Pengaruh pertandingan kemahiran terhadap kompetensi pelajar bidang kulinari di Malaysia

Jabatan Pengajian Politeknik dan Kolej Komuniti (JPPKK) encourages students’ participation in skills competitions as a platform to enhance their competencies. Education through skills competitions serves as an alternative approach that aligns with the needs of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0) by providing high-level training and producing efficient workers. Kolej Komuniti under JPPKK play a pivotal role in offering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to the younger generation, enabling them to meet the demands of high-tech industries. This study aims to investigate the influence of skills competitions on student competencies in the field of hospitality, especially among Certificate in Culinary students at Kolej Komuniti. Using a qualitative method, data were gathered from the interviews of seven students who participated in the World Skills Malaysia Belia (WSMB) Competition. The analysis revealed four main themes: knowledge, skills, attitude, and facilities. Additionally, two new themes were also identified: experience and inspiration. The findings of this study highlight the importance of students’ participation in competitions as a platform to hone their confidence and skills, while assisting learning institutions in improving their learning content. Students’ participation in skills competitions benefits the industry and government in producing highly trained workers who further contribute to the national economy in achieving a developed nation status.