By Atiqah binti Awang & Muhammad Hanif Bin Anas
JOHOR BAHRU, 19 October 2023: As Nasi Beriyani known as Johor’s heritage food, thus, “Majlis Pelancaran Beriani Johor sebagai Makanan Warisan Johor dan Seminar Warisan 2023” was held in aiming towards promoting quality education for the staff and students in Kulliyyah of Languages and Management IIUM Pagoh with 25 participants. The event was held by “Yayasan Warisan Johor”. With its special guest, the writer of “Buku Citarasa Johor: Resepi Tanjung Puteri”, Datin Kalsom Taib and Datin Hamidah Abdul Hamid. It was also attended by lecturers from universities which have become moderators and panelists in the forum that has been organized.
The event began with a demonstration about Beriani Johor and speech from Prof Dato Dr. Kassim bin Thukiman, who is Karyawan Tamu Yayasan Warisan Johor. The first session started with a talk about Budaya dan Kulinari Johor by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shahrim bin Ab Karim from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). Then, the first session also proceeded with Kesedaran dan Kepentingan Makanan Warisan by Dr. Noriza binti Ishak, a lecturer from UiTM Puncak Alam. This session was moderated by Chef Md Fitri Aziz bin Md Jamil, lecturer of Culinary Art from Kolej Yayasan Pelajaran Johor. From the first session, the participants were revealed on the nature of the food culture in Johor, especially on the Malay cuisine and the importance of sustaining the beautiful nature of the flavors and identity within the food here in Johor.
The second session then continued with the Inovasi Makanan Warisan slot which highlighted the adaptability and versatility of heritage food innovations aligned with the current trends and moderated by Chef Mohd Syafiq bin Othman.This slot was led by Dr. Ahmad Esa bin Abdul Rahman from UiTM Puncak Alam. Next, the session followed by the slot of Cabaran Kesinambungan Makanan Warisan by Dr. Mohd Nazri bin Abdul Raji from Universiti pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI). The session critically shed light on the issues in handling the sustainability of the traditional food culture and its identity to be brought throughout the generations. The third session was carried on with Pengiktirafan UNESCO Makanan Warisan by Encik Mohd Syahrin bin Abdullah, Department Director of National Heritage Warisan Negara. The slot also presented Pemasaran dan Penjenamaan Makanan Warisan by Dr. Abd Razak bin Aziz from UiTM Puncak Alam which proposed the marketing strategy and branding of heritage food to be remarkable as a national treasure. Also, this session was led by Chef Afif Naim bin Abd Rani from UTHM.
Finally, the event ended with a performance from Yayasan Warisan Johor and resolution session by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Shahrim bin Ab Karim which concludes the overall objective of this successful event. The participation in this food heritage event offers invaluable advantages for both students and the staff, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for cultural diversity and culinary traditions. Participants gain a wealth of knowledge, experiencing the richness of various Johorean cuisines while promoting inclusivity and unity within the community. Moreover, engaging in such gatherings encourages collaboration, creativity, and a sense of belonging, enhancing the overall academic and social environment. Ultimately, the benefits extend far beyond the event itself, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and the institution as a whole by celebrating and preserving the vibrant tapestry of food heritage.
