Four Malaysian restaurants have become the first in the country to receive a Michelin Star from the Michelin Guide. What's even more impressive is that three out of the four winning restaurants are managed by alumni from the University of Wollongong Malaysia KDU's (UOWMKDU) culinary program.
Among the notable alumni are Chef Darren Chin, owner of DC Restaurant, Chef Kim Hock, owner of Au Jardin, and Dewakan Restaurant, which was incubated in UOW Malaysia.
UOWMKDU's culinary alumni have also received recognition from the Michelin Guide, with Chef Lim Yan You are earning the prestigious Michelin Young Chef Award. It's a testament to the quality of education provided by UOWMKDU's Diploma in Culinary Arts program, which has produced over 20,000 graduates since its inception in 1987.
UOWMKDU Alumni Chef Kim Hock (second from left) of Au Jardin receiving the Michelin Star with Chef Lim Yan You (third from left) winner of the Michelin Young Chef Award.
The program emphasizes fundamental cooking techniques, nutrition, and food hygiene, as well as the economics of the food and beverage sector. Students gain real-world experience by operating and managing the campus restaurants, which must be profitable while offering delicious and attractive menus. With RM6mil worth of kitchen equipment, students are trained on par with five-star commercial kitchens in top hotels and restaurants.
UOWMKDU is proud to have played a role in producing such talented chefs, who are making a name for themselves in the culinary industry and bringing recognition to Malaysia's vibrant food scene.