GEORGE TOWN: It was a fruitful year so far for KDU Penang’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts (SHTCA) as lecturers, alumni and students won prizes in three culinary competitions — the Philippines Culinary Cup 2014, Pattaya Culinary Cup 2014 and MLA Young Chef Scholarship Challenge 2014.
Under the supervision of Chef Muhamad Faizal, a team of 24 student chefs stood out among contestants from nine other countries and won two silver and seven bronze medals in the Philippines Culinary Cup.
Muhamad said most of the contestants were experienced chefs in the hotel industry and only 30 per cent were college students.
“I am proud of my students and I truly enjoyed the experience with them.”
Participating in the Pattaya Culinary Cup 2014 for the third year, the team won the gold medal in the Buffet Seafood category.
The team comprised KDU Penang’s lecturer Chef Chuah Lay Yen, KDU alumni Chef Ch’ng Fu Wuey, Chef Vince Tan Zhi Hong and two members from the Chefs Association of Malaysia Penang Chapter.
Waymann Cheong, a student and alumni Teoh Ezen won a silver medal in the Individual Seafood category, while two students, Daniel Foo and Teh Kah Hin finished second runner-up in the MLA Scholarship Challenge programme.
They showcased practical, innovative and commercially viable marketing ideas as well as impressive and creative cooking recipes.
SHTCA Academic Department Head Cindy Loh was excited and proud of the achievements of her staff and students.
“Competitions are platforms for students and chefs to showcase their creativity to increase the standards of culinary excellence.
“Putting the students’ skills and knowledge to the test in a competition is good, as it provides them an opportunity to hone their skills,” Loh said.
She said that outcome-based education and hands-on experiences have always been emphasised in the course. By Jennifer Tham