Parkroyal Penang, Malaysia

Malaysia - For the first time in Penang, the Chefs' Association of Malaysia, Penang Chapter, recently celebrated International Chefs' Day at Parkroyal Penang. International Chefs' Day, founded by culinary expert Bill Gallagher, Chairman of the South African Chefs' Association and also a member of WACS (World Association of Cooks Societies), is celebrated by chefs' organisations worldwide to create widespread awareness of the profession of a chef and to allow chefs to do their bit for charity through no-profit food and beverage events such as culinary competitions and demonstrations. 

The event in Penang kicked off with a 'Chefs on Parade' walk accompanied by a marching school band, which started from the Batu Ferringhi tourism shop lots and ended at Parkroyal Penang. The parade was officiated and led by YB Mr Lye Siew Weng, State Assemblyman of Air Puteh district. A ribbon cutting and balloon releasing ceremony was carried out for the launching of International Chefs' Day in Penang.

Later in the day, the parade was followed by a charity dinner and show, which was held in the Andaman Grand Ballroom of Parkroyal Penang whereby guests enjoyed a fun programme of colourful dance performances by Han Productions and an auction of memorabilia contributed by various organisations. The charity fundraising event was organised to raise funds for a little three-year-old girl, Tham Yong Sin, who's suffering from leukemia. 'We would like to help her recover, therefore, we will collect funds to subsidise for her medical expenses,' said Chef Andy Oh, Chairman of CAM, Penang Chapter.

Amongst those seen at the event were YB Mr Looi Swee Cheang, State Assemblyman for Air Itam constituency; Bruce Lee, Principal of the Culinary Arts Centre Sdn Bhd; and Mary Ann Harris, Financial Controller of Parkroyal Penang.