Nusa Dua – Bali Tourism Polytechnic (BiTP) welcomed Ms. Simone Nabbs, Executive Chef and Kitchen Manager at Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Hong Kong PolyU). This initial meeting was an initiation of collaboration opportunities that will be explored, especially in the culinary field.
Ms. Nabbs’ visit to BiTP was welcomed directly by the Director of BiTP, Dr. Drs. Ida Bagus Putu Puja, M.Kes, along with Deputy Directors I and III, Head of Academic Administration and Cooperation, Head of Tourism Department, Coordinator of Culinary Arts Program and the BiTP Global team. This meeting was the first discussion regarding plans for collaboration opportunities with Hong Kong PolyU in the culinary sector. The Australian-born chef also expressed her eagerness to introduce new flavors at Hong Kong PolyU, namely Balinese cuisine.
“We at Hong Kong PolyU are a melting pot where various cultures, especially in the culinary field, are commonplace, so we wanted to continue to explore other flavors outside of the East Asian region until we finally found Bali Tourism Polytechnic,” said Ms. Nabbs.
Ms. Nabbs expressed her admiration for how BiTP was able to maintain the culinary culture of Indonesia and local to the point of being included in the curriculum. The Coordinator of the D3 Culinary Arts Study Program, Mr. I Made Purwa Dana Atmaja, S.ST.Par., M.Pd., explained that Bali Tourism Polytechnic is a center of excellence in the field of culture.
“Students of BiTPi, especially in the D3 Culinary Arts Study Program, are not only directed to have competence in international cuisine, but we also strive to preserve local taste”, explained Purwa. Furthermore, Mr. Purwa continuest that students have a special mission to bring the taste of Balinese cuisine to globally.
Director of Poltekpar Bali, Dr. Drs. Ida Bagus Putu Puja, M.Kes, also added that Poltekpar Bali is delighted to introduce Balinese culinary specialties to Hong Kong through this collaboration. Collaboration is one way to exchange cultures and broaden horizons. The same thing was also expressed by Deputy Director III for Cooperation, Dr. Luh Yusni Wiarti, A.Par., S.E, M.Par., M.Rech.
“Opportunities for collaboration are expected not only in Balinese culinary training but also in other sectors including internships, student exchanges, credit transfers, guest lecturers, and collaboration in research,” added Dr. Yusni.
Ms. Nabbs welcomed the opportunities for collaboration that will be initiated since Hong Kong PolyU is very open to the development of vocational education. “We would be very happy to invite all BiTP management to Hong Kong PolyU to sign the MoU,” said Ms. Nabbs. After the discussion in the Multipurpose Room of BiTP, the management invited Ms. Nabbs to see firsthand the facilities of 3 kitchen labs at BiTP.
Collaboration with foreign educational institutions is one of BiTP’s efforts and missions in realizing its vision as an international standard tourism college. Cooperation with Hong Kong stakeholders has been carried out at the beginning of this year by sending 33 of BiTP students to carry out Industrial Work Practices or internships at various hotels in Hong Kong.
