Staff Reporter –
info@indiannewslink.co.nz
Growing globalisation of education should enable students in one country to obtain a qualification offered by an institution from another country.
An Agreement signed by Massey University and Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) last fortnight makes that a possibility. Students enrolled in Singapore will be able to pursue an honours degree programme in Food Technology offered by Massey.
The joint Bachelor of Food Technology programme will commence in September 2016 at the Dover Campus of SIT in Singapore. Earlier (2008-2015), Massey delivered the course from a base in Singapore.
The Agreement was signed on April 5, 2016 at the Manawatu (Palmerston North) Campus of Massey University.
Flagship Programme
Distinguished Professor Harjinder Singh described the Agreement as ‘the Flagship Progamme to Singaporean students’ and said that the two institutions would jointly offer “a unique, high calibre qualification of multidisciplinary, comprehensive training and education programme for excellent careers in the food industry.”
The SIT-Massey University programme focuses on Food Product Technology, combining Food Science, Food Engineering and Food Business.
The Programme educates and equips students with the fundamentals of Food Science and Applied Food Technology skills required for global careers in the food industry. Students learn in the classroom and in practical laboratory and workshop sessions that focus on industry problems and solutions, as well as obtaining hands-on experience in industrial-standard food processing plants.
Work & Study
Students must complete 28 weeks of an Integrated Work Study Programme and undertake real work and acquire experience in food manufacturing companies.
In their final year, they will complete a research project on food technology and a food product development project.
Massey University Pro- Vice-Chancellor (College of Health) Professor Paul McDonald
said that finding ways to increase the production and distribution of nutritious and safe food over the next century in Asia and other world markets is a challenge.
“Massey has one of the world’s best programmes in Food Technology and the largest group of food innovators in the southern hemisphere. This agreement will enable SIT to join Massey as a leader in food technology and help Massey expand its international partnerships and impact,” he said.
Expanding industry
SIT Deputy President (Academic) and Provost Professor Loh Han Tong said that the food industry is expanding rapidly and that the demand for better-tasting food is now coupled with demand for better access to high quality foods that are also healthy.
“With the growing focus on health and wellbeing through food consumption, countries are looking for new ways to add value to raw products whilst tackling productivity and cost issues. This has led to an increasing demand for better-qualified, well-trained food technologists within the food industry,” he said.
Photo Caption:
Massey University Pro Vice-Chancellor (College of Health), Professor Paul McDonald, Singapore Institute of Technology President Professor Tan Thiam Soon and Massey University Vice-Chancellor Steve Maharey at the signing ceremony held at the Manawatu Campus of the University in Palmerston North on April 5.
