Mainland China and Macao entrants for the cooking category at the upcoming WorldSkills Competition took part recently in a joint training session at UTM’s Mong-Há Campus. It enhanced their technical skills, including via exposure to advanced culinary techniques, and so helped them prepare for the competition
The team from Mainland China in the cooking category for the forthcoming WorldSkills Competition, recently made a visit to UTM for a joint training session with its Macao counterparts. This initiative not only made possible an exchange of insights between the teams, but also helped training session participants to hone their skills in preparation for the global vocational skills showdown.
The joint training session on 24 August at UTM’s Mong-Há Campus featured a four-member team from Mainland China, led by technical expert Mr. Anson Zhang Zhenzhu, and including Kerry Kang Bangcheng, the Mainland entrant for the cooking category. They were joined by the Macao team, headed by UTM Lecturer Mr. Benjamin Chen Kuan Ting, alongside Macao’s entrant for the cooking contest, Jennie Huang Wengyi.
“UTM boasts world-class facilities and educational resources, furnishing us with a premier training platform. This training empowered our contender to delve deeper into the intricacies of cooking skills and techniques,” says Mr. Zhang, explaining the Mainland team’s perspective.
He also praises the multicultural and international background of Macao and UTM. This “not only broadened our contestant’s horizons but also equipped him with a versatile toolkit across diverse cultural and technical contexts, paramount for excelling in a global contest like the WorldSkills Competition,” Mr. Zhang comments.
The WorldSkills Competition, held every two years by the eponymous global organisation, stands as the top international vocational skill contest specially tailored for young people. The 47th edition of the competition is taking place between 10 and 15 September in Lyon, France, spanning a range of categories from cooking to hairdressing to graphic design technology.
The August training session at UTM was designed to fine-tune the art of baking cakes. Kerry, the contestant for the Mainland team, has been preparing for WorldSkills for four years. He had been due to take part in the 46th edition in Shanghai back in 2022, but the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He says regarding his experience of the joint training opportunity at UTM: “I’ve had the privilege to stress-test and refine my skills in an entirely novel setting. The cutting-edge equipment and resources provided by UTM have afforded me access to various new technologies and methodologies [for the culinary arts].”
He explains that the interactions with the Macao team gave him “fresh perspectives and new problem-solving skills that can be directly applied to the forthcoming WorldSkills Competition”.
Technical prowess, mental strength
The training session was also positive for his Macao counterparts.
“In a competition, various scenarios can unfold. Techniques that work in practice may falter under the intense pressure of the event,” says Macao WorldSkills participant Jennie, a Year 3 UTM undergraduate student of Culinary Arts Management.
“Through the wisdom imparted by the Mainland team, particularly their expert, I’ve gained invaluable insights on navigating such scenarios and troubleshooting potential pitfalls,” adds Jennie. She has been under the coaching supervision of UTM’s Mr. Chen for the competition, following a local selection process last year.
The August experience marked Jennie’s first exchange with teams from elsewhere in preparation for the WorldSkills contest. “I have immensely benefitted from this training,” she concludes.
Since 2015, UTM and its predecessor, the Macao Institute for Tourism Studies, have been entrusted by the Macao Labour Affairs Bureau to serve as a supporting entity for Macao’s participation in the WorldSkills arena. The relevant competition categories include hotel reception, bakery, pâtisserie and confectionery, restaurant service, and cooking (Western cuisine).
Mainland team technical expert Mr. Zhang harbours aspirations for further collaboration with UTM in skills-honing exercises for entrants in the lead up to WorldSkills contests.
“We can regularly organise joint training sessions for participants from both sides to gain insights from each other’s strengths and advanced training methods,” he explains. “We can also explore more advanced techniques and innovations for the competition together, thereby advancing vocational education.”
Editor: UTM Public Relations Team
