A total of 300 participants representing leading hotel groups vied for top honours at the 5th Ipoh International Waiters Race 2017 held at River Walk @ Kinta Riverfront on Sunday, May 14. The The 1.2km fast walking race with a total amount of RM17,900 cash prizes was hosted by Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Perak Chapter in collaboration with Perak Tourism Association and supported by Tourism Perak.
Carrying a serving tray with a bottle and two glassfuls of water, the speed, agility and balance of participants were challenged at every turn. The race was a key option to improve the service delivery and customer care in the tourism and hotel sector.
Foreign participants notably from Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Great Britain joined in the fun. To accommodate the overwhelming response, the 4th and 5th placing were introduced this year for the college, F&B outlet and hotel categories.
Below are the champions of the respective categories: Classic tray (male): M. Burhan bin Matli, Seri Pacific Hotel Kuala Lumpur Classic tray (female): Amelia Anak Jona, Pullman Miri Sportive tray (male): Surenthren a/l Ganesan, Royal Ipoh Club Sportive tray (female): Thorn Srey Mao, Healy Mac’s Fun tray: Xavier
“I didn’t expect to win as there were many international participations. I just tried my best,” 23-year-old Amelia Anak Jona, who represented Pullman Miri, shared with Ipoh Echo. She has been crowned champion in the female category for three consecutive years. Will we see her again next year? “Sure!” she enthused.
Also present were Maggie Ong, chairperson of MAH, Sam Cheah, president of MAH and Haji Mohd Odzman bin Abdul Kadir, city councillor.
Mei Kuan
