SEGi students recently experienced the culinary opportunity of a lifetime as they worked alongside internationally acclaimed chef and television icon Martin Yan in preparing a five-course fine dining experience at The Prestige Hotel Penang on 27 May 2025. This one-night-only event was more than a showcase of gastronomic artistry—it was an immersive, real-world training ground that brought industry into the classroom in the most unforgettable way.
Guided by Chef Yan, students from the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management co-created a menu that fused tradition with innovation. From Lamb Bak Kwa Amuse Bouche to a show-stopping Gula Melaka Crème Brûlée, each dish told a story of heritage, creativity, and culinary finesse. Behind the scenes, students mastered high-level kitchen operations, menu execution, and event service under the pressure of a live, paying audience—a level of experience rarely offered in conventional classroom settings.
This hands-on collaboration exemplifies SEGi College Penang’s commitment to embedding industry exposure directly into the student experience. By engaging with culinary legends and luxury hospitality partners, students sharpened their technical abilities, boosted their professional confidence, and expanded their industry networks. Such opportunities are vital in nurturing not just competent graduates, but industry-ready professionals equipped to thrive in Malaysia’s growing tourism and hospitality sector—which currently contributes over 14% to the national GDP according to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
Beyond technical skill-building, the event reflects the broader goals of quality education and inclusive economic growth. According to UNESCO, technical and vocational education is key to tackling youth unemployment and achieving sustainable development. As students gain valuable exposure to real work environments, they are empowered to enter the workforce with both competence and purpose.
The collaboration also highlighted the power of strategic partnerships in education. Working with The Prestige Hotel Penang and global figures like Chef Yan aligns closely with the global call for stronger partnerships in achieving meaningful education outcomes. This is a clear demonstration of how cross-sector alliances can transform classrooms into incubators of excellence and innovation.
This event is organised in support of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):
SDG 4: Quality Education
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
