Turning Knowledge into Nourishment: Dr. Chong Named Food Innovation Educator 2025

We are proud to celebrate Ts. Dr. Chong Li Choo, an Associate Professor at Taylor's Culinary Institute and Director of the Food Security and Nutrition Impact Lab at Taylor’s University, who was recently awarded the Food Innovation Educator 2025 title at the prestigious Food X Impact Awards, held in conjunction with Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL. Presented by Impact Circle Malaysia, this national award honours educators who are redefining the future of food systems through innovation, purpose-driven pedagogy, and meaningful community engagement. Dr. Chong was recognised for her unwavering commitment to integrating science, sustainability, and education in ways that drive real-world transformation.

Over the past year, Dr. Chong has spearheaded a diverse portfolio of student-led innovations, community-based interventions, and cross-sector collaborations addressing urgent food system challenges, from food waste and malnutrition to food safety and sustainable sourcing. Central to her work is the co-creation of functional food products using novel and underutilised ingredients such as durian seed, moringa, banana pseudostem, sea grapes, and black soldier fly larvae.

These innovations are more than just prototypes, they are culturally contextualised, market-responsive, and designed with purpose to enhance food and nutrition security, particularly within vulnerable communities. A standout example is a high-fibre, insect-based chip developed in collaboration with her students, which garnered international acclaim at the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) 2024 World Congress in Italy.

This award affirms Dr. Chong’s exceptional role as an educator-inventor who transforms classrooms into living laboratories, turning academic learning into measurable social impact. Her visionary leadership continues to cultivate a new generation of food innovators equipped to champion more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems.