Kuching TVET student shines on global stage with culinary innovation

KUCHING (April 9): From the kitchen classroom to the global stage, 21-year-old Wardina Batrisyia Nasib is proving that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) talent can excel internationally.

The Kolej Vokasional Kuching student recently added another feather to her cap after being named recipient of the Malaysia Education Director-General Special Award — a prestigious honour recognising all-round excellence.

Presented by Education director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Azam Ahmad, Wardina received the award during the 10th Convocation Ceremony of Vocational Colleges 2025 at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia on Wednesday.

Wardina, a Diploma in Culinary Arts student, took home a certificate, plaque, and RM1,000 cash prize, but it is her growing list of international achievements that truly sets her apart.

Hailing from Kampung Haji Baki, she has been quietly cooking up success beyond Malaysia’s borders.

Among her recent accomplishments is a gold medal at the World Youth STEM Invention Innovation 2026 in Bangkok.

Her winning project LE SPICES — a culinary innovation — impressed judges and outperformed participants from 10 countries in the competition organised by the Southeast Asia Ministers of Education Organisation and the Malaysia Young Scientists Organisation.

This latest triumph marks her third win at the Asia level.

Over the years, Wardina has continued to strengthen her portfolio of achievements.

In 2025, she secured a gold medal at the World Sustainable Development Goal Challenge held at Multimedia University, along with two special accolades: the Best Innovation Jury Special Award, and the Best Innovation Poster Award.

A year earlier, she led her Kolej Vokasional Kuching team to a runner-up finish at the 11th Indonesia Inventors Day in Bali.

As the eldest of three siblings, Wardina’s journey reflects how local talent from Sarawak can compete and succeed on the world stage when given the right support and opportunities.

Her story not only brings pride to the state but also underscores the growing relevance of TVET in nurturing globally competitive innovators, one creative idea at a time.