Latest news with #MalaysiaCulinaryWorldCup
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
