Date: 9th October 2023

Meet Nicole Sai Xin Ni, a dedicated student at Berjaya University College, who made a transition from the field of Hospitality Management to pursue a Master of Business Administration. Her journey serves as a testament to the profound impact of education and unwavering dedication to one’s aspirations.

Discovering a Passion for Hospitality Management
Nicole’s experience in Hospitality Management provided her with exposure to various aspects of the hotel industry, ranging from front-of-house operations to the intricacies of behind-the-scenes hotel management. It was during an internship that Nicole discovered her strengths lay in operational roles, igniting a passion that ultimately guided her towards pursuing an MBA.

The Motivation to Transition
As Nicole ventured further into her academic journey, she recognised the importance of having a Masters degree in today’s competitive job market. Armed with the support and encouragement of her family, she found the motivation to transition to an MBA programme, envisioning a broader array of career opportunities on the horizon.

A Synergy of Skills: Hospitality Management Meets MBA
Nicole’s unique combination of Hospitality Management and MBA studies has proven to be a powerful asset. Her hospitality education instilled vital skills in communication, interpersonal relationships, and customer service—skills that seamlessly complement her MBA studies. These skills provide her with a distinctive perspective in the business world, enabling her to collaborate effectively, resolve conflicts, and excel in leadership roles.

Breaking Down Perceived Boundaries
Nicole addresses the common misconception that Hospitality Management and MBA studies are distinct fields. She highlights how business principles are integral to hospitality management and how her dual background has equipped her with a deeper understanding of the market and emerging trends. Effective relationship management, a core aspect of hospitality, is increasingly vital in today’s interconnected world, offering valuable networking opportunities and the ability to build harmonious social circles.

Valuable Lessons from Internship
The compulsory internship program during her Bachelor’s degree was instrumental in shaping Nicole’s skills and experiences. Communication skills, in particular, proved invaluable, as they facilitated quicker progress and minimized misunderstandings in both academic and work settings. These skills will undoubtedly continue to serve her well in her future career.

Advice for Current Students
Drawing from her own experiences, Nicole advises current students to remain humble, take initiative, and not be afraid to make mistakes. She emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance, asking questions, and recognizing one’s own areas for improvement. Staying humble fosters approachability and the ability to learn from others, critical qualities for success in both academic and professional endeavors.

A Vision for the Future
As Nicole prepares to join a management office upon completing her MBA, her career aspirations are centered on taking on significant leadership roles and contributing to talent development within her organization. Additionally, she aspires to become a mentor, guiding and supporting junior colleagues in their own career journeys by sharing her knowledge, experiences, and lessons learned.

Nicole Sai Xin Ni’s academic journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and the ability to blend diverse fields of study. Her story reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge knows no bounds, and the intersections between seemingly distinct disciplines can yield extraordinary results.

Date: 6th October 2023

BERJAYA University College proudly celebrates exceptional achievements at Culinaire Malaysia 2023, Southeast Asia’s top culinary competition, and the inaugural Housekeeping Malaysia 2023!

Culinaire Malaysia 2023 attracted over 1200 participants and 100 global judges, solidifying its premier culinary event status.

In a remarkable debut, our students showcased exceptional skills at the inaugural Housekeeping Malaysia 2023, setting new standards in seven categories.

Both events were organised by Food & Hotel Malaysia (FHM) and took place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from September 19th to 22nd.

The awards presented over four days highlight the dedication and commitment of BUC’s culinary and hospitality talents.

BERJAYAns achieved 5 Gold, 5 Silver, 10 Bronze, and a Diploma award.

Heartiest congratulations to our talented students and future industry leaders below!

19th September

Mocktail

• Angeline Toh Poh Lin (Bachelor of Hospitality Management): Gold
• Nicole Sai (Master of Business Administration): Silver

Fruit & Vege Carving

• Punitharaasan (Bachelor of Culinary Arts Management): Bronze

Meat and Poultry Main Course (Western Style)

• Umar Aziz (Diploma in Culinary Arts): Bronze

Apprentice – Fish Main Course (Western Cuisine)

• Claudia Quah (Diploma in Culinary Arts): Silver

CLC Blue Cod Fish / Seafood Main Course (Western Style)

• Dustin Trieu (Diploma in Culinary Arts): Diploma Award

20th September

Towel Art

• Aaron Ma (Bachelor of Hospitality Management): Bronze

Fine Dining Table Setting

• Nicole Sai (Master of Business Administration): Bronze

Cocktail

• Angeline Toh Poh Lin (Bachelor of Hospitality Management): Silver
• Chang Lay Seong (Bachelor of Hospitality Management): Gold

Blue Cod Fish / Seafood Main Course (Western Style)

• Weng Khean (Bachelor of Culinary Arts Management): Silver

Chef of the Nation – Fish/Seafood Main Course (Western Style)

• Chef Shahrir (Faculty of Culinary Arts): Bronze

Real California Milk Pizza Challenge – Professional Chef

• Chef Alex (Faculty of Culinary Arts): Bronze

21st September

Malaysian Local Fruit Flambe

• Chang Lay Seong (Bachelor of Hospitality Management): Gold
• Nicole Sai (Master of Business Administration): Bronze

Fine Dining Table Setting

• Chang Lay Seong (Bachelor of Hospitality Management): Gold

22nd September

Team Challenge – Hi Tea Asian Tapas: Silver

• Chang Zhihins (Diploma in Hotel Management)
• Tong Zi Zhun (Diploma in Culinary Arts)
• Eric Chong (Diploma in Culinary Arts)
• Daneesha Choong (Diploma in Patisserie)

Malaysian Heritage Cuisine

• Alliza Hanim (Diploma in Culinary Arts): Bronze

Aussie Lamb Main Course (Western Style)

• Digesh (Faculty of Culinary Arts): Bronze
• Dustin Trieu (Diploma in Culinary Arts) : Bronze

The awards ceremony culminated in a grand Award Gala Dinner where two BUC students claimed top honours:

• Best F&B Personnel: Chang Lay Seong (Bachelor of Hospitality Management)
• Best Mixologist: Angeline Toh Poh Lin (Bachelor of Hospitality Management)

Date: 5th October 2023

Shawn Chang Lay Seong, a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management student at Berjaya University College, has left an indelible mark on the culinary world. His journey is a testament to dedication, passion, and the pursuit of excellence.

Culinaire Malaysia 2023 Triumph
Shawn’s accolades speak volumes about his exceptional skills and unwavering commitment. At Culinaire Malaysia 2023, he clinched three gold medals in Cocktail, Malaysian Local Fruit Flambe, and Fine Dining Table Setting, alongside receiving the coveted Most Outstanding F&B Personnel Award.

Mixology Challenge 2023 Victory
His winning streak continued at the Mixology Challenge 2023, where he secured the first-place position, showcasing his unparalleled talent in mixology.

A Journey of Passion and Perseverance
Shawn’s journey to success was marked by dedication and continuous improvement. Despite his initial nervousness and challenges during competitions, he learned to stay focused and not let setbacks deter him.

Invaluable Mentorship by Berjaya University College lecturer Mr. Justin

Shawn’s remarkable journey in the culinary world would not have been possible without the guidance and mentorship of Mr. Justin, his dedicated lecturer. Mr. Justin played an instrumental role in shaping Shawn’s skills, pushing him beyond his limits, and providing invaluable insights throughout his training.

Under Mr. Justin’s tutelage, Shawn not only honed his technical abilities but also developed a profound understanding of the intricate workings of the fine dining industry. Mr. Justin’s extensive knowledge of the F&B industry, combined with his passion for teaching, fueled Shawn’s thirst for excellence.

It was Mr. Justin’s unwavering support, constructive feedback, and encouragement that empowered Shawn to achieve the gold medals at Culinaire Malaysia 2023 and excel in the Mixology Challenge 2023. His mentorship was the guiding light that led Shawn to success, and it is a testament to the power of dedicated educators in shaping the future of culinary talent.

A Future of Excellence
Looking ahead, Shawn aspires to further explore the F&B industry, with a particular focus on wine and mixology. He plans to continue participating in competitions to challenge himself and apply his skills effectively. Beyond beverages, Shawn aims to immerse himself in diverse cuisines to fuel his passion and drive for success.

Shawn Chang Lay Seong is undoubtedly a rising star in the F&B universe, and his story is one of inspiration and culinary excellence.

Berjaya University College: A Gateway to Excellence

Berjaya University College stands as a gateway to excellence, offering a platform where aspiring talents like Shawn Chang Lay Seong can transform their dreams into reality. Berjaya University College’s commitment to providing outstanding education and opening doors to countless opportunities is exemplified through its dedicated lecturers who are industry experts themselves. Their wealth of practical knowledge and unwavering support empower students, nurturing them into the industry leaders of tomorrow.

At Berjaya University College, excellence is not just a goal; it’s a journey, and Shawn’s remarkable achievements are a testament to the institution’s commitment to shaping the future of the culinary and hospitality industry.

Date: 19th September 2023

BERJAYA University College and BERJAYA TVET College came together to host “Career Day”, an exclusive event that marked a significant milestone for our students, recent graduates and esteemed alumni which took place on September 19, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Level 11 West, BERJAYA Times Square.

This exceptional event opened doors for students, recent graduates, and alumni to explore exciting career prospects and secure job offers and internships within the BERJAYA Group of Companies: including Berjaya Corporation Berhad, Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, Cosway, Berjaya Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, and a host of other esteemed organisations.

BERJAYANs were privileged to engage in enlightening Career Talks delivered by esteemed BERJAYA Executives who shared their wisdom and knowledge to inspire, guide and encourage BERJAYAns as they embark on the next chapter of their careers. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Redtone Team, comprising Ms. Cantiynia (Learning & Development), Ms. Iza Shuhada (Redtone Data Centre), Mr. Ali Imran (REDtone IoT), and Datuk Capt. Chester Voo Chee Soon (CEO, Group Aviation) for generously sharing their invaluable career experiences with our community.

Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the walk-in interviews and Career Talks, your preparedness and eagerness truly impressed us and made the event a success!

As we look ahead, we are confident that each one of you will embark on a journey filled with remarkable accomplishments. Your network of connections forged today and the invaluable insights gained will serve as pillars of strength in your pursuit of greatness.

Stay tuned for more exclusive networking and career opportunities tailored exclusively for the vibrant community of BERJAYANs.

Date: 8^th September 2023

Five exceptionally talented students from BERJAYA University College are gearing up for an incredible educational journey as they prepare for a fully sponsored internship at the renowned ANSA Okinawa Resort in Japan. This immersive internship is scheduled to kick off on September 11, 2023, and will run until January 27, 2024. It promises to be a transformative experience, offering these bright young individuals the opportunity to gain invaluable industry expertise while creating lifelong memories.

The five exceptional individuals embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime journey are:

1. Lee Oswald – Pursuing a Diploma in Hotel Management
2. Hong Yau Zu – Pursuing a Bachelor of Culinary Arts
3. Tay Jia Li – Pursuing a Bachelor of Culinary Arts
4. Lim Yuen Teng – Pursuing a Bachelor of Hospitality Management
5. Chiu Shiao Thong, Janice – Pursuing a Diploma in Hotel Management

Stay tuned for updates on their exciting journey in Japan!

If you aspire to follow in their footsteps and embark on an enriching educational journey, explore our wide range of programmes in business, culinary arts, liberal arts, hospitality, and tourism.

Connect with our friendly EduAdvisors today at www.berjaya.edu.my, and let us help you turn your dreams into a reality.

Your journey to success begins here at BERJAYA University College!

Date: 3rd August 2023

It was an exciting day at BERJAYA University College as the Entrepreneurship Forum 2023 unfolded alongside the exhilarating launch of the Mixology Challenge 2023!

The event commenced with a warm and insightful welcome from Puan Norlela, the Executive Director of Berjaya Corporation Berhad, who ignited the entrepreneurial spirit of the day. Also taking the stage, Mr. Alvin Soh, Founder/CEO of Brand21 Asia, captivated the audience with his passion and creativity.

The distinguished panel of speakers for the Entrepreneurship Forum 2023 included industry pioneers like Datin Heather Lee (Founder of Rainbow Wellness), Dr. Jillian Yeoh (Founder of IMM Carehub), Datin Shivajini Seelan (Founder of JS Partners), and Ms. Camilla Lai (Founder of D’Nestsence Birdnest). They shared their incredible journeys, showcasing unwavering determination and a commitment to positive industry transformation.

The event reached its peak with the dynamic launch of the Mixology Challenge 2023, celebrating the art of mixology and its fusion of flavours and techniques.

Ready to embark on an exciting educational journey? Join us at BERJAYA University College, a renowned institution dedicated to fostering innovation and personal growth.

Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock your potential in a dynamic learning environment where success stories come to life!

Heartiest congratulations to our talented students Lee Jun Keat and Chan Yen Yee (2nd Year Bachelor of Culinary Arts students) on their momentous achievement of securing the 1st Runner Up position at the highly competitive U.S. Potatoes Cooking Challenge 2023 under the expert guidance of their lecturer, Chef Alex!

The event was held at Taylor’s University College on 24th June, from 8 am to 2 pm.

The winning dishes prepared by the students included a delicious appetizer dish, the Potato Scorched Egg and a hearty main course, the Spice Sea Bass over Aloghobi with Madras Curry Sauce which showcased their creativity of blending Asian flavours and spices with a Western-style plating and concept. Their creative dishes truly impressed the judges!

With only 90 minutes to prepare the appetizer and main course, the students skillfully navigated the pressure, showcasing their expertise and composure.

The panel of judges at the U.S. Potatoes Cooking Challenge included esteemed culinary experts, such as Chef Bob Adnin, President of PCA (Professional Chef Association), Chef Jason Manson, Member of MCC (Malaysian Chef Connection), and Chef Pele Kuah, also a Member of MCC.

Without a doubt, participating in the U.S. Potatoes Cooking Challenge has been a valuable learning experience for the students as they gained invaluable insights into competition dynamics, improved their time management skills, and developed patience and adaptability.

Want to be mentored by industry experts and become an award-winning culinary professional who dazzles the world with culinary creations?

Join our Bachelor of Culinary Arts programme today!

The agreement was signed by Pn Norlela Baharudin, Executive Director of Berjaya Corporation and Dr Chris Ong, Dean for Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism, BUC and ACE was represented by Mr Ong Chen Chew, Director and Mr Jimmy Lim, Director. This ceremony represented a pivotal step in solidifying mutual commitment with shared visions and goals, and a future of collaborative possibilities.

Mr Ong Chen Chew, Director of Ace Achievers and Pn Norlela Baharudin, Executive Director of Berjaya Corp exchanging documents after signing the agreement.

The signing of the agreement was earlier witnessed by Dr Chris Ong, Dean of Faculty of Hospitality & Tourism, BUC (left) and Mr Jimmy Lim, Director of Ace Achievers (right)

Hospitality and Culinary Excellence:
Berjaya University College students, driven by their passion for Hospitality and Culinary Arts,  harnessed the power of food to bridge cultural divides. The enchanting aroma of Malaysian  delicacies filled the Slovenian air as the students meticulously prepared a delectable feast.  Central to the culinary affair was the iconic Nasi Lemak, accompanied by an array of tantalizing  condiments. Each dish, from the savory Ayam Goreng Berempah to the aromatic Daging  Rendang and the vibrant Sotong Masak Merah, offered a culinary journey into the heart of  Malaysia.

Austrian Talent Joins Berjaya Family:
While the Erasmus Programme unites students from various corners of the globe, it also  encourages reciprocal exchange. In the spirit of this collaboration, a talented student from  Austria currently finds himself immersed in an internship at the picturesque Berjaya Langkawi  Resort. This integration of Austrian and Malaysian cultures creates a dynamic environment  where knowledge, skills, and experiences are shared, fostering a deep appreciation for diverse  perspectives.

The Erasmus Programme at Berjaya University College continues to weave a  tapestry of global connections, fostering cultural exchange, and celebrating diversity. The  culinary showcase in Slovenia, along with the Austrian student’s internship at Berjaya Langkawi  Resort, serves as a reminder of the profound impact of international collaborations. These  experiences pave the way for a future where boundaries dissolve, cultural understanding  thrives, and students emerge as ambassadors of global unity. Join us in embracing the  transformative power of cultural exchange through the Erasmus Programme at Berjaya  University College.

At BERJAYA University College, Jaishree’s passion for the culinary arts flourished in a dynamic environment. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the university’s commitment to practical education allowed her to refine her patisserie skills using state-of-the-art facilities. With specialised labs and fully equipped kitchens, Jaishree tackled real-world culinary challenges, guided by BERJAYA University College’s renowned reputation in the industry.

One course that left a lasting impression on Jaishree was the Artisanal Bread class, where her creativity and bread-making skills were honed. BERJAYA University College also provided opportunities for students to collaborate with renowned chefs and participate in industry events, expanding their networks. Jaishree’s mentor and lecturer, Chef Alex Chia, played a pivotal role in instilling confidence and passion in her culinary journey.

During her training at Berjaya Times Square Hotel, Jaishree thrived in a fast-paced environment, showcasing her culinary prowess. From preparing buffet delights to catering for events, she gained valuable hands-on experience.

Thanks to BERJAYA University College, Jaishree had the opportunity to learn Japanese and secure an internship at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, marking a new chapter in her culinary career.

Jaishree’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of passion, education, and networking. Her dedication, combined with BERJAYA University College’s comprehensive programmes and esteemed mentors, paved the way for her success. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring culinary professionals, emphasizing the potential that lies within the intersection of education, passion, and opportunity.

Are you ready to pursue your own culinary dreams? BERJAYA University College offers a diverse range of exceptional culinary programmes where you will learn in state-of-the-art facilities from esteemed mentors, and forge strong industry connections. Whether you aspire to be a master chef, a skilled pastry artist, or a culinary entrepreneur, BERJAYA University College is your platform to turn your culinary dreams into reality.

Discover the endless possibilities that await you at BERJAYA University College. For more information, visit www.berjaya.edu.my and start your culinary adventure today!