Chef Ker Yang Hao is the visionary chef and founder of Firewood, a Penang-based steakhouse that earned the prestigious No. 76 ranking on the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants 2026 list. With seven years of experience under the Gordon Ramsay restaurants in Singapore, Chef Ker developed a strong foundation in discipline, consistency and culinary excellence. Renowned for his deep expertise in beef sourcing, he studies every aspect of the product—from genetics, farming methods and feed programmes to marbling, aging and grilling techniques. At Firewood, he combines premium beef with open-fire cooking, contemporary techniques and warm Malaysian hospitality to create a distinctive dining experience. His philosophy centres on understanding the entire journey of an ingredient before it reaches the plate. While international recognition has brought pride and validation, Chef Ker remains focused on continuous improvement, determined to elevate Malaysian dining and showcase its talent on the global stage. Last year, he opened a 2nd Firewood restaurant in Star Boulevard, Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC).