The 10th edition of the IIHM Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) 2024 was officially inaugurated during a splendid Opening Ceremony on the 29th January, 2024. What began as a modest gathering of 15 countries in 2015 has evolved into a platform accommodating over 60 countries in its 10th edition. Organised by the International Hospitality Council and hosted by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in collaboration with the International Hospitality Council (IHC) London, this event is taking place across six major cities Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Goa, and Kolkata from January 29 to February 4, 2024.
The Opening Ceremony commenced with an insightful panel discussion featuring luminaries from the international hospitality industry. Neil Rippington, IIHM Global Director, and Chef John Wood, Director of Kitchen Cut, explored the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Hospitality Skills of the Future. Subsequently, Chef Gary Maclean, National Chef of Scotland, and Chef Sarah Hartnett delved into the critical role of employers in Hospitality Education. The discussion further continued with Chef Cyrus Todiwala, Mario Parera, Prof. David Foskett, Paul Jervis, and Chef Zamzani, sharing their insights about Organisational Culture and strategic considerations for future recruitment and career development.
Source: International Institute of Hotel Management
Prof. David Foskett, Chairman of IHC and the YCO Jury, emphasised the growth of YCO beyond mere competition, evolving into a gathering that fosters friendship, harmony, and continuous learning. "YCO promotes learning about the world's current issues. To live is to learn. To live is to change. But to change often is to grow. This is the philosophy that YCO follows," said Prof. Foskett.
The Opening Ceremony saw all 60 participants united on stage, each bearing their country's flag. Dr. Suborno Bose, CEO of the International Hospitality Council and Chairman of IIHM, expressed the main purpose of YCO in promoting Youth Culinary Diplomacy, a powerful platform bringing the world together through the transformative power of youth.