Sunjeh Raja named among Hozpitality's Best 30 Hospitality and Tourism Leaders in the Middle East for 2023
Sunjeh Raja, Director & CEO of ICCA Dubai, has been recognized as one of the Best 30 Hospitality and Tourism Leaders in the Middle East by Hozpitality Group.
Sunjeh Raja is an international award-winning educator with an ardent passion for the development of Technical Vocational Training (TVET) programs. For over 18 years, as the Director and CEO of the International Centre for Culinary Arts (ICCA), a world-class culinary training center, where he has persistently worked to redefine TVET in Culinary Arts and make it relevant to the emerging needs of the industry.
Alongside championing TVET in culinary arts, Sunjeh Raja has also set up the "ICCA Dubai Culinary Scholarship Program", the Annual One Million Dirhams Continuing Education Award for UAE Young Industry Chefs. This first-of-its-kind CSR initiative has transformed the lives of over 200 talented but underprivileged young chefs in the industry by giving them the opportunity to complete an international qualification in Culinary Arts for their professional growth and career opportunities the world over, at an outlay of USD 2.00 Million, since 2014.
The 100% Scholarship Program serves as a commendable model for nurturing talent and contributing to the industry while actively supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ensuring inclusive and equitable education. By championing this initiative, it promotes lifelong learning opportunities for all, aligning with the core principles of the SDGs.
Of late, with the rapid growth of blockchain technology, Mr Raja has been exploring the future of food using this technology, including in the Metaverse, to effectively help proliferate TVET in Culinary Arts, and support the Chefs, and the Hospitality industry at large.
Mr Raja has been honoured with several awards and accolades; he has been included in the Caterer Middle East' Power 50 List' for the years 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019; been bestowed with the Dubai Knowledge Park & Dubai International Academic City' Year of Giving-2017,' Award; the Middle East Hospitality Excellence Awards' Young Chef Supporter of the Year 2017; Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) Gulfhost Innovation Awards - For Outstanding Contribution in 2018; included in the Caterer Middle East's prestigious "Hall of Fame" in the Year, 2022; and recognition from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), amongst others.
Mr Raja's passion for excellence, innovative approach, and single-minded focus on application and outcome have helped ICCA make an impact in the field of culinary education & training.
Meela Seenarain
Dubai, United Arab Emirates UAE