Thought Leader | Strategic Visionary | Business Innovator | Speaker | Executive Chairman | Group CEO | Law & MBA Graduate
Every culture can learn from another. This thought came to my mind as I enjoyed my favourite morning breakfast of Kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs, a fusion of diverse culinary traditions 🍞🥚 Originating from Hainanese immigrants in Malaysia and Singapore, Kaya toast blends local flavours with colonial culinary practices. These immigrants, initially chefs in British homes, crafted Kaya—a delectable jam made from coconut milk, eggs, and pandan leaves—melding it with the Western practice of serving toast with butter and jam 🧑🏼🍳🍯 Accompanied by soft-boiled eggs, often seasoned with soy sauce and pepper, this breakfast pairing is a nod to British influences but with a local twist. The simplicity of soft-boiled eggs complements the rich, sweet spread of Kaya, creating a balanced and nutritious start to the day 🌿🥥 Pro-tip of the day: dip your Kaya toast into the eggs to create a combination reminiscent of french toast! As I eat I start to realize that this culinary innovation is more than just food; it’s a reflection of Malaysia's multicultural identity, demonstrating how different cultures can contribute to and enrich one another 🫂🇲🇾 This is something we at MALAYAN UNITED INDUSTRIES BERHAD can embrace. To recognize that our strength lies in our diverse backgrounds and ideas. By learning from each other, we create a more vibrant, innovative, and cohesive community 💪🏼💯 Let this dish inspire us to remain open to learning from other cultures, blending the best of what they offer with our own traditions and values. #Thoughtleadership #Leadership #CulturalFusion #Malaysia #DiversityAndInclusion #Innovation #UnityThroughDiversity 🌍✨
Yes Andrew Khoo , it is especially important to recognize the race diversity that exists in Malaysia. We need each other. I’m the Secretary of a community society and our community came together during a CNY event this year. Majority of the neighbours made monetary contributions to make it happen. The F&B may have been simple and the 168-shot fireworks into the skies could have been more impressive but they were not as important as the gathering of folks with diverse backgrounds. The following is a snapshot of my document summarizing the event and posted to our community group chat.
💯 One of the best breakfast meal to have for sure. Agreed on the point of diversity and inclusion. I think it's important to value individual differences and embrace different cultures.
Andrew Khoo Indeed, strengths in diversity. Kaya toast is nice. Always bring foreign guests to have it at Killiney Kopitiam. Melt in the mouth. 😊
Andrew Khoo your reflection on the culinary fusion of Kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs beautifully illustrates the richness of cultural exchange. Just as this breakfast blend showcases the harmony of diverse traditions, a diverse workplace similarly brings together varied perspectives and experiences. Embracing diversity fosters innovation, empathy, and understanding, ultimately driving success and unity.
Wow. I like your storytelling on the history of this truly NanYang (Malaysian / Singaporean) dish. Indeed if we spend time studying about a local dish or cuisine, we can learn so much about its people and culture. I always make it a point to try and appreciate the local cuisine of any country I visit. Happy Weekend Andrew.
How exciting... a new category in your thought leadership: Cultural Curiosities :-). I love how rich Malaysian culture is and you are a great ambassador for it.
Dear Andrew Khoo so gorgeous toast at Killiney Kopitiam does sound delightful! It's great that you appreciate the diversity in strengths and flavour .!!!!!!!!!!
Toast to you, Andrew!
Head of Business Development
6moLove that Kaya Butter Toast 🥥🍞, Hainan Kopi 🍀☕️with soft boiled eggs 🥚! Andrew Khoo i resonate with you on the embrace of multicultural diversity ! Just like a 🌳 Forest , all kinds of flora and faunas from creepers to huge trees, from insects to large animals, each plays it’s part in the creation of such pristine wilderness. It’s biodiversity that make up the richness and beautiful balance of the forest 🌳. No fertiliser, no human intervention. Nature, just like the Sun ☀️ too, is all encompassing, nourishes all life. Each have it’s place in this world, each serves a purpose for it’s existence. Each is superior with it’s own strengths and one complements others where one falls short. Malaysia 🇲🇾 is beautiful in it’s diversity and that’s reflected so much in the culinary world itself with Rojak, Cendol etc and it still taste harmonious in a little haphazard ways at times🌟