26 Lifestyle
26 Lifestyle
@ Halal | November-December . 2024
Power of the Culinary Arts
Event fosters unity and collaboration across borders within the tourism and cultural sectors
ONE hundred eight influential individuals in the food and beverage ( F & B ) and culinary industry were honoured at the World Top Gourmet Awards 2024 . Nearly 1,000 guests , including top chefs , restauranteurs and brand representatives across continents , gathered for the event .
The event goes beyond individual recognition ; it seeks to foster unity and collaboration across borders within the tourism and cultural sectors .
In his speech , Tourism Malaysia Deputy Director General Promotions II , Lee Thai Hung ( Samuel Lee ), emphasised Malaysia ’ s unique position as a culinary destination given the diverse cultural influences of Chinese , Indian , Malay , and indigenous groups .
“ We believe that culinary arts have the power to create cultures and promote greater understanding between people ,” Lee remarked .
“ Culinary experiences have become essential in today ’ s travel and tourism landscape in Malaysia .
“ As we gear up for Visit Malaysia 2026 , we believe food will play a central role in global events , aligning with our vision of showcasing Malaysia ’ s culinary excellence to the world .”
Travellers seek authentic and meaningful
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Opening ceremony of the World Top Gourmet Awards 2024 . |
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connections through food . The World Top Gourmet Awards recognise the growing importance of halal gastronomy in this .
In fact , this year ’ s accolades highlighted excellence in categories such as Halal Frozen food , which went to Abang J , Halal Casual Dining , awarded to Samtai Yamch ’ a , and Halal Malaysian Kopitiam to Oriental Kopi .
Additionally , the event announced the
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launch of the Explore Nation App , a platform designed to revolutionise local product promotion . It connects consumers with businesses and uncovers regional hidden gems , enabling local communities to showcase their unique offerings .
“ We are witnessing a new era in promoting lifestyle products and services . This app will help local merchants and restaurateurs reach a wider audience , showcasing their products and services not just to Malaysians but to an international market ,” said World Gourmet President Dr Peggy Chong .
“ This kind of technological innovation is essential in driving growth in our F & B and tourism industries .”
By supporting the growth of Malaysia ’ s hospitality and culinary sectors , the app is anticipated to play a crucial role in driving tourism , which is vital for the country ’ s economic development .
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500 halal eateries by 2025
THE Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong aim to expand halal certification in Hong Kong in response to the burgeoning Muslim travel market . This market is projected to reach US $ 225 billion by 2028 .
The organisation plans to increase the number of halalcertified restaurants from 142 to
John Lee Ka-chiu over 500 by the end of 2025 . This initiative is in line with the government ’ s strategy to attract more visitors from the Middle East and Southeast Asia .
Hong Kong ’ s Chief Executive , John Lee Ka-chiu , suggested compiling a list of halal restaurants . He also encouraged hotels to provide prayer rooms and other necessary facilities for Muslim visitors .
Most of the halal-certified eateries predominantly specialise in South Asian cuisines . Halal-certified establishments that offer Chinese cuisine are relatively few in comparison . This gap implies an opportunity for more Chinese restaurants to obtain halal certification and cater to a broader audience .
Following this , the chairman of the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong , Saeed Uddin , stated that the government ’ s recent directive to encourage halal tourism could spark interest among local businesses in obtaining halal certification .
In fact , the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong , which is responsible for overseeing Hong Kong ’ s halal certification process , had received several requests following the policy address .
Uddin is optimistic that the expertise and support within their board of trustees could play a role in expanding the variety of halal-certified food options available .
The right move
WITH Gigi Coffee becoming one of the most favoured coffee chains in Malaysia , its push for halal certification is timely .
Halal certification is part of Gigi Coffee ’ s broader strategy of ensuring the highest operational standards , from product sourcing to service excellence .
In addition to ensuring halal standards in its branches , Gigi Coffee employs several types of customer-centric initiatives , including a loyalty programme , exclusive privileges and offers , coffee subscription passes , and online ordering through the Gigi Coffee mobile app .
Following its halal certification , Gigi Coffee received official recognition from the Ministry of Human Resources ’ Department of Skill Development ( DSD ). This recognition endorses the coffee chain ’ s barista training programme under the National Dual Training System ( SLDN ).
Its training programme combines handson experience with structured learning . This ensures Gigi Coffee ’ s baristas develop exper-
Gigi Coffee proudly showcases its halal certifications .
tise in coffee preparation as well as skills in customer service , hygiene , and workplace safety .
Notably , apprentices who have completed the Level Two Barista Service Malaysian Skills Certificate ( SKM ) will advance to the Level Three certification . –