Latest news with #MCWC
Borneo Post
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sarawakian talents shine at world culinary challenge in Ipoh
Wee (fourth right) in a group photo with the outstanding chefs. KUCHING (July 1): Sarawakian talents brought pride to the state after clinching eight medals, including five golds, at the Second Malaysia Culinary World Cup (MCWC) in Ipoh, Perak recently. Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the chefs from Kuching proved that Sarawak's rich, multicultural flavours could stand tall among the world's best in the prestigious competition, which gathered nearly 800 entries from over 26 countries. 'I am proud to announce that our chefs brought home a total of eight medals: five golds, two silvers, and one bronze. 'Such victory reflects not only individual mastery, but also the strength of Sarawak's diverse food culture,' he said in a statement. Wee said Bidayuh chefs Iana Akam, Janncy Nyohim and Robbie Richard Balcarek won the 'Borneo Cuisine' category through their authentic, story-rich presentation. 'Chef Robbie also secured another gold medal for his 'Nasi Goreng Daun Ubi' (Fried Rice with Tapioca Leaves) – a dish deeply-rooted in Sarawakian flavours. 'The fifth gold medal was claimed by Wilson Voon for his Hakka noodle dish. 'The silver medals were earned by Annie Wee Nyuk Ping and Benny Huang, who showcased the living legacy of 'Kolo Mee' and Fuzhou cuisine, whereas Kim Bong's creative 'Kolo Mee with Wagyus, which reflected innovation grounded in tradition, bagged the bronze medal,' said the mayor. He said as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy, Kuching continues to uphold the values of culinary heritage, sustainability, and cultural identity. 'Our chefs have demonstrated that through storytelling, skills and authenticity, our local cuisines can resonate with international audiences,' he said, while congratulating the chefs for carrying Kuching's gastronomic spirit to new heights and also for making Sarawak proud. Organised by the Malaysia Bersatu Culinary Association (MBCA) in collaboration with the Global Chef Union (GCU), MCWC had the chefs competing in 65 categorie,s which were judged by 115 professionals. The world-class platform for culinary excellence, innovation and heritage was also supported by Tourism Perak, the National Archives of Malaysia, Ipoh City Council, and the Perak State Development Corporation.
New Straits Times
27-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Culinary TVET creating high-income chefs, says Perak MB
IPOH: Cooking is no longer just a skill, but a driver of innovation and economic growth, powered by Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad said TVET plays an increasingly significant role in transforming the culinary field. "Cooking is no longer viewed merely as a technical skill, but as a form of art and innovation with high economic value. "With exposure through competitions like this, young talents are more motivated to pursue culinary arts as a proud and professional career," he said during the opening of the Malaysia Culinary World Cup (MCWC) 2025 at Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah here today. A total of 800 contestants from across the country, along with representatives from 16 other nations, are taking part in the competition. With 65 categories, MCWC is among the most comprehensive culinary championships globally. Saarani added that digital transformation has further accelerated growth in the sector. "Today, we see how digital approaches are reshaping the industry from virtual kitchen services and app-based food delivery, to social media marketing and online chef training. "All of this makes the food industry more inclusive and dynamic," he said. He said it was not an exaggeration to describe the MCWC as a reflection of Malaysia's increasingly mature and progressive culinary ecosystem. "And as host, Perak is in a strategic position to lead this transformation, supported by TVET, local talent, pro-business government policies, and the people's strong appreciation for culinary heritage. "I urge all stakeholders namely government agencies, the private sector, educational institutions, professional bodies, and the public to continue supporting efforts to strengthen the national food industry. "This includes encouraging youth to pursue skills-based fields and to view culinary arts as a respectable, rewarding career path," he said. In a press conference later, Saarani said that the culinary field is no longer limited to cooking and presentation, but encompasses the creativity and innovation needed to showcase talent in a competitive global space. "It's timely that here in Perak, we're also launching a large-scale TVET initiative and one of its key areas is culinary training. "I've always said, don't underestimate the culinary field. Chefs can earn high incomes and are now held in high regard. "Many have represented Malaysia abroad and can proudly showcase their achievements," he said. Saarani said he had directed all community colleges and TVET institutions in Perak to give equal attention to culinary education alongside technical disciplines. He also expressed confidence that many young participants would benefit from the experience and guidance of senior chefs throughout the event.
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
13 Kuching chefs gear up for Culinary World Cup in Ipoh this June 27
(Seated, from second left) Jordan Wee, Wee, Lai, and others pose for a group photo during the press conference. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 13): Kuching is set to make waves on the national and international culinary stage once again as 13 local chefs prepare to represent the city at the second edition of the Malaysia Culinary World Cup (MCWC), to be held from June 27 to 29, at Bulatan Sultan Azlan Shah in Meru Raya, Ipoh. The event, organised by the Malaysia Bersatu Culinary Association (MBCA) in collaboration with the Global Chef Union (GCU), will gather nearly 800 culinary entries from over 26 countries, including the United States, Australia, and nations in North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Kuching South mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng said the city's participation in the MCWC reflects its commitment as a Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy to preserve, promote, and innovate Sarawak's diverse food heritage. 'This is more than just a culinary competition – it is a platform to celebrate the identity, stories, and creativity of Sarawak cuisine on a global stage,' he said during the press conference at Annie Kolo Mee here yesterday. Among the chefs representing Kuching are Annie Wee from Annie Kolo Mee, showcasing Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee; Wilson Voon from Da Pu Hakka Noodle, presenting Hakka Noodles; Robbie Richard from Little Fairy Cafe & Fairy Tavern, Lana Akam and Janncy Nyohim from Fairy Tavern, presenting Borneo Cuisine; Kim Bong from Mee Too, highlighting Kolo Mee; and Benny Huang from Xian Corner, presenting seafood cuisine. Also competing are Alvin Chin, who is Team Manager at Jordan's Signature Catering, along with teammates Yeo Ing Siang, Awang Mohd Safwan, Bradley Allan Jerome, Nicholas Banta Paul, and Nadia Tan. Their competition categories include modern Western poultry, mooncakes, seafood, mee goreng mamak, char kueh tiaw, and Malaysian Laksa. Adding prestige to the team are Chef Julian Lai from Little Hainan and Chef Jordan Wee, who will serve as MBCA committee members and judges at the event. Wee expressed pride in the team and their dedication to showcasing the true flavours of Kuching to the world, from traditional noodles to inventive modern creations. 'We wish our chefs all the very best. May they not only bring home medals, but also inspire others to appreciate and reimagine our culinary heritage in bold, creative ways,' he said. The MCWC is supported by Tourism Perak, the National Archives of Malaysia, the Ipoh City Council, and the Perak State Development Corporation. Highlighting the scale of the event, MBCA committee member Julian Lai said the MCWC will feature 65 competition categories judged by 115 professionals – 60 local and 55 international. Beyond the competition, visitors can look forward to a festive atmosphere similar to Kuching Festival, with 80 food stalls offering a variety of local and international dishes. 'It's not just for those competing. The public can also come, relax, and enjoy the food – just like what we have during the Kuching Festival, but this one is in Ipoh,' Lai added. Ipoh Kuching Malaysia Culinary World Cup
Khaleej Times
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: 14-year-old ‘human calculator' breaks 6 world records in one day
For Aaryan Shukla, numbers are second nature. The 14-year-old math prodigy, known as the 'human calculator,' recently set six Guinness World Records in Dubai recently, showcasing his lightning-fast mental calculation skills. Aaryan, a ninth-grade student at Delhi Public School in Nashik, India has been sharpening his abilities since the age of six. With two to three hours of daily practice, he has become a two-time champion of the Mental Calculation World Cup (MCWC) and a six-time Guinness World Record holder. The records he shattered in Dubai are: Passion for numbers Aaryan's fascination with numbers started early, leading him to international competitions. His first major victory came in 2022 at the Turkey Championship, where he won seven gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. He went on to claim the Junior Mental Calculation Gold Medal in 2020 and won the Mind Sports Olympiad World Mental Calculation Championship in 2021. In 2022 and in 2024 in London, he conquered the Mental Calculation World Cup, a competition regarded as the 'Mount Everest' of mental math. Competing against participants of all ages, Aaryan has consistently outperformed the best. His abilities span across addition, multiplication, square root extractions, and even calendar date calculations. 'Numbers appear in my mind like flashes. I visualise them, store them for a fraction of a second, and move on to the next calculation. The process is so fast, it's hard to explain,' said Aaryan. Aaryan's talent is a combination of rigorous practice, focus, and advanced calculation strategies. He employs mental techniques like the abacus method, rapid visualisation, and pattern recognition to arrive at answers almost instantly. Training and challenges Aaryan spends hours refining his skills, balancing training with relaxation through yoga, meditation, and hobbies like cricket and reading. 'Consistency is key. Even a slight lapse in focus can make a difference. I ensure I get enough rest and engage in activities that keep my mind sharp," he said. Despite his speed in mental math, Aaryan says he takes as much time as his peers in traditional math exams. 'In mental calculation, speed matters. But in exams, I have to show each step, so it takes the same time as everyone else.' Family support Aaryan's parents, both business owners in India, have supported his journey from the beginning. 'We recognised his talent early on and encouraged him to pursue it. Seeing him succeed at such a young age fills us with pride,' said Aaryan's father. With his sights set on the future, Aaryan hopes to promote mental calculation skills globally and inspire young minds to embrace math. He plans to pursue a career in mathematics or aerospace engineering. 'I want to show people the fun in numbers. My goal is to encourage others to challenge themselves in this field,' he said. Memorable experience in Dubai Reflecting on his experience in Dubai, Aaryan said: 'Dubai is a fantastic city. Participating in the Guinness World Record event here was an incredible experience. I also got to visit the Burj Khalifa and go on a desert safari, which was amazing.'
