Culinary Excellence Unleashed: Taylor’s Culinary Institute Shines on the World Stage as Chef Farouk Othman Represents Malaysia at WorldSkills 2024

We are thrilled to announce that Chef Farouk Bin Othman, one of Taylor’s Culinary Institute's esteemed chefs, recently returned from Lyon, France, where he proudly represented Malaysia and our university as the National Coach at the prestigious WorldSkills 2024 Competition. Often referred to as the "Olympics for Skills and Trades," WorldSkills is renowned for gathering the best talents from across the globe, with countries vying for the esteemed title of the world’s best in various trades, including culinary arts.

From September 10th to September 18th, 2024, Chef Farouk guided and mentored Malaysia’s top culinary talent on the world stage, showcasing the exceptional skills that have become a hallmark of Taylor’s Culinary Institute. His leadership and dedication to the craft were instrumental in representing not only the country but also our institution, which continues to be recognized as a leader in culinary education.

Chef Farouk is no stranger to the international culinary arena. In 2009, he competed in the prestigious Bocuse d’Or, the "World Cup of Chefs," also held in Lyon, where he demonstrated his culinary expertise on a global platform. His experience as a competitor and now as the national coach for WorldSkills underscores his remarkable journey and contributions to Malaysia’s culinary scene.

WorldSkills is an intense competition where participants from over 70 countries showcase their expertise in a wide range of skills. Competing in the Cooking Trade, Chef Farouk and his team exemplified not only technical precision but also creative flair, pushing the boundaries of modern gastronomy. The event provided a unique opportunity to elevate Malaysia’s standing in the international culinary landscape, and we are immensely proud of Chef Farouk’s role in this remarkable achievement.

This incredible honour reflects the caliber of talent nurtured within Taylor’s Culinary Institute and demonstrates our commitment to excellence in skill-based education. Chef Farouk’s participation as a national coach not only highlights his own personal accomplishments but also underscores the ongoing impact that Taylor’s Culinary Institute has on developing world-class culinary professionals.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Chef Farouk for his outstanding contribution to WorldSkills 2024, and thank him for representing both Malaysia and Taylor’s Culinary Institute with pride and passion. His dedication continues to inspire the next generation of chefs, and we look forward to even greater achievements in the future.

Celebrating Success: Education for All – Projek BacaBaca Triumphs as Winner of the 2024 ACEEU "SDG Initiative of the Year" Award

Projek BacaBaca proudly announced its latest achievement by winning the prestigious 2024 ACEEU "SDG Initiative of the Year" Award. The Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU), a globally recognized body that acknowledges excellence in fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and societal impact in higher education, presented this award. The "SDG Initiative of the Year" Award specifically honors projects that make significant contributions to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), making this recognition a powerful endorsement of Projek BacaBaca's mission to help children aged 6-9 achieve grade-level reading proficiency.

Launched in 2011 and led by Hema Letchamanan, Senior Lecturer at the School of Education, Projek BacaBaca has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to improving literacy among young learners. With a mission to transform the literacy landscape in the region, the initiative focuses on providing personalized reading sessions to children from low-income families, ensuring they reach grade-level proficiency in both Bahasa Melayu and English.

The programme's unique structure engages a diverse group of volunteers, ranging from secondary students to retirees and professionals who serve as reading coaches. This inclusive community of volunteers has positively impacted over 435 students, significantly enhancing their reading abilities and fostering a love for learning.

The ACEEU award is the latest in a series of accolades for Projek BacaBaca, which has previously earned national and international recognition. Notably, the project was also a finalist for the Times Higher Education Award for Outstanding Regional Contribution. Projek BacaBaca's ongoing contributions to SDG Goal 4: Quality Education are exemplified through its work with underserved communities, including children from urban public housing areas in Kuala Lumpur and remote villages such as Bokilong in Sabah, where educational resources are limited. By extending its reach to these areas, the initiative ensures that no child is left behind, offering vital educational support and personalized reading sessions to those who would otherwise struggle with basic literacy.

This accolade marks a significant milestone in Projek BacaBaca's journey, highlighting its lasting impact on communities and its continued commitment to creating a more educated and equitable future.

Honouring Gastronomic Greatness A Culinary Maestro Chef James Won Receives the Prestigious "Ordre du Mérite Agricole"

Taylor’s Culinary Institute proudly celebrated a remarkable achievement in the world of gastronomy on September 13, 2024. At the Résidence de France, our esteemed Adjunct Lecturer, Chef James Won, was honored with the prestigious Ordre du Mérite Agricole (Agricultural Merit Award). This distinguished decoration, established on July 7, 1883, is one of the oldest and most esteemed orders of the French Republic, recognizing outstanding contributions to French agriculture, including gastronomy and culinary arts.

Chef James Won joins an illustrious list of world-renowned chefs who have received this honor, including Yannick Alléno, Daniel Boulud, Joël Robuchon, and Guy Savoy. His culinary mastery, deep appreciation for both French and Malaysian traditions, and commitment to eco-responsibility distinguish him as a leader in the field. Chef James's dedication extends beyond the kitchen; he consistently gives back by sharing his knowledge with the next generation of chefs, including students at Taylor’s University.

The Ambassador of France to Malaysia, His Excellency Axel Cruau, spoke highly of Chef James during the award ceremony, recognizing his artistic creations and unwavering dedication to the authenticity of ingredients. He emphasized Chef James's role in promoting French gastronomy in Malaysia, not only through his restaurants but also through his activities with Taylor’s University.

Chef James Won's achievement is a testament to his culinary vision and a reflection of the values we uphold at Taylor’s Culinary Institute. We are honored to have him as part of our team, where his commitment to excellence continues to inspire our students. Representing Taylor’s University at this prestigious event were the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences & Leisure Management, Prof. Dr. Neethiahnanthan Ari Ragavan, and the Director of Taylor’s Culinary Institute, Chef Frédéric Cerchi. Their presence highlighted the close ties between our institution and the international culinary community, reinforcing our commitment to excellence in culinary arts education.

We extend our deepest congratulations to Chef James Won for this incredible achievement and look forward to his continued contributions to the growth and success of Taylor’s Culinary Institute.