Mission Accomplished: Pushing the Boundaries of Food Science at the 14th MiFT National Food Science and Technology Competition (NFSTC)

Taylor’s University proudly hosted the 14th Malaysian Institute of Food Technology (MiFT) National Food Science and Technology Competition (NFSTC), marking a significant milestone in the advancement of food science and fostering collaboration within the food industry. This two-day event reinforced our commitment to excellence while providing a dynamic platform for meaningful engagement between academia, industry leaders, and students. The Malaysian Institute of Food Technology (MiFT) is a non-profit professional body that represents food technologists, educators in the field of food science and technology, and other professionals involved in related areas of food technology.

Over 300 delegates attended the event, including more than 70 esteemed academics, 200 talented students, and 30 industry professionals. The competition featured participation from 11 leading institutions across Malaysia, including representatives from Sabah and Sarawak, and encompassed both public and private universities. The success of the event was made possible through the generous support of 11 sponsors, with GK Bio International Sdn. Bhd., serving as the main sponsor. Their invaluable contributions enabled the execution of a diverse and impactful program, which included competitive showcases, thought-provoking technical talks, and an engaging panel forum centred around cutting-edge food science advancements.

The competitions including the Food Bowl Quiz, Postgraduate Oral and Poster sessions, and digital quizzes were flawlessly executed, thanks to the tireless dedication of the organizing committee. This included team members from Taylor’s Culinary Institute, the School of Biosciences, and the School of Hospitality, Tourism & Events. The collaborative efforts of our enthusiastic student volunteers further ensured the seamless flow of the event. In addition, the technical talks and panel discussions sparked valuable conversations about the future of food systems, sustainable green processing technologies, and innovative climate-smart solutions.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the organizing committee, volunteers, judges, institutional partners, and sponsors whose collective efforts contributed to the event’s resounding success. As we look ahead, we are excited to continue nurturing collaborations and empowering the next generation of food science leaders to drive innovation and shape the future of the food industry.