| James Kon |
MINISTER of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong yesterday stressed the need for more chefs.
“We want to see more chefs, not cooks – chefs who can create an impact both locally and internationally,” he said at the official launching ceremony of the newly established Culinary School at Laksamana College of Business (LCB).
Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali highlighted the important role the school can potentially play in the domestic food industry.
“We have an interesting mix of cuisines here in Brunei Darussalam, from vendors selling traditional Malay fare to restaurants specialising in cuisines from all around the world such as the Middle East, Italy, China, Japan, Thailand, and Korea, to name a few,” he said.
“The food and beverage industry has grown quite significantly over the last five years.
“You can see new cafes and restaurants all over Brunei, with some incorporating Bruneian flavours and ingredients in their recipes and menus.
“As the industry continues to expand, businesses will need to know how to manage a more competitive market, and this will require them to become more aware of their strategies and increase creativity which can then lead to their success.
“It is therefore important to ensure that there is a continuous flow of culinary talent with high professional standards to serve Brunei.”
The minister said the Culinary School will “go a long way towards satisfying this need”, and “hopefully open doors for the students to rewarding careers”.
He noted that the School will be adopting syllabuses from City & Guilds, a reputable London-based vocational training provider, facilitated by highly qualified chefs with solid industry experience.
“I am hopeful that the Culinary School will become one of the region’s leading international culinary institutes in the near future,” the minister said.
“The school has what Brunei needs to produce talented and qualified professionals capable of creating world gastronomical delights, and most importantly, who don’t forget our own local Bruneian roots in the industry.” The public with aspirations of pursuing a career in the culinary arts can now enrol in the Culinary School at LCB.
The Culinary School, one of the first private culinary schools set up in Brunei Darussalam, offers students two City & Guilds culinary programmes: the Level 1 Certificate in Food Preparation and Cooking and Level 2 Diploma in Food Preparation and Cooking.
The Level 1 Certificate covers all the main elements of food preparation, while the Level 2 Diploma builds on the Level 1 Certificate course.
The programmes, recognised by employers worldwide, are ideal for a range of students, from those new to the kitchen to experienced professionals.