INTI International College Penang (IICP) recorded a full medal sweep at the Malaysia Culinary World Cup (MCWC) 2025 in Ipoh, where all 14 students from its School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts (SOHOS) returned with awards. The competition brought together nearly 800 participants from 26 countries, competing across 65 categories and judged by 115 international culinary professionals.
One of the standout achievements came from 19-year-old Chris Tan Kai Feng, a Semester 4 Diploma in Hotel Management student, who won the Gold Medal in the Mocktails category. His two drinks — the Orange Ruby Elixir, inspired by tropical sunsets, and the Cocolimintgo, a creative twist on Mango Sticky Rice — were recognised for their creativity, technical precision, and presentation. The category drew 18 contestants, including participants from local institutions such as UCSI and Vocational Colleges, as well as universities in Taiwan, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
“It was my first time competing, so stepping onto that stage was nerve-wracking,” Chris said. “But the support from my mentor, lecturers, and friends gave me the confidence to focus and enjoy the moment. Winning gold is something I’ll never forget. It’s inspired me to keep innovating and aim for global recognition in mixology.”
Chris Tan Kai Feng, a Diploma in Hotel Management student from INTI International College Penang, with his gold medal and certificate after winning the Mocktails category at the Malaysia Culinary World Cup 2025 in Ipoh.
Chris and his peers benefited from the guidance of alumnus Josh Tean De Zhong, now Assistant Bar Manager at Marriott Penang and Vice President of Business and Youth Development for Mixology Alliance MFBEA. Josh returned to coach the mocktail team, providing training and industry insights. “Coming back as a coach was incredibly meaningful,” he said. “Chris showed tremendous dedication, embracing feedback and constantly pushing to improve. Watching them compete reminded me of my journey, and it was fulfilling to support the next generation.”
Other medal wins included silver medals for Tang Yi Xuen and S’ng Jing Wen (Mocktails), Lim Chun Wei (Modern Beef), Danah Hajbi (Modern Lamb), Lo Zhi Jie (Modern Pasta), and Saw Yee Jie with Czira (Western Table Setting). Bronze medals went to Hew Chiew Onn (Modern Pasta), Kuik Guan Hong (Modern Fish), and the team of Tan Zhi Ying and Sushmita (Malaysian Heritage Cuisine – Team of 2). Recognition Awards were presented to Tan Kok Hong (Modern Chinese Poultry) and Adam Chew Xun Loong (Modern Poultry).
First held in 2023 at PWTC Kuala Lumpur, the MCWC has grown rapidly and was recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest cooking competition with 713 participants in its inaugural year. The 2025 edition continued this momentum, with competitors from across the globe and a judging panel of international culinary experts.
INTI Penang’s hospitality and culinary arts students celebrated their 100% medal success at the Malaysia Culinary World Cup 2025, where all 14 competitors earned awards across multiple categories.
Commenting on the results, Jeff Lim Chang Wei, Head of School for SOHOS, said: “We are incredibly proud of Chris and all our students who competed at the Malaysia Culinary World Cup. Their creativity, discipline, and professionalism reflect the skills we aim to instil at INTI. Competitions such as this provide an important platform for students to test their abilities and gain valuable exposure.”
Hemalatha Murugiah, Chief Executive of IICP, added: “Our students’ success at the Malaysia Culinary World Cup demonstrates what can be achieved when talent, training, and commitment come together. At INTI, we focus on preparing students to be career-ready professionals who are confident in both local and international settings.”