Ms. Levin captivated the audience with her invaluable insights during the seminar.

FoSTePs Hosts Successful One-Day Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) Deminar.

Serdang, 21 April 2025 – The Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), played host to a highly successful one-day Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) Deminar, an integrated seminar and demonstration, held at the Food 5 lecture halls (BKS 1 and BKS 2). This impactful event was co-organized by the Food Science and Technology Postgraduate Society (FoSTePs) and LT Analytic (M) Sdn. Bhd., with the latter generously sponsoring the session and contributing both time and technical expertise to ensure the success of the program.

The deminar was spearheaded by Program Advisor, Dr. Tan Tai Boon, and driven by a passionate organizing committee of FoSTePs members: Nurul Akmal Abdullah (Event Manager), Mohamad Ariff Hanafi, Chan Vei How, Chen Si Cheng, Nursyafiqah Mohamad Asri, Alvin Boo Chi Yuan, Agus Setiyoko, Nur Sabrina Firdausa Mohamed Mansor, and Amna Saed.

Designed to enhance both theoretical knowledge and practical proficiency in starch analysis using the RVA, the program provided a unique learning platform for postgraduate students, academics, and industry professionals. The RVA, a vital instrument in both food research and quality assurance, was explored in-depth, with a focus on real-world applications and data interpretation skills critical for informed decision-making in food product development and evaluation.

A major highlight of the event was the keynote and hands-on session by Ms. Laura Levin, Rheology Range Applications Manager at Perten Instruments, Sydney. With an interdisciplinary background in mechatronics engineering, chemistry, and biomolecular sciences, Ms. Levin brought exceptional depth to the training. Her session not only provided technical insights into RVA functionality and data interpretation but also introduced advanced technologies such as the newly developed PaddyCheck system; a cutting-edge solution for automated paddy rice inspection and grading.

Ms. Levin is showing a part of the instrument to the participants.

The deminar welcomed 57 enthusiastic participants, including postgraduate students, lecturers, laboratory staffs, and representatives from leading food industry players such as Bakels Malaysia, MARDI, Mamee Double Decker, Novozymes Malaysia, Cargill Palm Product, Eng Fu Feedmill, FFM Grains & Mills, Gold Coin Sarawak, Kellanova, Malayan Flour Mills, and Padiberas Nasional Berhad.