Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh is proud to announce it will host the SPOONS Alumni Fundraising Event 2026 on Friday, 24 July 2026, in support of SPOONS Cambodia Organization and its Alumni Professional Development Program.
This exclusive culinary evening, presented in partnership with Chef Outta Water, will raise vital funds to support SPOONS alumni—particularly young women—through advanced training and international exchange opportunities scheduled for 2027 and 2028.
As a long-standing partner of SPOONS, Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh regularly welcomes SPOONS interns and employs program graduates. The July event reflects the hotel’s ongoing commitment to empowering local hospitality talent and creating meaningful career pathways.
Guests will enjoy a collaborative dining experience featuring international guest chefs working alongside SPOONS alumni and the Courtyard culinary team. Proceeds from ticket sales, as well as raffles and auctions held on the evening, will directly contribute to supporting alumni travel and professional development costs.
“Supporting SPOONS Cambodia aligns with our commitment to developing people and strengthening our community,” said Sarah Moya, General Manager, Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh. “We are honored to play a role in helping young hospitality professionals achieve their ambitions.”
The 2026 event is designed as a pilot initiative, with the vision of becoming an annual fundraiser championing education, opportunity and social impact within Cambodia’s hospitality industry.
About Chef Outta Water
Chef Outta Water is a global culinary collaboration initiative co-founded by Chef Chris Holen. The platform connects international chefs, local culinary teams and emerging hospitality talent through purpose-driven events, mentorship and cultural exchange.
Working across borders, Chef Outta Water brings together respected chefs who generously contribute their time and expertise on a pro-bono basis to support skills development, knowledge sharing and professional growth. Through collaborative dining experiences and international partnerships, the initiative fosters cross-cultural understanding while creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of hospitality professionals.
About SPOONS Cambodia Organization
SPOONS Cambodia Organization is a Cambodian non-profit that provides hospitality training and career pathways for underprivileged youth. Through hands-on culinary education, life skills development and strong industry partnerships, SPOONS equips young people—particularly young women—with the tools and confidence needed for sustainable employment in Cambodia’s hospitality sector.
About Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh
Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh offers modern accommodations in the heart of the city, providing guests with a perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh is dedicated to creating memorable moments for every guest.
For more information, please contact +855 85 632 300 or email, cy.pnhcy.marketing@courtyard.com.
About Marriott Hotels
With over 580 hotels and resorts in over 60 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels is evolving travel through every aspect of the guest’s stay, helping to relax, clear minds, stimulate new ideas and anticipate travelers’ needs, leaving them inspired to reach their full potential. Boldly transforming itself for mobile and global travelers who blend work and play, Marriott leads the industry with innovations, including the Great room lobby and Mobile Guest Services that elevate style & design and technology. To learn more, visitwww.MarriottHotels.com. Stay connected to Marriott Hotels onFacebook, @marriott onTwitterand @marriotthotels onInstagram. Marriott Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences onMarriott Bonvoy Momentsand unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visitMarriottBonvoy.marriott.com.
FEATURED INTERNATIONAL GUEST CHEFS
Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh is proud to welcome an esteemed group of international chefs whose expertise and mentorship will enrich the SPOONS Alumni Fundraising Event 2026.
Chef Chris Holen (Astoria, Oregon, USA) is an American chef, restaurateur and co-founder of the global culinary initiative Chef Outta Water. A graduate of The Scottsdale Culinary Institute, he has owned and operated restaurants since 2000. Chef Holen has cooked at the James Beard House in New York City three times, represented Oregon at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off and collaborated with chefs in more than 20 countries. He continues to champion global culinary exchange through his restaurant and international partnerships.
Chef Michael Brine (Townsville, Queensland, Australia) is Executive Chef and co-owner of A Touch of Salt, a highly regarded restaurant serving North Queensland for more than 20 years. Recognized nationally, including among
Australia’s top 50 restaurants through OpenTable, Chef Brine has represented Townsville at hospitality events in China and South Korea and has participated in Chef Outta Water exchanges across the USA, Vietnam and Cambodia.
Chef Judyta Slupnicki (South Australia) brings over 20 years of international culinary experience across Australia, Europe and Asia. A restaurant owner, consultant and founder of SheChef, Judyta is recognized for her commitment to local and sustainable produce and is one of only seven South Australian Slow
Food “Snail of Approval” chefs. Her career highlights include appearances on Iron Chef Australia and SBS’s Food Safari, alongside extensive global culinary collaborations.
Chef Uden Sudendi (Bandung, West Java, Indonesia) With more than 25 years of international experience, Chef Uden Sudendi leads the culinary team at Courtyard by Marriott Phnom Penh, overseeing all kitchen operations and the hotel’s Food Safety Management System. He specializes in Pan-Asian, Western and Middle Eastern cuisines and has held senior roles with leading brands including Marriott, IHG, Mövenpick, Radisson, InterContinental, Hyatt and Mandarin Oriental.
