The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and Nestlé Pakistan Limited have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to upgrade the Nestlé Learning Resource Center establish at the National Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFSAT), aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practices in food safety, quality, processing, sustainability and emerging technologies.
UAF, Nestlé sign LoI for practice food safety, emerging technologies
FAISALABAD, Sep 23 (APP): The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and Nestlé Pakistan Limited have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to upgrade the Nestlé Learning Resource Center establish at the National Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFSAT), aimed at bridging the gap between academic learning and industry practices in food safety, quality, processing, sustainability and emerging technologies.
The UAF spokesman said here on Wednesday that Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali and Nestlé Pakistan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jason Avancena signed the LoI on behalf of their institutions.
Dean Food Sciences Prof Dr Imran Pasha, NIFSAT DG Prof Dr Muhammad Issa Khan, Director External Linkages Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Rana while from Nestle Mian Mitha and Sheikh Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability witnessed the ceremony. All deans, directors and senior officials of the both institution also attended.
Under the LoI, the center will function as a one-stop knowledge hub offering physical, digital and blended learning resources. Its thematic areas will include food safety, quality management, food processing and technology, sustainability, nutrition, health and wellness, regenerative agriculture, AI & Technology, etc.
Nestlé Pakistan will also provide six paid, eight-week internships for university students at the center, with the internships designed to develop functional competencies through engagement with Nestlé experts.
The two sides will cooperate on research and development projects related to current and emerging needs of the food and dairy industries.
The collaboration will also support the strengthening of relevant NIFSAT-UAF laboratory facilities, including the Dairy Processing Hall, through technical assistance, training, equipment and other mutually agreed resources.
The proposed centre will also provide opportunities for seminars, workshops, lectures, technical training, industrial visits and research meetings involving UAF faculty, students and researchers and Nestlé technical personnel.
The thematic scope of the centre also covers resource efficiency, water stewardship, waste reduction, circularity, climate-related awareness and sustainable food systems, besides competency development in areas including regulatory affairs, operations, research and supply chain management, UAF spokesman added.
Speaking on the occasion, UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that collaboration between universities and industry was essential for preparing graduates to meet the changing requirements of the food and dairy sectors.
He said that upgradation of the center would provide students, faculty and researchers with greater exposure to practical knowledge, modern technologies and responsible industry practices.
He said that the initiative would help strengthen the university’s academic and research capacity while creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional training and joint research.
He emphasized the importance of food safety, quality, sustainability, efficient resource use and technological innovation in developing a resilient and competitive food system.
Mr Jason Avancena said that Nestlé Pakistan was committed to strengthening linkages with academia and supporting opportunities through which young professionals could acquire practical skills and industry-relevant competencies.
He said that the Learning Resource Center would provide a platform for students and faculty to engage with contemporary practices and challenges facing the food industry.
