News & Events

The Food Science & Technology Programme (FST) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) organised its annual NUS-FST Industry Day on 12 April, where students had the opportunity to present their final-year projects and engage with representatives from the food industry and government agencies.

Professor Zhou Weibiao, FST Director, opened the event with an introduction to the programme, including its expertise in the areas of food chemistry and analysis, food microbiology and safety, food processing and engineering, as well as human nutrition. He shared about the programme’s collaborations with food companies, resulting in the form of student projects, scholarships and joint research ventures. Additionally, Professor Zhou spoke on the many awards FST students have won for their work, highlighting the prestigious International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) Young Scientist Award.

Rachel Teo, Head, Consumer Business, Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), then shared a glimpse into “Targeting the Asian Consumers: The Art of Creating Desire”. Teo spoke on current global trends, such as the rise of the Asian middle class, digitisation and geo-political uncertainties. Understanding Asia’s diversity, particularly how it affects digital consumption, she said, is key. Teo added that it will be important to develop and leverage on healthy, vibrant ecosystems, in ensuring effective partnerships, investments and innovation.

Cindy Ang, Manager (Food, Industry & Enterprise Development Group), SPRING Singapore, spoke on the Industry Transformation Map (ITM) for the food manufacturing sector – particularly the vision of Singapore as a leading food and nutrition hub in Asia by 2020. In this vein, she mentioned the focus areas of innovation, productivity, jobs and skills, and internationalisation, as well as the contribution of small- and medium-sized enterprises to the Singapore economy.

Bringing the session to a close, Trevour Kelleher, Director (Gum & Candy & Beverages, Asia, Middle East & Africa, Mondelēz International, shared about Mondelēz’s Research, Development, Quality & Innovation (RDQI) Centre in Singapore, as well as the centre’s career opportunities that are open to fresh graduates. 

Following the presentations, students and attendees made their way around booths that showcased projects delving into areas such as the improvement of diets of Asian toddlers.