KUALA LUMPUR: The 27th edition of the Maggi Secondary School Cooking Competition (MSSCC) returned this year with young aspiring home cooks aged 13 to 15 pulling out all the stops to attain the champion title.
This annual event, a result of Maggi's collaboration with the Ministry of Education Malaysia (MOE), has engaged over 10,000 schools and 341,000 students nationwide since its inception in 1997, promoting a love for home-cooked meals and nurturing culinary talent.
Transcending the conventional boundaries of a cooking competition, the annual MSSCC not only serves as a platform for students to pursue a passion for cooking, but also contains a vital educational element aligned with Maggi's core values and principles.
Beyond raising awareness about the importance of balanced diets, the competition also empowers students with valuable life skills, setting the stage for their future endeavours in the culinary world and beyond.
This year's theme, "Sajian Seimbang, Inspirasi Warisan" (Balanced Meal, Heritage Inspiration), challenged participants to infuse Maggi with cultural heritage, resulting in a diverse array of wholesome and flavorful dishes.
Each year, the challenge also cultivates the value of making the right daily nutritional choices, it said in a statement today.
Apart from honing culinary skills, MSSCC encourages students to think creatively and develop problem-solving abilities in the kitchen, instilling values of discipline, time management, and adaptability.
The competition also promotes sportsmanship, resilience, and a drive for continuous improvement among participants.
A panel of distinguished judges from Nestlé (Malaysia) Bhd meticulously evaluated submissions, selecting 32 finalists from across the country.
The ultimate champions, Veerada A/P Wilat and Duangkamon A/P Somfong from Sekolah Menengah Syed Sirajuddin, Perlis, clinched the top spot with their winning dish, "Lempeng Kobis and Kari Tauhu," earning them a cash prize of RM5,000.
Ministry of Education director of the department of sports, co-curricular and arts Zainuren Mohd Nor expressed satisfaction with the partnership between MOE and Maggi, emphasising its role in fostering the holistic development of Malaysian youth.
Ivy Tan, Nestle Malaysia business executive officer for Maggi, said MSSCC is a testament to its commitment to promoting balanced and nutritious homemade meals while celebrating the nation's cultural heritage.
She praised the participants for their creativity and innovation, acknowledging their contributions to the competition.
The journey to the grand finale commenced in 2023, with participants submitting their recipes and videos online.
The competition culminated in the grand finale at Movenpick Hotel & Convention Centre KLIA, Sepang, where finalists showcased their culinary skills and passion for balanced meals.
Reflecting on their MSSCC experience, finalists Aisyah Insyirah Aswadi and Aisyah Husna Aswadi from Sekolah Menengah Setapak Indah here has expressed gratitude for the opportunity to enhance their culinary skills and gain insights into the significance of balanced meals in daily life.
