Written by: MAJLIS PERWAKILAN FAKULTI, FAKULTI SAINS DAN TEKNOLOGI MAKANAN (FOSTECH)

SURAT THANI, THAILAND, 18 MAY 2025 – A total of 29 students from the Faculty of Food Science and Technology (FSTM), Universiti Putra Malaysia,  have participated in an eight-day international mobility programme to Surat Thani, Thailand, from 11 to 18 May 2025. Accompanied by two lecturers, Dr. Nurul Hanisah, Dr. Tan Tai Boon, and a staff member, Mrs. Nurul Fatihah, this programme was initiated by the Outreach Exco of FOSTECH 2024/2025 in collaboration with Prince of Songkla University (PSU), Surat Thani Campus, and local Thai institutions.

The mobility programme aimed to expose students to cross-cultural engagement and real-world applications of food science and agricultural practices. It provided opportunities to explore cultural heritage, agriculture, and food innovation through academic visits and hands-on activities.

Cultural immersion took place through visits to iconic sites such as the Tapee River, Wat Som Wanaram, and Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine. Students participated in traditional activities like fish feeding, symbolising kindness and good fortune, and observed the blend of cultural and religious values in local life. Exposure continued through activities such as observing traditional fish drying methods, visiting a stone fish museum, and participating in soap and candle making demonstrations using coconut-based products.

Visits to night markets and convenience stores further enriched students’ understanding of Thai consumer behaviour. Shared culinary traits between Malaysia and Thailand sparked curiosity and discussions among students, potentially inspiring future food-related research projects.

The academic highlight of the programme was the visit to PSU’s Faculty of Fisheries, Agriculture, and Food. Students engaged in sauerkraut preparation and learned about vacuum-packed catfish products rich in Omega-3, which reinforced classroom theories with practical applications. These hands-on sessions allowed students to apply their knowledge in food preservation and functional foods.

Further academic exposure included visits to the Advanced Institute for Food Security, Thung Sai Chai Research Center, Khlong Noi Santol, and the Phunphin Geological Museum. Students gained insights into natural sciences, sustainable farming, GAP-certified practices, and integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA). They also learned about real agricultural issues such as shrimp disease outbreaks and soil degradation, highlighting the role of science and innovation in overcoming food production challenges.

On the fifth day, students visited a GAP Collaborative Farming community in Takam. They observed hydroponic systems and a small-scale vegetable processing centre supplying produce to local markets including Lotus’s. This visit deepened their understanding of food supply chains, the importance of hygiene in post-harvest handling, and the role of government in supporting community-based agriculture.

Overall, the eight-day experience expanded students' perspectives on the entire food value chain—from production to processing and distribution. It enhanced their soft skills, intercultural communication, and critical thinking abilities.

FSTM believes such mobility programmes are crucial in shaping well-rounded, globally minded graduates equipped to contribute meaningfully to the food industry. The trip also fostered stronger academic ties between UPM and PSU, offering students valuable experiences that extended far beyond traditional classroom learning.

Date of Input: 29/05/2025 | Updated: 29/05/2025 | nur_jasni