🌟 FIFSTA Members Shine at FIA Member's Day in Singapore! 🌟

On November 15, 2025, esteemed members of the Federation of Institutes of Food Science and Technology in ASEAN (FIFSTA) actively participated in a dynamic panel discussion during the FIA Member's Day in Singapore. The discussion, titled "Food Technologists' Take on the Concept of Ultra-Processed Food and the Role of Food Processing," brought together experts from across the region to share their valuable insights.

The panel included:

• Dr. Kom Kamolpatana, Food Science and Technology Association of Thailand (FoSTAT)

• Mrs. Sharidah Yusoff, Malaysian Institute of Food Technology (MIFT)

• Professor Lotis Francisco, The Philippine Association of Food Technologists (PAFT)

• Professor Purwiyatno Hariyadi, SEAFAST Center IPB, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia

The discussion highlighted the controversial concept of ultra-processed foods (UPFs), focusing on the confusion and misconceptions it generates, its impact on food culture, and the indispensable role of food processing in delivering safe, nutritious, and sustainable foods.

FIFSTA members collectively emphasized the importance of refining the UPF concept to better reflect evidence-based perspectives while recognizing food processing's critical contributions to public health, sustainability, and cultural preservation.

A heartfelt thank you to Food Industry Asia (FIA) for organizing this impactful event and providing a platform for collaboration and dialogue among ASEAN food science leaders.

Stay tuned for more updates on FIFSTA's contributions to key international events! 🌏

FIFSTA extends a warm welcome to Dr. Samuel Godefroy as the new President of IUFoST for 2024-2026. With his extensive experience as the former Director General of Health Canada’s Food Directorate and leadership roles in international food regulatory bodies, including the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission, Dr. Godefroy brings exceptional expertise to IUFoST. As founder and president of the Global Food Regulatory Science Society (GFoRSS) and a Full Professor at Université Laval, his contributions to food safety and regulatory science are unparalleled. FIFSTA looks forward to supporting Dr. Godefroy’s leadership and advancing our shared mission of enhancing global food safety and innovation. 

The Federation of Institutes of Food Science and Technology in ASEAN (FIFSTA) proudly hosted the session "Cultivating the Future: Advancing Undergraduate Education in Food Science and Technology in the ASEAN for Sustainable Development" at the 22nd World Congress of Food Science and Technology. This session underscored the importance of aligning food science education with the rapidly evolving needs of the food industry, sustainability, and technological advancement.

In an era where innovation and functionality are critical to the future of food systems, FIFSTA’s session highlighted how undergraduate education serves as the foundation for preparing the next generation of food professionals. Representatives from four ASEAN countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore—shared their perspectives on how their respective nations are advancing food science education, fostering sustainable practices, and integrating cutting-edge technology into their curriculums.

Key Presentations:

1. The IAFT Education Standard for Undergraduate Program in Food Science
   Prof. Dr. Ir. Feri Kusnandar Hidayat and Prof. Dr. Ir. Giyatmi
   Indonesian Food Technologist Association (IAFT) representatives discussed the standardized framework for undergraduate programs in Indonesia, which focuses on equipping students with essential skills for the food science industry while incorporating sustainability into the core of their education.

2. Advancing Undergraduate Education in Food Technology for Sustainable Development in Malaysia
   Y.M. Koh, Malaysian Institute of Food Technology (MIFT)
   This presentation explored how Malaysia is evolving its undergraduate education to meet the growing demands for sustainable practices within the food industry, highlighting the incorporation of hands-on learning and industry collaboration.

3. The Philippines’ Journey in Elevating Undergraduate Education in Food Science for Sustainable Innovation
   Prof. Maria Leonora Lotis dL. Francisco, PhD, CFS, IAFoST Fellow
   Vice President-External, Philippine Association of Food Technologists, Inc.
   Prof. Francisco shared the Philippines’ transformative journey in advancing its food science programs, emphasizing how education reforms have fostered sustainable innovation and positioned the country as a leader in ASEAN food technology education.

4. Integrating Digital Innovations in Food Safety and Quality: Educating for a Sustainable Future
   Ms. Julieta G. Austria, President, Philippine Association of Food Technologists, Inc.
   Ms. Austria delivered a compelling presentation on how digital innovations are revolutionizing education in food safety and quality in the Philippines, ensuring future food professionals are equipped with the tools to tackle challenges in sustainability and safety.

5. Singapore’s Standards and Regulations in Food Safety
   Richard Khaw, Singapore Institute of Food Science & Technology
   Singapore's stringent food safety standards and their integration into undergraduate education were explored, emphasizing the role of regulatory knowledge in shaping competent food professionals.

This collaborative session not only showcased the diversity of approaches across ASEAN countries but also underscored the shared commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and quality in food science education. FIFSTA’s leadership in facilitating these discussions reinforces its role in advancing food science and technology education for a sustainable future in ASEAN.

Prof. Pavinee Chinachoti, PhD, a renowned expert in food science, has been elected as the President-elect of the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) for the 2026-2028 term. With a formidable background in shelf-life extension, marine oils, and functional foods, her career includes over 80 peer-reviewed publications and numerous patents. A Fellow of IAFoST, Prof. Pavinee currently chairs the Food Innovation and Regulation Network and actively serves on Thailand’s National Food and Agriculture Committee. Her upcoming role as IUFoST President underscores her commitment to global food science, technology, and education, ensuring sustainable innovations and addressing key food security challenges.

Mr. Richard Khaw, elected to the IUFoST Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term, brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as Immediate Past President of the Singapore Institute of Food Science & Technology (SIFST) and his leadership roles within FIFSTA. He co-chaired the 21st IUFoST World Congress in 2022 and serves on the IUFoST Global Outreach and Industry Relation (GOIR) working group. Currently, Richard is Deputy Director and Cluster Lead at Nanyang Polytechnic, Singapore, and serves in various regulatory and advisory capacities, including the Singapore Food Agency’s Expert Panel on Novel Foods. His expertise in food safety and regulation strengthens IUFoST’s global mission.

Your FIFSTA Family is proud for both of you!

Dr. Aman Wirakartakusumah (Indonesia), who served as President of the International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) from 2022 to 2024, has officially stepped down, transitioning into the role of Immediate Past President. During his tenure, Dr. Aman demonstrated exemplary leadership, fostering global collaboration in food science and technology while addressing critical issues such as food security, sustainability, and public health.

A highly respected figure in the global food science community, Dr. Aman’s contributions have helped shape IUFoST’s vision and mission, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of innovation and education. His ongoing role as Immediate Past President will continue to benefit IUFoST, as his wealth of experience and insight will guide future initiatives and collaborations aimed at advancing food science for a better, more sustainable world.