2026 Applied Learning Courses - Hotel Operations and Western Cuisine Skills Competition
2026 Applied Learning Courses - Hotel Operations and Western Cuisine Skills Competition was successfully held at the International Culinary Institute on 4 July 2026. The event brought together Form 5 students from the 2025–2027 cohort and Form 4 students from the 2026–2028 cohort of the Applied Learning courses in Hotel Operations and Western Cuisine. Through a series of professional competitions, students demonstrated their learning achievements, creativity, teamwork and practical skills.
The competitions took place at The Tasting Room on Level 1 and the Training Restaurant on Basement 1 of the International Culinary Institute, providing students with an authentic industry setting in which to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in class. Although all participants were in the first year of their studies, they demonstrated impressive standards of professionalism, customer service, and culinary techniques, reflecting the effectiveness of the Applied Learning approach, which integrates theory with practice.
The event featured competitions in both Hotel Operations and Western Cuisine. Awards presented included the Hotel Operations Champion and Excellent Service Award, as well as the Western Cuisine Champion, Dessert Champion, Best Presentation Award and Most Creative Dessert Award, recognising students for their outstanding performance and achievements.
The competitions were judged by a panel of distinguished professionals from the hospitality and catering industries, including hotel management executives, corporate representatives, experienced culinary professionals and an Applied Learning graduate who has achieved international recognition. Entries were assessed on professional skills, creativity, service quality, food quality and overall performance, providing students with valuable industry insights and encouraging them to continue pursuing excellence in their professional development.
Among the judges for the Western Cuisine Competition was Mr. Henry Lee, a graduate of the 2017 Applied Learning Western Cuisine course. He represented Hong Kong in the 2019 WorldSkills Competition in the Cooking category and received a Medal of Merit. He is currently a chef at Amber, the Michelin three-star French restaurant. Returning as a judge to support the next generation of Applied Learning students, Mr. Lee’s participation highlights the course's success in nurturing young culinary talent and fostering professional growth.
The Applied Learning courses of the Vocational Training Council uphold the motto “Apply Today, Achieve the Future”, integrating classroom learning with practical experience through close collaboration with industry partners. The courses aim to equip students with generic skills, creativity and professional knowledge, while supporting their pathways to further studies and future careers.
