Connect with us

Media OutReach

Bhutan’s Young Culinary Talent Sharpens Skills in Hong Kong Culinary Exchange Sponsored by Lee Kum Kee

Published

on

HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2026 – Lee Kum Kee Sauce (“Lee Kum Kee”), the global leader in Asian sauces and condiments, organised a three-week culinary programme for eight young Bhutanese chefs from the De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) from 1-19 March 2026. Supported by the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) in Hong Kong, the programme empowers youth career development through vocational training and international exposure.

Dasho Tashi Wangyal, an Eminent Member of the National Council of Bhutan and a member of the De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) Steering Committee (front row, sixth from left), Dasho Zimpon Wom Sonam Thinley, Deputy Chamberlain to His Majesty the King, the Executive Director, Skilling Programme, DSP and a member of the DSP Steering Committee (front row, seventh from left), James HP Yap, Principal of Hotel and Tourism Institute, Chinese Culinary Institute, and International Culinary Institute (front row, eighth from left), and Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee Sauce (front row, fifth from left), celebrate with the young Bhutanese chefs upon completion of their culinary exchange

The cohort of eight Desuup chefs, currently working in hotels and DSP initiatives, participated in an intensive, hands-on upskilling programme. Participants completed 10 days of professional training at CCI, with focused modules on the Eight Major Cuisines of China, selected Western cooking techniques, and signature Cantonese dishes. Additional sessions covered Hong Kong local specialties and pastry techniques as well as food presentation and plating — all led by instructors from CCI, International Culinary Institute (ICI), Star Chef Management School and Lee Kum Kee.
Beyond classroom learning and cooking, the young chefs explored Hong Kong’s food culture and heritage. Activities included visits to local eateries such as a traditional Cha Chaan Teng, and guided culinary tours across the city. The group also travelled to Xinhui and Zhuhai in mainland China to learn more about sauce production and Guangdong’s culinary culture. The experiences further inspired their culinary perspectives and creativity.
The young chefs also showcased their skills at an exclusive VIP lunch and the Bhutan Flavour Fair, attended by DSP officials and Lee Kum Kee Sauce representatives.

Young chefs are inspired through systematic hands-on learning and exploration, discovering local delicacies, and experiencing Hong Kong’s heritage and contemporary landscape
Young chefs are inspired through systematic hands-on learning and exploration, discovering local delicacies, and experiencing Hong Kong’s heritage and contemporary landscape

Young chefs showcase their skills at an exclusive VIP lunch and a Bhutan Flavour Fair
Young chefs showcase their skills at an exclusive VIP lunch and a Bhutan Flavour Fair


Dasho Tashi Wangyal
, an Eminent Member of the National Council of Bhutan and a member of the DSP Steering Committee, said, “Our young chefs are receiving valuable exposure at the Chinese Culinary Institute through immersion in professional Asian cuisine, modern culinary techniques and global kitchen standards. I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Lee Kum Kee for the vision, partnership and commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary professionals.”

Dasho Zimpon Wom Sonam Thinley, Deputy Chamberlain to His Majesty the King, the Executive Director, Skilling Programme, DSP and a member of the DSP Steering Committee, said, “I’m proud of the Desuup chefs’ aspirations, and I hope they will build on the prestige of Lee Kum Kee and the Chinese Culinary Institute – their mentors – to further develop their careers in the culinary world.”
James HP Yap, Principal of Hotel and Tourism Institute, Chinese Culinary Institute, and International Culinary Institute, said, “Hong Kong is a vital platform that brings together global culinary cultures. Through this exchange, I’m confident the young Bhutanese chefs have not only deepened their understanding of the essence of Chinese and Western culinary flavours, but also have acquired valuable cooking techniques, plating skills, as well as developed a deeper appreciation of the richness of Chinese culinary culture.”
Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee Sauce, said, “At Lee Kum Kee, we believe in the power of culinary culture to connect people and create lasting opportunities. It has been a joy to see the passion and growth of these chefs throughout this programme. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with CCI and DSP to nurture the next generation of culinary talent and strengthen the ties between our communities through the art of food.”
Since 2025, Lee Kum Kee has engaged in a strategic partnership with DSP to support culinary training in Bhutan, bringing international standards, signature flavours and professional expertise into DSP’s training programmes.
Lee Kum Kee is dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Through its Global Youth Culinary Immersion initiative, the company has provided culinary education, scholarships and exchange opportunities for aspiring young chefs in China, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, UK, Canada and USA.

Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit .

About De-suung Skilling Programme

The De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) is a Royal Project initiated by His Majesty The King of Bhutan in 2021. As envisioned by His Majesty, DSP imparts a series of short-term high-quality trainings to unemployed Bhutanese youths who have mostly completed high school and are in their early or mid-20s. These youths have all undergone the De-suung training, which is a valued-based personal development programme intended to encourage active citizenry in the process of nation-building. DSP provides short-term training in various fields to Bhutanese youths entering the job market with varying degrees of educational qualification. For more information, please visit .

About Chinese Culinary Institute

The Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) is one of the 14 member institutions of Vocational Training Council (VTC). It was established in 2000 as one of the Millennium Projects of the HKSAR Government. CCI endeavours to provide systematic training in Chinese cuisine for beginners and practicing chefs who wish to obtain or upgrade their professional qualifications. It also aims to elevate the professional standard and status of Chinese Chefs in order to strengthen Hong Kong’s reputation as the “Culinary Capital of Asia”. Furthermore, CCI strives to establish Hong Kong as a regional training and accreditation centre in Chinese cuisine by introducing “One Trade Test Two Certificates” system. To promote the deep-rooted heritage of the Chinese culinary art, CCI offers culinary interest courses for locals and tourists alike. For more information, please visit .

Media OutReach

Tropicana Twister Builds Homes That Could Change Lives for Generations

Published

on

Gandakan Kebaikan transforms nationwide kindness into real homes, delivering meaningful and lasting impact.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 April 2026 – Tropicana Twister’s ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ campaign has reached a defining milestone with the completion and handover of homes to families in need, marking a tangible outcome of a nationwide movement built on everyday acts of kindness.

Developed in partnership with EPIC Homes, the initiative contributes towards the building of up to 100 homes for underserved communities, including Orang Asli families across Malaysia. What began during Ramadan as a simple call to do good has since translated into safe, liveable spaces that provide families with protection, stability and a chance to move forward.

“Gandakan Kebaikan reflects our belief that meaningful change happens when communities come together with a shared purpose,” said Aditya Sheoran, PepsiCo Franchise Senior Director. “Through this initiative, we’re building homes and helping to create stronger foundations for families to thrive, today and for the future.”

Jennifer Lee, Head of Marketing, PepsiCo Malaysia Beverages, shared, “This is where intention becomes impact. Tropicana Twister’s Gandakan Kebaikan campaign started as individual acts of kindness, and now, the result is visible, that Malaysians are and will continue to show up for one another.”

“Families living in unsafe homes live in constant worry, especially during heavy rain. An EPIC Home gives them a place where they can feel secure. It goes beyond being just a shelter – a safe home gives peace of mind, stability, and the hope for a better future.” said Nadhira Halim, (Asst. Manager, Fundraising & Partnership, EPIC Homes).

More than just physical structures, these homes create a sense of security and dignity, while giving families a stable environment to rebuild their lives. Built with the support of volunteers and local communities, each home reflects a collective effort that goes far beyond a single campaign.

While ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ was rooted in the spirit of Ramadan, its impact continues to extend far beyond the festive season. By focusing on long-term community needs, Tropicana Twister reinforces its commitment to creating meaningful and lasting change.

“As a brand, we believe in the power of collective goodness. This project is about turning that belief into action and bringing people together to create lasting impact,” added Jennifer. “Just like every beam and plank forms a home, each of you is a vital piece in building this journey.”

With the completion of these homes, ‘Gandakan Kebaikan’ continues to build on its mission of supporting underserved communities across Malaysia, proving that collective goodwill can create an impact that lasts beyond a moment.

For more information, visit Tropicana Twister’s Facebook page @MYTropicana and watch here on YouTube to see the impact unfold.

Hashtag: #TropicanaTwister

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complimentary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Tropicana, Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo’s product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to be the Global Leader in Beverages and Convenient Foods by Winning with pep+ (PepsiCo Positive). pep+ is our strategic end-to-end transformation that puts sustainability and human capital at the centre of how we will create value and growth by operating within planetary boundaries and inspiring positive change cafor the planet and people. For more information, visit , and follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @PepsiCo.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Student bonds are built at SIM from orientation to graduation

Published

on

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 April 2026 – As universities adapt to hybrid learning and evolving workforce expectations, student relationships are increasingly being treated not as incidental, but as a designed part of the education journey. Across higher education, there is growing recognition that peer interaction, collaboration, and shared experiences contribute to how students learn, work, and transition into employment. This shift is prompting institutions to rethink how engagement is built from the moment students enter campus through to graduation.

From Orientation to a Continuous Student Journey

Orientation programmes have traditionally focused on introducing students to campus life. Today, they are increasingly seen as the starting point of a longer engagement model. Institutions such as the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), onboarding is complemented by a structured ecosystem of activities that extends throughout the academic lifecycle. These include Student‑led Student Club Recruitment drives,, leadership camps, and peer-led initiatives that encourage early interaction and sustained participation over time.

Building Bonds Through Shared Experiences

Rather than relying solely on informal social interaction, universities or institutions are creating structured environments where students collaborate regularly. SIM, for instance, offers more than 70 student clubs spanning arts, sports, and academic interests, alongside activities such as hackathons, overseas community projects, and student-led events. Such platforms allow students to work together on common goals, reflecting real-world team dynamics and reinforcing skills such as communication and collaboration.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

The concept of student life is also expanding beyond academic settings. Dedicated platforms such as SIM’s Student Life initiatives are designed to provide a more holistic campus experience, reinforcing the idea that learning extends beyond formal instruction. At the same time, academic support systems such as the Student Learning Centre provide structured assistance through workshops, consultations, and learning resources, supporting both individual and group learning processes.

A Diverse and Global Learning Environment

With partnerships across universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, Europe, and the United States, institutions like SIM bring together students from varied cultural and academic backgrounds. This diversity creates opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, which is increasingly relevant in a globalised workforce.

Connecting Student Experience to Career Outcomes

The emphasis on collaboration and engagement is also closely linked to employability. SIM’s broader model integrates academic programmes with industry partnerships, internships, and career services aimed at preparing students for a rapidly changing work environment. This reflects a wider trend in higher education, where experience is being designed not only around academic achievement, but also around the development of professional networks and workplace skills.

Redefining the University Experience

As learning models continue to evolve, universities or institutions are placing greater emphasis on how student interactions are structured over time. From orientation activities to co-curricular engagement and career preparation, the journey from enrolment to graduation is increasingly being shaped as a continuous pathway for collaboration, experience-building, and network development.

Reference:

  1. Project 1095 – https://project1095.simge.edu.sg/
  2. Singapore Institute of Management – https://www.sim.edu.sg
  3. SIM Global Education Overview – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/overview

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit .

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Where Ancient Ritual Meets Runway: Sanyuesan Festival Gets Modern Makeover in Wuzhishan

Published

on

WUZHISHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 April 2026 – From April 15 to 19, a series of events at the Wuzhishan sub-venue of Hainan’s Sanyuesan festival took place in full swing, spreading rich ethnic vibes to every corner of the city and drawing passersby — both local residents and tourists — to stop, watch, and take photos.

Sanyuesan Festival Gets Modern Makeover in Wuzhishan

Alex, a visitor ventured to China’s southernmost province primarily for its renowned black tea. What he did not anticipate was taking a front-row seat at a breathtaking fashion show staged on water.

“This unique stage has allowed me to capture some wonderful images,” said Alex, who happened to be in Wuzhishan during the Sanyuesan Festival. “I originally came here simply as a fan of Wuzhishan’s black tea, but now I find myself deeply fascinated by the culture of Wuzhishan as well.”

The “unique stage” he refers to is the immersive water-based performance space created for the 2026 Sanyuesan Festival, featuring the “Miss Li · Hainan Sanyuesan Water Village Show.” This innovative platform, with water as its runway and the rainforest as its backdrop, presents the Sanyuesan, a traditional celebration of the Li and Miao ethnic groups with thousands of years of history, through a contemporary lens, appealing to both local and international audiences.

This year’s activities in Wuzhishan embraced a dynamic model that intertwines rainforest ecology, intangible cultural heritage, fashion, technology, and tourism. Attendees were treated to a festival experience that was engaging, immersive, and visually stunning. Drones illuminated the night sky, tracing ancient Li totems, like the “Gan’gong Bird,” while diverse performances including intangible cultural heritage shows, original dance dramas, and live performances captivated the audience. A 600-seat long buffet table was set up along the water, where visitors savored authentic local flavors, such as sour fish soup and three-color sticky rice, amid the lively atmosphere.

The Sanyuesan Festival is memorable not only for its visual appeal but also for its interactive nature. In 2025, the event in Wuzhishan received 175,000 visitors and generated 110 million yuan (approximately 15.1 million US dollars) in consumption. This year, Wuzhishan introduced five premium tourist routes, converting ecological resources — including millennium-old tree fern groves, tropical rainforest tea gardens, and Yahu Terraces — into tourism products.

“Previously, folk culture felt distant,” said Shan Lijun, a tourist from northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province. “But now, in Wuzhishan, I can sip tea, watch a village show, and dance with the locals— it all feels very ‘cool.'”

Additionally, the festival is witnessing the evolution of local intangible cultural heritage industries. A Li brocade fashion and cultural creative design competition showcased innovative garments and creative works, merging traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion. This heritage item, once listed on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, has now, through the concerted efforts of many, been transferred to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, and is reaching broader markets through collaborations with international designers.

Hashtag: #Sanyuesan

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Continue Reading

Trending