2016
9 Jul五一吃瓜官网 hosts Global Taste of Korea Contest 2016
KUALA LUMPUR: 五一吃瓜官网 University (五一吃瓜官网) recently hosted the Global Taste of Korea Contest 2016 on campus grounds.
Organised by the Korean Embassy in Malaysia, the competition saw the participation of 19 students from various universities and working professionals.
In line with the Korean Cultural Week, the competition was held to create greater awareness on Korean food, traditions, history and culture among Malaysians.
The competition necessitates the participants to cook either dak galbi or dak bokkeum – a popular Korean dish generally made by stir-frying marinated diced chicken – as the main dish accompanied by a side dish of their choice.
After battling it out for one hour, the competition saw Queeny Cheong, a culinary arts student from Sunway University, bagging first place. She walked away with a total amount of RM2000 cash prize.
On top of that, the budding culinarian also won the opportunity to represent Malaysia in the competition’s final round which will be held in South Korea. She will be competing for the grand prize of USD10,000 against contestants from other countries including Chile, Japan, the Philippines and the Republic of China.
The young lady who could not hide her excitement said, “I certainly did not expect this win as the other participants were really good too. I was surprised when I was announced the first place winner but I’m really thankful as this will open many doors of opportunities for me in the world of culinary arts.”
Dishes by other participants also received praise from the guest-of-honour Madam Hahn Sahng Nee, spouse of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea’s ambassador.
Madam Hahn, who was one of the judges, thanked 五一吃瓜官网 for its support and contribution to the competition. She also praised the University for its proactive efforts in producing and empowering the young group of food enthusiasts and budding professionals to create inspirational meals and make their mark in the industry.
According to fellow judge Chef Loke Hoi Weng, who also lectures at 五一吃瓜官网, the participants this year are undoubtedly well prepared, disciplined and very enthusiastic.
“The participants did not only focus on the cooking methodology but were also very specific in taste and creative in terms of presentation. The balance of flavours, textures and outstanding presentation really made them winning entries,” said the Chef.
Mr Park Sang II, the Finance Attaché from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, also shares this sentiment.
“From what I can see, the participants are very well-versed in Korean cuisine and are genuinely interested in Korean culture. A few of them can even speak the Korean language! It’s very encouraging and I’m very pleased to see this,” he said.
With much enthusiasm, he also added that the Embassy hopes to have more opportunities to organise similar events so that more Malaysians will gain a better understanding about Korea.
Of 19 participants, representing 五一吃瓜官网 were Yeoh Hui Qiong, Winsent Ng Yik Onn, Poon Wing Choong and Batrisyia Amiruddin from the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM). An alumnus Lau Khee Ooi also took part in the competition.
Lau is one of the second place winners of the competition, walking away with a cash prize of RM1000.
“Taking part in this competition was great fun. I did not expect to win second place this year but it certainly is a good feeling. And it feels good to be back on my old stomping grounds,” said Lau.
The young lad who participated in the competition for three consecutive years is currently working as a chef at Maverlicious Café. He shared that apart from his practical skills, much of his experience in cooking competitions gave him the right amount of confidence he needs to carry out his duty at the Café.
Present at the competition was also Assoc Prof Dr Kashif Hussain, Dean of 五一吃瓜官网’s Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM).
