The Genting Sustainbiz F&B Expo 2024, held on the 11th and 12th of September 2024, was a significant industry event dedicated to advancing sustainability within the Food & Beverage (F&B) sector. With key players from the industry, government officials, and culinary experts in attendance, the expo showcased innovative strategies and collaborations aimed at integrating sustainable practices throughout the F&B industry.
The opening ceremony was graced by Y.B. Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) Malaysia, alongside with Resorts World Genting (RWG) President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Lee Thiam Kit; Mr. Spencer Lee, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Public Relations; and Mr. Peter Dewey Foster, Executive Vice President - Leisure, Hospitality & Lifestyle.
Taylor’s University School of Food Studies & Gastronomy was invited to contribute to the expo by participating in a panel discussion titled "Sustainability as a Business Imperative: Strategies for the F&B Sector." During this discussion, industry experts and academics, including Associate Professor Dr. Elise Line Mognard, shared valuable insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting sustainable business models.
The School of Food Studies & Gastronomy also had the opportunity to showcase its programmes and share its own sustainability stories. The school’s booth featured contributions from Chef Sharizan Azali bin Mohamed Zamzuri, Chef Shahril Nizam bin Shamsudin, and Dr. Salini Devi Rajendran, who engaged with attendees to highlight the institution’s innovative sustainability-driven initiatives and academic excellence in food studies.
The expo also honoured the achievements of Resorts World Genting’s Superchef Squad, with seven chefs recognized for their significant contributions to the F&B industry. They conducted plant-based cooking demonstrations, providing expo-goers with the chance to sample sustainable cuisine. The award ceremony was attended by industry leaders, including Jennifer Ong, Founder & CEO of HAPA Group Sdn Bhd. Overall, the Genting Sustainbiz F&B Expo 2024 served as a remarkable platform that underscored the importance of sustainability in the F&B sector. The event reinforced the critical role of industry-academia collaboration, exemplified by the participation of the School of Food Studies & Gastronomy in preparing future food leaders to embrace eco-conscious business models.