SUBANG JAYA, SELANGOR, 12 April 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), through the Division of Food Technology, School of Industrial Technology, has once again proven its mettle at the national level.

Students representing the Division have garnered multiple prestigious awards at the recent 14th National Food Science and Technology Competition (NFSTC) 2025, organised by the Malaysian Institute of Food Technology (MIFT), and in collaboration with Taylor’s University.

This highly anticipated biennial event brought together emerging food science talents from higher education institutions across Malaysia under the theme: “Towards a Greener Plate: Innovating for Sustainable Food Systems.”

By going through a rigorous series of competitions encompassing postgraduate research oral and poster presentations, food product development, scientific quizzes, persuasive oratory, and creative design, the students have emerged as exemplary ambassadors of academic excellence, innovation, and sustainable thinking.

Major Wins in Postgraduate Research Poster Presentations

USM won two outstanding medals in both Food Science and Food Technology categories in the Postgraduate Research Poster Competition.

In the Food Science category, Tharshini Govindasamy, a Master’s student, secured the Gold medal with a research presentation that demonstrated scientific depth and novel solutions.

Meanwhile in the Food Technology category, Muhammad Ezzudin Ramli, a doctoral student earned the Silver medal, showcasing high-impact research grounded in sustainable food processing innovations.

Food Bowl Quiz Excellence and ASEAN Representation

USM fielded two formidable teams for the Food Bowl Quiz, composed of top-performing undergraduates Year 4 in Team 1, comprising Phang Khang Wei, Yeoh Guan Lai, Sandy Pang Pui Xian, and Tanusha A/P Saktivelu, and Year 3 in Team 2, consisting of Yong Wei Teng, P’ng Ying Xin, Chew Poh Shuang, and Raja Zuhair Nadhirah Raja Zilan, where both teams demonstrated their exceptional depth of knowledge.

USM ultimately clinched both the Gold and Bronze medals, with four of its students – Phang Khang Wei, Yeoh Guan Lai, Yong Wei Teng, and P’ng Ying Xin – ranked among the Top 5 scorers nationwide, solidifying the university’s leadership in scientific literacy and rapid analytical thinking.

The USM Food Bowl team was selected to represent Malaysia at the ASEAN level in the upcoming 18th ASEAN Food Conference (AFC) 2025, scheduled to be held on 23–25 September 2025 in Davao City, Philippines.

A highly multidisciplinary team of ten USM undergraduates also competed in the Innovative Food Product Development Competition.

From Year 4, the team members include Mohd Azre Lahibal, Nurshuada Che Azmi, and Svetta Nambiar, while Year 3 contributors include Anis Syazlin Mohd Sabidi, Wan Nurwani Syamimi Shamsuddin, Safia Nadia Zainudin, Mirrah Nashihin Zulkifli, Tan Yun Ju, Nur Elina Aisyah Aswazi, and Norfarisha Amira Ridzuan.

Their product innovation not only emphasised sustainability and market relevance, but also illustrated advanced problem-solving skills in the face of evolving consumer and environmental demands.

Representing USM in the Oratory Competition next were Azfar Al Hafiz Azman, Alyssa Safiya AdlyHussaini and Muhammad Aiman Farhan Zaidi, who delivered compelling and articulate speeches that reflected their mastery in scientific storytelling and advocacy for sustainable food.

Their participation underscored the commitment by USM in not only on technical excellence, but also to public engagement and science communication.

Continuing the streak of success, Safia Nadia Zainudin distinguished herself by winning the T-shirt Design Competition, a newly introduced category that aimed to creatively convey the NFSTC 2025 theme.

Her design was lauded for its conceptual clarity, aesthetic appeal, and effectiveness in translating sustainability science into visual narrative.

Holistic Approach to Talent Development in Food Science and Technology

The outstanding performance by USM students at NFSTC 2025 is a testament to its academic strength, research intensity, and strategic emphasis on producing well-rounded graduates.

From scientific rigour in research to innovation in product design, from rapid-fire quiz precision to persuasive oratory and creative expression, USM’s presence across all key competition categories underscores the university’s holistic approach to talent development in the food science and technology ecosystem.

The school and university proudly congratulates all students, mentors, and supporting academic staff, whose tireless efforts have brought national recognition and advanced USM’s mission in shaping the future of sustainable food systems.

Text: Dr. Musfirah Zulkurnain, School of Industrial Technology, USM/Editing: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/Photos: School of Industrial Technology, USM