ASEAN RECORDS

ASEAN Records is proud to officially recognise the Malaysia Women Chef Association (Persatuan Chef Wanita Malaysia) for achieving the milestone:

First and Longest Pulut Semangat Heritage Trail Assembled Entirely by Women Culinary Practitioners with Hand-Carved Vegetable Floral (640.87 m × 6 cm × 2 cm; 121 makers across 3 ethnic groups; 1,200 kg raw glutinous rice; assembled in 2 hours, 9am to 11am, 31 August 2026)

The recognition celebrates a large-scale culinary and cultural achievement created entirely by women culinary practitioners, bringing together 121 women across three ethnic groups to assemble a 640.87-metre Pulut Semangat heritage trail on 31 August 2026.

Using 1,200 kg of raw glutinous rice, the participants completed the heritage trail within two hours, from 9.00am to 11.00am, with the finished presentation measuring 6 cm wide and 2 cm high and incorporating hand-carved vegetable floral elements.

Held in conjunction with Malaysia’s National Day celebrations in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, the initiative carried a wider message of unity, women’s participation and cultural heritage, bringing together culinary practitioners, volunteers and members of the community through a shared Malaysian food tradition.

Bringing 121 Women Together Through Food and Heritage

At the heart of the achievement was the collective participation of 121 women culinary practitioners representing three ethnic groups.

Rather than focusing solely on the final length of the Pulut Semangat trail, the initiative demonstrated what could be achieved when women from different backgrounds came together through a shared culinary and cultural purpose.

The preparation required coordination across participants, ingredient management, food preparation, assembly and presentation, culminating in a continuous 640.87-metre heritage trail.

The inclusion of hand-carved vegetable floral elements added another expression of culinary craftsmanship, combining traditional food preparation with creative presentation and practical skill.

The achievement reflects not only scale, but also the cooperation, patience and organisation required for more than a hundred participants to complete a single presentation within a defined period.

1,200 kg of Glutinous Rice Across 640.87 Metres

The scale of the ASEAN Records achievement was supported by the use of 1,200 kg of raw glutinous rice.

Once prepared and assembled, the Pulut Semangat presentation extended for 640.87 metres, measuring 6 cm in width and 2 cm in height.

The assembly was completed between 9.00am and 11.00am on 31 August 2026, forming the measurable basis of the recognition.

The scale required participants to work within an organised system so that preparation and assembly could be carried out consistently along the designated route.

Each participant contributed to the final result, transforming individual culinary efforts into one continuous heritage presentation.

Celebrating Merdeka Through Culinary Heritage

The achievement formed part of the Semarak Merdeka dengan Pulut Semangat Terpanjang initiative in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, connecting Malaysia’s National Day celebrations with culinary heritage, community participation and the contribution of women.

For the Malaysia Women Chef Association, the initiative was designed to go beyond creating a record. It provided a platform to bring women together, celebrate their culinary skills and highlight how food can connect communities across different backgrounds.

Participants travelled from different parts of Malaysia, including Johor, Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak and Sabah, to take part in the initiative.

Their participation reflected a shared commitment to the project and its aim of creating greater visibility and meaningful opportunities for women working in the culinary field.

The National Day setting added further significance, positioning the achievement as a celebration of Malaysian identity, cooperation and the role of women in preserving and developing the country’s culinary heritage.

From an Idea for Seri Kembangan to a Collective Women’s Initiative

The concept behind the project grew from several connected aspirations.

Chef Renukadevi Ramachandran, President of the Malaysia Women Chef Association, is a graduate of the Wanita Berdaya Selangor Women’s Leadership Programme and became a mentee of YB Wong Siew Ki in 2024.

Through that experience, she became aware of an aspiration to strengthen Seri Kembangan as a destination with greater public and tourism appeal.

At the same time, Chef Renukadevi wanted to bring together women working across different areas of the culinary profession and create a meaningful platform where their skills and contributions could receive greater visibility.

Chef Fazalina Ismail, Vice President of the Malaysia Women Chef Association, brought another idea closely connected with Malaysian culture: the tradition of a communal gathering centred around food and bringing people together.

These ideas eventually developed into the Pulut Semangat initiative, combining women’s participation, community, culinary heritage and National Day within one large-scale project.

Creating More Opportunities for Women in the Culinary Field

A central purpose behind the initiative was to create greater visibility and opportunities for women involved in culinary work.

For the association, participation represented more than preparing and assembling food for a single event. It provided women with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills collectively, build connections and contribute to a wider cultural initiative.

The project also reflects the association’s intention to create similar opportunities in other states, providing more women culinary practitioners with platforms to participate, collaborate and showcase their capabilities.

By bringing together women from different communities and backgrounds, the initiative demonstrated how culinary heritage can become a platform for both cultural preservation and women’s professional development.

A Community Celebration in Seri Kembangan

The programme was held at Gelanggang Zhong Yuan Bola Keranjang, Jalan Indah, Taman Universiti, Seri Kembangan, Selangor, on 31 August 2026.

The programme began with participant arrival and preparation activities before the assembly of the Pulut Semangat heritage trail.

The day continued with the arrival of invited guests, official addresses, measurement and verification of the achievement, the announcement of the recognition, media activities and the formal certificate presentation.

The event brought together members of the Seri Kembangan community, volunteers, culinary practitioners, supporting partners and invited guests in conjunction with Malaysia’s National Day celebrations.

Beyond the measurable record, the occasion reflected a wider spirit of cooperation, with participants and supporters contributing their time and effort towards a shared community and cultural initiative.

A Milestone Moment of Recognition

The ASEAN Records certificate was officially presented on 31 August 2026 at Gelanggang Zhong Yuan Bola Keranjang, Jalan Indah, Taman Universiti, Seri Kembangan, Selangor.

The recognition was received by Chef Renukadevi Ramachandran, President of the Malaysia Women Chef Association, together with Chef Fazalina Ismail, Vice President of the Malaysia Women Chef Association.

The presentation was witnessed by YB Wong Siew Ki, State Assemblywoman for Seri Kembangan.

Also witnessing the milestone were Tey Boon Kiat, MBSJ Councillor for Zone 21; Chong Hoon Ming, MBSJ Councillor for Zone 22; Suzanah Hanim Wong, MBSJ Councillor for Zone 23; Priscilla Hen Sit Kin, Supervisor of PWB Seri Kembangan; Tuan Rajasuriya, Indian Community Leader for Seri Kembangan; Ms Chin, Head of MADANI Community SK3; and Ms Ng Sin Min, Head of MADANI Community SK1.

The recognition acknowledged not only the completed 640.87-metre Pulut Semangat heritage trail, but also the collective contribution of the 121 women culinary practitioners, volunteers, community members, partners and supporters whose coordination and commitment made the initiative possible.

Voices of Leadership

Reflecting on the meaning behind the achievement, Chef Renukadevi Ramachandran, President of the Malaysia Women Chef Association, shared:

“This achievement is not simply about the length of the Pulut Semangat. It is about bringing Malaysia’s name forward, celebrating our culinary heritage and showing what Malaysian women can accomplish when we come together. I am especially grateful to the women who travelled from different parts of the country because they believed in this shared purpose.

“Our journey will not stop in Seri Kembangan. We want to create more opportunities and platforms for women in the culinary field across Malaysia, helping to elevate their skills and give them the recognition they deserve. One pair of hands may be able to do only so much, but when many hands come together, we can create something truly meaningful.”

Her remarks reflect the association’s wider aim of using culinary heritage as a platform to strengthen women’s participation, professional visibility, collaboration and cultural appreciation.

Also reflecting on the occasion, Chef Fazalina Ismail, Vice President of the Malaysia Women Chef Association, shared:

“Today is about more than creating a record. It is about creating a bond through cooperation and showing that regardless of race or religion, we can come together to achieve something meaningful for our community and country.

“The Malaysia Women Chef Association is still at the beginning of its journey, and we are grateful to our participants, community, partners and supporters. Their contribution is not only supporting this initiative, but also helping to support the future of women in Malaysia. This achievement belongs to everyone who worked tirelessly together to make it possible.”

Her message reinforces the spirit of unity, community cooperation and women’s development at the heart of the initiative while acknowledging the participants, volunteers, partners and Seri Kembangan community whose collective effort contributed to the achievement.

Strengthening Women Through Culinary Heritage

The ASEAN Records recognition demonstrates how traditional food can provide a meaningful platform for community participation, cultural expression and opportunities for women.

Through the involvement of 121 makers across three ethnic groups, the initiative brought women from different backgrounds together through a shared culinary objective.

The scale of the project also highlighted the preparation, craftsmanship, coordination and teamwork involved in culinary practice.

For the Malaysia Women Chef Association, this collective approach supports a wider goal of helping women develop their skills, connect with one another and gain greater visibility within the culinary field.

The inclusion of heritage elements further reinforces the important role women play in preserving, preparing and sharing food traditions across generations.

By combining culinary skill, cultural heritage, women’s participation, community cooperation and National Day celebrations, the initiative marks an important milestone in strengthening the visibility of Malaysia’s women culinary practitioners across the ASEAN region.

About Malaysia Women Chef Association

The Malaysia Women Chef Association (Persatuan Chef Wanita Malaysia) brings together women involved in the culinary field and supports initiatives that provide opportunities for participation, collaboration and greater recognition of their skills.

The association seeks to create platforms where women culinary practitioners can work together, demonstrate their capabilities and contribute to Malaysia’s wider culinary and cultural landscape.

Through initiatives such as Semarak Merdeka dengan Pulut Semangat Terpanjang, the association aims to connect culinary heritage with women’s participation and community engagement while expanding similar opportunities to women across Malaysia.

On 31 August 2026, the association brought together 121 women culinary practitioners across three ethnic groups to assemble a 640.87-metre Pulut Semangat heritage trail using 1,200 kg of raw glutinous rice, forming the basis of its official recognition by ASEAN Records.