By: Nur Syakirah Jasni (Executive Officer 4)
Office of the Deputy Dean (Development and Networking)
Faculty of Food Science and Technology
Universiti Putra Malaysia

Moving into 2026, the Faculty of Food Science and Technology (FSTM) continues to strengthen its role as a key catalyst in the transformation of the nation’s food value chain. Under the Development and Networking portfolio, this New Year’s resolution is not merely about chasing KPI figures but aims to translate academic excellence into practical solutions that impact the industrial sector and the grassroots of society.

Synergy Leadership: Driving High-Impact Industrial Networking

FSTM’s success in maintaining a 5-Star project rating throughout 2024–2025 proves that the faculty’s expertise remains relevant and trusted by global and local industry players. The Office of the Deputy Dean (Development and Networking) views this recognition as a strategic bridge that enables effective technology transfer:

• Empowerment of Facilities and Capacity: Through the 4TH CHEPP@FOODTECHUPM project led by Dr. Sarina binti Abdul Halim Lim, the faculty successfully generated industrial contributions (in-kind) valued at RM 180,000.00 for the year 2025.
• Strategic International Collaboration: Cooperation with the global body UNDP for tax exemptions on the purchase of IAEA-sponsored laboratory equipment—led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Faizal bin Abdull Razis—recorded industrial contributions totaling RM 148,543.00.
• Professional Knowledge Sharing Platform: The organization of the Malaysia Mass Spectrometry User Meeting 2024 with ThermoFisher Scientific Malaysia by Prof. Dr. Faridah binti Abas resulted in an impact value of RM 101,500.00.
• Global Conference Support: Generation for the 3rd International Food Research Conference 2024 by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rashidah binti Sukor involved industrial in-kind contributions of RM 54,425.00 and a UPM-to-industry impact value of RM 9,350.00.

Commercialization and Innovation: Translational Science for the Future

The year 2026 serves as a turning point to empower the "From Lab to Market" agenda. One piece of evidence regarding the effectiveness of translational science at FSTM is the Commercialization project of Cosmos caudatus (Ulam Raja) as a functional ingredient for superfood products. This project, under the guidance of Dr. Ahmad Haniff bin Jaafar, attracted significant industrial in-kind contributions totaling RM 159,750.00, while simultaneously placing local innovation on the map of the functional food industry.

Community Impact: Translating Technology into Economic Resilience

In line with sustainable development goals, FSTM is committed to ensuring that the community is not left behind in the tide of food technology modernization. Our community networks are recognized as high-impact through the following initiatives:

• Application of Advanced Processing Technology: The project for mentoring seafood product processing using High Pressure Processing (HPP) technology by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noranizan binti Mohd Adzahan recorded a massive in-kind contribution from community partners to UPM totaling RM 341,980.00, in addition to a cash contribution of RM 15,500.00.
• Circular Economy and Sustainability: The Technology Dissemination initiative for Jackfruit Waste-Based Culinary Products by Prof. Dr. Nor Ainy binti Mahyudin contributed an impact value of RM 22,450.00 to the community.
• Empowering Rural Entrepreneurs: Through the Kelulut (Stingless Bee) Farming Project - APPGM led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norhayati binti Hussain, community partners contributed RM 40,000.00 in cash to UPM, while the faculty provided an impact value return to the community totaling RM 11,960.00.

Vision 2026: Beyond Traditional Boundaries

The Office of the Deputy Dean (Development and Networking) is determined to make 2026 the year where every connection built provides a high Return on Investment (ROI) toward student talent development and the faculty’s global reputation. Our focus now shifts to strengthening "win-win" collaborations that ensure FSTM remains the food industry reference center in this region.

Let us work together to mobilize our efforts to ensure that 2026 becomes an even more glorious chapter of success for all members of the Faculty of Food Science and Technology.

Reference Source:

• JINM KPI ACHIEVEMENT REPORT YEAR: 2025 [FACULTY OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY]

Date of Input: 08/01/2026 | Updated: 09/01/2026 | nur_jasni