Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s hand-crafted cake to the King is the epitome of fine artistry. The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) has aptly themed their royal confection to His Majesty, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, ‘Cahaya’ or ‘Light’ in celebration of the upcoming Hari Raya Aidil Fitri that marks the start of Syawal, the tenth month of the lunar Islamic calendar.

“Cahaya symbolises well wishes for a new beginning and bright journey ahead,” explained the Centre’s Pastry Chef Jamaluddin Zainal Abidin. “This year’s creation is inspired by Islamic art and the architecture of mosques, especially the dome. Aspiring to mirror the hand-crafted Islamic art motifs of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur on the cake was where the real challenge laid.

“With each side of the octagonal cake decorated with distinctive motifs, all meticulously hand-crafted by a team of five, the design had to be so distinctive that when seen from above resembled a shining star in the sky. In line with the theme the entire cake was coloured light blue with gold and silver lining, to signify the brightness of the journey ahead.”

The most challenging task, according to Chef Jamaluddin, was to complete the entire 4-feet tall cake of 48 kg in just two weeks, from conceptualisation to completion. “This is more than just a cake. It is a showcase of craftsmanship in the world of pastry.”

Made of Batavia (Indonesian layer cake) and Sarawak layer cake, the royal confection also boasts chocolate-coated dates in eight flavours including raspberry, almond, pistachio, citrus, and coffee.

Also present at the cake presentation ceremony at Istana Negara were General Manager Datuk Peter Brokenshire, Director of Human Resource Rohizat Baharum and Executive Sous Chef Hisham Jaafar.