Australia-Pacific Technical College’s (APTC) Samoa campus cookery trainer, Ms Daniella Ah Leong-Leota has been appointed as Samoa’s new female ambassador to the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (Worldchefs).
Worldchefs is a global network of chef associations representing over 10 million professional chefs, dedicated to maintaining and improving the culinary standards of global cuisines.
Ms Ah Leong-Leota completed a Diploma in Food Technology from William Angliss TAFE before commencing studies at APTC in 2011. She has Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment qualifications from APTC.
In 2012, Ms Ah Leong-Leota took up a role as a tutor at APTC Samoa, and was mentored by APTC trainer and chef, Mr Steven Johnston. Two years later, she was appointed as the first APTC Samoan female national trainer in commercial cookery.
APTC is an innovative development project funded by the Australian Government, delivering Australian-standard skills and qualifications for a wide range of vocational careers for skilled workers across the Pacific.
Ms Ah Leong-Leota says the new opportunity will help her connect with chefs from around the world. She hopes to share this exchange of ideas, best practice and skills with the wider Pacific culinary community.
Ms Ah Leong-Leota is thankful to APTC, Worldchefs and her loved ones for their support.
“APTC has provided me with excellent training opportunities in order for me to succeed in my teaching career. Each day at APTC is a welcome challenge for me as I continue to improve and learn new things from APTC staff and students,” she said.
She admits that balancing work and family has not always been easy but says that this has also helped her grow professionally.
Ms Ah Leong-Leota’s interest in the culinary profession comes from her passion for food, spices and her family. She first started working at a family restaurant in 1999 and plans to run her own business one day.
APTC Samoa Country Manager, Ms Patricia Vella said that APTC is proud to have a specialised trainer such as Ms Ah Leong-Leota who is helping fellow Samoans learn and develop quality culinary skills.
“Having such trainers has enhanced APTC’s ability to engage with the local industry and to promote the value of local produce and products and skilled workers in the Pacific,” she added.
Ms Ah Leong-Leota is a founding member of the Samoa Culinary Association.