Prepared by:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rashidah Sukor

Head of the Department of Food Science

Taipei, October 31, 2025 — Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and National Taiwan University (NTU) strengthened their international academic network by organizing the UPM–NTU Bilateral Symposium on Food Science and Technology which took place at the NTU campus, Taiwan from October 28 to 31, 2025. This program brought together researchers, academics, and students from both institutions to exchange knowledge and explore potential research collaboration in the field of food science and technology.

This significant symposium focused on contemporary topics such as food safety, innovation in processing technology including food packaging, nutritional science, food bioactives, quality preservation, and the sustainability of the global food system. The program also became an important platform in formulating the research agenda related to new food ingredients, green processing methods, and the use of biotechnology in future food development.

The delegation from the Faculty of Food Science and Technology (FSTM), UPM was led by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Anis Shobirin Meor Hussin. Also present were the Deputy Dean (Development and Industry Networking), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nur Hanani Zainal Abedin and the Head of the Department of Food Science, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rashidah Sukor who represented the faculty in presentation and discussion sessions with their NTU academic partners. The NTU counterpart was led by Prof. Dr. Yi-Chen Lo, an expert in the field of food biotechnology. The UPM delegation shared cutting-edge research findings titled “Exploring the Applications of Kombucha Tea and Its Potential Benefits”, “Roles of Natural Products in Packaging Materials for Sustainable Food” and “Role of Bioreceptors in the Development of Biosensors for Food Safety Diagnostics”.

According to Prof. Dr. Anis Shobirin, the organization of this event proves the commitment of both universities in empowering regional collaboration, besides serving as a catalyst for knowledge development towards global food safety.

“This collaboration not only opens avenues for joint research but also invigorates the exchange of expertise and academic mobility opportunities between these two renowned institutions,” she said.

As part of the academic and industry agenda, the UPM delegation was also taken to visit two prominent food factories in Taiwan. The first visit was to King Car Group, the producer of the famous Mr. Brown Coffee products, where participants had the opportunity to observe coffee processing operations, quality control, and product innovation strategies. The second visit was to Grape King Bio, a leading biotechnology company focusing on the research and production of health products based on microorganisms and nutraceuticals. This visit opened doors to technology sharing, potential research collaboration, and an understanding of large-scale food industry operations in Taiwan.

In addition, the FSTM delegation also had the opportunity to visit the Xitou Nature Education Centre in Lugu Village, Nantou County. This visit provided participants with the opportunity to understand the biodiversity of the forest reserve area, natural resource management, and environmental conservation initiatives carried out in Taiwan. This exposure also enriched perspectives related to the link between ecosystems and food sources, while appreciating nature through forest therapy.

UPM and NTU also intend to expand their collaboration to joint research projects, student and staff mobility, and international academic publications. This step is in line with global efforts to face the challenges of food safety, climate change, and the development of sustainable food resources.

This cooperation is expected to be continuous and long-lasting in the effort to strengthen international research networks and encourage the integration of knowledge across countries in the field of food science and technology.

Figure 1. At NTU Icon

Figure 2. Dean of FSTM receiving certificate of appreciation from NTU

Figure 3. King Car Group Packaging Bottles

Figure 4. NTU Staff and Students at Bilateral Food Science and Technology Symposium

Figure 5. Visit to Grape King Biotechnology company

Figure 6. Listening to briefing at food manufacturing plant, King Car Group

Figure 7. King Car Group management office

Figure 8. Group picture of UPM delegates from FSTM with NTU professors

Figure 9. Visit to Xitou Forest Educational Centre

Date of Input: 11/11/2025 | Updated: 13/11/2025 | nur_jasni