Talent, passion and perseverance were vital ingredients for a special brew that won Yap Wai Yee the Nestle Milano Coffee Challenge Champion title. It took Yap three months of practice and two days of grueling competition to come up with an exceptional blend with just the right appearance, aroma and flavor to impress the judges.
A final year student of Genting INTI International College (GIIC), Yap was awarded a cash prize of RM1,500, a trophy and a certificate by the event organizers, NESTLE Professional and MFBEA (Malaysian Food & Beverage Executive Association). For his tireless dedication in coaching Yap on the art of coffee preparation and presentation right up to competition day, Mohd Taib Matali @ Matt, Head of F&B Division at GIIC, was presented the Winning Coach Award.
“I saw great potential in Wai Yee based on her eagerness to learn and drive to succeed. Her zeal was apparent when I approached her to join the competition and she accepted without a second thought. She was also willing to train under my strict supervision,” said Mohd Taib.
“Mr Matt, as my coach is popularly known as among students, taught me not only the fine art of coffee making but also stressed the importance of hygiene, grooming and presentation,” said Yap. “During the competition, I executed the techniques we had refined and garnished my coffee before the judges while providing nutritional facts about the ingredients.
“From my unique performance, the judges were convinced I was a professional barista and were surprised when Mr Matt informed them I had only practised for three months.”
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