Speech by Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State for Health, at the Republic Polytechnic iChef Culinary Competition Finals, 8 Jun 2017

Mr Yeo Li Pheow, Principal/CEO of Republic Polytechnic,

School Principals, Teachers, Parents,

Industry Guests,

Distinguished Judges,

Participants,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good afternoon.

1.        It is my pleasure to join you today at the finals of the 7th iChef Culinary Competition organised by Republic Polytechnic (RP)’s School of Hospitality. First of all, a big round of applause to all participants for making it to the finals today.

2.        The theme of this year’s competition, “Spice up Your Health”, is on healthy eating and participants are required to create nutritional, healthy, appealing and easily replicated meals using healthier oils, tea, spices and herbs. The dazzling range of dishes produced by the finalists today prove that healthy food need not be boring or taste bland – it can be equally, or even more delicious with the right ingredients!

Encouraging Singaporeans to eat healthily

3.        Many Singaporeans love to eat and are frequently on the hunt for good food. Hence, it is important for us to choose healthy and balanced meals. Cultivating such a habit, coupled with regular exercise, will benefit us both in the short and long term, by improving our well-being, and helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. To make it easier for Singaporeans to choose healthier options when grocery shopping, the Health Promotion Board (HPB) has partnered retailers and food manufacturers to introduce products with the ‘Healthier Choice Symbol’ (HCS), which serves as an easy identifier to nudge consumers into making healthier choices.

4.        With six in ten Singaporeans eating out for lunch or dinner^[1], it is also important to offer healthier options when we dine out. HPB has rolled out the Healthier Dining Programme (HDP), in which over 1,600 F&B partner outlets island-wide offer healthier options that Singaporeans can enjoy.

5.        We also want to help our children and youth to cultivate healthy eating habits from a young age, and schools are a good place to start. HPB’s Healthy Meals in Schools Programme encourages participating canteen vendors to use healthier ingredients, such as brown rice and wholegrain noodles, in the preparation of meals. Cooks and canteen vendors also receive hands-on culinary training from nutritionists and chefs in the preparation of tasty and healthier food. At tertiary institutions, HPB has also introduced the HDP to provide students with healthier food and beverage options, and encourage them to make healthier choices.

All of us have a part to play

6.        Even as the government continues our efforts to create a supportive environment for healthier living, the decision to adopt healthy habits lies ultimately with the individual. This includes choosing healthier options when dining out, using fresh and wholesome ingredients when preparing your meals, and opting for water instead of sweetened drinks. You can also encourage your friends and family members to exercise regularly and stay active while spending quality time together.

7.        All of you gathered here today have an especially important role to play. During the competition, I am heartened to see all of you preparing tasty and healthy dishes with such creative flair. Platforms such as this competition are commendable as they allow us to appreciate the importance of planning and preparing healthier meals for better health. I understand that the participants had the opportunity to attend food and nutrition wellness master-classes, where they received guidance from experienced culinary instructors and nutritionists on menu planning, food label reading, recipe modification, as well as the usage and origins of various spices and herbs. This is a step in the right direction - by equipping our youths with the skills and knowledge to enable others to eat more healthily.

8.        I encourage you to recreate these recipes at home for your loved ones and peers, and enjoy a healthy and delicious meal together. For those of you who may be planning to pursue your interests in the culinary arts, I hope that what you have learnt through this competition will also encourage you to make nutrition a key priority when developing new food creations.

Conclusion

9.        I hope today’s competition will inspire each and every one of us to make healthy living a part of your daily life, and to influence people around you to do so as well. I look forward to seeing more delicious, innovative and healthy dishes in our local culinary scene. Once again, congratulations to all of you.

Thank you.

^[1] National Nutrition Survey 2010