Maggi enriching MSSCC learning journey for young Malaysians

The Maggi Secondary School Cooking Competition (MSSCC) 2025 winners together with professional chefs and a Nestle nutritionist at the MSSCC cooking workshop where students further refine their culinary skills, explore balanced cooking, and continue their learning journey beyond the recently concluded finale.  

Recently, Maggi successfully concluded its Maggi Secondary School Cooking Competition (MSSCC) 2025.

Recognising that skills and habits are formed through continuous practice, not just on competition day, Maggi is taking the MSSCC experience beyond the finals through an interactive workshop designed to extend the learning journey for the students, and making the learning experience uniquely rewarding.

Chef Ariff, a former MSSCC champion, shares his inspiring journey from a young aspiring cook to a professional chef, motivating students to believe in their potential and pursue their culinary passion with confidence.

Now in its 28th edition, MSSCC is a platform to nurture young Malaysian students into confident, informed everyday cooks, championing values and skills that go beyond cooking. It aims to develop lifelong competencies in balanced cooking, creativity and teamwork.

The workshop represents Maggi’s commitment to ensuring that the momentum continues even after the competition ends.

Students dive into a hands-on session with Chef Naem, getting up close to the action as they learn essential cooking fundamentals – from mastering knife techniques to prepping balanced ingredients for a wholesome meal.

The workshop, held on Nov 19, 2025 at Maggi Kitchen in Surian Tower, Petaling Jaya, brought together the five winning teams from MSSCC 2025, professional chefs and a Nestle nutritionist for a day of hands-on cooking demonstrations and engaging sessions, giving students practical skills and insights into preparing balanced meals.

The highlights of the workshop included interactive cooking segments with students, chefs and nutritionist; nutrition myth-busting and practical tips and recipe sharing of elevated traditional dishes.

Students spring into action, collecting their ingredients to prepare the dishes demonstrated by Chef Sharifah and Chef Naem, adding energy and excitement to the cooking demo experience.

Nestle’s nutritionist Leong Ven Luan debunked myths about healthy eating and offered accessible tips for making nutritious choices; and Maggi’s resident chef Chef Sharifah Hamidah demonstrated convenient recipes, showing students how the principles learned in MSSCC can be applied to everyday cooking at home.

Meanwhile, professional chef Chef Naem Ramli gave a demonstration on mastering kitchen fundamental, helping students strengthen what they learned during MSSCC and build confidence for their own culinary journeys; and former MSSCC 2016 champion Chef Ariff shared his experience on the MSSCC and the continued learning that sparked and kickstarted his journey from student cook to professional chef.

Students showing grit and determination in preparing dishes.

Promoting balanced eating and cooking as well as nurturing a healthier generation of young Malaysians remains a key focus of the workshop, particularly as many youths struggle to maintain nutritious meals amid busy lifestyles and packed schedules.

Chef Sharifah, an advocate for cultivating healthy cooking habits early, said, “The workshop helps students apply the values of MSSCC to real life. Balanced eating doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With creativity and the right fundamentals, everyone can cook meals that are tasty, balanced, and budget-friendly.

“By extending the MSSCC experience beyond competition day, Maggi ensures that students continue learning, practising and applying balanced cooking principles in real, everyday contexts.”

Students preparing elevated traditional dishes using Maggi products.

Muhammad Amsyar Haikal bin Abdullah, student from SMK Belara, Kuala Terengganu said learning directly from professional chefs and nutritionist in a hands-on setting has been an eye-opening.

“We have learned essential techniques, such as proper knife handling and ways to prepare balanced meals, as well as valuable knowledge about nutrition and healthy cooking habits.

“MSSCC has had a positive impact on us, and the entire experience this year inspires many of us to put what we have learned into practice in our daily lives.” 

Student shows off the food he cooked.

Also at the event to share his experience and passion for cooking, Chef Naem expressed his excitement at joining the Maggi workshop for the first time: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to share knowledge and inspire young Malaysians. Through hands-on experience, we’re not only teaching kitchen skills, safety and hygiene, but also helping students build confidence and understand the importance of balanced cooking.

“When we nurture these habits from a young age, we’re shaping a generation that values healthier, more mindful eating.”

Maggi’s MSSCC reinforces its dedication to shaping a future generation of informed, mindful and capable everyday cooks, ensuring that the values of balanced eating and practical cooking are carried forward into homes, families and communities across Malaysia.

For more information on Maggi MSSCC 2025, visit:
https://www.maggi.my/ms/memupuk-generasi-muda/