Kuala Terengganu, 6 May 2025 - The East Coast Learning Adventure program was organized by the Faculty of Food Science and Technology Student Representative Council (FOSTECH) for the 2024/2025 session, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), in collaboration with the Academic and Student Affairs Division, Faculty of Food Science and Technology (FSTM) UPM, and the Student Affairs and Collaboration Division of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT). The program was sponsored by IOI Foundation and Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad (TalentCorp). This program aimed to facilitate knowledge and experience exchange in the academic field, provide learning opportunities with students from other universities, and introduce the infrastructure, facilities, and technologies used at different institutions of higher learning.

In addition, the program was participated in by 68 students from Year 1, 2, and 3 of the Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), accompanied by 2 staff members and 2 lecturers, namely Dr. Muhamad Hafiz Bin Abd Rahim and Dr. Nurul Shazini Ramli. The program was conducted physically over four days from 3rd May 2025 (Saturday) to 6th May 2025 (Tuesday) at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).

On 3rd May 2025, the East Coast Learning Adventure program began with an opening ceremony held at the Seminar Hall of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu. The event was officiated with speeches from the UPM program director, Kong Yen Shuen; UMT program director, Adam Saufi Mohd Anuar; FOSTECH UPM advisor, Dr. Muhamad Hafiz Bin Abd Rahim; and a lecturer from UMT, Dr. Zamzahaila Mohd Zin.

On the second day, the UMT committee brought the participants for a tour of the laboratories and facilities at the Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, UMT. The agenda continued with a sharing session by Dr. Nurul Shazini Ramli from UPM entitled “Reducing Food Waste: Strategies for the Future.” After that, participants visited Tokku Lekor factory to observe the keropok lekor (fish cracker) production process in more detail and then went to Batu Buruk Beach to enjoy the scenic beauty of Terengganu’s coastline.

Next, on 5th May 2025, UPM students visited SEAMEQ, one of the well-known keropok-selling companies in Terengganu. Participants were able to witness the manufacturing process of the keropok at their factory. The next activity was a forum session with Dr. Muhamad Hafiz Bin Abd Rahim from UPM and Dr. Abdul Rais Abdul Rahman from UMT, entitled “Enhancing Food Safety Awareness Among Malaysian Consumers: Education and Outreach.” The panelists shared various important insights on food safety aspects, including proper food handling practices, risks of food contamination, and the role of consumers in ensuring that the food consumed is safe and of high quality. Finally, a 'Brainstorming Session' was held among the program participants. Each group presented their reflections on the input and experiences gained throughout the 3-day program.

Lastly, on 6th May 2025, the final day of the program, UPM and UMT students carried out a beach-cleaning activity at Tok Jembal Beach. This community initiative aimed to preserve environmental sustainability in order to protect the increasingly threatened marine ecosystem due to pollution. Upon completing the community activity, the program concluded with a closing ceremony held at the UMT Seminar Hall.

Date of Input: 11/06/2025 | Updated: 11/06/2025 | nur_jasni