Borneo Culinary Association Expands CSR Efforts

27 November 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Borneo Culinary Association of Sabah and Sarawak (BCA) has successfully carried out three programmes recently involving the Ascot Academy, SK Tanjung Aru 1 and the Seri Mengasih Centre.

Its President, Chef Dion Jee Ted Chen, said the Urban Farm project and the Association’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives had benefitted the academy, the primary school and the centre respectively, particularly in terms of education.

He said teachers and students from the Ascot Academy were invited to visit Urban Farm, an aquaponic facility in Kepayan, where they were introduced to modern agricultural practices and the sustainable eco-green hydroponic system. The academy’s Chief Operating Officer, Isabel Lo Bai Hui, expressed her gratitude to the BCA for selecting the institution as a beneficiary of its educational programme.

As part of BCA’s CSR initiative, Nurturing Young Minds with Care, the Association distributed 130 packs of nasi lemak and bottled water to around 130 pupils and teachers of SK Tanjung Aru 1.

In conjunction with Malaysia Day 2025, the Association also brought cheer to 100 children with special needs at the Seri Mengasih Centre by providing packed lunches and conducting motivational activities.

Jee attributed the success of the three programmes to financial support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) and other supporting organisations.

“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Minister, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, for the funding received from her ministry. Her encouragement has greatly motivated us to continue our CSR efforts while empowering the younger generation and promoting Sabah’s tourism, culture and culinary excellence.

“Thank you for your trust and confidence in BCA’s vision and mission,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

Registered in 2013, the BCA is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and organising culinary-related events throughout East Malaysia, with the aim of raising industry standards and promoting professional excellence.