by Dr. Farawahida Abdul Halim, Ts. Dr. Nur Hafizah Malik, Dr. Noorakmar Ab Wahab

PAGOH, JOHOR – The Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology (FAST), Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), continues to strengthen its international network through the reception of a delegation from Mindanao State University, Tawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO), the Philippines that took place from 23 November to 6 December 2025.

The programme aimed to further enhance strategic collaboration in academics, research, and expertise exchange between the two higher education institutions.

The MSU-TCTO delegation was led by Asst. Prof. Merilyn Q. Amlani, accompanied by Asst. Prof. Iannie P. Maribao and five third-year students from the Department of Food Science and Technology, MSU-TCTO. The programme started with an introductory and networking session with the Dean of FAST, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Noor Azura Awang, together with lecturers from the Bachelor of Science (Food Technology) programme. The delegation visited both UTHM campuses in Pagoh and Parit Raja, Batu Pahat.

Throughout the programme, MSU-TCTO students had the opportunity to gain exposure to core Food Technology courses, including Food Law and Regulations, Food Microbiology, Food Processing and Preservation Technology, Sensory Evaluation of Food, and others through both theoretical and practical sessions. This experience offered valuable insight into learning facilities, advanced research equipment, and hands-on laboratory, which is practice-based teaching approaches at UTHM.

Visits to Mamee-Double Decker Sdn. Bhd., Farm Fresh Milk Sdn. Bhd., and the Nasuha Herbs and Spice Farm were also conducted to exposed students to food industry practices in Malaysia, particularly in food processing, quality control, and food safety. This activity highlights the collaborative relationship between the university and industry partners, especially in the field of food processing.

On 29 November 2025, the delegation and Mukim Muar Retiree Community learned how to produce papaya jam and kombucha tea under Phase 2 of the Project on Innovation and Manufacturing Chain of Age-Friendly Fortified Foods. The programme was led by Associate Professor Dr. Siti Fatimah Zaharah Mohamad Fuzi, held at the Muar Municipal Council Building, Johor.

Furthermore, Skill Swap Social and MindSpark Meetup sessions were organised as platforms for experience and knowledge sharing by MSU-TCTO students and lecturers. These sessions also involved two fourth-year students from the FAST Food Technology programme, Irdina Izzati Yusri and Nur Antasya Balkis Badrolhisham, who had previously participated in a mobility programme at MSU-TCTO from 27 October to 3 November 2024. In these sessions, the students shared cultural, geographical, and socio-economic differences between Malaysia and the Philippines. It is hoped that such initiatives will inspire first-year Food Technology students at FAST, UTHM to actively take part in international mobility programmes.

This programme is believed to have sparked a long-term collaboration and contribute positively to the advancement of education and research at both regional and international levels.