MAGGI® is extending the learning journey of the MAGGI® Secondary School Cooking Competition (MSSCC) by introducing an interactive workshop that goes beyond competition day. Built on the belief that skills and positive habits develop through consistent practice, the workshop offers students a richer and more sustained learning experience.
Now in its 28th year, MSSCC continues to be a platform that nurtures young Malaysians into confident and informed everyday cooks. More than a cooking competition, it emphasises lifelong skills such as creativity, teamwork and understanding the basics of balanced meals. This new workshop reflects MAGGI®’s commitment to ensuring that students continue learning long after the finals have ended.
The workshop brought together the five winning teams from MSSCC 2025, joined by professional chefs and a Nestlé nutritionist for a full day of hands-on demonstrations and interactive sessions. Students gained practical knowledge on preparing balanced meals and strengthening kitchen fundamentals. Nutritionist Leong Ven Luan focused on simplifying healthy eating with practical guidance, while Chef Sharifah Hamidah demonstrated recipes that blend convenience, taste and balanced nutrition. Professional chef Naem Ramli guided students through essential kitchen skills, offering techniques to boost confidence and reinforce the lessons learned during MSSCC. Former MSSCC 2016 champion, Chef Ariff, also inspired participants by sharing how the competition shaped his journey from a student to a professional chef.
The workshop emphasised the importance of cultivating healthy cooking habits, especially as young Malaysians often struggle to maintain nutritious diets amid busy schedules. Chef Sharifah shared that balanced eating does not need to be complicated or costly, highlighting that the right fundamentals can help students make healthier choices every day. Extending MSSCC beyond the competition ensures that students continue practising balanced cooking in real-life settings.
Students responded positively to the experience. Muhammad Amsyar Haikal bin Abdullah from SMK Belara, Kuala Terengganu, expressed gratitude for the chance to learn directly from chefs and a nutritionist. He shared that the hands-on training opened his eyes to essential techniques such as proper knife handling, balanced meal preparation and understanding nutrition — lessons that will influence his daily habits moving forward.
Chef Naem, participating in his first MAGGI® workshop, said it was meaningful to guide young Malaysians through hands-on learning. He emphasised that teaching kitchen skills, safety and hygiene also builds confidence and nurtures the value of balanced eating. Developing these habits early helps shape a generation that prioritises mindful and healthier food choices.
With programmes like MSSCC and its extended workshops, MAGGI® continues its mission to develop a generation of knowledgeable and capable home cooks. The values of balanced eating, practical skills and positive cooking habits are carried from competition halls into homes and communities across Malaysia.
For more information on MAGGI® MSSCC 2025, visit https://www.maggi.my/ms/memupuk-generasi-muda/.
