Latest news with #FoodAidFoundation
The Star
12-08-2025
- Business
- The Star
FHM returns to KLCC with focus on innovation
Food and hospitality: (From left) Malaysia Pastry Week 2025 co-organising chairman Chef Soon Pau Voon, Coffee Mixology Challenge organising chairman David Leong, Leeuwenburgh, Lai and Chee promise a wide-range of events at FHM 2025. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star KUALA LUMPUR: Food and Hospitality Malaysia (FHM) 2025 is set to return for its 18th instalment at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) next month, with the theme 'Cultivating Solutions for the Food and Hospitality Industry'. Organised by Informa Markets Malaysia, FHM 2025, scheduled to take place from Sept 23 to 26, will host over 1,500 participating brands and companies from 15 countries, with more than 25,000 visitors expected to attend. Informa Markets Malaysia country general manager Gerard Leeuwenburgh said that this year's edition is a platform where tradition meets transformation. 'This edition is designed to respond to the evolving needs of food and hospitality professionals, offering innovative solutions, strategic networking opportunities and immersive experiences that drive long-term business growth. 'The food and hospitality sector continues to transform rapidly, and professionals require more comprehensive solutions across equipment, supplies, ingredients, services and technology,' he said at a press conference yesterday. He added that this expansion allows FHM to address every facet of the industry under one roof. 'The four-day event will feature cutting-edge products, emerging industry trends and breakthrough innovations, making it a must-attend for food and hospitality professionals across South-East Asia,' said Leeuwenburgh. This year's event introduces several new elements that focus on product innovation, future- forward experiences and cross-border collaboration, which include the International Signature Hall, Brew and Bake Hall, Malaysia Pastry Week and Coffee Mixology Challenge – Zero Proof presented by Bacfree. 'We're also excited to announce FutureFWD – Hospitality, Food and Beverage, a premier conference organised by Saladplate in partnership with FHM. 'This future-focused event will take place on Sept 25 at EQ Kuala Lumpur, bringing together thought leaders in design, technology, sustainability and gastronomy,' said Leeuwenburgh. FHM will partner with the Food Aid Foundation to fulfil its commitment to community service. 'Through our enhanced partnership with the Food Aid Foundation, we're expanding the Food Share Initiative to collect untouched food items daily for distribution to community kitchens across Kuala Lumpur,' he said. Food Aid Foundation founder Rick Chee said the partnership with Informa Market Malaysia is another milestone for his team. 'I believe throughout the four-day event, the exhibitor, of course, will be demonstrating and showcasing their finest culinary innovation, as well as their products and services. 'Food Aid Foundation will be present daily at this exhibition to work hand in hand with all the exhibitors, as well as the organiser, to ensure that all the surplus food reaches where it is needed most – the underprivileged and the unfortunate,' he said. Culinaire Malaysia 2025 organising chairman Shirley Lai said the four-day culinary competition organised in conjunction with FHM will be officially endorsed by global bodies such as the World Association of Chef Societies, World Chefs and the International Food and Beverage Association. 'This reflects its prestige as one of the most respected and prestigious events in our region,' she said. As Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) vice-president, Lai said the event is part of its broader vision to elevate the nation's hospitality experience. 'There's a fundamental connection between hospitality and gastronomy. 'One of Malaysia's key attractions is our culinary offerings. 'From vibrant street food to refined fine dining, Malaysia has a rich and diverse gastronomic culture,' she added. A fee of RM100 will apply for all registrations after this date, whether online or on-site. For more information and registration for FHM 2025, visit FHM official event website at
The Star
18-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Two million meals and counting
Ready to help: The Food Aid Foundation sprung into action during the floods that ravaged Kelantan last year, providing both hot meals and dry food items. PETALING JAYA: From warehouse shelves to dinner tables, the Food Aid Foundation is moving faster and smarter than ever. Since being named as one of the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) winners last year, the foundation has delivered surplus food worth RM12.3mil, equivalent to more than two million meals to communities across Malaysia. On top of that, funding from the award allowed it to manage daily operations more efficiently, enabling improved food sorting and storage, reducing spoilage and improving turnaround. 'Being a winner of the SGHA was a turning point. It did more than affirm that we were on the right path. 'It opened doors we previously could not access. 'Public interest grew, new partners reached out and there was greater awareness around the issues we tackle daily, including food waste, hunger and poverty,' said general manager Afraz Said. She said more than 80 individuals from low-income groups had received culinary and entrepreneurship training with support from a corporate sponsor. 'Several participants even launched small food businesses. The SGHA indirectly supported this effort by easing operational burdens such as kitchen upkeep and transportation,' she said in an interview. The foundation has also expanded its entrepreneurship training programme to Kelantan, with the goal of bringing it to more states. Afraz said the SGHA helped the foundation to maintain a small emergency reserve, which came in handy during the floods that struck Kelantan late last year. 'We were able to act quickly and provide food relief. Even modest flexibility can make a big difference during crises,' Afraz said, noting that the foundation also worked with Star Media Group for the Food for Soul 2.0 initiative to feed needy families during Ramadan. Sustainability, however, remains the foundation's biggest challenge. 'Before this, we often faced tough choices like being stuck between either fixing a vehicle or running a training session. 'The award did not remove these pressures but gave us some breathing space. 'We used the funds to cover essential expenses such as fuel, vehicle repairs, kitchen maintenance and warehouse operations,' she said, adding that rising demand is another challenge. 'Since the Covid-19 pandemic and with the rising cost of living, more families are seeking help. 'We responded by working smarter, building stronger systems and leaning into partnerships that focus not only on food relief but also long-term community empowerment,' Afraz added. The SGHA returns for the 11th edition to honour everyday Malaysians whose compassion and selflessness have made a lasting impact on others. With McDonald's Malaysia as the new strategic partner, SGHA is poised to broaden its reach and deepen its impact nationwide. This year also marks the debut of the McDonald's Caring Hearts Award – a special recognition honouring individuals or grassroots groups whose acts of kindness have uplifted lives in profound and lasting ways. Since its inception in 2015, SGHA has honoured over 100 individuals and organisations whose efforts have inspired action, transformed lives and strengthened communities nationwide.
The Star
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Charity jam returns for day of fun, giving
Rajaa (seated, centre) with Charity Jam Session organising committee members and supporters announcing the event happening on May 4 at Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur. Charity Jam Session (CJS) will return for its 24th edition on May 4, continuing its tradition of raising funds through a day-long celebration of music, food and drinks. Running from noon to midnight, the event is jointly organised by Professional Culinaire Association, Society of The Golden Keys Malaysia, Food Aid Foundation and Rotary Club of Metro Kuala Lumpur, with Eastin Hotel Kuala Lumpur as venue sponsor and co-organiser. Launched in 2000 by founder and organising chairman SS Rajaa as a one-off fundraiser, CJS has grown into an annual event that is now Malaysia's longest-running charity gig and a platform for local musicians to shine. Among the acts taking part are the Strollers, Mojo Hand, The Retro Groovers, Vishnu and BATS House Band, Plan D, The Cauliflower Robbery, Sunny Rashid, Sounds of Jane, 50/50 and Small Stones, as announced at a pre-event press conference in Petaling Jaya. Attendees can purchase food and beverages using CJS coupon, with proceeds going towards University Malaya Medical Centre's (UMMC) Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Food Aid Foundation. Silent auctions and lucky draws will also be held throughout the day, with prizes including hotel stay vouchers. Since its inception, CJS has raised over RM3.6mil, with a total of RM2.8mil going towards purchasing lifesaving equipment and subsidising medical care for critically ill children, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds.
