Archive for articles September, 2012

One lucky Maui Culinary Academy (MCA) student at UH Maui will get the opportunity of a lifetime thanks to a new $5,000 annual scholarship and work experience award recently introduced by The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. The Tylun Pang Aspiring Chef Scholarship was developed in honor of the hotel’s Executive Chef, Tylun Pang who is a member of MCA’s advisory board and a long-term supporter of the program, both personally and professionally.

“I am very proud to continually support the Maui Culinary Academy,” says Executive Chef Tylun Pang. “To see students receive such a high caliber of culinary education and training right here on Maui is very exciting. Some of my best chefs are graduates of the program.”

The award will provide one outstanding student the opportunity to complete an 8-week summer work experience in a luxury resort environment. The experience will include a close mentorship with hotel chefs (including Chef Tylun Pang), orientation to hotel departments, kitchen experience for Kō restaurant and the chance to develop a dish that will be included on Kō’s 2013 menu. The Fairmont Kea Lani and UHMC’s Maui Culinary Academy have a strong, long-term partnership and collaborated closely on the details of the scholarship. Students will receive an hourly wage for their work as well as a financial scholarship upon completion. They will also gain priceless industry experience to give them a competitive edge after graduation.

“The Maui Culinary Academy is extremely appreciative of the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui and its continued innovative programming that supports our Academy,” says Chris Speere, External Program Coordinator at the Maui Culinary Academy. “The Tylun Pang Aspiring Chef Scholarship offers one leading MCA student eight weeks of work experience which, combined with chef mentorship, provides a realistic understanding of the rigors associated with the culinary profession.” He goes on to say: “Chef Pang’s dedication to the Maui Culinary Academy and his passion in advancing MCA student achievement are highly commendable and worthy of emulation.”

UHMC’s Maui Culinary Academy was recently recognized by the American Culinary Federation Educational Foundation as one of only 71 “Exemplary” Culinary Programs across the nation. Students interested in the scholarship program are invited to attend an informational presentation on Tuesday, September 11, at MCA’s Leis Family Class Act Restaurant at 5:00pm. The deadline for application is October 1, 2012. The selected recipient will be announced at the Maui Culinary Academy’s annual fundraising event, Noble Chef, on October 27, at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui.