George Town, 28 November 2018 – The artistic creation of a fondant and gum paste pastry won a student the gold medal in Villeroy & Boch Culinary World Cup 2018, held in Luxembourg, Europe on 24 November 2018.

The creation, mainly made with sugar and layered with chocolate, was showcased in the competition depicting animals including a lion and elephant at a lunch party.

Khor Kai Wern, who pursuing her Diploma in Professional Chef Training in UOW Malaysia KDU Penang University College (UOW Malaysia KDU Penang), made a proud moment for her alma mater by participating in this international competition.

The 21-year-old girl said this was the first time she flew all the way to Europe to fulfill her dream of joining a pastry competition.

“Making artistic pastry displays needs a lot of patience, attention to detail and energy. A strong passion and guidance from the lecturers of UOW Malaysia KDU Penang pushed me to compete against participants from various countries,” said Kai Wern.

The weather in Europe was an obstacle for Kai Wern to make the pastry within her expectation.

“It rained heavily in the morning and my creations cannot touch by any liquid or even heavy moisture because it can easily melt. We had to carefully carry the pieces to the competition to keep the rain from ruining them,” she said.

Kai Wern said at one point, she lost hope of winning and cried under the table during the competition. She was stunned when her finished work earn her a gold medal.

“I’m really happy to get this gold medal and I will keep on learning to improve my skills and knowledge to participate in various competitions in future,” said Kai Wern. She said her mother, who went with her to Luxembourg, was her inspiration.

“She supported me all the way, help me to carry the heavy stuff. She was always caring and I never heard her say she was tired although I knew we both were. She kept me going even when I felt like giving up,” she said.