All 18 contestants of 2020 Hansik Cooking Contest preparing their stations before the event.

One of the finalists preparing her dishes during the 2020 Hansik Cooking Contest .

Another Korean dish made by one of the finalists at the 2020 Hansik Cooking Contest .

A complete Korean dish from one of the finalists at the 2020 Hansik Cooking Contest .

First prize winner, Chia Yen Koh preparing her dish during the competition

(from right to left) His Excellency Lee Chi-Beom accompanied by Dato’ Peter Ng, Mr Joo Joong Chul and Madam Ha Seong Hee visiting one of the finalists’ station during the 2020 Hansik Cooking Contest .

KUALA LUMPUR, 8 October 2020 - The Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management (FHTM), UCSI University recently worked together for the fourth year with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia to organise the 2020 Hansik Cooking Contest <Global Taste of Korea>.

This 2020 Hansik Cooking Contest <Global Taste of Korea> was organised together with the help of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs of Republic of Korea and the Korean Food Promotion Institute.

This event aimed to raise awareness of Malaysians towards Korean food, tradition, history and culture. It also encouraged the contestants to think out of the box by trying to blend Korean food with Malaysian tastes.

Among the attendees of the 2020 Hansik Cooking Contest <Global Taste of Korea> were the Ambassador and wife, His Excellency Lee Chi-Beom and Madam Ha Seong Hee; UCSI Group CEO and Founder Dato’ Peter Ng and Minister and Consul General of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia, Joo Joong Chul.

Also present were UCSI’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Academic, Student Affairs and Alumni Associate Professor Dr Jimmy Mok Vee Hoong; UCSI’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Postgraduate Professor Dr Phang Siew Moi and Deputy Dean of FHTM Assistant Professor Christopher Wan Sageng.

In his welcome remarks, Associate Professor Dr Jimmy Mok Vee Hoong expressed his contentment with UCSI’s long partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia built over the last seven years.

“The 2020 Hansik Contest <Global Taste of Korea> is proof of the strong partnership between UCSI University and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia. We have partnered for over seven years and I look forward to strengthening the bond that we have in upcoming years,” he said.

“With UCSI University being the co-organiser of the Hansik Contest for the past four years, I see this as a good initiative and platform for the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to advocate and educate the people on Korean food and culture that can be enjoyed,” he added.

Meanwhile, His Excellency Lee Chi-Beom in his speech said that food is one of the ways in which people from different backgrounds can communicate.

“Food tells us many stories such as the history, culture and the way of living. In fact, food is also a tool of communication. Whenever I have the chance to experience Malaysian food such as nasi lemak and roti canai, I get to learn more about Malaysia,” he added.

Chi-Beom also expressed his joy in the mutual interest of food that can help build an even stronger relationship between the two countries.

“I think today’s event is very meaningful. Thank you for your interest and love towards Korean food. I believe that whenever you cook or taste Korean food, your understanding towards Korea will grow deeper,” he said before officiating the event.

Other than cash prizes, all five winners as well as other finalists were also provided with exclusive souvenirs and gifts from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia.

All 18 finalists were shortlisted from a total of 40 entries by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia before the final round was held at UCSI University, Kuala Lumpur campus.