On 25 June 2026, the Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition (FSMP) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) held its annual Food Fest 2026 at the FSMP Foyer. A total of 121 students showcased 16 sustainable food innovations to bridge academic learning with practical application. The event also featured food vendors and industry partners to foster campus and community engagement.
Food Fest 2026 provided a practical platform for student creativity and sustainable food product development. Organized by FSMP, the event involved 63 Food Science and Nutrition students from the Food Innovation course and 58 Food Technology students from the Food Product Development course. Local food vendors and food truck operators also participated, reflecting UMS’s effort to develop entrepreneurial skills and real-world expertise among its students.
Alongside product exhibitions and student competitions, a key highlight was the exchange of collaboration documents between FSMP Dean Prof. Ts. Dr. Hasmadi Mamat and SAFMA representative Sitti Noorashikin Basali. "The annual Food Fest serves as a platform for students to exhibit their learning outcomes, creativity, and innovation in food product development as well as sustainable food solutions," said Prof. Ts. Dr. Hasmadi Mamat, Dean of FSMP, noting that the event effectively connects theory with real-world application.
The partnership with SAFMA and involvement of local vendors create new pathways for commercializing student research and strengthening industry links. This initiative directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through sustainable food innovation, and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by delivering practical, application-driven learning experiences.