How the Culinary programme at Imperium International College has evolved to cope with the pandemic

With education in Kuala Lumpur and around the nation severely disrupted by the pandemic, it has also put a strain on the education of students. Most of the education systems in the country shifted to a full online learning method, either conducted in a synchronous or asynchronous method. This made the traditional teaching and learning methods no longer an option of learning methods. This reality of online teaching and learning methods by the Malaysian education system, especially the Higher Learning Institution as an alternative teaching method was made compulsory throughout the pandemic.

To tackle this, Imperium International College’s Culinary Department practiced very strict levels of hygiene and enhanced their guidelines following Covid-19 protocols. The programme has also introduced an online distance learning programme, with both theory and practical classes conducted online.

Since Imperium only focuses on taking in limited students per class as part of its efforts to enhance student’s learning experience, it was easier to implement social distancing as well as control student’s movement when they had to come into campus for practical lessons.

According to Mr Jawad Husny Ash'ari, Acting Head of Imperium’s School of Culinary Arts, Hospitality and Tourism, the college is adapting to this new world through innovation as it educates tomorrow’s food service directors, executive chefs, cooks, food prep workers and bakers, to name a few.

Imperium’s Diploma in Culinary Arts programme allows students to turn their passion into a career by teaching the skills needed to work in a professional kitchen, along with food safety and sanitation protocols in the hospitality industry.

When the college was forced to transition to online learning in March 2020 during the implementation of the Movement Control Order, the department moved quickly to keep students learning and engaged. Students are provided with an ‘online based learning kit’ consisting of e-books, e-journals and e-learning portal to facilitate the learning process when they are away from their instructors.

“We have definitely learned to be flexible,” says second-year Imperium Culinary Arts student (Ruth Valent Vanaray). “We went from all in-person instruction to online lectures and doing labs in our own kitchens. I was taking my practical classes when the transition to online occurred, so I used my own kitchen instead, which was interesting!”

In the meantime, Imperium is already preparing for the trickle-down effects the pandemic will have on the culinary curriculum. “There are many factors involved in preparing students to enter an altered food industry,” adds Jawad. “There are many matters which still remain unclear. We will see what industry needs are during the recovery period and adjust accordingly”.

Speaking on the progress of the culinary programme, President and Chief Executive Officer, Anne Rajasaikaran said, “I am confident that our programme will continue its exceptional status and adapt to the industry’s new reality”.

Imperium International College, formerly known as HELP College of Arts and Technology offers programmes across Foundation, Diploma and Degree, in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University. On top of that, Imperium also offers professional accountancy programmes, namely the ACCA and ACCA FIA and have been awarded with the Platinum Approved Learning Partner (ALP) status for 7 consecutive years.

For a limited time only, Imperium is offering new students a special package of either a free laptop or registration fee waiver when they sign up for any one of the programmes offered. More information can be found on www.imperium.edu.my or kindly contact 011-6161 9887.

This content is provided by Imperium International School.

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