Jennie Huang will represent Macao in the cooking category at September’s WorldSkills Competition, a premier international vocational contest for young people. Her rigorous training – covering extensive culinary techniques and kitchen management – is being overseen by UTM Lecturer Mr. Benjamin Chen
The 47th edition of the WorldSkills Competition – from 10 to 15 September in Lyon, France – will see UTM student Jennie Huang Wengyi represent Macao by showcasing her talents in the cooking category. WorldSkills, held every two years by the global organisation of that name, is considered the highest-level international vocational skills contest targeting young people, and features a variety of competition categories.
The cooking segment tests a range of skills, including menu compilation, food costing, purchasing, storage, use of ingredients, and minimisation of waste. It also assesses control, work/time organisation, planning, and the communication necessary for effective kitchen management.
Jennie, a Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts Management student, shares insights into what led her to enter such a demanding contest.
“I thought it sounded exciting and interesting, so I decided to join. As the [selection] competition progressed, it became very challenging, but I enjoy challenges, and this motivated me even more,” she highlights.
Jennie’s training has been rigorous, focusing on fundamental techniques as well as complex cooking methods. “We don’t know what the exact test project [in the competition] will be, so we’re preparing for anything and everything,” she says.
UTM Lecturer Mr. Benjamin Chen Kuan Ting, from the Faculty of Innovative Hospitality Management, has been coaching Jennie for the WorldSkills Competition. He emphasises the comprehensive preparation involved: “We prepare not just the cooking but also the mentality, as well as reading and writing recipes, and every possible scenario that could arise during the competition. Training has been ongoing since last year,” he points out.
In July, Mr. Chen also accompanied Jennie to the École Grégoire-Ferrandi – one of France’s leading professional training schools – for an intensive round of preparation. Joining them was the Team Macao reserve in the cooking contest, also an UTM student.
Since 2015, UTM and its predecessor institution, the Macao Institute for Tourism Studies, have been entrusted by the Macao Labour Affairs Bureau to serve as a supporting organisation for Macao’s participation in WorldSkills competitions. This has involved the selection and training of participants in the categories of hotel reception work, bakery, pâtisserie and confectionery, restaurant service, and cooking.
The selection process for the cooking category began in August last year with more than 30 contenders enrolled. Participants had to be Macao residents and under 22 years old.
“You don’t need to be a student to participate: anyone from the industry can take part,” Mr Chen notes.
The selection involved three rounds. In the first, the contenders were reduced to a shortlist of six. Those individuals then underwent 60 hours of training provided by UTM. After that, three participants were selected for the final round: two came from UTM. In the end, Jennie emerged victorious in the Macao heats, earning a spot in the international finals of WorldSkills.
The competition focuses on Western cooking techniques, including appetisers, main courses, soups, and desserts. The cooking contest will cover up to four days, requiring competitors to prepare and train for many different elements and skills involved in kitchen work.
“This competition is designed to prepare you for real-world industry challenges; not just to compete, but to improve your skills. Our overall training will exceed 800 hours,” Mr. Chen says.
Despite the intense preparation, Jennie remains matter-of-fact. “I don’t have a very big goal; I just want to do my best and showcase my skills,” she states. Her dedication is evident. She often trains late into the evening, even during UTM’s current summer break.
Lecturer Mr. Chen highlights that the importance of such competitions for Macao – known for its rich culinary heritage – extends beyond the contests. “Macao is a city of food and gastronomy. These activities are crucial for developing talent and enhancing the industry’s standards,” he says.
Editor: UTM Public Relations Team
