GUANGZHOU, 2 June 2026 - A delegation of 30 students and two lecturers from Universiti Putra Malaysia’s (UPM) Faculty of Food Science and Technology (FOSTECH) successfully concluded a comprehensive nine-day mobility program at Jinan University (JNU). Titled ‘FOOD SCI-QUEST IN ZHONGGUO: UPM TO JNU MOBILITY 2026’, the initiative aimed to blend global technological advancements in food science with meaningful cross-cultural exchanges.

The program officially kicked off with an opening ceremony officiated by Prof. Wang Yong, Dean of JNU International School, alongside UPM’s Head of Delegation, Dr. Nurul Izzah Khalid. To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, the delegates were taken on comprehensive campus tours, including a close look at the College of Life Science and Technology’s research laboratories.

Academic rigor was a central focus of the mobility program. Participants attended specialized lectures led by industry experts, including Dr. Nima Azarakhsh, who spoke on "Innovation in Food Processing & Technology," and Dr. Li Ying, who led discussions on using edible oils for the green extraction of natural products. These sessions engaged students in critical thinking regarding sustainable engineering and modern chemical processes.

Beyond academics, the delegates participated in vibrant cultural and culinary exchanges. Traditional food-making sessions saw JNU students demonstrating the art of baking Chinese mooncakes, while UPM students introduced rich Malaysian flavors by preparing rendang and nasi impit. The cultural sharing continued with "JNUXUPM Games," highlighting Malaysian traditional games like batu seremban and capteh, and culminated in a Cultural Night where UPM’s 'Jodoh Lebaran' performance won the Audience Voting Award.

To provide real-world industrial exposure, the delegates visited the commercial facilities of ShanBaiNian Ltd. Students observed modern production standards firsthand and learned about the advantages of DAG in cooking oil. Expanding their impact beyond the university, the participants also engaged with the local community at a Senior Learning Center, connecting with the elderly through English role-playing and singing traditional Malaysian songs like Rasa Sayang.

The successful bilateral mobility initiative officially wrapped up with a closing ceremony at the JNU Academic Hall. Through this program, the future food science professionals successfully strengthened their cross-cultural communication skills, industrial knowledge, and community engagement, ensuring that the spirit of educational excellence and mutual respect between UPM and JNU remains strong for years to come.

Date of Input: 14/07/2026 | Updated: 14/07/2026 | nur_jasni