The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and Nestlé Pakistan Limited have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to upgrade the Nestlé Learning Resource Centre establish at the National Institute of Food Science and Technology.

FAISALABAD, Sept 23: The University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and Nestlé Pakistan Limited have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to upgrade the Nestlé Learning Resource Centre 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 LoI was signed by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali and Nestlé Pakistan CEO Mr Jason Avancena. 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 centre 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 centre, 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. Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said collaboration between universities and industry was essential for preparing graduates to meet the changing requirements of the food and dairy sectors. He said the upgradation of the centre would provide students, faculty and researchers with greater exposure to practical knowledge, modern technologies and responsible industry practices. He said the initiative would help strengthen the university’s academic and research capacity while creating opportunities for knowledge exchange, professional training and joint research. He emphasised 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 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 the Learning Resource Centre would provide a platform for students and faculty to engage with contemporary practices and challenges facing the food industry. They also have a interactive session with the students,