The academy’s executive director, KK Yau, said the group had completed a five-day, all-expenses-paid training programme and were able to make basic pastry dishes such as cupcakes and cakes as well as prepare various local and international dishes.

“They are trained in Western and Asian cooking styles as well as practical kitchen skills. These students have mastered 50 different recipes,” Yau said.

“After being absorbed by hotels under the Malaysian Association of Hotels, they have the option to come back and pursue a diploma in hospitality or culinary arts.

“We want to turn them into orang kuat upaya (persons with strength).”

Yau said the course was made possible through funding from Program Latihan Madani and the academy’s founder, N Puvanendran, while Senator Isaiah Jacob was also instrumental in helping the disabled students realise their potential.