IN an effort to ignite love for cooking among the youths, Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC) has organised a cooking workshop today.
The half-day workshop was held at Persatuan Sukan dan Kebudayaan Tiong Hua in Kepala Batas and was a joint collaboration between Penang Chefs Association and Chief Minister Special Coordinator office.
A total of 30 participants were given some hands-on experience to hone their cooking skills by five chefs from the association.
They were taught to cook some western cuisines such as ‘Vichyssoise’ (a thick soup made of potato and other ingredients), ‘Chicken à la King’ (grilled chicken breast accompanied with potato salads, saute garden greens and served with a creamy mushroom sauce) and ‘Crêpes Suzette’ (a French dessert).
Sixteen-year-old student Kelvin Hong, who was one of the participants, said he gained a lot from the cooking workshop.
“I have no basic knowledge of cooking which I previously thought was difficult.
“But at this workshop, I have learnt the easiest and correct way to prepare dishes.
“The chefs also are very friendly, so it is easier for me to understand,” he said.
For Chong Wei Shen,14, and Lee Wei Lin,15, they described the workshop as a new experience for them and have spurred their interest to become a chef in the future.
“This is the first time we are joining such a workshop and it was a fun experience because we had never cooked anything before.
“At least after this, we can try to help our parents to cook at home and later on, maybe pursue a culinary course,” they said.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee, who officiated the programme, said this was the second edition of the cooking workshop that was organised by PYDC.
“The first edition held in Penaga on Aug 9 was well received by 30 young participants.
“There could be more participants but we have to limit the number due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our objective of the workshop is to provide an opportunity for them to learn how to cook and at the same time to foster their interest in cooking.
“We plan to continue organising the workshop in other constituencies. The next location will be in Bertam,” said Soon, who is also the PYDC chairman.
PYDC general manager Dr Gwee Sai Ling said those who are interested to join the next cooking workshop can go to PYDC official Facebook page or website at https://pydc.com.my/ to register and get further information.
“It is free of charge. So, I encourage youths to join this workshop,” she added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis