Students from the Department of Hospitality Management at STUST recently achieved outstanding results at the 2025 GÂTEAUX Cup Taiwan Cake Skills Competition, excelling in the professional group category. Hong-yu Chen secured the championship in the mousse cake category with his exceptional skills, while Yi-han Hsu triumphed in the rice-based cake category, earning the department two championship titles. Additionally, Jia-lin Guo won third place in the mousse cake competition, and Yi-rong Li received an honorable mention in the candy souvenir category of social group—further demonstrating the department’s strong baking expertise.

【Prof. Zheng-sheng Lin (center) from the Department of Hospitality Management at STUST led student champions Hong-yu Chen, Yi-han Hsu, Jia-lin Guo, and Yi-rong Li, who achieved excellent results at the 2025 GÂTEAUX Cup Taiwan Cake Skills Competition.】

【Prof. Zheng-sheng Lin led Hong-yu Chen (left) and Jia-lin Guo (right) to win the championship and third place in the professional group mousse cake competition at the GÂTEAUX Cup.】

The GÂTEAUX Cup Taiwan Cake Skills Competition is one of the nation’s most prestigious baking contests, divided into professional, social, and student groups with 12 competition items. In the professional group, all categories—except for sugar pulling, chocolate craftsmanship, fondant art cakes, and almond paste cakes—are subject to rigorous taste evaluations. Under the meticulous guidance of Prof. Zheng-sheng Lin, students dedicated their winter vacation to intensive practice in the university’s baking labs. They focused on ingredient selection, flavor blending, and decoration design, striving for perfection in every detail.

【Hong-yu Chen from the Department of Hospitality Management at STUST won the mousse cake championship with his Raspberry Earl Grey-flavored Cake.】

Reflecting on his victory, Hong-yu Chen described the championship as a testament to his hard work and expressed gratitude for his teacher’s guidance, which helped him overcome numerous challenges. Similarly, Yi-han Hsu, the rice-based cake champion, shared how he faced multiple setbacks before the competition. However, with persistent effort and his teacher’s encouragement, he refined his technique and ultimately achieved top honors. Jia-lin Guo, who secured third place in the mousse cake category, emphasized the importance of every ingredient in shaping flavor complexity. She carefully selected coffee beans and orange varieties to enhance her creation and credited her teacher’s insights for giving her a clearer direction. Meanwhile, Yi-rong Li, winner of the candy souvenir award, spoke about how continuous trials and tastings throughout the competition allowed her to refine her skills and boost her confidence.

【Jia-lin Guo from STUST won third place in the mousse cake competition with her Orange coffee-flavored Cake.】

Jia-sheng Yeh, Director of the Department of Hospitality Management, highlighted the department’s emphasis on hands-on learning and industry experience. He explained how team-based learning and expert mentorship equip students with practical skills and confidence to excel in competitions. President Neng-fu Huang of STUST also praised the faculty and students for their dedication, emphasizing the importance of applying competition experiences to real-world careers.

【Yi-han Xu won the rice-based cake championship with her Almond Pistachio-flavored Cake.】

【Yi-rong Li won the social group candy souvenir award with six creative candy flavors.】

President Neng-fu Huang further noted that the competition serves as both a grand event and a real-world training opportunity. Competing against industry professionals allowed students to showcase their technical expertise while exploring innovative cake flavor combinations. This competition embodies the true meaning of vocational education—practical, applied learning that seamlessly integrates knowledge with hands-on experience. As President Huang pointed out, through competition, students refine their skills, develop industry insight, and enhance their career readiness. With continued experience and our university’s structured training system, our students will undoubtedly stand out in the professional arean.

【Students were celebrating their achievements in front of the university's flags, showing the spirit of an ever-victorious baking team.】

【Students dedicate their winter vacation to rigorous training in the baking labs of STUST.】

【Students dedicate their winter vacation to rigorous training in the baking labs of STUST.】