On the 27th of September at the Le Quandri BAllroom in Malaysia, UCSI University (UCSI) made history when it was appointed as the academic partner for the World Association of World Master Chefs.
This recognition strengthens UCSI’s position as the best local culinary education institution in the field of culinary and hospitality at an international level.
Present at the Launch were the Founder and Executive Chairman of the UCSI Group, Dato’ Peter Ng; Vice Chancellor of UCSI University, Datuk Prof. Dr. Siti Hamisah Tapsir; as well Chairman of the World Association of Master Chefs Mr Sunly Lo, and Global President, World Master Chefs Association, Prof. Gaven Ferguson.
Prof. Ferguson spoke about the importance of global networking and building strong relationships across cultures. His inspiring speech gave light into how WAMC is able to ignite the opportunities of students to reach for the stars.
He said “The hospitality industry is constantly evolving, and it is your creativity that will shape its future. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, to challenge the status quo, and to innovate. Whether you’re reinventing a classic dish, designing a new customer service approach, or reimagining the guest experience in a post-pandemic world, your creativity is what will set you apart.”
The opening ceremony was completed by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, YB Datuk Ts Mustapha Sakmud at Le Quadri Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.
The ceremony was also graced with the arrival of YAM Tunku Zain Al-‘Abidin ibni Tuanku Mukhriz, Pro-Chancellor of UCSI University.
In his speech, YB Datuk Mustapha praised UCSI for “continuing to meet and exceed international quality standards in culinary and hospitality education.”
Through this recognition, UCSI graduates are eligible to receive an additional certificate from the World Association of Master Chefs and have the opportunity to become a member of the association, thus opening up career opportunities in the global culinary arena.UCSI University is recognized as one of the top 1% of universities in the world based on its position at 265th in the QS World University Rankings 2025.
UCSI’s Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management is also listed in the world’s top 100 hotel schools, with its graduates often employed by leading hotel chains around the world.
According to YB Ts. Datuk Mustapha, Malaysia’s tourism sector is expected to grow rapidly in 2024, with more than 7.56 million foreign tourists recorded in the first four months, an increase of 27.5% compared to last year. This contributed to RM22.23 billion in national income, a 66% increase from the previous year.
He also emphasized the importance of the Technical Education and Vocational Training (TVET) program in addressing the lack of trained professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry.
The National TVET Policy 2030 implemented by the government aims to produce graduates who meet the needs of the industry as well as improve the quality of TVET institutions.
He closed his speech by congratulating UCSI for its continuous initiatives in advancing the hospitality and tourism industry, not only in Malaysia, but also globally.
