SEGi brought culture, cuisine, and creativity together at Nusantara Delight, a vibrant culinary showcase organised by Restaurant Management students on 27 February 2025. The event transformed the mock kitchen and restaurant into a lively celebration of the Nusantara region’s rich gastronomic and cultural heritage. More than just a buffet, this initiative served as a real-world training platform, allowing students to apply their skills in event planning, hospitality, and culinary arts, reinforcing SEGi’s commitment to industry-relevant education.
The event highlighted the power of food as a unifying force, featuring an array of traditional dishes from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the surrounding regions, meticulously prepared using locally sourced ingredients. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), nearly 45% of all food worldwide comes from small-scale farms, making sustainable sourcing crucial in reducing hunger and supporting local economies. By incorporating eco-friendly dining practices and minimising food waste, this initiative aligned with Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), reinforcing the importance of ethical and sustainable dining experiences.
Beyond the culinary experience, the event fostered a deeper appreciation for heritage and cultural identity through the Best Costume Competition, where participants adorned elaborate traditional outfits such as the Kebaya, Baju Kurung, and Songket. The stunning display of intricate fabrics and craftsmanship underscored the region’s deep-rooted artistry, reflecting the significance of preserving cultural traditions in an increasingly globalised world. UNESCO reports that cultural heritage is integral to community identity and social cohesion, making events like these vital in maintaining historical continuity.
Hospitality and restaurant management are among the fastest-growing industries, contributing to over 10% of global GDP and employing millions worldwide. By training students in practical service, menu planning, and operational management, the event directly supported Quality Education (SDG 4), ensuring graduates are workforce-ready and equipped with industry-relevant skills. Hands-on learning experiences like these enhance employability, preparing SEGi College Penang’s students to excel in a competitive and evolving industry.
With food insecurity affecting over 735 million people globally, the event also aligned with Zero Hunger (SDG 2) by promoting the importance of nutritious, accessible meals and sustainable food sourcing. The initiative encouraged students to explore cost-efficient, high-quality food production, crucial in addressing the global challenge of hunger and malnutrition. By integrating sustainable culinary education, students not only learned the art of gastronomy but also understood their role in creating a more food-secure future.
Nusantara Delight was more than an event—it was a celebration of culinary excellence, cultural pride, and sustainable dining. By combining tradition, education, and industry-driven skills, this initiative empowered future hospitality professionals to innovate, lead, and preserve cultural heritage. As students and guests indulged in the flavours of Nusantara, they also embraced the broader mission of creating a sustainable, inclusive, and culturally enriched global community.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
• Zero Hunger (SDG 2)
• Quality Education (SDG 4)
• Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
