BAC2School's Culinary and Hospitality Session at SMK Methodist ACS Klang
Culinary Arts Workshop
Approximately 120 Form 4 students from SMK Methodist ACS Klang recently participated in an exciting soft skills workshop focused on culinary arts and hospitality by Reliance College and BAC2School. These sessions were led by lecturers and professional chefs Hidayat, Kent and Akma.
Students were split into two groups, with Group A attending from 9:15am to 10:25am, and Group B from 10:45am to 11:55am. The focus of the workshop was on dessert preparation, and the chefs delivered a captivating demonstration of creating Panna Cotta, Chocolate Tarts, and Tiramisu.
Beyond the creation of these delicious desserts, the chefs also introduced the students to techniques for plating and presentation, an essential skill in professional culinary arts.
The students were able to observe the entire process, from selecting ingredients to finishing the final touches on each dish. The chefs also explained the importance of creativity in the culinary field, showing students how to turn simple desserts into works of art.
Students who were previously unfamiliar with professional cooking found the session eye-opening, as it provided valuable insight into what a culinary career entails.
Mocktail-Making Workshop
While Group A was busy in the kitchen, Group B was introduced to the art of mocktail creation. This session covered the fundamentals of making non-alcoholic beverages, from fruity concoctions to aromatic herbal blends. Students learned techniques for mixing, shaking and garnishing, gaining practical skills in beverage creation.
The mocktail workshop provided a fun, interactive experience as students watched the step-by-step process of building visually stunning and refreshing drinks. The two groups then swapped sessions, allowing all students to experience both the culinary and hospitality aspects of the workshops.
Hands-On Learning
One of the standout elements of the BAC2School programme is its emphasis on hands-on learning. Rather than simply listening to lectures, the students were actively engaged throughout both sessions, asking questions and observing demonstrations.
The activities also were a method that BAC2School crafted to show the importance of precision and creativity, both of which are crucial skills in the culinary and hospitality industries.
The students expressed enthusiasm for both workshops, with many calling the experience "eye-opening" and "fun." For some, it was their first exposure to professional culinary arts and hospitality, sparking curiosity about potential careers in these fields. The practical demonstrations helped them understand the skills required to excel in these industries and provided them with new perspectives on future career paths.
Now with its return, the BAC2School programme continues to be a valuable initiative for students, offering them opportunities to explore different industries and develop essential skills.