By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, Aug 10: In an exciting conclusion to the ‘Jom Masak & Menang Bersama’ MAGGI contest, Allen Lee Meng Hieng, a 46-year-old sales representative from Sibu, drove home a brand-new ISUZU D-MAX after emerging victorious in the fierce cooking competition.
The contest, which highlighted the use of Terung Asam in dishes, saw participants showcasing their culinary skills for a chance to win big.
The contest, organised by MAGGI®, was more than just a cooking competition; it was a celebration of East Malaysian culture, specifically the traditions of the harvest festivals. The competition came to a thrilling end on August 11, 2024, with seven other finalists also walking away with branded household appliances worth RM2,000 each.
As the festivities wrapped up, MAGGI® paid tribute to the local cooks who have kept traditional flavours alive, particularly during this year’s harvest festivals. The brand also expressed its gratitude to the East Malaysian communities who have supported MAGGI® for over a decade by offering a range of attractive prizes during the celebrations.
Matthew Dominic Barin, the Sarawak director of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), graced the event and expressed his appreciation for MAGGI®’s efforts.
“We are grateful to MAGGI® for celebrating with us the delightful festivities of Gawai Dayak every year. MAGGI® has been a long-standing companion to us East Malaysians throughout the decades, giving back to our local indigenous communities through the annual charity support to help them achieve self-reliance and independence.
“We hope to continue partnering with MAGGI® in supporting and advancing the culture and traditions of Sarawak for generations to come,” he said.
Also present at the event was Ivy Tan Link Cheh, Business Executive Officer of MAGGI® Malaysia and Singapore, who highlighted the brand’s collaboration with Helping Hands Penan Berhad.
“We are thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with Helping Hands Penan Berhad this year, creating a platform together for our traditional basket weavers to showcase their masterful art pieces while aiding their efforts to empower farmers’ and their livelihoods.
“Being a part of the East Malaysian community for the last 30 years through our Kuching factory, we are also grateful for our colleagues here who contribute tirelessly to the iconic MAGGI® 2-Minute Noodles savoured by our East Malaysians.
“I am deeply heartened by the immense tenacity of our East Malaysians, and we hope to continue uplifting indigenous locals to provide more opportunities and create a brighter future for them,” she said.
In addition to celebrating local cooks and their rich cultural heritage, MAGGI® reaffirmed its commitment to supporting indigenous and women communities through its annual donation to local charities. For every contest entry received between May 1 and June 30, 2024, MAGGI pledged to donate RM0.10 to PACOS Trust Sabah and Helping Hands Penan Berhad, two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) focused on improving the livelihoods of indigenous communities and women in Sabah and Sarawak. This year, MAGGI successfully raised RM15,000 for Helping Hands Penan Berhad.
As the ‘Jom Masak & Menang Bersama’ contest concluded, MAGGI® expressed its hope to remain a trusted companion in the kitchens of East Malaysians, helping them create memorable moments with their families.
The brand aims to continue inspiring unique recipes and keeping the Gawai and Kaamatan spirit alive through its beloved products, ensuring that local cooks can continue to deliver delicious and nutritious meals to their families. — DayakDaily
