Students from the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Studies (FHTS) of The Maldives National University (MNU) participated in the Hotel Asia Exhibition & International Culinary Challenge 2025, gaining practical experience in a competitive and professional culinary environment.

As part of the Hotel Asia Culinary Competition 2025, FHTS students competed in the Perfect Omelette/Egg Benedict Style, Young Chef, and Maldivian categories. Their participation provided opportunities to demonstrate culinary knowledge, creativity, technical skills, professional cooking techniques, presentation and attention to detail.

Competing across different culinary disciplines enabled students to apply knowledge gained through their academic studies in a demanding, industry-oriented setting. The experience provided a platform for students to test and refine their culinary abilities while responding to practical challenges under competitive conditions. Their participation also supported the development of skills beyond culinary technique, including research, critical thinking, creativity, visual communication and problem-solving. These competencies are important for students as they prepare for professional roles within the hospitality and wider tourism sector.

Participation in the Hotel Asia Culinary Competition demonstrated the value of experiential and industry-oriented learning in developing future hospitality professionals. The experience also encouraged students to pursue continuous skills development and professional development while gaining a deeper understanding of professional standards within the hospitality industry. Such opportunities complement academic learning by connecting classroom knowledge with the world of work.

Through participation in industry competitions and practical learning opportunities, FHTS continues to support the development of creative, technically skilled and industry-ready graduates equipped to contribute to the culinary and wider tourism sector.