Culinary Workshop by Professor Chef Patrick Siau
A group of students from Foon Yew High School, Johor Bahru recently visited the School of Hospitality, Sunway University to participate in a culinary workshop conducted by Professor Chef Patrick Siau, a Practice Professor of Culinary Arts. The workshop is an initiative by the School of Hospitality to engage with visiting students to explore learning opportunities within the School and future career prospects.
Professor Chef Patrick Siau began the workshop by highlighting the importance the English language in the culinary industry. Many may think that culinary arts is a practical-focused career and communication in English might come in as secondary element. Hailing from a small town in Sabah and moving to Kuala Lumpur to work at a restaurant, he mentioned that English was the only way to communicate with his Caucasian head chef. He also emphasised on how moving out of one’s comfort zone is the first step to learning.
During the workshop, Professor Chef Patrick Siau talks about familiarity of one’s culture and cuisine. For many Malaysians, rice and noodles are staple foods, and are a dominant portion of a standard diet. On the contrary, bread and pastry is certainly something that locals don’t relate well to and is often overlooked. In the culinary industry, however, one must learn to be accustomed to different styles of food production.
Nevertheless, the focus of the workshop concerns CHOCOLATE! The visiting students had the opportunity to try different types of chocolate and the types of desserts the chocolates are used for. Professor Chef Patrick also educated the crowd on how chocolates are made and how to store chocolates properly. Chocolate are produced in different flavours and textures, which are used to make different types of desserts.
This workshop was beneficial as the visiting students had a glimpse into the culinary world, helping them to contextualise a possible career pathway into the culinary community. More importantly, here in the School of Hospitality, the School strives to inspire young people to develop their full potential.
