SELAYANG, November 7 – The “Inspired Kitchen” Cafe, a part of the “Expanding Inspired Kitchen” (PEIK) program by Kolej Komuniti Selayang (KKSY) in collaboration with Maybank Islamic Berhad, focused on the development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and entrepreneurship in the food and beverage (F&B) industry for students and local communities in the ASNAF and B40 groups, was officially inaugurated today by YBhg. Dato’ Mohamed Rafique Merican, CEO of Maybank Islamic Berhad.
The “Inspired Kitchen” was initially established as a special cafe for People with Disabilities (OKU) under KKSY’s Basic Culinary Certificate to manage and run the business. However, in collaboration with Maybank Islamic Berhad, the restaurant has been enhanced to provide business space and opportunities for ASNAF and B40 groups to improve their skills, standard of living, and economic well-being. The “Expanding Inspired Kitchen” (PEIK) program, sponsored by Maybank Islamic Berhad with a total contribution of RM500,000, began in late 2022, offering 30 TVET skills and entrepreneurship courses to 50 participants from among students and ASNAF and B40 communities every weekend.
After a six-month skills course, participants are exposed to Business Simulation sessions aimed at producing entrepreneurs who can contribute to the economy, enhance participants’ skills in managing F&B businesses, and provide opportunities to improve their family lives, moving out of poverty and hardship. In addition to the courses provided, a new fully-equipped commercial space has been built to serve as a platform for participants to start their own restaurant business under the “Inspired Kitchen” brand, based on TVET skills and entrepreneurship that have been instilled throughout the year.
The only OKU participant in PEIK, Mohd Khaidir Mohd Khalil, 22, stated that the opportunity provided by KKSY and Maybank Islamic Berhad to join this program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that is difficult to pass up. “The culinary skills learned from experienced and highly skilled chefs are a golden opportunity for me to join this program. Previously, I only knew the basics of cooking, but after undergoing this skills course, my knowledge and skills have improved significantly, and I have been exposed to various techniques in the culinary world and business,” he added.
“OKU students like me are always left out of programs that focus more on mainstream students. However, I am not discouraged, and I am committed to participating every weekend, even though I do not return to my village. I want to prove that OKU individuals still have the opportunity to excel and run businesses just like ordinary individuals,” he continued. Community participant Nur Amierull Ridzwan bin Noor Shah, 30, when interviewed, stated that programs like this are crucial to help ASNAF and B40 groups, especially in the Klang Valley area. The opportunities provided are comprehensive, starting with skills courses, entrepreneurship courses, and a business platform for participants.
“At first, my goal in joining this program was just to learn how to make drinks. However, after seeing the various programs provided by KKSY for free, it would be a loss not to continue this course. Participants only need to attend the courses held every weekend and do not need to incur any costs to gain knowledge and skills in managing food and beverage businesses,” he added. Ridzwan also mentioned that all the fully-equipped restaurant business spaces have been provided by KKSY and Maybank Islamic Berhad, and participants only need to work on improving the quality of life and subsequently providing employment opportunities to the community.
PEIK is managed by the Entrepreneurship Unit of Kolej Komuniti Selayang in collaboration with various units at KKSY. The program aims to develop human capital, provide opportunities for developing F&B businesses in line with current demand, and help participants move out of the ASNAF and B40 groups. The inauguration of the PEIK Business Site witnessed the provision of a fully-equipped Inspired Kitchen restaurant at Kolej Komuniti Selayang, spanning 1500 square feet and capable of accommodating 50 customers at a time.
Participants of PEIK have undergone almost a year of courses and simulations. Various fusion menus tailored to local tastes are provided at affordable prices, and the restaurant is open to the public. The event was also attended by the Director-General of Polytechnic and Community College Education, YBrs. Dr. Haji Mohd Zahari bin Ismail, members of the Shariah Committee of Maybank Islamic Berhad, and senior management and officials from JPPKK, KKSY, and Maybank Islamic Berhad.
