The College of Food and Biological Engineering at Chengdu University (CDU) was invited to Silpakorn University, Thailand, to participate in a six-day course on international food technology at the Department of Food Technology from September 3 to 8, 2023. This overseas study program was selected for CDU’s Global Exchange program, led by Research Fellow Zheng Xiaoqin and Dr. Liu Bingliang of the College of Food and Biological Engineering and attended by four graduate students and nine undergraduates, totaling 13 students.
The Office of International Cooperation and Exchange, alongside the College of Food and Biological Engineering, held a pre-departure briefing for the study group. At the meeting, the group members were organized to learn cross-cultural communication skills and gain an understanding of Thai customs, culture, laws, and regulations. Safety precautions were emphasized. It is hoped that students could acquire valuable knowledge through this study program.
Arunsri Leegeerajumnean, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, extended a warm welcome to the study group as they arrived. Han Xiao, a member of the study group, introduced the College of Food and Biological Engineering at CDU to the faculty members and students of Silpakorn University.
The program covered a diverse array of courses, including an understanding of food science development in Thailand, practical training on sensory evaluation of spices, Thai cooking, visits to renowned food enterprises, and immersive cultural experiences. Under the careful organization and arrangement of Professor Suched Samuhasaneetoo, Head of the Department of Food Technology at Silpakorn University, the group members listened to lectures on food sensory science, carried out training on Thai spice sensory evaluation and on Thai cooking, and visited the food processing laboratory of the department. Through the teaching model of "combining teaching with practice", the students experienced Silpakorn University's course characteristics that blend theoretical knowledge with practical applications. Especially through the visit to Namchow Food's state-of-the-art production workshop, they recognized the significance of sensory evaluation in ensuring food quality control and conducting consumer research.
Whether it is the learning of food science and sensory evaluation courses, or local culture experiences, this exchange trip has left a deep impression on the study group members. Through knowledge exchange, cultural communication, and mutual learning, students deepened their understanding of the national strategy of the Belt and Road Initiative. The event also demonstrated the excellent demeanor of the students from both universities and promoted the exchange and integration of different cultures.
It is understood that CDU has been committed to the implementation of the "Global Exchange Program", providing students with a diverse range of international exchange and study programs. It encourages students to fearlessly venture into the world, embrace multiculturalism, explore borderless learning, and equip themselves with lifelong learning skills. These will contribute to the sustainable development of individuals and society in the future. The overseas study program of the College of Food and Biological Engineering in Thailand is the second in-depth exchange program between CDU and Silpakorn University, following the longstanding two-way student exchange program between the School of Mechanical Engineering at CDU and Silpakorn University.
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Silpakorn University, founded in 1943, is one of the top 10 universities in Thailand. The university offers a comprehensive range of higher education programs at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels, under the motto "Arts and Sciences create a sustainable nation". The university's main campus is located in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, with over 35,000 students and faculty members.
