For many SPM leavers, the question of “what’s next?” can be a real headache. With so many courses available in Malaysia—especially vocational training—it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, particularly when traditional business or science streams don’t ignite your passion. In recent years, however, a clear trend has emerged: more and more students are gravitating toward hands-on, interest-driven pastry programs—such as French Entremets, Macarons, and Paris-Brest choux rings—making these their top choice for further study.
A Growing Trend Among SPM Graduates
What used to be considered a hobby or side interest is now seen as a legitimate and rewarding career path. The culinary world, particularly the dessert and pastry industry, is thriving in Malaysia and beyond. Social media, café culture, and an increasing demand for artisanal products have all played a role. Students are now exploring specialized courses in French pastry (Pâtisserie Française), artisanal bread making (Boulangerie), and creative cake decorating as their first step into the working world—not just for the skills, but for the lifestyle it represents.
Why Pastry Courses Are Gaining Popularity
Unlike traditional courses in Malaysia that are often theory-heavy, pastry programs offer immediate, practical experience. Students learning to create signature desserts like Opera Cake, Mille-feuille, Tiramisu, Plated Desserts and Crème Brûlée get to work with their hands, experiment with textures and flavors, and learn from industry professionals. Advanced courses in chocolate artistry (Chocolaterie) and sugar confectionery are particularly appealing for those who thrive in creative, fast-paced environments. Plus, pastry arts often open doors to entrepreneurship—whether it’s launching a home bakery, working in a hotel patisserie, or eventually opening a dessert café.
Skills That Go Beyond the Kitchen
Another reason why pastry courses in Malaysia are resonating with youth is their balance between artistry and discipline. From mastering classic French techniques in Petits Fours and Macarons to creating contemporary plated desserts and Entremets, students develop skills in precision, time management, and presentation. Programs focusing on traditional Asian pastries and fusion dessert creation are also gaining traction, reflecting Malaysia’s diverse culinary landscape. These are transferable traits that benefit graduates whether they stay in the kitchen or move into business and management roles later on.
Choosing the Right Course Matters
Of course, not all pastry courses are the same. To truly build solid skills, it’s important to choose a program that focuses on hands-on training in techniques like laminated dough pastries (Viennoiserie), bread making fundamentals, and advanced cake decoration, taught by qualified professionals, and offers internationally recognized certifications—such as City & Guilds. Equally important are opportunities to graduate with a strong portfolio and practical internship experience. Make sure the institution is properly accredited, as these factors will directly impact your future competitiveness in the industry.
Take the first step in your baking journey!
Nowadays, there are more and more course options, and many SPM graduates are looking for a path that matches both their interests and future prospects. If you enjoy making cakes and desserts, and love being creative in the kitchen, then baking specialties like Choux Pastry, French Eclairs, and Wedding Cake Design might be the right path for you!
In Malaysia, baking courses are becoming increasingly popular because they are not only practical but also very fun! After learning the art of crafting delicate Petit Gâteaux or mastering Sourdough Bread techniques, you won’t just know how to make cakes and desserts—you can also turn your interest into a real career.
💡 Why choose Ambitious Academy?
✅ Graduate with an internationally recognized City & Guilds certificate
✅ We are one of only ten colleges in Malaysia certified by Worldchefs internationally
✅ Most importantly! We exclusively teach dessert molecular gastronomy techniques and modern pastry arts like Mirror Glaze Entremets and Isomalt Showpieces — these are advanced skills not found in many traditional baking courses, helping you stand out in the industry!
✅ International competition opportunities — We encourage students to challenge themselves, with chances to represent the academy abroad, competing and exchanging skills with participants from different countries! Also, very few colleges in Malaysia are willing to fund students to compete overseas, and we are one of them!
✅ Affordable tuition, professional courses, and great value for money!
Want to know more about the courses?
We offer free one-on-one education counseling, where you can chat with us about course details (from Basic Pastry Fundamentals to Advanced Sugar Art), future career paths, application methods, and more. If you want to experience it firsthand, you can also sign up for our trial class, step into a real professional kitchen, and work hands-on with industry instructors to make signature desserts like Paris-Brest or Classic Tiramisu!
📲 Click here to contact us and see if baking is right for you.
Perhaps you never thought that your interest could truly shape your life.