President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Saturday encouraged more youth to be involved in the culinary industry in order to keep the Maldives’ tourism pace in the international market.
The President made the call while speaking at the first "CGM Chefs Awards" ceremony organised by the Chefs' Guild of Maldives (CGM). The awards recognise the outstanding talents in the Maldives' fast-growing culinary industry. First Lady Fazna Ahmed accompanied the President to the function.
On promoting Maldives' cuisines on the international stage, the President said there are vital roles chefs and other culinary artists could play by utilising their innovative skills and ideas to promote local flavours. The President described the world of culinary arts as a productive career path for prospective employees, particularly members of the youth, emphasising that the culinary industry should always be prepared to cater to the growing demand for their talent.
Noting that the awards were a first in the Maldives' culinary sector, the President congratulated CGM members and the award recipients. The President and the First Lady presented awards to the recipients at the function.
