BATTLE OF THE CHEFS 2018

SPEECH BY CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG

BATTLE OF THE CHEFS 2018

Sunday, 7th October 2018
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• Yang Berusaha Dato’ Vincent Lim, President of C.I.S Network Sdn Bhd, Organiser of HOMEDEC 2018 (Home Design & Interior Exhibition)

• Chef Audee Cheah, President of Penang Chefs Association

• Chef Darren Tan, Organising Chairman of the 17th edition of Battle of the Chefs 2018

• Dato’- Dato’, Datin-Datin

• Distinguish Judges, Exhibitors, Competitors from around the region

• Members of the Press and Media

• Chefs and Volunteers

• Ladies and Gentlemen

Happy Good Evening.

I am pleased to be invited to your Closing Ceremony of your renowned Battle of the Chefs 2018 organised by Penang Chefs Association. I was made to understand that this is the 17th edition of your biennial competition since 1988. The State Government of Penang is extremely delighted with Penang Chefs Association effort in your continuous effort in promoting and uplifting the standard of culinary skills in Penang and the region.

It is also remarkable to note that both Penang Chefs Association and C.I.S Networks Sdn Bhd forged a collaboration by coming together in partnership in bringing 2 big renowned events to Penang over the last 3 days. HOMEDEC, a Penang Trade Events Calendar event together with the concurrent event Battle of the Chefs 2018. Kudos for your fine effort

Penang, the Pearl of the Orient, is the home to one of the most dynamic group of chefs in Asia. Penang Chefs and cuisines are found are found in many great cities in Asia and much sought after in countries especially in Singapore, Hong Kong and China.

It is in this spirit of passion to cook, enthusiasm to serve and the desire to excel that had always made Penang lead – The Spirit of Penang Boleh!

In this closing ceremony, we rejoice with you and celebrate other milestones in the achievements of individual participants and teams.

I wish to congratulate the winners and every single one of you in making your presence to compete in this prestigious competition after 3 days of hard fought battle.

In life, in sports or competition, to be a winner means preparing not only for one day, or one month or even one year - BUT for a lifetime resolution and determination to be successful.

I am sure it is always nice to be a winner, BUT just because you are not a medalist today does not mean you are a loser. You always have an opportunity to compete again another day. Today, everybody is a WINNER.

With all judges and participants coming from all around the region, I would like to encourage all of you to exchange recipes and notes and learn from one another the good culinary values from each culture and continue to meet one another through networking and competitions organised from time to time.

I hope that all participants, exhibitors, delegates and judges from around the region including China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore including all South East Asian countries, together with judges from as far as Norway, Germany, Switzerland, India, Myanmar and Australia will bring back fond memories of Penang and the warm hospitality that Penang has always offered.

In closing, I would like to thank Penang Chefs Association for inviting me for the closing ceremony and I wish you a safe journey back home.

Thank you.