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Dusit Thani Maldives Celebrates Culinary Excellence at Chef Symposium 2024
Thai-Inspired Luxury Resort participates in Chef Symposium.
The Maldives witnessed a milestone event in its culinary journey with the first-ever Chef Symposium 2024, organised by the Chef’s Guild of Maldives, the country’s sole member of the prestigious World Association of Chefs Societies. Held with the theme of advancing the culinary arts, the symposium brought together culinary leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the nation to celebrate, share knowledge, and inspire future generations of chefs.
Among the distinguished participants, Pastry Chef Mohamed Abdulla from Dusit Thani Maldives stood out for his expertise and contribution, representing the resort’s dedication to culinary excellence and innovation.
Event Highlights
Inaugural Panels: Addressing Challenges and Showcasing Maldivian Gastronomy
The symposium featured two dynamic panel discussions that set the stage for meaningful dialogue and actionable insights:
1. Panel 1: Challenges Faced by Maldivian Chefs
Culinary professionals engaged in a candid discussion on the obstacles encountered by chefs in the Maldives, exploring strategies for overcoming workforce challenges, skill development, and maintaining global standards while preserving local authenticity.
2. Panel 2: Introducing Maldivian Gastronomy to Guests
This engaging session focused on how Maldivian chefs can elevate and present their rich culinary heritage to international guests. The discussion emphasised the importance of storytelling, locally sourced ingredients, and the role of gastronomy in offering unique guest experiences.
Keynote Addresses: Inspiration from Global Culinary Leaders
Three keynote speakers captivated the audience with their perspectives on the evolving role of chefs, sustainability, and leadership:
• Jordi Noguera Pey, Executive Chef and Co-Founder of FOC Group, delivered an inspiring address on “The New Role of the Chef in the 21st Century”, highlighting how chefs today are not only creators of food but also educators, innovators, and custodians of culinary traditions.
• Andrew JW Muller, Culinary Advisor and Certified Master Chef, spoke on “Sustainable Culinary Practices for a Greener Plate”, urging chefs to adopt eco-friendly practices to align with global sustainability goals.
• Afeef Hussain, Executive Coach and Hospitality Leader, inspired attendees with “Inspire Within You – The Leader of the Future”, focusing on the importance of leadership and personal growth in shaping the next generation of culinary innovators.
Milestones: A Decade of Culinary Excellence
The Chef’s Guild of Maldives marked its 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of dedication to culinary arts in the Maldives. A special video presentation titled “Decade of Excellence” showcased the association’s achievements and its contributions to the culinary community.
Launches: Inspiring the Next Generation
The event also featured several key launches:
• Young Chefs Club: A new initiative to mentor and inspire aspiring chefs in the Maldives.
• Chefs Guild of Maldives Website: An official digital platform to connect and promote the Maldivian culinary community. Visit www.chefsguildofmaldives.com. • CHEFDOM Vol. 001: The inaugural edition of the annual magazine by the Chef’s Guild of Maldives, showcasing culinary talent, innovations, and trends.
Dusit Thani Maldives at the Forefront
Representing Dusit Thani Maldives, Pastry Chef Mohamed Abdulla participated in the symposium, sharing his expertise and passion for culinary innovation. His presence underscored the resort’s commitment to nurturing talent and contributing to the Maldives' culinary identity.
Chef Abdulla remarked, “It was an honour to be part of such a landmark event. The Chef Symposium not only highlights the incredible talent in the Maldives but also provides a platform for collaboration and growth.”
A Vision for the Future
The symposium concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing culinary arts in the Maldives, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and local heritage. Dusit Thani Maldives congratulates the Chef’s Guild of Maldives on this successful event and remains dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote culinary excellence.