![LOGO_UCYP_UNIVERSITY_U_red-02[1]](https://ucyp.edu.my/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/LOGO_UCYP_UNIVERSITY_U_red-021.png){kind=logo}
UCYP had the privilege of collaborating with a delegation from the Pahang State Government, led by YB Dato’ Sri Ir. Haji Mohd. Soffi bin Tan Sri Abd. Razak, Pahang State Exco for Plantation, Agro-based Industry, Biotechnology, and Education, during an official visit to New Zealand. The visit encompassed several prestigious universities and higher education institutions in New Zealand, including Massey University in Palmerston North and Lincoln University in Christchurch.
Representing UCYP was Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Hafizan Binti Mat Som, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic Advancement & Quality). The main objective of this collaborative visit with the Pahang State Government was to establish and strengthen trilateral relationships among the Pahang State Government, UCYP, and higher education institutions in New Zealand, especially in the fields of agriculture, agribusiness, and education, with a particular focus on advancing the education sector in Pahang.
On June 20, 2023, a meeting took place with the management of Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Miss Savanah provided an overview of Massey University (M.U), its academic offerings, and the teaching and learning resources available to the visiting delegation. Massey University specializes in agriculture, farming, livestock, and dairy industries, with additional branches in Auckland and Wellington, while its primary campus is in Palmerston North. The university leverages modern technologies to enhance dairy, farm, and crop yields and improve the quality of dairy, farm, and crop products in New Zealand.
The government delegation and UCYP members were divided into two groups for on-site visits. Group 1 had the opportunity to explore livestock farms and inspect the dairy farm facilities owned by the School of Science, University of Massey. During the visit, delegation members observed the dairy farm’s facilities, including the milk collection facilities employing two rotary milking parlors with capacities of 30 and 60 cows for milk collection. This farm facility offers University of Massey students a real-world exposure to the livestock industry.
Group 2 visited FoodPilot, part of the School of Food and Advanced Technology, College of Sciences, Massey University. FoodPilot is a center dedicated to finding solutions for plant-based food security and enhancing food shelf life. The visit to ‘FoodPilot’ was warmly received by Dr. Rana Nassar, Manager of ‘FoodPilot.’ Covering an area of 1000 square meters, FoodPilot boasts a team of experts and state-of-the-art food and beverage processing equipment on a pilot scale. It focuses on solutions related to food product quality and food safety and is part of the New Zealand Food Innovation Network (NZFIN), a national network that provides the facilities and expertise needed to develop new products and processes from concept to commercial success. Furthermore, FoodPilot is a member of the FoodHQ organization, which comprises large-scale and highly complex food science and technology experts. They offer technical consulting services, including workshops and ideation, product and process development, consumer assessment, and sensory testing.
On June 22, 2023, the Pahang State Government delegation, alongside UCYP, conducted a working visit to Lincoln University in Christchurch, New Zealand. Ms. Annie, International Relations Officer of Lincoln University, and several senior university officials welcomed the delegation, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Development, the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Postdoctoral Researchers, and two Malaysian students pursuing doctoral degrees at Lincoln University. The delegation received a comprehensive briefing on Lincoln University’s background, academic programs, ongoing research initiatives, and available teaching and learning facilities. Lincoln University specializes in agriculture, farming, livestock, and dairy industries.
The visits to Massey University and Lincoln University have created opportunities for collaboration between these institutions, University College of Yayasan Pahang, the Pahang Veterinary Services Department, and the Pahang Department of Agriculture to enhance the value of agricultural products, livestock, and dairy products. Proposed collaborative opportunities include short-term and long-term research opportunities for master’s and doctoral students, additional training and courses for employees, joint delivery of postgraduate twinning programs in various emerging fields, and the implementation of student mobility programs with a focus on knowledge transfer and contemporary technological skills in agriculture, farming, livestock, and education. UCYP, aligned with the Pahang State Government’s vision, is deeply committed to efforts aimed at transforming Pahang into a highly self-sufficient state in food production.
Sharing Session by the Senior Management of Massey University with the delegation from the Pahang State Government and UCYP, led by the Honorable Dato’ Sri Ir. Haji Mohd. Soffi bin Tan Sri Abd. Razak, State Executive Councillor for Plantation, Agro-based Industries, Biotechnology, and Education in the State of Pahang
Visiting Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
Pahang State Government delegation, along with UCYP, was welcomed by the Senior Management of Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand
Exploring Lincoln University, Christchurch, New Zealand
