Celebrating a culinary coup
THE culinary and hospitality team of Berjaya University College (Berjaya UC) took home the coveted Most Outstanding Team in Catering Services award. Berjaya UC students also bagged the grand prize for Tea and Pastries, six silver medals, two bronze medals and five diplomas.
“Culinaire Malaysia, in conjunction with Food & Hotel Malaysia (FHM), is held every two years. It is very exciting to see the level of talent in both the junior and professional categories.
“For some of these students, it is the first step into competing with people from other academic institutions and industry practitioners. Our students excelling in these competitions is a true testament to the strength of our programmes,” says Faculty of Culinary Arts director Federico Michieletto.
“Competitions such as Culinaire Malaysia play a vital role in the growth of our students. The organisers continually turn up the heat in the kitchen by raising the standards of culinary excellence. It is great to see young chefs doing their best, testing their skills, and walking away with a sense of accomplishment.
“The icing on the cake was our student, Lew Jan Heong, being awarded the gold medal. He was a Diploma in Culinary Arts graduate who progressed to Bachelor of Culinary Arts Management (Hons) in May,” adds Michieletto.
“Aside from classroom instruction, there is no better way for our students to put their knowledge and skills to the test, than in a competitive format. Many of our alumni go on to lead great careers in culinary arts and the hospitality industry,” says Berjaya Higher Education executive director and chief executive officer Mae Ho.
“Berjaya UC is committed to mentoring the next generation of talented culinary arts and hospitality professionals. These competitions bring out innovative ideas that students can take to the next level. Not only do they hone their craft, they also improve their soft skills such as communication, deportment and develop selfconfidence.
“I am extremely proud of how our students fared at Culinaire Malaysia 2019 and receiving the ‘Most Outstanding Team in Catering Services’ award, which we also won in 2013 and 2015. I am also grateful for the commitment and dedication of our lecturers who volunteered as coaches to ensure the students receive the needed support.”
■ For more information, visit www.berjaya.edu.my