Housewife wins MAGGI’s Masak & Menang Bersama
Published on: Tuesday, August 13, 2024
By: Jeremy S Zabala
Jannie (fifth left) with Ivy (fifth right) after officiating the MAGGI® Jom Masak & Menang finale at Suria Sabah, Sunday.
Kota Kinabalu: Speechless while filled with tears of joy was what 39-year-old Velyzeah Barukon experienced after being announced this year’s MAGGI® “Jom Masak & Menang Bersama” – driving home with a brand-new ISUZU D-Max.
The housewife from Ranau battled a “fiery” cooking competition in the finale against seven other finalists and emerged victorious after displaying her ability in preparing delicacies featuring well-known local dish – Tuhau.
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The other seven finalists also walk away with branded household appliances worth RM2,000 after an outstanding display of skills and abilities in preparing the traditional cuisine in front of judges comprising Sabah Rural Development Corporation Chairperson Jannie Lasimbang, Business Executive Officer of MAGGI®, Malaysia and Singapore Ivy Tan Link Cheh, Nestle Corporate Chef Muhammad Hakimi Badrul Hisham and Beaufort Community College lecturer Afiqah Jamaludin.
Meanwhile, Jannie commended MAGGI’s commitment in their continuous support of the Kaamatan Celebration while at the same time aiding community-based organisations – particularly in Sabah – through competitions.
She said the creative approach by MAGGI does not only celebrate the joyous local celebration through food but also emphasises on carrying out important roles in rewarding community as well as carrying out their social responsibilities.
“MAGGI has been a part of this festival for more than two decades. Their efforts to integrate their products with family recipes passed down through generations show their long-term commitment to the people of Sabah.
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“It is important for me to emphasise here the role of food that can unite the community. MAGGI has succeeded in bridging the gap between communities through their active involvement in reviving past traditions and heritage in a modern and relevant way.
“Initiatives such as the ‘Jom Masak & Menang Bersama’ competition and their collaboration with the Ministry of Education in MSSCC (MAGGI Secondary School Cooking Competition) are good examples of how private companies can collaborate with communities to build stronger relationships and nurture culinary talent among the younger generation,” she added.
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She said this when officiating the MAGGI® “Jom Masak & Menang Bersama” finale at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, here, Sunday.
She also expressed gratitude towards the organisation for their initiative of carrying out competition that is used as a fundraising platform aimed for community – particularly for rural folks – that will be used for equipment to enhance local agriculture productivity.
Jannie said this would help the local farmers greatly help the farmers by them with better technology to secure a more sustainable future for the community.
“MAGGI not only contributes financially, but they have succeeded in strengthening the capacity of our society to grow and become more independent.
“This demonstrates MAGGI’s commitment that goes beyond culinary excellence to sustainable agriculture and economic empowerment. Collaborations such as this prove that corporations and communities can work together to achieve greater goals.
“We at the Sabah Ministry of Law and Indigenous Affairs greatly appreciate every effort made by MAGGI and our friends from the industry in supporting and advancing the culture and traditions of the state of Sabah. This shows how important cooperation between the public and private sectors is in ensuring cultural sustainability and social happiness,” she added.
Earlier, Ivy expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Partners of Community Organisations in Sabah (PACOS) Trust which led to the establishment of a platform not just for fundraising but also to display local products.
She said the collaboration has provided locals with the opportunity to showcase masterful art pieces such as traditional baskets while at the same time emphasising on raising funds to help the local community-based organisation.
“We are thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with PACOS Trust Sabah 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.
“I am deeply heartened by the immense tenacity of Sabahans, and we hope to continue uplifting indigenous locals to provide more opportunities and create a brighter future for them,” she added.
In addition to showing appreciation for the local cooks and their rich cultural heritage, MAGGI® was proud to continue its support towards the indigenous and women communities through its annual donation to selected local charities.
For every contest entry received between May 1 to June 30 2024, MAGGI® pledged to donate RM0.10 to PACOS Trust Sabah and Helping Hands Penan Berhad, two non-government organisations (NGOs) dedicated to empowering the indigenous communities and women to improve their livelihoods in Sabah.
This year, MAGGI® was proud to have raised a total of RM 14,000 to contribute to the good work of PACOS Trust Sabah.
The MAGGI® Jom Masak & Menang finale at Suria Sabah drew thousands of Sabahan families, who cheered enthusiastically for the exciting cook-off and crowning of the champion.
The lively celebration also featured traditional dance and music, as well as fun-filled booths where visitors explored the rich history of MAGGI’s Chilli Sauce and discovered the unique 12 spices that make MAGGI 2-Minute Kari Noodles a Malaysian favourite.
Beyond the contest and celebrations, MAGGI® hopes to continue being a companion in Sabahan households and in their lives’ memorable moments. Through unique recipes inspired by their favourite household dishes, MAGGI® hopes to keep the Kaamatan spirit alive with Sabahans’ beloved MAGGI® products, while being the ally to the family cooks in delivering delicious and nutritious meals.
Honouring Malaysians’ love for food and tradition, the finale was also invigorated by a culinary demonstration by Chef Hakimi, who showcased a local favorite delicacy, ‘Sambal Tumis Tuhau’ using MAGGI® Sambal Tumis.
Also present were Nestle Sabah and Brunei General Sales Operation Manager Derek Won Chong Huat, Bataras Operations General Manager Liaw Vee Siang, KDCA Women’s Council Chairperson Joanna Datuk Kitingan, PACOS Trust Agro-Ecology and Food Security Program Senior Staff Maria Benedict and 2024 Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Winner Tati Hyellene Danius, among others.
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