Our nation is like nasi lemak

TAYLOR’S University culinary students have prepared nasi lemak meals for Star Media Group (SMG) staff to experience the essence of Malaysia’s unity and diversity.

The dishes that were prepared included the classic sambal (chilli paste), stir-fried kangkung, fried chicken, boiled egg sambal, and fried potatoes.

Ben Foo, Taylor’s University chief marketing officer, emphasized the importance of this initiative to provoke thoughts about unity with the theme “campur-campur”.

He stated, “Our goal is to use food as a metaphor to highlight that we are all different, but together we all bring a certain saltiness and sweetness that amounts to something fantastic.

“It is a juxtaposition to show that sometimes it can get messy and disunited, but ultimately there is a common thread that brings us together,” he concluded.

Lydia Wang, SMG chief business officer, applauded the initiative, stating that it represents Malaysian unity, with the theme #ricetogether.

Taylor’s initiative focused on nasi lemak, a culinary masterpiece that represents the rich cultural tapestry of Malaysia as it showcases a blend of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous culinary traditions.

Wang commented, “It is heart-warming to see Taylor’s bringing what is deemed the national dish of Malaysia to Menara Star, fostering a sense of unity and celebration among the multiracial workforce here and living up to the multi-ethnic Malaysia concept.”

A number of SMG staff members patiently queued up for the rice packets and expressed that the wait was worthwhile.

Sheila Sri Priya, a journalist, said, “Nasi lemak was the perfect dish as it is our nation’s favorite, thus it did not fail to satisfy the palate and bring people together for the meal.

“It served as a poignant and tangible testament to Malaysia’s unwavering dedication to promoting and celebrating our rich cultural diversity.”

In addition to this initiative, Taylor’s University recently organized an event at its Lakeside Campus in Subang Jaya, Selangor, with the aim of entering the Malaysia Book of Records for the category of Most Participants in a Nasi Lemak Breakfast Session.