The MSSCC 2021 marks
MAGGI®’s 25th year of collaboration with
The Ministry of Education Malaysia,
Serving as a nurturing platform
For the younger generation to cultivate culinary and life skills,
Knowledge and self-efficacy
Which are critical towards confidence building
And character development in their lives.
According to Geetha Balakrishna,
Business Executive Officer of MAGGI®,
Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad,
“Catering to the new reality post COVID-19 pandemic,
We moved the competition from on ground activation
To a fully virtual platform for the first time this year,
Enabling all students to participate
Without compromising on health and safety.
As many school children are still staying home due to the pandemic,
This is the opportune time for them to cultivate their cooking skills.
This competition continues to serve as a platform
For these young talents to showcase their hidden talents
As well as a knowledge sharing opportunity
Through various educational modules by industry experts.”
Participants were required to submit their recipes in a video format
And were judged based on the creative use of ingredients,
Cooking skills, presentation and culinary inspiration.
Four brand-new online learning modules via Google Classroom
Were also introduced through a collaboration
With celebrity Chefs and cooking personalities
To support the continuation of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The four learning modules consists of:
‘Healthy and Balanced Cooking’ with MAGGI® Chef, Chef Sharifah Hamidah and Nestlé Nutritionist Mrs. Ven Luan;
‘Learning Food Safety and Hygiene’ with MAGGI® Chef, Chef Muluk;
‘Professional Food Styling Tips’ with celebrity chef and TV host, Chef Sherson Lian; and‘Building your Self-confidence’ with Brand Ambassador for MAGGI® CukupRasa, Datin Paduka Eina Azman.
From a total of 16 winners representing 13 states and 3 federal territories,
5 national winners were eventually selected as champions,
Comprising of:
Rafidah Fitri Binti Hamidzol, 15, from SMK Syed Alwi, Perlis;
Muhammad Faaris Salihin Bin Mohd Firdaus, 13, from Sekolah Sultan Alam Shah, Putrajaya;
Nursyafiqah Binti Mohd Azmi, 14, from SMK Intan Perdana, Negeri Sembilan;
Yap Mei Wei, 13, from SMJK Katholik, Selangor; and
Jaymee Ong Miin Li, 15, from SMJK Heng Ee, Pulau Pinang.
According to Rafidah Fitri Binti Hamidzol,
The Grand Winner of MAGGI® Secondary School Cooking Competition 2021,
“My grandmother’s cooking was the inspiration
For my Mixed Herb Rice and Tilapia Wrap Satay
(Nasi Ulam & Sate Lilit Ikan Tilapia) recipes.
Among the ingredients that I used
Were herbs and vegetables that I grow around my home.
With this recipe,
I hope to reintroduce healthy, nutritious traditional cuisine
Especially to young Malaysians.”
First runner-up Muhammad Faaris Salihin Bin Mohd Firdaus,
Who prepared a Shrimp with Padang Sauce (Udang Sos Padang),
Said he was inspired to take up cooking after his mother passed away.
“I took up the responsibility of preparing the meals for my father and siblings.
I hope that my culinary efforts will bring a smile to their faces,” he said.
Other winning recipes include Nursyafiqah’s oil-free and nutritionally balanced Korean Egg Roll,
Yap Mei Wei’s Rainbow Fried Rice (Nasi Goreng Pelangi)
Which utilises colourful ingredients depicting hope, joy and success,
And Jaymee Ong’s Bird’s Nest (Sarang Burung) platter
That symbolises the bond between families.
“We hope that these winners of the MAGGI® Secondary School Cooking Competition 2021
Will become role models amongst their peers
Who are looking to take up balanced homemade cooking,
Just as their parents and teachers were role models to them.
It has been an inspirational journey for us at MAGGI®
As we witnessed these amazing young cooks bring an abundance of energy,
Confidence, creativity and culinary skills to the table.
With continuous support from the Ministry,
Schools, teachers, parents and the community,
We are humbled that this competition continues
To support many young Malaysians
In developing their culinary talents
And enriching their knowledge
In making tasty and balanced meals,” added Geetha.
Get to know the 5 winners of
The MAGGI® Secondary School Cooking Competition
And their winning recipes on
https://www.maggi.my/en/nurturing/MAGGI-cooking-competition-2021/
