible yet premium, the buffet signals the group’s strategy to broaden market reach while maintaining high culinary benchmarks—targeting both domestic diners and tourists seeking authentic Malaysian cuisine.
Operational Scale Meets Culinary Stewardship
Through the acquisition, Metta Food & Lifestyle gains immediate access to Oasis Harvest’s established F&B ecosystem, which includes brands such as Uncle Don’s and Verona Trattoria. The integration is expected to unlock efficiencies across central kitchens, procurement, supply chains and brand development, accelerating expansion without compromising quality.
Mr. Ch’ng Eu Vern, Executive Director of Oasis Harvest, said the partnership is built on continuity and ambition.
“Chef Wan’s continued equity stake and active involvement provide critical credibility. Our role is to provide the platform for growth,responsibly and strategically. By combining Chef Wan’s culinary genius with Oasis’s operational machinery, we aim to build a Malaysian-led F&B platform that captures tourism recovery and rising demand for authentic local cuisine.”
Expansion Ahead
Looking forward, De.Wan and Café Chef Wan will serve as cornerstone brands within Oasis Harvest’s broader lifestyle and hospitality strategy, with plans to expand into key high-traffic locations. The approach underscores a dual focus: disciplined scale-up and the preservation of Michelin-recognised standards, anchored by Chef Wan’s ongoing leadership.
