Ministry of Tourism Launches Free Baking Training Classes
Photo from TPTD
- By Sam Sopich
- May 10, 2022 10:51 AM
Around 300 people will be able to attend these courses, both physically and virtually
PHNOM PENH – The Ministry of Tourism will start to offer free baking training for the public through online and in-person classes to develop human resources and expand food service. This course will start on June 3 and is open to anyone who is interested in learning baking skills.
This baking training course aims at providing additional skills for those who want to work in the food industry. Classes will take place every Friday for 10 consecutive weeks.
Kim Punleu, deputy chief official of the Tourism Professional Training Department said that this training will teach students how to make cookies, doughnuts, cakes and croissants.
The ministry opens the training to two different batches, totaling around 300 students. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, baking lessons will be provided both online and in person.
“With the cooperation of Wilmar company, we open physical classes for 20 students on the 3rd floor of Exchange Square’s building,” he said. “But the space is small so we can’t accommodate everyone inside, that’s why we have to offer online classes too,” he said.
Punleu said that students must pass a final exam to get a certificate after they finish the course.
“So far, we received 20 applications from people with various backgrounds: students, private company employees, or small business owners. As the training only takes one day every week, it’s easy for people with different profiles to come to learn without spending much of their professional or study time,” he said.
Chhay Sivlin, president of the Cambodia Association of Travel Agents said that food service plays a vital role in the tourism sector and that it would be great if Cambodia can support not only Khmer food, but also western food as it’s a part of what international visitors also like to eat.
She explained that, despite the slowdown of the tourism industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Tourism had opened many virtual and physical courses to train Cambodian people to improve their ability in hospitality.
“It is great to train local people to improve their cooking skills. In the near future, international tourists will be able to enjoy delicious food everywhere in the country, in both cities and rural areas,” she said.
She emphasized that baking is an important part of foreign food, with bread and pastries consumed throughout the day, for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“Food is very important in tourism. While some international visitors feel comfortable with the local food, some don’t. That’s why Cambodia has to be able to respond to everyone’s needs, in accordance with their personal tastes, or culture and beliefs,” she said.
The baking training course will start on June 3, and be divided into two different batches.
Interested applicants can contact the Department of Tourism Vocational Training of the Ministry of Tourism through 078-899-919 or 096-495-2791.
The public can also attend the baking training online. Participants must register at https://www.tptd.org and study online every Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
