MAGGI® Malaysia proudly launches the third season of the Resipi Berani MAGGI® series, airing from January 14th to February 4th on TV3 and YouTube. This season features seven remarkable women from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Ainnur Farhana Binti Ahamad, Ida Faizura Binti Megat Muhaiyadin, Norazalin Binti Nasaha, Priyatharshini A/P Manivanan, Sienny Yong, Theiviya A/P Lakshmikandan, and Umi Aisyah Noriah Binti Ismail who are among the 21 talented food content creators who are out to prove their mettle. Embodying the spirit of 'Tak Kenal, Tak Cinta', they will navigate challenges in food and content creation. MAGGI® invites Malaysia to celebrate their journey of courage, resilience, and empowerment, as these women strive to transform their lives and businesses through food.
Launched in 2020, the Resipi Berani MAGGI® series is a cornerstone of the Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI® (PMWCBM), a transformative initiative that has empowered over 3500 Malaysian women with confidence, digital skills, culinary expertise, and entrepreneurial acumen. The programme's overarching aim is to inspire and empower women to step out of their comfort zones and embrace change, both in the realm of food and beyond.
The contestants from KL and Selangor were chosen from thousands of aspiring women at the Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI® workshop earlier this year and have a 12-month Content Creator Trainee Contract, alongside their fellow contestants. As they continue on their transformative journey, they stand a chance to win substantial seed capital to further their aspirations as food content creators. The Grand Prize winner of Resipi Berani MAGGI® will receive RM5,000, with the second and third place winners receiving RM2,000 and RM1,000 respectively.
Ida Faizura, also known as Jua, now 50, has had a multifaceted professional life. Starting as a lawyer with a degree from the UK, she transitioned into the food industry with her husband, an engineer, by opening a shop in Cheras.
Jua, lacking formal culinary training, is nonetheless driven by a profound passion for cooking. Her determination and empathy guide her as she fearlessly embraces new challenges and knowledge. In 2015, she navigated tough times, including the closure of her business and her child's autism diagnosis. Resilient, Jua pursued new avenues to secure a bright future for her family, especially her child with special needs.
Cooking is not just a pastime for Jua; it’s the primary income source for her family. Her culinary experiments reflect her commitment to establishing herself as a versatile, all-around chef. Since 2015, Jua has extended her culinary journey into content creation, sharing her expertise and passion with a broader audience.
"Stepping into the Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI® 2023, my goal is to elevate and expand my business. Beyond the kitchen, I aspire to gain expertise in public speaking, creative thinking, entrepreneurship, and content creation. My story is one of resilience, passion, and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth," said Jua.
Turning to another remarkable story from Kuala Lumpur, Umi, like Jua, has faced her own set of challenges and has shown that resilience and a spirit of enterprise can chart new paths to success.
Umi Aisyah Noriah, 38, from Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, balances life as a mother of four and owner of Kakak Baqer, a bakery renowned for its cakes and pastries. Her baking journey began in her teens, with early experience at Hotel Maya at 16 and skill refinement in MAS Catering's pastry department. In 2016, Umi ventured into online sales, successfully expanding to a storefront in 2020.
Inspired by MAGGI® ambassador, Sheila Rusly and past Resipi Berani MAGGI® winner Nur Syahidah Amullah Binti Abdul Rahim, Umi is a tenacious entrepreneur. Despite setbacks like shop closures and staff losses from a bad investment, she turned to the Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI® to rejuvenate her business and personal growth—as well as overcoming personal fears.
"Beyond baking, I'm now trying out making content, thanks to Mentor Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI® 's, Anne Idris. I love Malay dishes, especially ‘Ayam Masak Lemak Cili Padi’, but Nasi Briyani and live fish scare me a bit. My cooking journey is all about making my family happy and showing that I can keep learning and growing, both in the kitchen and in life," said Umi.
Starting off strong on behalf of Selangor, 27-year-old Ainnur Farhana has triumphed over her darkest moments of despair caused by three years of unemployment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her lifelong passion for cooking, particularly her skill in creating diverse egg-based dishes, has been a source of comfort and purpose since she was 16. Ainnur is committed to transforming this passion into a successful career, aspiring to become a skilled pastry chef and delve into the world of Sabahan cuisines.
Ainnur, known for her introverted nature and strong work ethic, finds joy in family gatherings during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, where cooking and sharing meals deepen the bonds of kinship. Inspired by the determination of content creators like Khairul Aming, she has joined the Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI® 2023. Through this programme, Ainnur aims to refine her video editing skills, broaden her knowledge as a content creator, and build her confidence, further cementing her path in the culinary world.
"In joining Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI® 2023, I aim to broaden my horizons. My aspirations include delving deeper into video editing, acquiring knowledge as a content creator, and building confidence. With a patient demeanor and a strong work ethic, I'm poised to embark on a journey of growth, both in the kitchen and in the realm of content creation,” said Ainnur Farhana.
Norazalin Binti Nasaha, a 41-year-old single mother with three kids, is a consultant engineer and woman of many talents. Born in Johor but now residing in Hulu Langat, Selangor, Norazalin's life is a blend of varied interests, from her pursuit of guitar lessons to her love for swimming and travelling, showcasing her adventurous spirit.
In the kitchen, Norazalin approaches cooking with practicality and care. Despite her primary passion lying in engineering, she finds cooking to be a therapeutic and essential skill, especially when it comes to preparing uncomplicated yet nourishing lunches for her children. Her days are a whirlwind of managing a demanding job, nurturing her children, and following her musical aspirations, making time management her biggest challenge.
Norazalin's aspiration goes beyond personal growth; she aims to inspire her colleagues to find joy in cooking, even if it's just simple dishes. Seeing Resipi Berani MAGGI® as a golden opportunity, she envisions launching her own startup business, integrating her multifaceted skills and passions into a venture that represents her journey of empowerment and exploration in the culinary world.
“I'm eager to join this programme for the opportunity to try something new and share positivity through food, a source of happiness. My goal is to enhance my skills in communication and creativity in food content creation,” Norazalin said. “This programme offers a unique chance to foster creativity and promote the MAGGI® brand. I am someone who values privacy and generally prefers not to be recognized, but since participating in the Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI®, my
perception of being 'known' has changed, and I am motivated to become a food content creator on social media."
Priyatharshini A/P Manivanan, at 28 years old, is a single, ambitious individual HR admin from Klang. With a degree in Economy from Universiti Sains Malaysia, she balances her professional life with a strong devotion to food. Her journey has been shaped by early challenges, notably the cultural shock and bullying she faced.
These experiences initially impacted her self-confidence and studies, but she found motivation and support from a dedicated teacher who encouraged her to venture beyond her comfort zone. Priyatharshini’s love for cooking was sparked by food TV shows, and her passion for baking ignited when she persuaded her father to buy an oven after completing her UPSR exams. Her culinary creations often centre around chicken, with Chicken Masala being a particular favourite, symbolising luxury from her middle-class upbringing. She enjoys experimenting with ingredients and adapting recipes, although she currently shies away from cooking seafood like squid.
Priyatharshini's venture into content creation started at 14, sharing her dishes on Facebook and relishing the compliments from family and friends. Joining Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI® 2023 is a step towards honing her cooking skills, expanding her online presence, and aligning her career with her passion.
"I believe that our interests can indeed become our career. With guidance from this programme, I aim to succeed and fulfil my aspirations because success comes when we engage in what we love. My motivation for social content creation is rooted in my
passion for cooking and food hunting. I enjoy exploring and tasting various cuisines, and my social content reflects this," said Priyatharshini.
Sienny Yong, 44, from Seri Kembangan, Selangor, has journeyed from a career in accounting to embracing her creative side as an artist, blogger, content creator, and freelance copywriter. Cooking was not Sienny's initial passion. After the harrowing and swift loss of her father to pancreatic cancer, a tragedy that compelled her to support her mother and unite her family.
During COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, Sienny started to cook at home. Initially hesitant to use a gas stove and mindful of her mother's sensitivity to kitchen smoke, Sienny adapted by investing in electrical appliances like toaster ovens and air fryers. As a result, Sienny discovered a newfound joy in preparing family-favorite dishes, particularly herbal soup and Chinese one-pot meals. Joining the Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI® 2023 marked a new chapter for Sienny, as she entered with no expectations but a desire to learn and improve her culinary skills.
"I’ve always been a food lover and started to enjoy home cooking during the lockdown, sharing my cooking videos on TikTok. Joining the MAGGI® mentorship programme was a natural step for me to further my culinary journey. I'm excited to be part of it, learning new skills to enhance my content creation and passion for cooking," shared Sienny.
Theiviya, a 25-year-old fresh graduate with a Bachelor of Law, from Klang, Selangor, is not only a vibrant and sociable individual but also the only child to a retired teacher and a member of Majlis Belia India Malaysia. Active in the Majlis Belia India Malaysia (Sentosa Branch) and passionate about agriculture, particularly herbs, Theiviya inspires more youth to be active and confident, encouraging them to explore new horizons beyond their comfort zone.
Her culinary journey began at home, learning the art of cooking from her mother. During the pandemic, Theiviya's interest in cooking flourished, leading her to enroll in a baking school to further explore her passion. Specialising in Indian cuisine, particularly vegetarian and vegan dishes with a focus on healthy menus, she is always eager to experiment with new recipes including Western dishes like lasagnas and pastries—making them vibrant with herbs and spices,
“I'm excited to join this programme to bring joy to people through my content. A simple video can uplift spirits, and I aspire to use my platform to inspire women to chase their dreams. In society, there's a perception of women that we need to change together,” Theiviya shared. “Are we even Malaysian if we don’t like food? As a Malaysian food content creator, I believe in connecting with people's hearts through our shared love for food. My passion for social media drives me to create content that makes people smile and feel valued. This programme is an opportunity for me to enhance my skills and evolve.
Concluding the roster of empowered women from Selangor is 27-year-old Gombak contestant, Zuriah Binti Mohd Shaharudin, who believes is embracing life with open arms.
Zuriah, affectionately known as Juju, is more than just a housewife; she's a spirited entrepreneur selling brownies at a friend's cafe for extra income. Growing up as the fifth of six siblings, Juju's love for cooking sparked early. She began working at Papa John's at 16, contributing to her family's finances. Juju finds joy in cooking when surrounded by family and friends, creating an atmosphere of fun and laughter in the kitchen. While she often sticks to tried-and-true recipes, Juju is adventurous in the kitchen, especially when experimenting with dishes for her siblings. Her culinary expertise includes a cherished family recipe, ‘Ikan Cencaru Sumbat Cili,’ a testament to her roots and tradition.
Inspired by pastry chef and cookbook author Anna Olsen, Juju has taken to YouTube to share her love for ‘Masakan Kampung’ or village-style cooking. Her foray into digital content creation has been met with enthusiasm, particularly evident in her butter cake recipe video, which has garnered over 19,000 views.
"Being part Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI® 2023 is a big step for me. I want to be more confident and explore the world of cooking. I'm really focused on not giving up on my dream to start my own bakery. This programme is about growing, staying strong, and going after what I love," Juju said.
This year, the Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI® mentorship programme collaborated with industry giants Google, Meta, and TikTok to deliver a comprehensive content creation workshop. This initiative is designed to elevate the talents of participants to new heights, guiding them through the digital landscape for sustained income.
Although their paths are distinct, these women’s journeys embody the Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI® ethos of empowerment through knowledge, mentorship, and community connection.
Support your favourite contestants by watching their stories and transformation unfold as they bravely embrace challenges, overcome struggles on Resipi Berani MAGGI®. Catch the excitement of Season 3 of Resipi Berani MAGGI® on TV3 every Sunday starting from 14th January 2024 at 7.30 pm, with a repeat every Friday at 5.30 pm. Alternatively, catch them on MAGGI® Malaysia YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@MAGGI®malaysia.
For more information about the Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI® 2023, please visit https://www.MAGGI®.my/en/MAGGI®-happenings/MAGGI®-cukup-rasa/. Recipes and more information are on https://www.MAGGI®.my/ms/
For press release and hi-res images: [HERE]
About Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI®
The Program Mentor Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI® is a nationwide programme in partnership between MAGGI® and Google Malaysia via Women Will, a Grow with Google programme. Since its inception in 2020, the programme places great importance on imparting self-confidence and awareness, improving business and digital skills as well as enhancing cooking skills through its Bengkel Online Wanita Cukup Berani MAGGI®. It is part of MAGGI® CukupRasa’s Tak Kenal Tak Cinta campaign that celebrates women who take their first step to try something new. Grounded in real-life stories, the campaign video (youtube.com/watch?v=WpUuTiAzEZs) features three inspirational Malaysian women whom have overcome challenging situations by having the courage to try something different, which ultimately led to a positive outcome in their lives.
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