Latest news with #MohdFaisalAhmad
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Sarawakian chefs showcase skills at World National Tapas competition in Kuching
Zulhizan prepares his sago flour-based tapas mixed with coconut and filled with prawns and a creamy, cheesy Sarawak laksa core. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 18): Flavours danced, knives flashed, and imaginations ran wild as 20 top Sarawakian chefs stepped into the culinary spotlight on Day Two of the World National Tapas & World Asia Tapas Competitions, Exhibition and Seminar 2025 here. Held from 10am to 2pm at KTS Garden, the high-stakes national tapas showdown gave each chef 25 minutes to prepare eight portions of their signature creations to earn a spot to represent Malaysia at the World Tapas Championship in Spain this November. The judging panel featured well-known chefs Michelle Goh, the youngest Malaysian woman to earn a Michelin star for her pastries; Jasbir Kaur, global culinary leader and founder of the Australasia Tapas Competition; Alex Ting, former head of Michelin-selected restaurant Alma in Shanghai and founder of Kyujin in Kuching; and Goh Ah Seng, Hall of Fame inductee for Cantonese Cuisine and chairman of Persatuan Tukang Masak How Yu Kuching. Nicholas's ayam pansuh is shaped like a tree with a longhouse as a backdrop. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad Among the contestants was Chef Nicholas Robert, who reinterpreted the traditional ayam pansuh by presenting it as a towering edible tree with a longhouse backdrop. Chef Zulhizan Sapawi fused bold flavours with local textures, crafting a sago flour-based tapas mixed with coconut and filled with prawns and a creamy, cheesy Sarawak laksa core. It was served with a kantan lemongrass gel and paired with a rich prawn Sarawak laksa sauce. Chef Jack Owens Atit impressed with a bonsai-themed presentation, featured his tapas shaped like a golden apple, calling it 'The Golden Gem'. Liew sets his Sarawak Laksa inspired tapas on top of a bowl of spices. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad Chef Liew Kit Kiet created a Sarawak laksa-inspired tapas served elegantly on a spoon resting in a bowl of local spices, blending tradition with refined presentation. While creativity was front and centre, the judges also considered commercial viability and overall taste. There will be awards for the top three winners, most creative, and most commercially viable. Winners will be announced tomorrow alongside the World Asia Tapas Competition results. KTS Garden lead World National Tapas & World Asia Tapas
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
20 Sarawakian chefs to vie for spot at World Tapas Championship in Spain
Dr Sim (left) visits the one of the exhibition booths, showcasing China's braised lion-headed goose. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 18): Twenty Sarawakian chefs are set to compete at the national-level Tapas Competition today at KTS Garden for a coveted spot to represent Malaysia at the prestigious World Tapas Championship in Spain this November. The competition, part of the World National and Asia Tapas Competitions, runs from June 17 to 19 and is being hosted in Kuching for the second consecutive year. According to organising chairwoman and Sarawak International Technical and Vocational Education Association (SITVEA) president Sim Ling Ling, the national winner will earn an all-expenses-paid trip to Valladolid, Spain, to compete on the global stage. Sim speaks to reporters after the opening ceremony. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad On June 19, 16 chefs from 13 Asian countries will face off in the Asia-level competition, with the top three joining Malaysia's representative at the World Tapas Championship. Sim highlighted the inclusive nature of the competition, noting that both young aspiring chefs and veterans with decades of experience are taking part. 'There's no age barrier in this industry. What matters is your story, your creativity, and how you bring your culture to the plate. 'Like last year's winner, who created 'Rolo de Umai' ― a Sarawakian dish that made it to the world stage and was judged by Michelin-star chefs in France and the United States,' she told reporters after the opening ceremony. Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Minister of Tourism, Events, and City Branding Of Valladolid City Council, Spain, Blanca Jimenez Cuadrillero were also present at the opening ceremony. Sim also confirmed that Sarawak will remain the official host of the Asia qualifier in the coming years, with plans to rotate the venue across cities such as Miri to encourage broader participation. 'We also hope to establish a closer partnership with Valladolid, Spain, where the World Tapas Championship is held annually. 'It's a Unesco Creative City with a rich cultural and culinary background, similar to ours in many ways,' she added. The three-day event features food and beverage exhibitions, workshops on sustainability ― including carbon-neutral food production and eco-friendly packaging ― as well as talks by international speakers from China, Indonesia, and Malaysia on halal compliance, food safety, and recycling. 'The idea is to promote not only culinary creativity but also environmental awareness. 'We want participants and visitors to understand how the food industry can innovate while staying sustainable,' Sim said. Exhibitors include international names such as Farina Winery from Spain and braised lion-headed goose with over 100 years of history from China, with representatives flown in to share the stories behind their products. 'There's a story behind every dish and every ingredient, and by bringing in the people behind the products, we give a platform for deeper appreciation and cultural exchange,' she added. Members of the public can also take part in the event through RM60 one-day passes or RM150 three-day passes, which include access to food sampling, workshops, live competitions, and networking with chefs. chefs Dr Sim Kui Hian lead Sim Ling Ling World Tapas Championship
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Baristas showcase talent, creativity at Borneo latte art challenge
Lim focuses intently as he pours his award-winning 'Shiba Inu' latte art during a segment of the competition. — Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 17): The scent of freshly-brewed coffee hung thick in the air as steam hissed, pitchers swirled, and nerves buzzed at KTS Garden – the stage for the Borneo Latte Art Competition (BLAC2025). Held as part of the 'Tapas Competition, Exhibition and Seminar 2025' programme, the event saw a diverse mix of talents: 12 baristas from Kuching, three from Miri, five from Brunei, and one each from Sibu and Kuala Lumpur. Each barista had just three minutes to create their latte art, impressing judges who scored them on six critical elements: image production, visual foam quality, contrast and harmony, pattern size and placement, creativity and complexity, plus technical execution. Baristas gave their all as they poured intricate designs into each cup, carefully placing them on judging trays – every line crisp, every contrast striking. The crowd held its breath between pours, tension broken only by murmurs of awe and the emcee's countdown echoing through the hall. After multiple intense rounds, the Top 3 contestants were announced – all from Kuching. Marvin Lim, 21, a student, stole the spotlight with his bold and expressive 'Shiba Inu' latte art, earning him the champion title. barista Borneo Latte Art Competition coffee KTS Garden lead
Borneo Post
12-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
‘Seniorpreneurs' initiative proposed to empower retirees in Sarawak's business landscape
Ripin (front, fourth left) joins the participants for a group photo. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KUCHING (June 12): 'Seniorpreneurs', a special entrepreneurship programme for retirees, should be considered as part of ongoing efforts to boost entrepreneurial development in Sarawak, said State Deputy Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development Datuk Dr Ripin Lamat. He proposed the idea when officiating the Program Seminar Usahawan Madani Asas Pembangunan Produk dan Servis (SAPPS) at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Auditorium today. He highlighted that many retirees possess the financial means and experience to become successful entrepreneurs. 'Perhaps one day, the relevant agencies or ministries can consider establishing a special programme for Seniorpreneurs – not veterans, but Seniorpreneurs – for those who are about to retire or have already retired,' he said. Ripin added that many retirees already have the capital and networks necessary to start businesses, whether it is from their pensions or savings through schemes such as the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). 'They have the financial resources, education, and experience. Perhaps they could collaborate with existing entrepreneurs in establishing ventures in various sectors.' He also emphasised that the initiative could help address issues faced by retirees including cases of pensioners falling victims to scams, saying: 'Why not provide them with a pathway to continue contributing through business?' The SAPPS programme was a collaboration between the National Entrepreneurship Institute (Insken), HRD Corp, the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (Mintred), as well as various entrepreneurship-related agencies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Ripin praised Insken and its partners for continuously supporting local entrepreneurs through knowledge-sharing platforms such as SAPPS, noting that 449 entrepreneurs participated in today's session. 'Your presence here today reflects a high level of commitment – a key characteristic of successful entrepreneurs,' he said. He emphasised the importance of knowledge as a form of capital in entrepreneurship, reminding participants of the need to adapt to changes, especially with the advancement of technology. 'Adapting to technology in areas such as marketing, business management, and production is crucial in improving productivity, expanding market reach, and increasing income,' he said. Adding on, Ripin also encouraged entrepreneurs 'not to rush success, but to trust the process'. 'Just like in school, we begin with kindergarten, then primary, secondary, and university. The same applies to entrepreneurship – we start small and step by step, we grow.' He expressed confidence that the programme aligns with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which aims to create more entrepreneurs and job opportunities in Sarawak. Moreover, Ripin congratulated Insken for opening its office in Sarawak two months ago, noting that this move reflects its commitment to developing local entrepreneurs. Also present were Insken chairman Mustaffa Kamil Ayub and director of Training Ts Dr Izham Naquiddin Shah Arif Shah, as well as HRD Corp head of regional operations division Muhamad Hafez Kamaruddin. entrepreneurial development Kuching ripin lamat Seniorpreneurs
Borneo Post
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
Package A1A of Second Trunk Road project shows steady progress, says S'wak deputy minister
Aidel (left) during the site visit at the Package A1A section of the Second Trunk Road Package project. – Photo by Mohd Faisal Ahmad KOTA SAMARAHAN (June 11): Package A1A of the Second Trunk Road (STR) project, comprising the new Batang Samarahan Bridge and a 9km dual carriageway to Batang Sadong, has reached 11.61 per cent completion as of today, slightly ahead of its scheduled progress of 11.43 per cent. Sarawak Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Ports Development, Datuk Aidel Lariwoo, expressed satisfaction with the project's progress, highlighting that it is 0.18 per cent ahead of schedule. 'This reflects the steady work by the contractor and a consistent supply of materials,' he told reporters after a site visit and briefing by Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) at the developer's office here today. He noted that Package A1A is a key component of the broader Second Trunk Road network, which aims to provide an alternative route for residents in coastal and interior areas currently underserved by the Pan Borneo Highway and Coastal Road Network. Aidel also visited the adjacent D3C package, a 7km single carriageway linking Batang Samarahan to Batang Sejingkat. He reported that progress there was generally on track, with actual completion at 23.09 per cent against a scheduled 23.13 per cent. 'There is a very minor delay of 0.04 per cent, but we have advised the contractor to increase their daily supply rate. 'The current rate is slightly below what is required to complete the embankment work efficiently,' he said. He further explained that the Second Trunk Road spans several administrative divisions and will eventually connect Sejingkat to Batang Sadong, Sebuyau, and onward to Betong. Once completed, the road will serve as a direct alternative route for motorists travelling between Sarawak's northern and central coastal regions. Aidel revealed that the full stretch from Batang Samarahan to Batang Sadong measures 23km, consisting of the current 9km A1A package and the upcoming 13km A1B section. 'Plans are also underway to extend a dual carriageway from Batang Sadong to Batang Lupar in Sebuyau, covering another 35km. 'This second trunk road project is designed to complement the Pan Borneo and Coastal Road networks, particularly for areas not directly served by those routes. 'Once completed, it will transform connectivity for people in these regions,' he said. He also pointed out that another key segment – a dual carriageway linking Serian, Gedong, and Samarahan – is currently under construction and expected to bolster regional integration under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) and the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030). 'When this entire network is completed, including the Second Trunk Road and ongoing developments under 13MP and PCDS 2030, connectivity in this region will be significantly improved,' he said. aidel lariwoo Batang Samarahan bridge Package A1A Second Trunk Road
