Prepared by: Marzieana Binti Ab Rahman

Assistant Registrar

Office of the Deputy Dean (Academic and Student Affairs)

Faculty of Food Science and Technology,

Universiti Putra Malaysia

Communication skills are among the most important competencies in developing holistic and globally competitive graduates. At the Faculty of Food Science and Technology (FSTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia, these skills are not only cultivated through classroom learning but are also strengthened through students’ active involvement in faculty student associations.

The Food Science and Technology Student Association (FOSTECH) plays a significant role as a platform for students to develop leadership qualities and soft skills. Through the organisation of various programmes and activities, guided and supported by the faculty, students are given the opportunity to enhance their confidence and communication abilities in diverse settings.

Many of the programmes organised by FOSTECH involve participation from students of other universities, both locally and internationally. Such interactions provide valuable opportunities for FSTM students to engage with peers from different academic and cultural backgrounds, thereby strengthening their interpersonal and professional communication skills.

In addition, recent student mobility programmes to Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan have provided FSTM students with valuable international exposure. Through these programmes, students were able to interact directly with students and lecturers from foreign institutions. These experiences allowed them to confidently exchange ideas, share knowledge, and build academic networks at the global level.

The communication abilities of FSTM students have also received positive feedback from external lecturers who have participated in several academic and collaborative programmes with Universiti Putra Malaysia. They noted that FSTM students demonstrated strong confidence and effective two-way communication, particularly in their ability to communicate fluently and professionally in English.

Overall, active participation in student association activities such as those organised by FOSTECH, along with academic and international mobility programmes, has significantly contributed to the development of communication skills among FSTM students. These experiences not only enhance students’ confidence but also help shape graduates who are professional, competitive, and well-prepared to face the challenges of the global workforce.

Related photos:

Photo 1: Japanese language class session with Ishikawa Sensei – Kyutech, Japan

 

Photo 2: Interaction session in the SDG 1 class with Baek Sensei entitled Language Diversity – Kyutech, Japan

Photo 3: Interaction session in the SDG 1 class with Baek Sensei entitled Language Diversity – Kyutech, Japan

Photo 4: Exploration in Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho University, Vietnam

 

Photo 5: In front of the Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University

Photo 6: Certificate presentation ceremony – Kyutech, Japan

 

 Photo 7: Visit to the Toyota Factory, Kitakyushu, Japan

 

Photo 8: Enjoying the view from the top of Sarakurayama and experiencing the snow

Photo 9: Experience playing in the snow around the Sensuicho accommodation, Kyushukodai

Date of Input: 02/04/2026 | Updated: 02/04/2026 | nurulizzah