By: Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
HO CHI MINH, Vietnam — The Perak Culinary Arts Academy @ Kolej Komuniti Chenderoh (PCAA@KKCP) created a stir on the international stage by winning four gold medals and a total of 14 awards at the three-day Vietnam Culinary Challenge 2026.
The prestigious achievement also elevated Malaysia as a top contender, with the team outperforming participants from Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan and Australia across various technical categories.
PCAA@KKCP director Ts. Haji Meor M. Sharifuddin Meor Shukri said the accomplishment demonstrated that Malaysia’s TVET culinary talent is not only competitive but capable of dominating global competitions.
“This success is a manifestation of the ‘Excellence Without Compromise’ spirit practised at PCAA@KKCP, and is the result of the dedication of our lecturers and the commitment of the students representing the team,” he said.
He added that the achievement also reflected the effectiveness of practical learning modules at the Community College, which have successfully produced world-class culinary professionals.
At the competition, PCAA@KKCP secured four gold medals through Khairul Ashikhin Mohd Kamil, Muhammad Amar Mohd Salim, and Umar Ridha Nirul Azwan. In addition to the golds, the team brought home four silver medals, five bronze medals, and one diploma across categories, including Asian cuisine, vegan dishes, fruit and vegetable carving, and BBQ demonstrations.
Khairul Ashikhin was the team’s top contributor, earning six accolades in total, including two golds, two silvers, and two bronzes. Muhammad Syafiq Jamaluddin contributed one silver and one diploma, while Muhammad Amar, Umar Ridha, and Muhammad Amzar also earned medals in their respective categories.
The team’s haul of 14 awards has not only brought pride to Perak and Malaysia on the international stage but also strengthened the country’s position as a hub of culinary excellence in Southeast Asia.
