Nestlé Professional Malaysia has formalised a strategic collaboration with Sunway University Malaysia through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reinforcing a shared commitment to nurturing a strong pipeline of future ready culinary talent for Malaysia’s growing foodservice industry.
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The partnership is anchored in Nestlé Professional’s Young Culinary Talents (YOCUTA) programme, a global Creating Shared Value (CSV) initiative under the Nestlé Needs YOUth ambition to expand economic opportunities for young people. Through this collaboration, students gain essential knowledge, practical training, and real-world industry exposure to support their development into professional culinary careers. Together, Nestlé Professional and Sunway University aim to nurture a new generation of culinary professionals who will drive innovation, elevate industry standards, and contribute to the growth of Malaysia’s foodservice sector.
Under the partnership, students will benefit from expert-led masterclasses, live culinary demonstrations, industry workshops, structured internships, and mentorship opportunities delivered jointly by Sunway University and Nestlé Professional’s chef network.
According to Ms Yit Woon Lai, Business Executive Officer of Nestlé Professional Malaysia and Singapore, “The collaboration underscores the value of strong industry–academia partnerships in nurturing future culinary professionals. Through YOCUTA, we aim to support young culinary talents by strengthening both their theoretical foundation and practical, real-world kitchen skills, helping them transition more confidently from the classroom into professional careers. This collaboration with Sunway University enables us to contribute industry expertise, mentorship and exposure that complement academic learning, while supporting the long term sustainability of the foodservice sector.”
The YOCUTA programme, part of Nestlé Professional’s Culinary Excellence Framework, develops aspiring chefs through education, hands‑on training, industry exposure, and a strong emphasis on sustainability. Implemented across multiple countries, it strengthens culinary and foodservice capabilities while nurturing creativity, professionalism, and innovation. As a pillar of Nestlé’s Needs YOUth global ambition, YOCUTA supports the goal of enabling 10 million young people to access economic opportunities, making it one of the company’s most impactful youth development initiatives.
The MoU signing ceremony which took place at Sunway University was witnessed by key representatives from both organisations, including Professor Sibrandes Poppema, President of Sunway University; Professor Dr Daniel Chong Ka Leong, Dean of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management; Ms Yit Woon Lai, Business Executive Officer of Nestlé Professional Malaysia and Singapore; and Ms Tazeen Shehryar, Food Business Manager of Nestlé Professional Malaysia.