Scholarships helping B40 youths realise dream to become chefs

The 10 students awarded scholarships are excited to be part of the Chef Muda Mahsuri programme. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

A TOTAL of 10 students from B40 families can now embark on a journey to become chefs, thanks to scholarships.

The Chef Muda Mahsuri programme by Mahsuri Food Sdn Bhd and Food Institute Malaysia (FIM) supports underprivileged Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia holders who aspire to become chefs.

In collaboration with Lembaga Zakat Selangor, Mahsuri and FIM presented scholarships worth RM8,655 each to the students who will be taking a certificate course in Malay cuisine.

Mahsuri senior commercial manager Mohd Jazri Ikmal Hijaz said the scholarships covered tuition fees, accommodation and monthly allowances for students throughout their four months at FIM.

“They will then undergo practical training for three months at several Chef Wan restaurants.

“This programme will help to prepare them for the culinary industry through training and hands-on experience.

“They will receive a strong foundation to thrive,” he said.

Mohd Jazri said the programme was part of Mahsuri’s corporate social responsibility initiative.

“It is important for us to give back to society, so we hope this programme will be able to help underprivileged students further their studies,” he added.

Mahsuri non-executive director Datuk Ahmad Tajuddin Idris said the programme went beyond developing their skills.

“It aims to give them the confidence to excel in the industry.”

FIM honorary advisor Mohd Johari Edrus hopes that there will be more professional chefs in Malaysia who can inspire youths to join the field.

“The food and beverage industry in Malaysia is thriving and plays a significant economic role.

“Through this programme, we aim to contribute to the growth of the food-and-beverage industry,” he said.

Recipients Nurmarissa Balqis Mohd Sufian and Muhammad Fahmi Aiman Zubir expressed their gratitude to Mahsuri and FIM for the scholarship.

Nurmarissa said that watching celebrity chef Datuk Redzuawan Ismail, popularly known as Chef Wan, cooking on TV was her favourite pastime when she was younger.

“I wanted to become a chef but being the third child out of 11, I never expected to further my studies as my parents have to support my younger siblings.

“I am thankful this programme helps alleviate my family’s burden and provides me the opportunity to follow my passion,” she said.

Muhammad Fahmi said his initial plan was to join the workforce after SPM.

“The cost of tertiary education is high and my parents cannot afford to send me for courses.

“Thanks to this scholarship, I no longer have to forgo my dream of becoming a chef,” he said.