Following the successful completion of two industry research projects between Dr Tan Chin Xuan from the Department of Allied Health Sciences (DAHS), UTAR Faculty of Science (FSc), and Fraser and Neave (F&N) Limited, Singapore, a delegation from F&N’s Research and Development division, comprising Director Mr Wong Tak Hiong and Manager Ms Cheng Khor Yng, visited FSc on 27 May 2025 to strengthen ties and explore further collaborative opportunities.
In his opening address, FSc Dean Assoc Prof Dr Lim Tuck Meng emphasised the importance of collaboration between academia and industry in fostering the exchange of knowledge and expertise, thereby creating a mutually beneficial environment for learning and growth. Also present were FSc Deputy Dean for R&D and Postgraduate Programmes Dr Teh Lai Kuan; Head of DAHS Dr Ng Wen Jie; Dr Tan Chin Xuan; and two Bachelor of Science (Honours) Dietetics students, Soh Ziqing and Tan Soo Cing.
Soh (left) and Tan (right) presenting their research findings
The session then continued with insightful research presentations by Soh and Tan on the project titled Effects of Chamomile with L-theanine Beverage Intake on Menstrual Pain, Menstrual Symptoms, Mood, and Sleep Quality among Females Experiencing Primary Dysmenorrhea, led by Dr Tan. Mr Wong was impressed by the students’ research work and remarked, “It is impressive that both students managed to complete the intervention trial within the given timeframe. I look forward to more research collaborations in the future.”
Mr Wong (left) presenting a souvenir to Dr Lim
Students receiving awards from F&N (from left) Ms Cheng, Mr Wong and Dr Tan
Dr Teh delivered a brief speech on academic-industry collaboration after Mr Wong presented a souvenir to Dr Lim and awards to both students. She also discussed the future scope of research collaboration and the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with F&N.
Group photo taken after the award presentation (from left) Dr Ng, Dr Teh, Ms Cheng, Mr Wong, Dr Lim and Dr Tan
The meeting marked a positive step in research collaboration between UTAR and the industry. Dr Tan expressed, “This project could not have been successfully completed without the continuous support and the conducive environment provided by UTAR.” He added, “This research project consists of two phases: a cross-sectional study in the first phase and a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study in the second phase. It is more challenging and complex than the project we conducted last year, which focused on investigating the effects of a fortified electrolyte drink on cognitive function, mood and nutritional parameters.”
The outcome of the previous collaboration between Dr Tan and F&N was published in the International Journal of Food Science and Technology, a Q2 journal under Oxford University Press. The article can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.1111/ijfs.17578.
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