Former Health Chief Noor Hisham Joins Culinary Leaders’ Reunion at InterContinental Kuala Lumpur

KUALA LUMPUR: A memorable reunion bringing together leaders from the culinary and public service spheres recently took place at the InterContinental Hotel Kuala Lumpur, celebrating friendship, craftsmanship, and the shared values that connect global professionals across disciplines.

Among those present was Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah, former Director-General of Health, whose attendance added significance to the gathering. The reunion also brought together Chef Ooi In Jin, now serving as Director of Food & Beverage at the InterContinental Kuala Lumpur, and Chef Hiroshi Masuda, the hotel’s Executive Japanese Chef.

The occasion marked the renewal of a long-standing friendship forged during the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region meetings in Manila. During that period, Chef Ooi played a vital role in supporting international delegates by providing authentic halal Malaysian cuisine, an effort that was widely praised for reflecting Malaysia’s culinary heritage and hospitality.

Now back in Malaysia in a senior leadership role, Chef Ooi took the opportunity to reflect on his professional journey while reconnecting with familiar faces. Conversations during the gathering explored the finer aspects of culinary excellence, including ingredient integrity, preparation techniques, and the importance of precision knife skills.

Participants noted that the exchange went beyond food alone, serving as a reminder that the culinary profession is a refined craft requiring discipline, creativity, and deep passion. The discussion echoed a shared belief that cooking, when practiced at the highest level, becomes a form of artistic expression rather than a routine task.

The reunion highlighted the importance of mentorship, shared experiences, and international collaboration in shaping excellence not only in the culinary world but also in Malaysia’s broader hospitality and cultural landscape.