In a major step toward bridging the divide between academia and industry, the National Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFSAT) at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) and Nestlé Pakistan Pvt. Ltd. have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to upgrade the Nestlé Learning Resource Centre established at NIFSAT.
The strategic initiative aims to equip students and researchers with practical expertise across food safety, quality management, modern processing, sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and emerging technologies like AI.
The agreement was signed by UAF Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali and Nestlé Pakistan CEO Mr. Jason Avancena. The ceremony was attended by key leadership from both institutions, including:
- UAF: Dean of Food Sciences Prof. Dr. Imran Pasha, NIFSAT Director General Prof. Dr. Muhammad Issa Khan, Director External Linkages Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Rana, along with deans, directors, and senior faculty.
- Nestlé Pakistan: Mian Mitha, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Sheikh Waqar Ahmad, Head of Quality Assurance Madam Samreen Sehar, and Manager R&D Nadeem Safdar.
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ NESTLÉ LEARNING RESOURCE CENTRE │
└───────────────────────────┬────────────────────────────┘
│
┌────────────────────────────┼────────────────────────────┐
▼ ▼ ▼
┌───────────┐ ┌───────────┐ ┌───────────┐
│ ACADEMICS │ │ INDUSTRY │ │ RESEARCH │
│ & SKILLS │ │ EXPOSURE │ │ & LABS │
└─────┬─────┘ └─────┬─────┘ └─────┬─────┘
│ │ │
Physical, 6 Paid, Joint R&D &
Digital & 8-Week Upgraded
Blended Internships Laboratory
Learning Facilities
Key Highlights of the Strategic Partnership
- One-Stop Knowledge Hub: The upgraded centre will serve as a physical, digital, and blended learning space covering food safety, operations, regulatory affairs, nutrition, supply chain management, and resource efficiency.
- Paid Industry Internships: Nestlé Pakistan will offer six paid, eight-week internships to university students at the centre, giving them direct mentorship from industry experts to develop functional skills.
- Lab Upgrades & Technical Support: Both institutions will collaborate on joint research and development projects while strengthening NIFSAT-UAF laboratory facilities, including the Dairy Processing Hall, with equipment, training, and technical assistance.
- Focus on Sustainability: The scope extends to critical environmental priorities, including circularity, waste reduction, water stewardship, climate awareness, and sustainable food systems.
- Knowledge Exchange Platform: The centre will facilitate technical training, workshops, industrial visits, guest lectures, and joint research meetings between UAF researchers and Nestlé technical teams.
Leadership Perspectives
“Collaboration between universities and industry is essential for preparing graduates to meet the changing requirements of the food and dairy sectors. Upgrading this centre provides our students, faculty, and researchers with direct exposure to practical knowledge, modern technologies, and responsible industry practices that are vital for a resilient food system.”
— Prof. Dr. Zulfiqar Ali, Vice Chancellor, UAF
“Nestlé Pakistan is committed to strengthening linkages with academia and supporting opportunities through which young professionals can acquire practical skills. The Learning Resource Centre offers a real platform for students and faculty to engage with contemporary industry practices and real-world challenges.”
— Mr. Jason Avancena, CEO, Nestlé Pakistan
Following the signing ceremony, leadership from both organizations held an interactive session with NIFSAT students, encouraging the next generation of food scientists and dairy technologists to drive innovation across Pakistan’s agri-food sector.
