Patrick Siau (2nd from right), Head Chef and
Teaching Fellow, and Coach for the Malaysia National Pastry team will be
leading the Malaysia National Pastry Team comprising Chefs Tan Wei
Loon, Otto Tay and Loi Ming Ai at the famous Coupe du Monde de la Pâtisserie - World Pastry Cup in Lyon,
France.
An exclusive dinner was hosted by The School of Hospitality at Sunway University to bid the team good luck as they prepare to pitch their skills at the World Pastry Cup — an international competition which takes place every two years where the world’s best pastry chefs pitch their skills against each other. Last year the team emerged champion in
the 2018 Asian Pastry Cup (APC)
in Singapore and won the ‘Best Display’ award, proving they are a
creative force to be reckoned with.
Chef Patrick said, “I am proud to represent Malaysia at the world stage
once again. With strong will, passion and patience, I have always
challenged myself to perfect the art of pastry production, ensuring innovative
and exciting ends results.”
He also thanked Professor Stephenson, and his colleagues at Sunway
University’s School of Hospitality especially the chefs and, the food and
beverage team for their trust and full support. “We look forward to bringing
glory and honour to our country.”
Prior to his appointment by the Professional Culinaire
Association, Malaysia as Team Coach for the Asian Pastry Cup 2018, Chef Patrick
had previously participated in the 2010 edition and the World Pastry Cup in
2011 as the Malaysia National Pastry Team Captain.
Chef Tan Wei Loon admitted
preparing for the competition is a challenge as the team comprises individuals
working in different areas. They have to allocate time for practice and
discussions.
Both Chefs Otto Tay and Loi Ming Ai also have their own challenges
to overcome but Chef Patrick remains confident they stand a chance at nabbing a
top three spot in the competition.
Chef Patrick then worked with
Sunway University Chefs Soon Pau Voon, Lee Han Ying, Chong Wei Tzeh, Yee Suet
Rene and Nur Amirah to create a special four-course dinner for the evening. The
menu featured Yu Sheng with Smoked
Duck, Double-Boiled Chicken Soup with Longan, Salmon with Butternut Squash and
Baby Nai Pak. Guests were later
treated to chocolate dessert prepared by Chef Patrick and the Malaysia National
Pastry Team.
DHL Express Malaysia will be
the one of the key sponsor of the National Pastry Team’s participation in the
competition, covering the cost of transporting the team’s equipment to
France. “We are excited to be the Official
Logistics Provider for the National Pastry Team representing Malaysia at the
Coup du Monde de la Pâtisserie. DHL Express will ensure the equipment gets delivered
in good condition and on time to the world capital of gastronomy, giving our
Chefs peace of mind to fully concentrate on the competition. We wish the
Malaysian team all the best!” said Ms Ooi Chooi Lee, Head of Commercial, DHL
Express Malaysia.
Ms Ooi was among the invited
guests who attended the dinner at Sunway University in addition to luminaries
such as Dr Elizabeth Lee, Senior Executive Director, Sunway Education Group and
Sunway University; Professor Graeme Wilkinson, Vice-Chancellor, Sunway
University; Gille Barrier, First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission, Charge
d’Affaires, Embassy of France in Malaysia; Datuk Fazley Yaakob, singer and
celebrity chef; and Datuk Redzuawan Ismail, better known as Chef Wan.