KUCHING: In a celebration of food, culture and sustainability, OCI TerraSus partnered with the Girl Guides Association Malaysia (Sarawak Branch) to host ‘A Culinary Bridge to Sustainability – Taste of Gaeseong’ at the association’s headquarters here.
The one-day programme gathered 50 youths to explore the connections between cultural heritage, cuisine and sustainable living.
Assistant Secretary of the Corporate Development and Economy Division at the Ministry of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (MEESty), Sharifah Mordhiah Syeed Mohd Hussien, delivered a talk on ‘Cultural Heritage in Sustainability’.
Participants also joined a Global Citizenship Education (GCED) workshop titled ‘From Plate to Planet: How Youth Can Drive Sustainability Through Everyday Choices’, led by Crystal Yip, Senior Lead for Digital and Innovation at the United Nations Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei (UNGCMYB).
A live cooking showcase added flavour to the event, featuring South Korean Chef Gong Hye-Ran, who demonstrated the preparation of Gaeseong Bossam Kimchi and Gimbap, alongside a Sarawakian chef presenting the local favourite, ayam pansuh.
The collaboration offered participants a unique fusion of Korean and Sarawakian culinary traditions.
Adjunct Professor Dr Kim Soo Yeon, Principal Director and Head of Corporate Management and Sustainability Office at OCI TerraSus, presented ‘The Story of Kimchi’, highlighting how traditional foods reflect cultural heritage and environmental wisdom.
“Our objective is to foster global citizenship and sustainability awareness through food and cultural exchange, while promoting healthy eating habits and nutrition education among youth,” said Kim, adding that the initiative empowers youth to become cultural ambassadors and sustainability leaders through hands-on experiences.
The programme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals), and supports the objectives of Global Citizenship Education (GCED).
President of the Girl Guides Association Malaysia (Sarawak Branch), Datuk Dayang Morliah Awang Daud, commended the ongoing collaboration.
“We look forward to continued partnership between OCI TerraSus and the Girl Guides, not only in culinary initiatives but in other activities that promote shared learning and mutual understanding,” she said.
The event reaffirmed that food is more than nourishment, it is a bridge that connects people, cultures and shared values for a sustainable future.
