On the morning of March 21, 2024, at the outdoor circular stage, the Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs organized the MasterChef cooking competition—AEP MasterChef 2024—offering students exciting experiences, engaging entertainment, and lasting memories.

The competition attracted considerable interest from faculty members and students.

Attending the opening ceremony were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President of National Economics University (NEU); Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Hieu, Vice President of NEU; Dr. Nguyen Huu Dong, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the NEU Trade Union; Dr. Vu Van Ngoc, Dean of the Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs; representatives of the leadership of departments, faculties, institutes, and centers; members of the judging panel; representatives of sponsors; faculty members and students; media ambassadors; and competing teams from the advanced, high-quality, and POHE programs and the University’s faculties and institutes.

AEP MasterChef is an annual cooking competition organized by the Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs to provide a wholesome recreational opportunity for not only AEP students but also students across the University to explore their passion for cuisine.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President, speaks at the conference.

In his opening remarks at AEP MasterChef 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Huy Nhuong, Vice President of NEU, said that, with the aim of providing students with a well-rounded education, the Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs not only equips students with classroom knowledge but also consistently attends to each student’s mental and emotional well-being. This is reflected in the many activities the AEP Institute organizes for students each academic year. The event also provides an ideal opportunity for AEP students to demonstrate their culinary talents, abilities, and passion for cooking. Assoc. Prof. Bui Huy Nhuong expressed his hope that the event would create a joyful atmosphere for all students, adding, “I wish you all a memorable competition during your wonderful student years!”

Representatives of the organizing committee present flowers to thank the University’s leaders.

AEP MasterChef 2024, with the theme “Ngoc Chiem,” draws inspiration from the legend of Lac Long Quan and Au Co. The story of 50 children going to the mountains and 50 going to the sea illustrates that, although each region’s cuisine has its own distinctive characteristics, they all embody the Vietnamese spirit and identity, together creating a rich and diverse culinary tradition.

The theme “Ngoc Chiem” also reminds today’s younger generation of the preciousness of these pearls—fragrant, tender grains of rice. The name also evokes Vietnam’s long tradition of wet-rice cultivation.

In the competition, each team is tasked with preparing one main dish featuring Vietnamese flavors, using one rice-based ingredient and one of six meat or seafood ingredients. Teams must also prepare one side dish using the ingredients provided by the organizing committee.

AEP faculty members and students attending the event pose for a group photo.

Featuring 11 talented teams from the Institute of Advanced, High-Quality and POHE Programs and two guest teams of Lao and Cambodian students studying at the University, AEP MasterChef 2024 promises highly engaging and creative performances. It also offers students an opportunity to fully express their cooking talents, nurture their passion for cuisine, and inspire other groups of students.

This year’s prizes will include cash and attractive gifts for the 11 competing teams, with one first prize, one second prize, one third prize, and five additional awards, promising fitting recognition for the teams’ dedication and efforts.

Some images from AEP MasterChef 2024:

Article and photos: Department of Communications

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.