Nilai UC students benefit from hands on experience at recent Formula 1 event at Sepang International Circuit.
Students from Nilai University College"s School of Hospitality and Tourism were up at the crack of dawn but there was nary a yawn or red eye in sight. Far from looking sleep deprived, the students were buzzing with a sense of anticipation and excitement about their assignment for the day. For the third year running, Nilai University College (Nilai UC) School of Hospitality and Tourism have been chosen by the hotel and food and beverage operators to work at the prestigious Formula 1 event at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC).
"Originally, the issue of logistics was a factor as Nilai UC"s campus is very close to the SIC and it was easy for organisers to get the students there on time. But after that first event, the organisers told me they were sextremely impressed by our students" ability to work under pressure. They were not at all fazed by the huge crowds or serving VVIPs," says Cheng Mun Kid, lecturer in Nilai UC"s School of Hospitality and Tourism. "They have since invited us back and this is the third year in a row our students get to put their skills to the test in such in F1."
The students were involved in food preparation and front service in several areas including the Paddock as well as the Corporate Suites. Large crowds and the sweltering heat did not faze the students who were manning the stalls in the stands as plate after plate of perfectly-cooked pasta was served to the hungry F1 fans. Cheng also pointed out the students are able to view close up the logistics involved in staging such a large event and they were able to pick up many lessons from industry veterans who were running the show.
"For instance, they learned almost nothing is ever left to chance. There is always a Plan B. If one food item on the menu for whatever reason cannot be served, they already have a back up dish being prepared. This event taught the students that planning is crucial and nothing can be left to chance," explains Cheng.
Students worked almost an exhausting 12-hour shift but none showed signs of fatigue or frayed nerves at the end. Instead, many were seen discussing what they had learned that day and some were contemplating sending in their résumés to the event organiser in the hopes of securing a job. "It"s a good opportunity to learn and we were able to show the organisers our abilities. Hopefully, it will have helped open some doors for future employment or an internship," says Sabahan Algier Baselmann Bosmin (Nilai UC BA (Hons) in Business and Hospitality Management).
Echoing those sentiments was Johnson Lim (Nilai UC Diploma in Culinary Arts) He had manfully prepared several hundred plates of pasta at one of the hospitality stalls dotted throughout the circuit. "I am definitely more confident of my abilities after this experience. I know I can handle the pressure and I now know the secret of making perfectly cooked al dente pasta for large crowds in a short space of time," he smiles Johnson Lim.
