Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in International Culinary Arts

UOW Malaysia’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts (SHTCA) was established in 1991 as a pioneer in the northern region. It is also the first renowned hospitality, tourism, and culinary arts school in Penang, providing quality courses, education, and knowledge to future hoteliers and chefs. In 1997, SHTCA partnered with IMI International Management Institute Switzerland—the birthplace of hospitality education—making UOW Malaysia the first private university college in the region to offer students the opportunity to earn a prestigious Swiss diploma alongside a degree qualification.

Students also enjoy a vibrant campus life enriched by numerous events and activities throughout the year, including community service projects, Penang heritage tours, competitions, hotel familiarisation trips for new students, Hospitality Week, and International Days, all of which enhances their campus life and learning experience.

SWISS HOSPITALITY PROGRAM – SWISS EUROPEAN PROGRAM SYLLABUS 
As the pioneer in hospitality education since 1893, the Swiss reputation for hospitality excellence is respected and trusted globally. Our partner, IMI International Management Institute Switzerland, is ranked 15th in the QS World University Ranking for Hospitality. At UOW Malaysia, students can experience a renowned European syllabus which incorporates the very best of Swiss hospitality.

AWARD WINNING LECTURERS – TAUGHT BY AWARD-WINNING CHEFS AND HOSPITALITY EXPERTS
Our lecturers and chefs are distinguished professionals from the hotel, tourism, and culinary industries. Students learn directly from Master Chefs, Celebrity Chefs, seasoned F&B specialists, and respected tourism researchers. Each member of our academic staff is highly qualified, bringing a wealth of real-world experience and an unwavering passion for nurturing the next generation of chefs and hoteliers.

INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIPS – 5-STAR INDUSTRY TRAINING
Students have the opportunity to train with our extensive network of leading 5-star establishments, both locally and abroad. These placements open pathways from internships to management trainee programs with global hotel groups. The international exposure gained through worldwide internship opportunities equips our graduates with invaluable experience, a competitive edge, and a broader global perspective.

OUTSTANDING ALUMNI – AWARD WINNING STUDENTS
Since 1993, our graduates have gone on to become chef de cuisines, executive sous chefs, general managers, entrepreneurs, award-winning chefs, baristas, and hospitality educators—earning a strong reputation among employers worldwide. Notably, our alumni Ng Yee Thien, Khor Ying Jia, and Tan Zhi Hong each received the ‘Most Promising Young Chef of the Year’ award in 2012, 2013 and 2014 respectively. Adding to this legacy, our school won Best Culinary Establishment 2015 in the Vietnam Culinary Challenge.

INDUSTRY READY – HANDS-ON SYLLABUS
Our students get industry-ready through the Malaysia Centre for Tourism and Hospitality Education (MyCenTHE) diploma program, which blends academic learning with hands-on work experience. This unique work-based training approach equips them with practical skills, real-world exposure, and the confidence to transition seamlessly from college to the workplace.

5-STAR FACILITIES – 5-STAR KITCHENS, RESTAURANT, AL-FRESCO CAFÉ AND HOSPITALITY TRAINING SUITE
The school provides students with RM6 million worth of state-of-the-art learning facilities such as professional commercial kitchens, F&B outlets, and hotel environments. This hands-on exposure ensures they are well-versed in industry-standard tools and equipped with the practical knowledge and skills needed to stay competitive and marketable in the future.

IMMERSION IN SWITZERLAND – STUDY AT IMI, LUCERNE FOR 10 DAYS
Experience the heart of Swiss hospitality with an all-inclusive 10-day study trip to the IMI campus in Lucerne, Switzerland. Ranked the fourth most visited destination in Switzerland and among the world’s top 12 by TripAdvisor, Lucerne offers a perfect blend of charm and culture. Your journey includes exclusive insights into Swiss hospitality and tourism, visits to world-famous attractions, and tours of Swiss chocolate factories and artisan boutiques.