From Classroom to Regional Stage: Culinology® Students Redefine Food Innovation at CP CUP 2025

The Bachelor of Science (Hons) Culinology programme continues to demonstrate how rigorous food innovation translates into real-world impact. This was exemplified by its students’ outstanding performance at the CP CUP 2025 Global Round, one of Asia’s largest industry-driven innovation and business competitions. The journey placed students alongside peers from 10 countries across Asia and ASEAN, competing among 7,350 teams and 26,959 participants, demanding not only technical expertise but also agility, business acumen, and confidence under pressure.

The collaboration with CP Malaysia established the foundation for participation, with Dr. Wendy Lim Pek Kui coordinating industry engagement and Prof. Dr. Chong Li Choo providing technical coaching. This dual mentorship enabled Team Z-Team, representing Malaysia in the Food R&D track, to become National Champions, advancing to the regional semi-finals.

At the semi-finals, Z-Team distinguished themselves through scientific rigour, product feasibility, and market-driven innovation, earning the title of Food R&D Category Winner and becoming one of four finalist teams across all tracks. The final round tested the teams with a 24-hour business case challenge, requiring strategy, cost analysis, scalability, and market positioning. Leveraging their interdisciplinary training, Z-Team secured 2nd Place Overall, demonstrating exceptional performance on a global stage.

This achievement reflects the Culinology® programme’s mission to develop graduates who excel in Food R&D, commercial thinking, and professional practice. Students engaged with industry judges, adapted to evolving briefs, and collaborated across disciplines, gaining invaluable experience in global teamwork and strategic communication. The CP CUP 2025 journey underscores the programme’s commitment to industry-relevant skills, experiential learning, and global exposure, reaffirming that when academic leadership, industry trust, and student readiness converge, learning extends beyond the classroom to prepare graduates for success in the competitive food innovation sector.