UCSI University holds Next Big Chef-Season II

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The champion of the Next Big Chef – Season II, Mohd Muzamir (centre) and Nurhafiza Hasikin Ihsan (left) of Kolej Vokasional Batu Lintang receiving the prize from Chef Azahari.

KUCHING: UCSI University successfully organised the Next Big Chef – Season II held at the Boulevard Shopping Mall here on Nov 22-23.

A popular annual event of the university, the culinary competition was open to students from local secondary schools, said a press release issued by UCSI yesterday.

A total of 15 teams comprising two members each, participated in the event. Among them were SMK St Mary, SMK Bandar Kuching No 1, SMK DPHA Gapor and Kolej Vokasional Batu Lintang.

Mohd Muzamir Mohd Adnan and Nurhafiza Hasikin Binti Ihsan from Kolej Vokasional Batu Lintang were judged champions while Sofia Ng Shu Yi and Chang Yuen Ling from SMK Bandar Kuching No 1 and Mohammad Arabfat Omon and Nur Ammirah Balqish Shariff from Kolej Vokasional Batu Lintang were second and third respectively.

Fourth place went to Christina Hoon Siew Keung and Chin Chai Sung from SMK Bandar Kuching No 1 followed by Nur Sabrina Ainul Hayat Adhidayat and Michelle Gilbert, Fatihah Nur Aliya Matsa’at and Beatrice Intiera Binti Collins Joseph
from Kolej Vokasional Batu Lintang.

In the preliminary round, the participants were required to prepare a set of international cuisine with Korean elements, themed International Cuisine with Korean Infusion.

Six teams that qualified for the final round were then required to prepare ‘Sarawak Fusion Cuisine’.

The competition was judged by Executive Chef of Riverside Majestic Hotel, Azahari Aziz and Mohamad Shahir Haron aka ‘Chef Rey’, the pastry chef at MAS Awana Services Sdn Bhd.

Judging criteria included taste, uniqueness, presentation and elaboration of their participating dishes.

The competition aimed to promote culinary skills and arts while highlighting the global job prospects of the field and at the same time instilling interest in cooking among the younger generation.

Prizes for the competitions were hampers sponsored by Nestlé Malaysia and UCSI University.

Conducted alongside the competition was the first ever Korean Showcase by 41 students from UCSI University’s Hotel Management, Leisure Management and Culinary Arts programmes.

The showcase featured activities such as traditional dance, face painting, a language booth, food and mocktail tasting, lucky draws and games, and the highlight, a flash mob.

It was organised in line with the Korean government’s efforts in promoting culture, food and music around the world and UCSI University was proud to have been selected as one of the leading education centres in South East Asia to promote the awareness campaign.

Other sponsors of the event were Plaza Merdeka, Sundrop Fruit Juices Bhd, Lee Fah Mee Sdn Bhd, Gamme Hair Supply, Hock Kui Development Sdn Bhd, Sweet Memory Stationery Shop, Blade Hair Salon, Rayoptics Centre, House of Yoga, Cloud 99 Ice Cream Café, Poh Lo Chew Development, Singapore Chicken Rice, Gawing Backyard Bar and HD Image.

For more information on the event and courses available in UCSI University Sarawak Campus, call 082-455255 or logon www.ucsiuniversity.edu.my.