Shah Alam, 8 July 2026 – Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia’s favourite bread brand, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Selangor Branch to strengthen industry and higher education collaboration at the Closing Ceremony of the Gardenia x UiTM Apprenticeship 2026. This strategic partnership aims to nurture graduates who are better prepared to face the challenges of the working world, particularly within the food and bakery manufacturing industry.
The programme was specifically designed to provide UiTM students with hands-on exposure in the areas of food product innovation, brand development, and marketing strategies for bread-based products. Throughout the programme, participants were exposed to the entire product development process, from research and idea generation through to market-launch strategy.
“Gardenia has always believed that Malaysia’s younger generation is the nation’s most valuable asset. Through this Apprenticeship programme, we are not merely opening the doors of industry to students, but giving them the opportunity to think like entrepreneurs, brand strategists, and product creators. We hope this collaboration will generate fresh ideas that create a positive impact not only for students, but for the industry as well,” said Puan Ena Suhaila Abas, Senior Marketing Manager, Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn. Bhd.
Prof. Dr. Ahmad Taufek Abdul Rahman, Acting Rector of UiTM Selangor Branch, said, “UiTM remains committed to providing platforms that connect students directly with industry. This collaboration with Gardenia gives students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a real business environment. We are confident this initiative will strengthen their skills, confidence, and employability as they step into careers.”
Also present at the closing ceremony were Mr. Derrick Khoo, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gardenia Bakeries (KL) Sdn Bhd. along with all programme participants.
The Gardenia x UiTM Apprenticeship 2026 programme involves participation from 22 UiTM campuses across Peninsular Malaysia. Each campus is represented by one team of five students under the guidance of a lecturer-mentor, bringing the total number of participants to 110 students.
Each team was challenged to develop a product based on the Gardenia Ready-to-Eat (RTE) range, such as QuickBites, PUAZZ!, Toast’em Waffles, Squiggles, and Twiggies, with an emphasis on product innovation, creativity, and commercial potential.
In Phase One, participants developed three innovative RTE product concepts and presented them in a 3–4 minute video. The five best teams then advanced to Phase Two, where they produced a complete brand strategy proposal and presented it live before a panel at the Final Presentation Session. The final results of the programme are as follows:
| Champion | RM 5,000 + industry training placement with Gardenia | Munchz Grab & Bites Delight (UiTM Cawangan Pahang, Kampus Raub) |
| 1st Runner-Up | RM 3,000 | Kaya Cakoi Bites (UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, Kampus Kuala Pilah) |
| 3rd Place | RM 1,500 | Dip N Bite (UiTM Cawangan Kelantan, Kampus Kota Bharu) |
| Consolation Prize (1) | RM 500 | Mochi Roti Bites (UiTM Cawangan Kelantan, Kampus Machang) |
| Consolation Prizes (2) | RM 500 | GD Burger (UiTM Cawangan Negeri Sembilan, Kampus Seremban) |
| Best Presenter Award | RM 1,500 | UiTM Cawangan Pahang, Kampus Raub |
“This Apprenticeship programme was not just a competition, but an eye-opening experience into the real world of the bakery industry. It sharpened our skills in product development and brand strategy, and gave us the confidence to think like real entrepreneurs. Our deepest thanks to Gardenia and UiTM for this incredible opportunity,” commented the Representative, Munchz Grab & Bites Delight.
Alongside the implementation of Gardenia x UiTM Apprenticeship 2026, UiTM also conducted a study on dietary habits among students, involving more than 2,200 respondents from the 22 participating campuses, with over 100 respondents from each campus. The study aims to gain deeper insight into students’ eating patterns and their relationship with academic performance and mental well-being. The findings will be compiled into an official UiTM report and are expected to serve as an important reference for Gardenia in understanding the needs, lifestyle, and preferences of the young consumer segment.
As part of this initiative, Gardenia also organised a University Roadshow across all participating campuses. The programme gave students the opportunity to interact directly with the Gardenia team, sample the latest Ready-to-Eat (RTE) product range, and take part in various interactive activities. Throughout the roadshow series, Gardenia distributed more than 11,000 RTE product packs to students, as part of efforts to bring the brand closer to the younger generation and strengthen industry-based learning experiences.
About The Author
