AUSMAT Students Explore Food Innovation at Sunway University

Food Science and Technology students from the Australian Matriculation (AUSMAT) Programme participated in a Food Innovation Workshop hosted by the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM), Sunway University. The workshop was conducted in two sessions, with January intake students attending on 24 April and May intake students participating on 2 September. The workshop provided students with valuable exposure to current trends in food product development while strengthening the connection between scientific theory and industry practice.

Students were introduced to the principles of food innovation, including product conceptualization, ingredient selection, processing techniques, and product design. Guided by academic experts, Assoc. Prof. Dr Neo Yun Ping, Dr Tan Ai Ling, Chef Yee Suet Rene, Chef Johan Sebastian-Chee, and Chef Chong Wei Tzeh from Sunway University, students took part in hands-on activities that encouraged creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking, as they brainstormed ideas and evaluated food products. The workshop also highlighted the importance of sustainability and nutrition in the development of successful food products.

Beyond enhancing their technical knowledge, the workshop provided students with opportunities to develop essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Interactions with experts from Sunway University offered valuable insights and perspectives on higher education and career pathways within the food sector. The workshop served as a meaningful learning opportunity, demonstrating how academic collaborations can enrich classroom learning and prepare AUSMAT students to become innovative, well-rounded, and university-ready.